Amazon‘s line of Echo Show smart displays all feature Alexa built-in. But should you choose the mid-size Echo Show 8 or top-tier Echo Show 10 for your home?
As an experienced technology analyst, I‘ve compared both models hands-on – from display quality to audio components. I‘ll overview the key differences to help determine which advanced Echo Show is best aligned with how you‘ll use a smart display.
Echo Show Devices Over the Years: A Brief History
Amazon pioneered the smart display category in 2017 with the original Echo Show. This first generation had a 10-inch screen. One year later, we got the compact Echo Show 5 with its 5-inch display.
In 2019, Amazon introduced 8-inch screens to its Echo lineup, ideal for spaces where the 10-inch option felt too bulky. Then in late 2020, an entirely revamped Echo Show 10 arrived, headlined by a rotating screen that builds on the strengths of past Echos.
Most recently in 2021, the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 both received modest updates. But those second generations mainly brought incremental improvements. The third generation Echo Show 10 remains Amazon‘s most advanced smart display.
How the Displays Compare: Echo Show 8 vs. 10
Since these two displays come from different generations, how do their screens, audio and core features stack up? Let‘s dig in…
Display Size & Quality
The numbers in each product name give it away – the Echo Show 8 has an 8-inch screen, while the Show 10 measures 10.1 inches. Both use LCD panels with the same 1280 x 800 pixel resolution.
At first glance, Show 10‘s larger display looks sharper since it spreads those pixels out. But in my experience, images and videos look fantastic on the Echo Show 8 as well. The smaller model also produces ample brightness – useful when placing it in brighter environments.
Built-in Speakers
Audio comes at you from two 2-inch speakers on the Show 8. Testing its peak volume, it can comfortably fill a good-sized room with clear, detailed sound.
But the Show 10 packs bigger components like dual 1-inch tweeters plus a 3-inch woofer. Unsurprisingly, it delivers the loudest, fullest sound projection. If audio performance is critical to your usage, Show 10 wins out.
Onboard Cameras
After using a measly 1MP camera on old Echo Shows, the upgraded 13MP shooter on both the Show 8 and Show 10 impressed me. It makes video calls far crisper, especially noticeable when chatting on apps like Alexa Video Calls.
Now the Show 10 adds helpful motion tracking. Its 13MP camera automatically pans and zooms to keep you centered in the frame as you move about. So helpful when multitasking during video calls!
Of course, both models allow you to shutter the camera closed when not using it. And you can electronically disable both the mics and camera too – nice privacy perks.
Smart Home Control
One advantage of the latest Echo generation comes via its built-in Zigbee smart home hub. It can directly connect to and control lights, plugs, sensors and other Zigbee devices without needing a separate hub.
Show 8 doesn‘t include the Zigbee hub, but still promises easy smart home support through Alexa. Using Amazon‘s Certified for Humans program, Show 8 can voice control an array of compatible products like Philips Hue lights without complex setup.
Now let‘s explore some real-world scenarios where one screen size may fit better than the other…
Use Cases: When the Show 8 vs. Show 10 Shines
Great Locations for the Echo Show 8
- Bedside – Its 8-inch display provides a nice visual alarm clock without overwhelming a nightstand
- Kitchen counter – Fits nicely to display cooking videos and recipes
- Office desk – Compact for making calls and accessing calendar without dominating workspace
Excellent Spots for the Echo Show 10
- Living room media console – Big screen and sound for streaming shows, movies and sports
- Kitchen island – Motion tracking keeps recipes/videos visible from various prep stations
- Workshop/garage – Hears voice commands clearly even in noisy environments
In small to mid-sized rooms, I found the 8-inch screen a great focal point for catching up on news and weather over morning coffee. Meanwhile the huge Show 10 display immerses you more in videos and music.
And say you‘re doing meal prep or woodworking while actively chatting over video…that‘s where the Show 10‘s motion tracking really demonstrates its value! It effortlessly keeps you on camera as you look back and forth from the screen to your task.
Ultimately though, the experience between the two feels more similar than different – other than actual display dimensions of course! You still get full access to the Alexa assistant with all of its 100,000+ skills. Both screens stay responsive whether managing smart home devices or pulling up recipes. And features like calling remain intuitive on models.
Now let‘s wrap up with my verdict on which is the better buy…
The Bottom Line – Which Echo Show Should You Get?
For most spaces and uses cases in my testing, the Echo Show 8 strikes the best balance of screen size, audio power and value.
While the motion tracking tech on the Show 10 admittedly looks cool, I didn’t find it critical enough to justify the added cost for many users. Remember, you can always command Alexa via voice when not directly in front of the Show 8‘s screen.
And if hoping to place your smart display in tighter spots like countertop corners or shelves, Show 8’s slimmer dimensions fit better than the bulkier Show 10.
But for large common rooms where the biggest screen and best audio do make a noticeable impact for movie nights or dance parties, I can absolutely recommend treating yourself to the superior Echo Show 10. It feels meaningfully more immersive thanks to the bigger display and louder sound projecting in every direction.
For most spaces though, you can confidently save $100+ and choose the Echo Show 8 as the smart display that should meet just about every Alexa need!
I hope mapping out the core differences between the latest Echo Show models helps you pick which is right to welcome into your smart home. Let me know if any other questions come up!
