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This Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen comparison shows how Amazon’s newest smart display brings spatial audio and Alexa+ AI to my favorite Echo Show device.
Is Show 8 Still the GOAT?
As an Amazon Influencer and long-time Alexa user, I’ve tested over 30 Amazon Echo devices over more than a decade of living with Alexa. Since its release in 2019, the Echo Show 8 has remained my favorite Echo display.It’s the perfect middle ground: large enough for video calls and content, small enough to fit anywhere. 
I keep two of them at home—a 2nd Gen on one bedside table and a 3rd Gen on the other—and I’ve already pre-ordered the new one. This early look is based on my experience and Amazon’s latest specs, which bring Alexa+, smarter voice commands, and the new AZ3 Pro chip to the 8-inch lineup.
When Amazon unveiled the new Echo Shows alongside the Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max at their annual new devices event in New York, it was clear the goal was to make Alexa faster, more conversational, and genuinely proactive.
According to Business Research Insights, the global smart display market is projected to exceed $12.8 billion by 2028, driven largely by AI-powered assistants like Alexa+ and Google Gemini.
The takeaway? The Echo Show 8 4th Gen isn’t just a refresh of the previous model—it’s the first Show 8 built for the AI future that reflects its leap forward as a true smart home hub.
Key Takeaways
- Alexa+ comes home. The 4th Gen Echo Show 8 adds Amazon’s new conversational AI for faster, more natural interactions.
- Stronger sound + sleeker look. A floating screen and custom woofer bring spatial audio and a clear edge over previous generations.
- Smart home smarts. Upgraded AZ3 Pro chip, 13 MP camera, and Omnisense presence detection make this the most capable Echo Show yet.
Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen Comparison Table
To make it easier to compare, here’s how the Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen stack up across design, sound, and smart home control features.
Last update on 10/08/2025 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) Mini Review
The Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) is Amazon’s most refined mid-size display yet—a major upgrade for smart-home enthusiasts. The new design floats an 8-inch screen above a knit base, delivering richer sound, a sharper visual ID, and a more polished look.
Powered by the AZ3 Pro chip and Alexa+ AI, the Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen comparison shows how much faster and more capable this generation feels with voice commands. The built-in Matter, Thread, and Amazon Sidewalk hub makes it an effortless smart home hub for smart lights and other Alexa-compatible devices. Add Dolby Atmos tuning, deeper bass from its second speaker, and higher dynamic range, and it clearly ranks among the best Alexa speakers available.
I haven’t tested this new Show firsthand yet—it hasn’t officially released—but I did see Amazon’s live demo in New York. Based on that preview, it looks like a genuine leap forward for Amazon’s smart displays and smart home controls, with improved soundstage, support for any Chromecast-enabled device, and seamless pairing with an unlimited number of nearby receivers on the right sides of your setup.
Pros
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- Sleek floating design with premium build
- Fuller, better sound and Dolby Atmos depth
- Faster Alexa+ AI and smoother responses
- Upgraded smart-home hub with Thread + Matter
- Sharper 13 MP camera with better framing
Cons
- Slightly higher launch price point
- No 3.5 mm jack or wired audio
- Some Alexa+ features still in beta
Video Review
Here is Amazon’s promotional video that show cases the new device hardware of the Echo Show 8 and other new Echos.
Where to Buy
The new Echo Show 8 has a vibrant HD 8.7" display with spatial audio and Alexa+ AI for smarter conversations.
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Mini Review
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) has been my bedside companion for over a year — I have one on each bedside table, with the 2nd Gen on one side and this newer third-generation model on the other. It’s a dependable Alexa device that still ranks among Amazon’s smart displays with one of the best balances of size, clarity, and sound quality.
While the third-generation model introduced a new design, faster processing, and smoother smart home controls, I still prefer the 2nd Gen overall — it just listens and sounds a bit better in my experience.
