Which Amazon Device Should You Buy? A Comparison of Echo Show, Echo Hub, and Echo Buds
Amazon's smart device range offers something for almost every home setup: two display options (Echo Show 8 and 11), a dedicated control hub (Echo Hub), and true wireless earbuds (Echo Buds 2nd Gen). The choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size, smart home control capability, or audio portability. For most households, the Echo Show 8 at £179.99 balances functionality and price, but the cheaper Echo Hub at £179.99 is smarter if you already have a phone or tablet for displaying information.
Why Amazon?
Amazon entered the smart speaker market in 2014 with the original Echo and now dominates with over 100 million Alexa devices sold globally. They specialise in voice-first smart home ecosystems that work with thousands of third-party devices including Philips Hue, LIFX, Ecobee, and Ring. What sets Amazon apart is Alexa's broad compatibility—it supports Zigbee, Bluetooth, Sidewalk (a mesh network protocol), and WiFi 6 on newer models. Unlike Google Home or Apple's Siri, Alexa integrates directly into Amazon Prime, allowing voice shopping, music via Amazon Music, and control of Fire TV devices without additional apps.
Top Picks
Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Home Assistant — £179.99
Best for households wanting a compact smart display without overcommitting to screen real estate. The 8-inch HD touchscreen shows weather, calendars, video calls, and live camera feeds. Alexa voice control works reliably across the home, and the device doubles as a small kitchen tablet for recipes or shopping lists. Setup takes under 5 minutes via the Alexa app, and it works with 900+ smart home brands.
Amazon Echo Show 11 Smart Home Assistant — £219.99
Best for kitchens and living rooms where a larger display justifies the £40 premium. The 11-inch display makes video calls, smart home dashboards, and streaming content genuinely usable without squinting. Slightly better speakers than the Show 8, though both are decent for background music. If you cook frequently or live alone and video call family, the bigger screen pays for itself.
Amazon Echo Hub Smart Home Hub — £179.99
Best for experienced smart home users who want control without a display. This wall-mounted hub (no screen) runs the same Alexa software as Show devices but focuses on pure connectivity: Zigbee, Bluetooth, Sidewalk, and WiFi 6. Ideal if you already have a phone or tablet for Alexa app control but need a dedicated hub for reliable zigbee device communication (smart lights, locks, temperature sensors). Significantly smaller and cheaper than displays but requires you to own another device for visual feedback.
Echo Buds (2nd Gen) True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — £119.99
Best for exercising, commuting, or using Alexa on the go without a phone. These are light (4g per earbud), offer 5-hour battery life (20 hours with case), and include passive noise isolation. Voice control works reasonably well in noisy environments. Sound quality is competent but not audiophile-grade—think clarity over bass depth. At £119.99, they undercut Apple AirPods but don't match their seamlessness on Apple devices.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Echo Show 8 | £179.99 | Compact smart displays, video calls | 8-inch HD screen, good price-to-size ratio | | Echo Show 11 | £219.99 | Kitchens, living rooms | 11-inch display for better visibility | | Echo Hub | £179.99 | Smart home enthusiasts, connectivity-focused | Zigbee/Sidewalk hub without screen dependency | | Echo Buds 2nd Gen | £119.99 | Portable Alexa access, exercise | Lightweight, 5-hour battery, affordable |
What to Look For
- Screen size vs. placement: The 8-inch Echo Show fits compact spaces (bedside table, small kitchen); the 11-inch needs more visual real estate. The Hub needs wall mounting and assumes you'll use your phone for feedback.
- Smart home protocol support: If you own Zigbee devices (IKEA Trådfri bulbs, many Aqara sensors), the Echo Hub's dedicated Zigbee radio prevents WiFi congestion. Echo Shows lack dedicated Zigbee support.
- Audio quality: Echo Shows have acceptable speakers for Alexa responses and music up to moderate volume. Echo Buds are portable but tinny compared to dedicated headphones. Prioritise speakers if you'll play music regularly.
- Connectivity range: Echo Hub uses WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for stronger coverage in large homes. Echo Shows and Buds use standard WiFi and Bluetooth—fine for most homes under 3,000 sq ft.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Echo Show 8 at £179.99 unless you have specific needs. It's the most versatile: functioning as a smart display, control hub, and Alexa speaker without premium pricing. If you want a larger kitchen display, stretch to the Show 11 (£219.99). If you're a smart home enthusiast with zigbee devices and no need for a screen, the Echo Hub (£179.99) is cheaper and more space-efficient. Echo Buds are a decent bonus but work best alongside another Alexa device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Amazon Echo devices worth buying in 2024?
Yes, if you already use Amazon Prime or want broad smart home compatibility. The Echo Show 8 offers genuine functionality—video calls, live camera feeds, voice shopping—rather than a gimmick. Non-Amazon users or Apple ecosystem loyalists are better served by Google Home or HomePod.
Can I use Echo devices without Amazon Prime?
Yes, fully. Prime membership unlocks shopping and some content, but core features (Alexa voice control, smart home integration, music via free Spotify/Apple Music) work without it. The devices cost the same either way.
Is the Echo Hub worth buying if I already have an Echo Show?
No. If you own a Show, it doubles as a hub and covers all connectivity needs. Buy the Hub only if you want a dedicated control device separate from your main display, or if you live in a large home and need a second hub for zigbee device placement.
Do Echo Buds work well for calls and music?
Calls are clear enough (four built-in microphones, active noise reduction), but music quality is functional rather than premium. The 5-hour battery handles a workday commute. If audio quality matters, spend more on Jabra or Sony earbuds instead.
