Amazon Devices

Echo Show 8 Review: The Kitchen Screen That Runs Your Smart Home

The Echo Show 8 hits the sweet spot between the cramped small Shows and the pricey big ones. Its screen is large enough for recipes and video calls, and it doubles as a hub that quietly ties your smart home together.

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Key features

• The 8-inch screen is big enough to follow a recipe from across the counter, but not big enough to take over the room.
• A built-in smart home hub means many Zigbee and Matter devices connect without an extra box.
• Video calls are easier because the camera follows you as you move around.
• When idle, it's a decent digital photo frame.

Best for

Alexa households, especially kitchens, and anyone building out a smart home.

Things to consider

• Reviewers often point to the home screen promoting Amazon content and suggestions.
• It has a camera, so be thoughtful about placement; check the listing for its privacy controls.
• Google Home or Apple Home households should skip it.

Verdict

The best all-round Echo Show for most homes. Recommended if you're in the Alexa world.

Consider instead

Echo Dot Review: The Easiest Way to Try a Smart Speaker — Echo Dot: if you just want voice control and music without a screen.