I’ve paired my Show 8 (3rd Gen) with a third-party stand for a better viewing angle and easier access to the main screen. If you’re exploring mounting or viewing options, check out my Echo Show Stands blog post for recommendations.
I am looking forward to comparing the overall sound quality of the Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen as soon as I can get my hands on it next month.
Pros
- Crisp 8-inch screen with vivid color
- Reliable Alexa voice control and hub support
- Solid stereo speakers with clear output
- Great for video chat and daily routines
- Works seamlessly with Apple Music and Spotify
Cons
- Slightly dated design next to newer Show
- Slower performance than 4th Gen version
- Bulkier footprint without a stand
- Audio less dynamic than 2nd Gen
- No Dolby Atmos or spatial sound
Video Review
Here’s a video from out on my @TecTimmy YouTube channel where I unbox, set up and review the Echo Show 3rd Gen. Please subscribe!
Where to Buy
The Echo Show 8 looks and sounds great and makes for a great bedside table assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some quick answers to common questions about the Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen and how it compares to other Amazon Echo speakers and smart displays.
1. What’s the biggest improvement in the new Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen?
The latest Echo Show features a cleaner new design, faster Alexa+ AI, and noticeably higher sound quality. Larger speakers deliver deeper low-frequency response, while the improved device’s camera enhances video chat and home security. Smart home enthusiasts will appreciate better voice commands, smoother smart-device control, and broader compatibility with newer versions.
2. How does sound quality compare between generations?
The Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen demonstrates a clear jump in audio refinement. Dolby Atmos support widens the range between the lowest frequency and highest frequency tones. Compared to the third-generation Echo Show, the new model produces fuller bass, better balance, and louder volume control—perfect for music, Apple Music, or Spotify Connect.
3. Can the new Echo Show integrate with other smart devices and home appliances?
Yes, it connects effortlessly with smart lights, thermostats, and other Alexa-compatible or Google Assistant-compatible systems. The smart home hub now includes Matter, Thread, and Amazon Sidewalk for better cross-platform integration. It also supports Apple HomeKit-compatible devices, allowing wireless connection of Apple devices through different systems in close proximity.
4. Is the camera upgraded from the previous generation?
The Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen offers a 13 MP camera with sharper resolution and better low-light correction. It doubles as a security camera for home monitoring, offering clearer images than last year’s model. Compared to the third-generation Echo Show, it provides higher quality framing and faster response through the Alexa app.
5. Is the Echo Show 8 suitable for smaller rooms or desks?
Absolutely. Despite its larger speakers and improved stereo sound setup, the Echo Show 8 maintains a compact footprint and lower weight than many new Echo devices. It’s one of the best smart home devices for close proximity use—perfect for bedrooms, offices, or anyone upgrading from a first-generation Echo Show.
Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Verdict
After testing and comparing Echo Show 8 devices across multiple generations, one thing’s clear: Amazon still leads in balancing form, function, and familiarity. The Echo Show 8 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen shows how far Alexa has come—from a simple smart display to a smarter, faster Amazon Echo speaker with sharper camera resolution and richer sound.
- Wait for the Echo Show 8 4th Gen if you want larger, fuller sound, faster AI performance, and a next-gen display built for Alexa+.
- Get the Echo Show 8 3rd Gen if you prefer proven reliability, smaller speakers, and one of the best values in Amazon’s smart displays lineup.
For most smart home enthusiasts, the 4th Gen’s expanded compatibility—supporting Google Assistant-compatible devices, Apple’s Siri voice assistant, and iOS devices—makes it the smarter long-term choice. It integrates seamlessly with other Echo Pop and Amazon Echo speakers, keeping everything connected across your Amazon service ecosystem without clutter or compromise.
📚 Read Next: Explore my other Alexa+ deep dives on the Echo Dot Max, the new Echo Studio, and the Echo Show 11—each revealing how Amazon’s next generation of smart displays and speakers are redefining what Alexa can do.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Brennan
Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and YouTuber @TecTimmy, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for well over three decades. He lives on the ocean in Massachusetts.
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