Echo Dot (newest model) vs Echo Show 21 (newest model): which is better?

Ravvy scores Echo Dot (newest model) at 93.88 and Echo Show 21 (newest model) at 93.46, so Echo Dot (newest model) is the stronger overall pick. The Echo Dot 5th Gen is the best entry-level smart speaker for Alexa users, offering significant sensor and networking upgrades despite its mono output.

Which is cheaper, Echo Dot (newest model) or Echo Show 21 (newest model)?

Echo Dot (newest model) lists at $50 and Echo Show 21 (newest model) lists at $400. Prices change often, so check the current listing before buying.

Head to head · Smart Home

Echo Dot (newest model) vs Echo Show 21 (newest model)

Ravvy scores Echo Dot (newest model) at 93.88 and Echo Show 21 (newest model) at 93.46. Echo Dot (newest model) takes the overall pick, best for smart home beginners and eero mesh wi-fi users..

Ravvy pick

Amazon

Echo Dot (newest model)

93.9

$50

The Echo Dot 5th Gen is the best entry-level smart speaker for Alexa users, offering significant sensor and networking upgrades despite its mono output.

Amazon

Echo Show 21 (newest model)

93.5

$400

The Echo Show 21 is the ultimate choice for large households wanting a wall mounted organization hub, provided you have the wall real estate to accommodate its substantial footprint.

How they score

Factor	Echo Dot (newest model)	Echo Show 21 (newest model)
Setup Ease	96	–
Connectivity	89.5	–
Audio Quality	74	–
Value for Money	91	–
Smart Home Integration	94.5	98
Display Quality	–	94
Processing Power	–	90
Audio Performance	–	88
Interface Fluidity	–	91

Echo Dot (newest model)

What owners praise

Significantly improved bass and vocal clarity
Acts as an eero mesh Wi-Fi extender
Built-in temperature and motion sensors for automation
Convenient tap-to-pause and snooze gestures
Matter compatibility for broader smart home support

What to know first

Requires an eero system for Wi-Fi expansion features
Mono audio output lacks true stereo separation
90-day limited warranty is relatively short

Skip it if audiophiles seeking stereo separation

Echo Show 21 (newest model)

What owners praise

Expansive 21-inch Full HD display provides excellent visibility
Integrated Fire TV experience with included physical remote
Significantly improved audio quality with dedicated woofers
Acts as a comprehensive smart home hub with Matter and Thread support
Upgraded 13MP camera with 3.3x zoom for professional grade video calls

What to know first

Large physical footprint may be overwhelming in smaller kitchens
Stand is sold separately despite the premium price point
Requires a permanent power connection and wall mounting for best look

Skip it if small apartments with limited wall space or users who prefer a portable tablet experience

Specs side by side

Spec	Echo Dot (newest model)	Echo Show 21 (newest model)
Size	3.9” x 3.9” x 3.5” (100mm x 100mm x 89 mm)	1.5” x 5.6” x 0.7” (38.68 mm x 141.3 mm x 17.6 mm)
Weight	10.7 oz (304g) Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process	0.1 lb (45g) (without batteries)
Language	Alexa speaks English and Spanish	Alexa speaks English and Spanish
Generation	Echo Dot (5th Gen) - 2022 release	–
eero Built-in	Your wifi network must use a compatible eero router and your Echo device must stay in range of a compatible eero device. You will need to link your eero and Amazon accounts and manage eero Built-in from the eero mobile application to use this feature. eero Built-in compatible Echo devices support up to 1,000 sq. ft. of additional coverage, speeds up to 100 Mbps, and 10 or fewer connected devices in the 5 GHz band. Actual performance can vary and certain eero, Echo, or Alexa features may be incompatible with eero Built-in. Learn more about eero Built-in performance, availability and compatibility. Use of eero and eero-related products and services, including eero Built-in, requires creation of an eero account and agreement to eero’s Terms of Service. Review eero’s Privacy Notice.	–
Amazon Sidewalk	Sidewalk uses Echo and Ring devices to securely keep other devices connected and help find lost items by reporting their approximate location to the owner. Sidewalk can enable supported devices to remain connected even when wifi is lost or the supported devices are outside the range of their home wifi. Sidewalk uses a small portion of your internet bandwidth and the approximate location of your devices to provide these benefits to you and your neighbors. Sidewalk is turned on for your device unless you have previously turned it off. You can turn off Sidewalk at any time. Learn more about Amazon Sidewalk.	Sidewalk uses Echo and Ring devices to securely keep other devices connected and help find lost items by reporting their approximate location to the owner. Sidewalk can enable supported devices to remain connected even when wifi is lost or the supported devices are outside the range of their home wifi. Sidewalk uses a small portion of your internet bandwidth and the approximate location of your devices to provide these benefits to you and your neighbors. Sidewalk is turned on for your device unless you have previously turned it off. You can turn off Sidewalk at any time. Learn more about Amazon Sidewalk.
Audio Bandwidth	62 Hz - 19 kHz (volume 6)	–
Privacy features	Wake word technology, streaming indicators, microphone off button, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings, and more. Visit the Alexa Privacy Hub to explore how Alexa and Echo devices are designed to protect your privacy.	Wake word technology, streaming indicators, microphone/camera off button, camera shutter, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings, and more. Visit the Alexa Privacy Hub to explore how Alexa and Echo devices are designed to protect your privacy.
Setup technology	Amazon Wi-Fi simple setup enables customers to connect smart devices to their wifi network in a few easy steps. Wi-Fi simple setup is another way Alexa is always getting smarter. Learn more about Wi-Fi simple setup.	–
Playback Channels	Mono	–
Wifi connectivity	Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks.	–
Included in the box	Echo Dot, glacier white power adapter (15W), and Quick Start Guide.	–