echo studio vs echo sub

Echo Studio vs Echo Sub: New 2023 Features Comparison

In Echo & Alexa by Tim Brennan

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In this post, I happily compare my two all-time favorite Amazon speakers: Echo Studio vs Echo Sub. I’ll cover the similarities and differences, pros and cons, and technical specifications. I’ll also review each of them regarding:

But before we dive in, let me share a bit of my backstory…


Make Multi-Room Music Great Again

On Amazon Prime Day this year, I splurged big time. Yeah, I did. I ordered both the new Echo Studio and the Echo Sub.

echo studio vs echo sub

I absolutely could not be happier that I bought these two speakers. I have them in my home office, and I listen to them daily with Amazon Music, Pandora, and Apple Music as part of my multi-room music configuration.

Now that I own the latest generations of these speakers, I thought it would be a great time to clear up some common misconceptions about Echo Studio vs Echo Sub.

The main differences are:

Echo Studio is a full-functioning Alexa speaker with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. It includes a 350w amplifier, a 30mm tweeter, three 2.0″ mid-range speakers, and a 5.3″ downward-firing woofer. The Echo Sub does not have Alexa; you must pair it with another Echo speaker as a subwoofer. It has a 100W Class D amplifier and 6” woofer.

OK, enough with the preamble. It’s time to delve into the nuts and bolts of Echo Studio vs Echo Sub.


Echo Studio vs Echo Sub: Tech Specs Comparison

Following is a side-by-side comparison showcasing the major similarities and differences between the Echo Studio vs Echo Sub.

Premium Sound with Alexa
echo studio
Serious Bass But Subwoofer Only
echo sub
Echo Studio
Echo Sub
Sound Format
Spatial Audio, Dobly Atmos
Deep Bass
Best Paired With [for Full Surround Sound]
Second Echo Studio + Echo Sub
Two Echo Studios
Most Unique Characteristic
Automatically senses room dimensions and adapts sound to match acoustics
Amazon’s fattest little speaker was designed to function as subwoofer only (does not include Alexa)
Amplifier
Peak output 330w, 24-bit DAC, 100 kHz bandwidth
100W Class D amplifier
Speakers
30 mm tweeter, three 2.0" mid-range speakers, and 5.3" woofer
100W Class D amplifier, and a 6” (152 mm), downward-firing woofer
Equalizer
N/A
Microphone
Ports
Power, 3.5mm/mini optical
Power only
WiFi
Dual-band Wi-Fi, Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks
Dual-band Wi-Fi, Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks
Works with Alexa
No, unless paired with a compatible Alexa device
Dimensions and Weight
8.1” height x 6.9” diameter (206 mm x 175 mm), 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
8.0” x 8.3” (202 x 210 mm), 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg)
Price
$199.99
$129.99
Premium Sound with Alexa
echo studio
Echo Studio
Sound Format
Spatial Audio, Dobly Atmos
Best Paired With [for Full Surround Sound]
Second Echo Studio + Echo Sub
Most Unique Characteristic
Automatically senses room dimensions and adapts sound to match acoustics
Amplifier
Peak output 330w, 24-bit DAC, 100 kHz bandwidth
Speakers
30 mm tweeter, three 2.0" mid-range speakers, and 5.3" woofer
Equalizer
Microphone
Ports
Power, 3.5mm/mini optical
WiFi
Dual-band Wi-Fi, Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks
Works with Alexa
Dimensions and Weight
8.1” height x 6.9” diameter (206 mm x 175 mm), 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
Price
$199.99
Serious Bass But Subwoofer Only
echo sub
Echo Sub
Sound Format
Deep Bass
Best Paired With [for Full Surround Sound]
Two Echo Studios
Most Unique Characteristic
Amazon’s fattest little speaker was designed to function as subwoofer only (does not include Alexa)
Amplifier
100W Class D amplifier
Speakers
100W Class D amplifier, and a 6” (152 mm), downward-firing woofer
Equalizer
N/A
Microphone
Ports
Power only
WiFi
Dual-band Wi-Fi, Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks
Works with Alexa
No, unless paired with a compatible Alexa device
Dimensions and Weight
8.0” x 8.3” (202 x 210 mm), 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg)
Price
$129.99

Last update on 05/18/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Amazon Echo Studio

Echo Studio

Amazon Echo Studio

Amazon originally produced the Echo Studio to rival Apple’s now-discontinued HomePod, delivering a bigger, better sound, more advanced sound optimization, and a truly “smart” device. It is the best-sounding Echo speaker, in my opinion. Its tweeter, mid-range speakers, and 5.25-inch downward-firing woofer deliver amazing sound.

Last year, Amazon recently announced a nice design and software upgrade to the Echo Studio, which I promptly purchased. While there are no hardware updates, there is a new color choice and a software update to Amazon’s premium-sounding spatial audio format. The new Glacier White model (pictured above) is now available at Amazon (link below).

You can also still get the original Charcoal color one like mine (same link), and all Echo Studio owners will receive the software update when Amazon releases it.

