94.0
Amazon
Smart Plug, Works
Best for dedicated alexa users seeking the most reliable and easy-to-configure smart outlet.
- Alexa-exclusive optimization
- Space-saving horizontal profile
- 15 Amp maximum load capacity
$25
Head to head · Smart Home
Echo Hub (newest model), 8" vs Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub
Ravvy scores Echo Hub (newest model), 8" at 89.41 and Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub at 89.43. Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub takes the overall pick, best for users seeking a unified hub to bridge legacy z-wave and zigbee devices with modern matter standards..
89.4
$180
The Echo Hub is the definitive wall-mounted command center for Alexa power users, trading audio quality for a highly efficient, responsive interface and professional-grade connectivity.
Ravvy pick
$150
This hub is the premier choice for SmartThings users needing a multi-protocol bridge that balances legacy Z-Wave/Zigbee support with Matter compatibility, provided they accept the dependency on the SmartThings cloud for initial configuration.
How they score
| Factor | Echo Hub (newest model), 8" | Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Display Quality | 82 | – |
| Value for Money | 78.5 | – |
| Audio Performance | 55 | – |
| Smart Home Integration | 98 | – |
| Installation Flexibility | 91.5 | – |
| Interface Responsiveness | 89 | – |
| Build Quality | – | 76 |
| Ease of Setup | – | 91 |
| Local Processing | – | 84.5 |
| Protocol Support | – | 98 |
| Ecosystem Compatibility | – | 95.5 |
Echo Hub (newest model), 8"
What owners praise
- Comprehensive built-in support for Matter, Thread, and Zigbee protocols
- Highly customizable dashboard for quick access to frequent routines
- Slim, wall-mountable design that mimics a professional security panel
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) compatibility for clean, reliable installations
- Fast, responsive interface optimized for smart home control over media
What to know first
- Audio quality is noticeably thinner compared to the Echo Show 8
- Many premium features require additional Ring or Alexa+ subscriptions
- Table stand and PoE adapters must be purchased separately
Skip it if casual users seeking a bedside media player or portable smart speaker
Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub
What owners praise
- Supports Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Matter protocols
- Works with both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections
- Fast local execution for many automation routines
- Massive compatibility list with third-party brands
- Compact and minimal aesthetic design
What to know first
- Requires a constant internet connection for initial setup
- Z-Wave frequency is region-locked to North America
- Plastic casing feels slightly lightweight
Skip it if home automation purists seeking a 100% cloud-free or offline-only setup.
Specs side by side
| Spec | Echo Hub (newest model), 8" | Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7.9"W x 5.4"H x 0.6"D (202 mm x 137mm x 15mm) | – |
| Audio | Pair of top ported full range speakers, with stereo playback | – |
| Weight | 12.9 ounces (365 grams). Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process. | – |
| Display | 8” touch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution | – |
| Sensors | Passive infrared (PIR) sensor for proximity detection, ambient light sensor (ALS) | – |
| Language | Alexa speaks English and Spanish. | – |
| Processor | MediaTek MT 8169 A | – |
| 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. | – |
| Privacy features | Wake word technology, streaming indicators, microphone off button, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings, support for Ring’s End-to-End Encryption feature that provides End-to-End Encrypted Ring video (coming soon) on your Echo Hub, and more. Visit the Alexa Privacy Hub to explore how Alexa and Echo devices are designed to protect your privacy. | – |
| Set up technology | Amazon WiFi simple setup enables customers to connect smart devices to their wifi network in a few easy steps. WiFi simple setup is another way Alexa is always getting smarter. Learn more about Frustration-Free Setup. | – |
| Wifi connectivity | Dual-band wifi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wifi networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc or peer-to-peer wifi networks. | – |
| Power requirements | Compatible with alternative USB-C PD power accessories. Power supply must comply with USB PD protocol and support both 5V/2.4A and 9V/3A ratings. | – |
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93.9
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