Echo Show 8 in the test: The 2nd generation competes against the Google Nest Hub

AMAZON ECHO SHOW 8

September 17, 2022 at 3:00 p.m

With the Echo Show 8 you can listen to music, stream series and control your smart home. You can read in the test report what the all-rounder from Amazon is really good at and what it does less well.

The 2nd generation of the Echo Show 8 represents the middle class of smart speakers with a screen from Amazon: At a regular retail price of around 130 dollars from the online giant, it only costs about half as much as the flagships Echo Show 10 and Echo Show 15 – and is also a fair bit more compact than the top models.

1. Amazon Echo Show 8 in the test: design and workmanship

2. Amazon Echo Show 8 in the test: connection and setup

3. Amazon Echo Show 8 in the test: operation and functions

4. Echo Show 8 im Test: Klang

5. Echo Show 8 im Test: Smart Home

6. Amazon Echo Show 8 price and availability

7. Conclusion
   

However, in contrast to the smallest representative of the series, the Echo Show 5, the Echo Show 8 works with full functionality as a smart home center and thus as a switching point for smart lamps, baby monitors and smart heating thermostats. In terms of function and design, at first glance it resembles Google’s direct competitor, the Nest Hub. In order to be able to stand up to this, Amazon has equipped the predecessor Echo of the first generation, which was only released in 2019, with a better front camera and a faster processor.

Amazon Echo Show 8 in the test: design and workmanship

Among Amazon’s often relatively cheap-looking in-house devices, the Echo Show 8 stands out with a simple and elegant-looking design. If the screen is off, it could also be an expensive Apple device at first glance – a first impression that is only underlined by the high-quality feel of the device. Unfortunately, the on-screen digital feature design doesn’t quite do justice to the Echo Show 8’s unfussy beauty.

Echo Show 8 in pictures

The Echo Show 8 can do that.

In addition to two inconspicuous buttons for volume control and one for muting the microphone, the only movable element on the Echo Show 8 is a mechanical shutter for closing the 13-megapixel camera. Like the rest of the touchscreen, this is located under a pleasantly insensitive front pane, while the back of the device is almost completely covered by a coarse speaker fabric. Only the recess for the power supply connection and micro-USB is left out. In contrast to the first generation of the device, other connections such as a useful AUX socket have simply been omitted.

Amazon Echo Show 8 in the test: connection and setup

Since the Echo Show 8 does not have any connection sockets worth mentioning, the basic setup and wiring of the smart speaker with touchscreen can be carried out in no time at all: once the device has found a level place, only the supplied power supply unit has to be connected – and the setup can proceed.

This is particularly tedious for those who do not yet have an Amazon account. Unfortunately, it is not possible to operate an echo speaker without an account with the internet giant. Anyone who already has one and already has the Alexa app on their smartphone will have assigned the Echo Show 8 its place in the smart home and entertainment system relatively quickly thanks to the device’s on-screen keyboard.

Amazon Echo Show 8 in the test: operation and functions

Once the Echo Show 8 is set up, depending on the application, it is controlled via voice commands, which works exceptionally well when calling up tracks from audio streaming apps, or manual inputs on the device’s touchscreen. The latter is somewhat awkward to use due to the sluggishly reacting operating system and the brutally simplified but not necessarily cleverly arranged menus. Anyone who expects the ease of use of a modern tablet will be bitterly disappointed here.

After a short period of getting used to, the somewhat sluggish operating system is controlled fairly intuitively, allows search terms and passwords to be entered quickly via the on-screen keyboard and is also easy to use for people with limited digital skills due to the relatively clear setting options. The Echo Show 8 also works as an intercom system, with which, thanks to the front camera, which is significantly improved compared to the 1st generation, halfway pixelated video calls are also possible.

However, what does not work well at all is the streaming of video content from Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and other streaming services: On the one hand, the limited app operation of the numerous services available on the Echo Show 8 is a horror, on the other hand, the streaming content on the makes really hardly any fun with the small and relentlessly reflective screen of the smart home station.

Echo Show 8 im Test: Klang

In contrast to the smaller and cheaper Echo Show 5, which is more in the format of a radio alarm clock and also sounds something like that, the much more voluminous Echo Show 8 is of a different caliber when it comes to sound: from Audible audio books to bass-heavy music, it beats Smarthome station amazingly good at audio playback.

Of course, an Echo Show 8 is not enough to fill a stately, huge room with rich sound – but with several Echo speakers networked in multi-room mode, really sophisticated soundscapes can be set up in the four walls at home. On its own, the Echo Show 8 should meet the needs of most everyday users with its manageable 20 watts of power.

Echo Show 8 im Test: Smart Home

In addition to playing streaming audio content, the Echo Show 8 finds its ultimate purpose as a smart home hub that can control all connected devices from lightbulbs to OLED TVs and robotic vacuum cleaners. The only complicated thing is usually the coupling of devices from third-party manufacturers, for which you usually have to download your own smartphone app before you can then transfer the smart electronics to your Echo network and control them.

For frustration-tested smart home hobbyists, however, this is hardly an obstacle – and so the intelligent home can then be excellently directed by voice command. Fine adjustments can also be made at any time via the touch panel of the Echo Show 8.

Amazon Echo Show 8 price and availability

For the Echo Show 8 of the 2nd generation, you currently have to shell out around 130 dollars on Amazon. If you see cheaper offers from third-party providers: Make sure that it is actually the current 2nd generation of the smart device – its predecessor is still on the market and looks confusingly similar to its successor.

If the list price for the Echo Show 8 is too high for you, you probably just have to wait a little until discount campaigns like Black Friday Week or Prime Day start again at Amazon. The online mail order company reduces its own products several times a year and then offers them in lucrative bundles.