The Dolby Atmos-compatible directional audio makes the Echo Studio sound like a much larger speaker, with higher-than-average volume for its size and a superb sound balance. It’s also programmed to analyze the acoustics of whatever room it’s in and adjust the audio filters to optimize sound output.

Listening to grand, sweeping songs like Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees and Bruce Springsteen’s Terry’s Song shows off the Echo Studio’s above-average directionality, layered sound, and surprising subwoofer power for such a small device.

Pros

  • Compact speaker with better sound quality featuring Dolby Atmos audio format and spatial audio.
  • Existing Echo Studio speaker owners receive free upgrades to Amazon’s spatial audio format when they rolls out.
  • Offers the full range of Alexa voice control capabilities.
  • Built in Zigbee hub acts as a built-in smart home hub to control smart devices without an additional hub.
  • Cutting-edge sound processing produces the best sound quality for every room.
  • Now comes in two colors: Charcoal and the new Glacier White.

Cons

  • A few times now, the speaker has generated some static noise with no reason and needed to be restarted.
  • 3D Ultra HD and spatial audio are only possible with an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription, but it does sound pretty awesome.  

Video Review

Digital Trends has a nice review of Echo Studio over on their YouTube Channel:

Where to Buy It


Amazon Echo Sub

Amazon Echo Sub

Amazon Echo Sub

Amazon’s Echo Sub is the go-to choice for anyone who wants a better bass experience with Alexa. It’s a compact 6” downward-firing sub-woofer that you can pair with compatible Echo devices such as the Echo Studio to max out the lows and deep tones of any song.

Whether you want to feel the walking bass line of your favorite jazz music (Herb Albert sounds awesome) or bump to some hardcore EDM, the Sub will deliver that thumping, pulsing feels you’re looking for.

It lacks “smart” capabilities—it’s an additional speaker that has to be connected to an Echo hub or another Alexa-enabled device. It doesn’t have the Alexa voice assistant built-in and doesn’t generate the largest sound field, but it’s all about that accurate, crystal-clear bass to make your music truly sizzle.

1f50a-4667169 Pro Tip: If you happen to buy this, you can adjust the bass level using the equalizer on the paired Echo speaker. Bookmark my post on How to Improve Alexa Sound Quality for some pointers.

Pros

  • Improves overall sound quality by adding deep bass to any Amazon Echo speaker configuration.
  • Dynamic sound and powerful output for its size.
  • Less expensive than other subwoofers with a similar sound.
  • Enhances listening experience for any Echo Studio, Echo Show, or Echo Plus.

Cons

  • Occasionally loses connection to the paired Echo speaker and may need reconnecting.
  • No Alexa on board; designed to be a subwoofer only.
  • Not Bluetooth-compatible.

Compatibility

Echo Sub does not work without a compatible Echo device. It must be paired with one of the following:

  • Echo Studio
  • Echo Dot 5th Gen 4th Gen and 3rd Gen
  • Echo 5th Gen, 4th Gen, 3rd Gen, and 2nd Gen
  • Echo Show 15, 10, 8, 5, or Echo Show 2nd Gen or 1st Gen
  • Echo Plus 2nd Gen

Video Review

Craig over at Craig’s Tech Talk does a great job putting Echo Sub through the paces in this video review.

Where to Buy It


Design

When comparing the Echo Studio vs Echo Sub physically, the Echo Studio is taller. It is also thicker than the classic Echo and Echo Plus, with a fabric grille and sleekly curved shape that will make it instantly recognizable as an Amazon Echo product.

The top features the far-field microphone array and buttons to control the volume, mute the microphone, and activate Alexa. The plastic ring includes the signature LED light ring. Both speakers offer an excellent bass range and solid sound, but only Studio works with Amazon’s Alexa.

echo studio vs echo sub

Image Credit: Amazon

Along the body are cutouts (front and back) for the bass ports to optimize airflow. The Echo Studio delivers impressive bass either with or without the Sub. Beneath the rear bass aperture is the port for power and a 3.5mm optical/aux port.

Here is what my Echo Studio looks like on the table lamp beside my bed.

my echo studio

My Echo Studio

The Echo Sub is surprisingly small compared to the subwoofers that typically accompany soundbars, just 8.0” x 8.3”. It’s big enough to fit the 6” downward-facing subwoofer that generates the potent bass. Comparing Echo Studio vs Echo Sub, it is a little shorter and thicker (and heavier) than the Echo Studio, with Amazon’s classic fabric grille and curved edges.

📚 Related: Echo Studio vs Echo Plus

However, unlike other Echo products, the Echo Sub only comes in black and lacks top-mounted buttons and the Alexa light ring (which makes sense since it does not have Alexa aboard). Beneath the small notch on the bottom, you’ll find the power connector and a button to pair the Sub with your main Echo device.

