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In this overdue post, I happily compare my two favorite Amazon speakers: Echo Studio vs Echo Sub. I’ll review the similarities and differences, pros and cons, and compare them side-by-side in a full-specs comparison table.
If you simply want to know the main differences between the two, here they are:
Echo Studio is a full-functioning Alexa speaker that delivers premium sound with a 350W amplifier, 2” midrange speaker, two 2” midrange speakers, and 5.25” downward-firing woofer. In contrast, the Echo Sub does not have Alexa; it is designed to pair with another Echo speaker as a subwoofer. It has a powerful 100W Class D amplifier and a 6” woofer.
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Make Multi-Room Music Great Again
Last year on Cyber Monday, I splurged big time. Yeah, I did. I went ahead and ordered myself both the Echo Studio and the Echo Sub.
Ever since I’ve been meaning to write this blog post comparing these two “premium” Amazon speakers as a few of you have asked about the differences. So let me apologize for the delay out of the gate.
I absolutely could not be happier that I bought these two speakers. I have them both in my home office. They sound awesome and I listen to them daily as part of my multi-room music configuration.
Adding these speakers to my multi-music has upped the overall sound quality not just in my home office—but in my entire apartment—big time. If you love music and are “on the fence” about splurging like I was, I’m here to say, do it! You can thank me later.
I’ve been enjoying these speakers for almost a year now and have absolutely no regrets.
Next, let’s compare the full technical specifications of the two premium speakers side by side.
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.
Last update on 12/01/2021 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Amazon Echo Studio
Last year, Amazon produced the Echo Studio to rival Apple’s HomePod, delivering a bigger, better sound, more advanced sound optimization, and a truly “smart” device.
The Dolby Atmos-compatible directional audio makes it 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 The National Anthem 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.
This is the best sounding Echo speaker that you can buy today in my opinion.
Echo Studio Pros:
Echo Studio Cons:
Video Review
Video Credit: Digital Trends
Where to Buy It
- Immersive sound – 5 speakers produce powerful bass, dynamic midrange, and crisp highs. Dolby Atmos technology adds space, clarity, and depth.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Amazon Echo Sub
Amazon’s Echo Sub is the go-to choice for anyone who wants a true bass experience with Alexa. It’s basically 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 (like Tiesto!), the Sub will deliver that thumping, pulsing feel you’re looking for.
It certainly lacks in “smart” capabilities—it’s basically an additional speaker that has to be connected to an Echo hub or another Alexa-enabled device—and doesn’t generate the largest sound field, but it’s all about that accurate, crystal-clear bass to make your music truly sizzle.
Pro Tip: After you buy this, you can adjust the bass level using the equalizer on the paired Echo speaker. Check out my post on How to Improve Alexa Sound Quality for some pointers.Echo Sub Pros:
Echo Sub Cons:
Video Review
Video Credit: Automate Your Life
Where to Buy It
- Echo Sub delivers down-firing, 100W deep bass sound through a 6 woofer.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Design
When comparing the Echo Studio vs Echo Sub physically the Studio is both taller and thicker than the classic Echo and Echo Plus, with the fabric grille and sleekly curved shape that will make it instantly recognizable as an Amazon Echo product. The top features both 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.
Along the body are cutouts (on the front and back) for the bass ports, giving it the look of a subwoofer. 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’s what my Echo Studio looks like on the table lamp beside my bed.
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 just big enough to fit the 6” downward-facing subwoofer that generates the potent bass. It looks like a thicker Echo Plus, with Amazon’s classic fabric grille and curved edges.
However, unlike other Echo products, the Echo Sub only comes in black and lacks both 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
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, other 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.
Amazon Schematic Diagram: Echo Studio
The Echo Sub doesn’t cover the high- or mid-range, but the bass output far exceeds the Echo Studio. It’s designed specifically to flesh out the weakness most Echo speakers encounter in the lower ranges. On its own, it’s got power enough to kick the party up a notch by adding in driving beats. But pair it with other Echo speakers—particularly the Echo Studio—and that’s when the truly potent surround sound magic happens.
📚 Related: Echo 4th Gen vs Echo Plus 2
Echo Sub: Amazon Schematic Diagram
Setup and Software
The Echo Studio is about as easy to 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 was able to 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 the Alexa App
It’s one of the easiest of the Echo devices to set up; literally 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 specifically tailored to be an add-on 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. Quite, literally, this is plug-n-play at its best!
📚 Related: 19 Awesome Amazon Echo Device Gifts
What’s In The Box
My Echo Studio and Echo Sub Boxes
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s the box for the Echo Studio vs Echo Sub speaker.
Echo Studio
- Echo Studio
- Power Cable
- Quick Start Guide
If you are interested, check out this Echo Studio unboxing video that I published on my YouTube channel:
Echo Sub
- Echo Sub
- Power Cable
- User’s manual
And here is my unboxing of the Echo Sub:
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?
I realize they aren’t cheap especially when you compare them to other speakers in the Amazon 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.
If you consider what premium speakers from the likes of Bose and Sonos cost these actually start to seem more affordable.
A few of my fellow Alexa enthusiasts out in the Facebook groups have said they like some of the premium third-party speakers (like Marshall Stanmore with Alexa built-in) better. However, these two speakers are ideal for me at a price point that I could afford.
Anyhow, I would love to hear if you plan on buying one or both of these speakers. Please leave a comment down below and let me know. Until next time, jam on!
