Compare 2025 Alexa Devices: Amazon Echo Vs. Dot & Show- Even Astro!
Gadgets are always at the top of LalyDad's wish list so it has been interesting learning all about the new Alexa Devices, like the Amazon Echo, the Amazon Dot and the Amazon Show. Today I'll give a quick run down of them and talk about best prices too. Affiliate links are used in this post for easy shopping.
Years ago LalyDad decided to try out the new-at-the-time gadget from Amazon, called the Amazon Echo. Amazon Echo is Amazon's nifty voice-activated, counter-top speaker that does tons of different things for you without lifting a finger, using a cool program called Alexa.
At first it seemed like just another gadget to me but Alexa has really enriched our lives! Whereas a tablet provides people with individual media time, our Alexa enabled devices have brought us together more.
We have our Echo placed in the main room of our house, so when it is on we are all hanging out together. We listen to books, music and jokes together instead of apart. It has become handy in so many ways. We really do love it!
What is Alexa?
SO! If you've heard people giving Siri-like commands to someone named Alexa recently and wondered, “What is Alexa?” well here you go! Alexa Voice Service is the program from Amazon that hears your commands and executes them via one of their devices.
Alexa enabled devices include the Amazon Echo, the Amazon Dot and the Amazon Show. They have some newer gadgets too, like the Studio and the Astro.
The devices plug into an electrical outlet and connect to the internet over wi-fi. The Amazon Tap is portable and needs to plug in to charge and otherwise connect over wi-fi or mobile hotspot. They are also bluetooth compatible.
All of them are managed via the Alexa App which you can set up on most smartphones, tablet or a wi-fi enabled desktop computer. In other words you do not NEED a smartphone or tablet, but it is handier to set it up using a mobile device. You DO need wi-fi.
The thing about the Echo and the Dot is that they are sitting there waiting for their Wake Word. Alexa. When you say Alexa, the device listens to your next sentence and carries out that command. You can be across the room, sitting on the couch, or on your way out the door or in the middle of a recipe. The Amazon Tap has Alexa Voice Services as well but you need to touch the button on it to wake it first.
Note: If you have an Alexa in your family you can change the Wake word to Echo. I have an Aunt named Alexa so this was good to know!
What Can Alexa Do?
Alexa can do THOUSANDS of things. Really. They seriously seem to add more things every day. Everyone thinks about music first. Alexa can play music from Amazon Music, Pandora, I heart radio, Spotify and more. The most common music commands in our house are Alexa play Kidz Bop Kids, Play the Hamilton Soundtrack and Play Yo-Yo Ma.
You can make phone calls, control your Alexa enabled TV, get recipes, check your fitbit.
It can tell your kids knock knock jokes, research whatever topic they're asking you about, play instant dance party music, set a timer for you, add items to your to-do list, tell you the weather, tell you about traffic and hours of the store you need to go to.
(Funny story: the Alexa app keeps a running list of the commands you ask, so LalyDad can see how many jokes Alexa has told our kids each day. It's a lot.)
RELATED: 10 Ways to Outsource Parenting to Alexa
It can read audible audio books, read the news, order supplies when you notice you're running low, make a shopping list for you or order a pizza when you forgot to go shopping. If you want to catch a movie you can ask Alexa for movie times.
It can order you an Uber ride, it can adjust the temp or lights if you have a smart system set up with products like Phillips Hue, Ecobee or Nest. (See Alexa Smart Home Compatible Systems here). You can play Jeopardy, talk you through a workout, find recipes, check the score of the big game or help you meditate.
Phew! And that is just to name a FEW! You can browse and search Alexa Skills and Abilities here.
“But which Alexa Device is Best,” You ask? It really depends on your needs.Â
Comparing Amazon Echo, Amazon Dot and Amazon Tap
Here’s an up-to-date guide to Amazon’s current Alexa-enabled devices as of May 2025. This includes smart speakers, displays, and even a home robot—each tailored for different needs and spaces.
Smart Speakers (Audio-Only Alexa Devices)
Amazon smart speakers—like the Echo Dot, Echo Pop, or Echo Studio—are audio-only, meaning you interact with Alexa entirely through voice. These are great for playing music, getting the weather, setting timers, controlling smart home devices, or asking questions, all without needing a screen. They’re typically smaller, more affordable, and perfect if you just want a hands-free assistant in the background.
Echo DotÂ
- Best for: Smaller spaces, bedside tables, or your first smart home setup.
- Features: Better sound quality than previous generations, an optional LED clock display, and you can add Alexa routines.
- Price: Around $40-$50.
Echo Pop
- Best for: Small rooms and minimalist decor.
- Features: Unique design, powered by the a new processor. Like an Echo Dot with a built in EERO Wifi Range extender.
- Price: Around $30-$40.
Echo Studio
- Best for: Top sound quality. Perfect for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
- Features: Supports Dolby Atmos, spatial audio processing, and actually adapts to the acoustics of your room for optimal sound.
- Price: Around $200.
Smart Displays (Alexa with Screens)
Alexa devices with screens—like the Echo Show series—combine voice control with a touchscreen. These let you do everything the speakers can, plus a lot more. You can make video calls, see step-by-step recipes, watch shows, view security camera feeds, or check your calendar—all visually. You can still talk to Alexa, but having a screen makes it easier to multitask or get more context at a glance. These are especially useful in places like kitchens or living rooms, where having both audio and visual interaction is helpful.
Echo Show 5Â
- Best for: Bedroom nightstands or smaller desks.
- Features: 5.5″ display screen, 2 MP camera for video calls, and improved speaker system with deeper bass than previous models.
- Price: Around $70-$90.
Echo Show 8Â
- Best for: Kitchens or living rooms.
- Features: 8″ HD touchscreen, 13 MP camera, and built-in smart home hub.
- Price: Around $149.99.
Echo Show 10Â
- Best for: Interactive experiences and video calls.
- Features: 10.1″ HD screen that rotates to follow you, 13 MP camera, and premium directional sound.
- Price: Around $249.99.
Echo Show 15
- Best for: Family organization and shared spaces. This is a compact Alexa-enabled family hub.
- Features: 15.6″ Full HD display designed for wall mounting, supports Alexa Widgets, and now includes Fire TV integration.
- Price: Approximately $299.99.
Echo Show 21
- Best for: Full size family hub or entertainment centers.
- Features: 21″ HD display, built-in smart home hub supporting Matter, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Thread, Fire TV integration, and auto-framing camera.
- Price: Around $399.99.
A Bit of Both?
If you like the idea of a smart speaker on your nightstand, but don't want a full screen or camera in your bedroom, check out this option.
Echo Spot
- Best for: Smart alarm clock with minimalist design.
- Features: Compact design, customizable screen for alarms and calendar events, but no camera for privacy-conscious users.
- Price: Around $70-$80.
Alexa on Wheels
Well, cue the Jetson's theme song, because your home robot dreams have come true.
Amazon Astro – A real robot!
- Best for: Home monitoring and mobile assistance.
- Features: An actual autonomous home robot, complete with periscope camera! It integrates with Ring security, and can follow you around the house.
- Availability: Limited release, pricing and availability vary.
Choosing the Best Amazon Alexa Device for You:
- For compact spaces: Echo Dot, Show 5 or Echo Pop.
- For your nightstand: Echo Spot.
- For enhanced audio: Echo Studio or Echo (4th Gen).
- For video calls and smart displays: Echo Show 8 or Echo Show 10.
- For family organization: Echo Show 15 or Echo Show 21.
- For mobile assistance: Amazon Astro.