Here is what my Echo Sub looks like on the floor of my bedroom/home office:

my echo sub

My Echo Sub


Audio Quality

The Echo Studio vs Echo Sub audio quality is designed to generate a three-dimensional sound field similar to true surround sound. It delivers optimum sound when paired with other Studios, Echos, or Echo Subs. However, even on its own, the Studio’s upward, right, left, and downward-firing drivers deliver a surprisingly big and precise sound with great directionality.

Though not on par with the industry-leading soundbars, it produces best-in-class audio for its size and design.

echo studio diagram

Image Credit: Amazon

The Echo Sub doesn’t cover the high- or mid-range, but the bass output far exceeds the Echo Studio. It’s designed to flesh out the weakness most Echo speakers encounter in the lower ranges. On its own, it’s got enough power to kick the party up a notch by adding in driving beats.

But pair it with other Echos, particularly the Echo, Studio-and that’s when the truly potent surround sound magic happens.

📚 Related: Amazon Echo vs Echo Plus

echo sub diagram

Image Credit: Amazon


Alexa Support

When it comes to Alexa support for Echo Studio vs Echo Sub, Echo Studio has Alexa built-in, but Echo Sub does not. Just to be clear, Echo Sub does not have Alexa. 

With Echo Studio, you get all of the features you would get with any Echo speaker with Alexa. This includes:

  • Weather and News
  • Control of smart home devices
  • Playing music on any popular streaming services, like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, and iHeartRadio
  • Podcast and audio books
  • Set alarms and reminders
  • Answering questions
  • Searching the Internet
  • Interesting facts, games and jokes
  • Much more

Once you pair up a compatible Echo device with your Echo Sub, then you can listen to all of this with a some higher quality bass.


Setup

The Echo Studio is about as easily set up as a new Echo or Echo Plus. The Echo Studio will need to be added to your existing Alexa app, connected to the Wi-Fi, set the location of the device (kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc.), and connected to your favorite music streaming service.

Once it’s set up, however, the built-in Alexa capabilities are on par with your Echo or Echo Plus-it’s a great replacement or add-on for your smart home.

I was surprised to see that my Echo Studio automatically connected to my Alexa app so that I could use it for voice commands after powering it on. I did have to add it to my multi-room music group. If you have issues with that, check out this post I wrote on How To Fix Alexa Multi-Room Music.

Setting up the Echo Sub requires pairing it with an Alexa-enabled Echo device, such as the Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Show, or Echo Studio. I recently paired my Sub up with Echo Show 8. Here’s what that looks like in the Alexa app:

echo show sub pair in app

Echo Show Sub Pair in the Alexa App

It’s one of the easiest Echo devices to set up. Pull it out of the box, power it up, and use the Alexa smartphone app to connect it to your primary Echo device.

It’s tailored to add to an existing sound system rather than a standalone speaker. There is a special setting for compatible Echos in the Alexa app to connect to the Sub. This is plug-n-play at its best!

📚 Related: 19 Awesome Echo Devices


What’s In The Box

my echo studio vs echo sub boxes

My Echo Studio and Echo Sub Boxes

Here’s a quick rundown of the box contents for the Echo Studio vs Echo Sub speaker.

echo studio
echo sub
Product
Echo Studio
Echo Sub
Power Cable
Documentation
Quick Start Guide
User’s manual
echo studio
Product
Echo Studio
Power Cable
Documentation
Quick Start Guide
echo sub
Product
Echo Sub
Power Cable
Documentation
User’s manual

Last update on 05/18/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Echo Studio Unboxing Video

Here is the Echo Studio unboxing video I made on my YouTube channel.

Echo Sub Unboxing Video

Here is the Echo Sub unboxing video I published on my YouTube channel.


Which Should You Buy

When comparing Echo Studio vs Echo Sub, we are really comparing apples and oranges.

If you have to choose one over the other, I think the question of which one to buy comes down to whether you already own an Echo speaker compatible with the Sub and how important bass is to you.

If this is your first Echo speaker, the Echo Studio is about as good of a choice as you can make. If you already have some Echo speakers configured for multi-room music, adding the Sub will give your bass a nice boost.


Echo Studio vs Echo Sub: Your Take

So what do you think of my Echo Studio vs Echo Sub comparison? How do you like these two sweet-sounding speakers from the Amazon Echo line? Do you agree they have great sound?

I realize they aren’t cheap, especially when you compare them to other speakers in Amazon’s Echo lineup. However, the Echo Studio sounds WAY better than any other Echo speaker you can buy. And the Sub ups your bass game in a big way.

Considering what premium speakers and subwoofers from Bose and Sonos cost, these are more affordable. You can also get great deals on Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

📚 Related: Echo vs Sonos vs Bose Sub

Anyhow, I would love to hear if you plan on buying one or both of these speakers. Please leave a comment below and let me know. Until next time, jam on!

About the Author

Tim Brennan is a technology blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel. He shares insights about smart home tech at oneSmartcrib, home theater systems at UniversalRemoteReviews, and the future of AI in writing at Writeinteractive. A graduate of the Northeastern University School of Journalism, he has written about technology for 30 years. He lives on the ocean in scenic Nahant, Massachusetts.

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