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 Echo Show 21 (newest model)
Ravvy scores Echo Hub (newest model), 8" at 89.41 and Echo Show 21 (newest model) at 93.46. Echo Show 21 (newest model) takes the overall pick, best for busy families seeking a centralized digital command center and kitchen entertainment.
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
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 Hub (newest model), 8" | Echo Show 21 (newest model) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Quality | 82 | 94 |
| Value for Money | 78.5 | – |
| Audio Performance | 55 | 88 |
| Smart Home Integration | 98 | 98 |
| Installation Flexibility | 91.5 | – |
| Interface Responsiveness | 89 | – |
| Processing Power | – | 90 |
| Interface Fluidity | – | 91 |
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
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 Hub (newest model), 8" | Echo Show 21 (newest model) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7.9"W x 5.4"H x 0.6"D (202 mm x 137mm x 15mm) | 1.5” x 5.6” x 0.7” (38.68 mm x 141.3 mm x 17.6 mm) |
| Audio | Pair of top ported full range speakers, with stereo playback | Two 2” woofers + two 0.6” tweeters |
| Weight | 12.9 ounces (365 grams). Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process. | 0.1 lb (45g) (without batteries) |
| Display | 8” touch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution | 21” with 1920 x 1080 resolution. Use in landscape or portrait orientation. |
| Sensors | Passive infrared (PIR) sensor for proximity detection, ambient light sensor (ALS) | – |
| Language | Alexa speaks English and Spanish. | Alexa speaks English and Spanish |
| Processor | MediaTek MT 8169 A | Octa-core SoC with Amazon AZ2 neural network engine |
| 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. |
| 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. | 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. |
| 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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- 13 essential body composition metrics
- High-precision sensors with 0.2lb increments
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93.9
Amazon
Echo Dot (newest model)
Best for smart home beginners and eero mesh wi-fi users.
- 1.6 inch full range driver
- eero Built-in Wi-Fi extension
- Integrated motion and thermal sensors
$50