Which Amazon Echo Smart Home Device Should You Actually Buy?
The Echo Show 8 at £179.99 is the smartest choice for most homes — it delivers a 8-inch touchscreen, Alexa control, and home automation hub functionality in one compact device. If you need a bigger display or a screen-free alternative, the Show 11 and Echo Hub each solve different problems, but the Show 8 hits the price-to-feature sweet spot.
Why Amazon?
Amazon launched its Echo range in 2014 with the original Echo speaker, and has since expanded into a comprehensive smart home ecosystem. The company specialises in voice-first AI integration through Alexa, their proprietary voice assistant, combined with visual control via touchscreen displays. What sets Amazon apart is the sheer breadth of device types (speakers, displays, hubs) and Alexa's compatibility with over 100,000 third-party smart home brands — from Philips Hue lights to LIFX bulbs to August locks. Amazon also runs AWS, which powers much of the cloud infrastructure behind these devices, giving them advantage in speed and reliability compared to competitors.
Top Picks
Amazon Echo Show 8 — £179.99
Best for homes wanting a compact touchscreen hub without oversized expense. The 8-inch display fits kitchen counters or bedside tables without dominating space, and it handles video calls, recipe displays, and smart home controls with equal ease. Acts as a Zigbee and Bluetooth hub, so it can control compatible devices directly without needing a separate bridge.
Amazon Echo Show 11 — £219.99
Best for larger kitchens or living rooms where a bigger screen justifies the £40 premium. The 11-inch display is substantially more readable from across a room, and the larger speaker array delivers noticeably better audio quality for music playback. Same hub functionality as the Show 8, but the extra screen real estate makes video calls and recipe following genuinely more usable.
Amazon Echo Hub — £179.99
Best for users who already have smart displays elsewhere and want a dedicated control centre without another screen. This wall-mounted device includes the same Zigbee and Bluetooth hub capabilities as the Shows, plus Sidewalk support for longer-range connectivity (useful for garage doors or outdoor devices). Ideal if you're frustrated by juggling multiple app controls and want a single point to manage everything via voice or app.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Echo Show 8 | £179.99 | Balanced, compact control | 8-inch touchscreen + Zigbee hub in one | | Echo Show 11 | £219.99 | Larger visibility & audio | 11-inch display + superior speaker quality | | Echo Hub | £179.99 | App-based or voice control | Wall-mount design + Sidewalk support |
What to Look For
- Hub functionality: All three include Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) and Bluetooth radios, essential for controlling compatible devices without individual Wi-Fi drain. Verify that devices you want to control use Zigbee (Philips Hue, IKEA Tradfri, Nanoleaf) or Bluetooth before committing.
- Display size vs. placement: 8 inches suits kitchens and small bedrooms; 11 inches works better in living rooms or if you're over 6 feet tall (text readability matters at distance). No Echo Hub if you need visual feedback — voice control only.
- Wi-Fi standard: All models support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax on Show 11; 802.11ac on Show 8 and Hub), ensuring responsive control even on congested home networks. Minimum 2.4GHz connectivity; 5GHz recommended for video calls.
- Audio quality: Show 11 has a larger speaker cavity (roughly 2-3x the acoustic chamber of Show 8), delivering noticeably louder music and clearer voice responses. Show 8 is adequate for voice; Show 11 is passable for music in medium rooms.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Echo Show 8 at £179.99 if you want a single, screen-based control hub that doesn't hog counter space — it's the most versatile option for the money. Spend the extra £40 on the Show 11 only if you have a larger room or listen to music frequently; pick the Echo Hub only if you already own other displays and want a wall-mounted control point without screen redundancy. All three work identically as smart home hubs; the difference is purely about how you want to interact with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Echo Show 8 good value for money?
Yes. At £179.99, you're getting three functions — Alexa speaker, video display, and Zigbee hub — that would cost £150+ separately from other brands. The 8-inch screen is genuinely usable for recipes, video calls, and security cameras, and it doesn't require a separate hub purchase if you want Zigbee control (unlike many competitors).
Can the Echo Hub control my smart home without a display?
Completely. The Echo Hub works via voice commands alone, or through the Alexa app on your phone. Use it if you already have another Echo Show or tablet for display needs but want a dedicated hub tucked away on a shelf or in a cupboard. All Zigbee and Bluetooth device control happens invisibly in the background.
Which Echo device is best for a small apartment?
The Echo Show 8. Its 8-inch footprint (roughly 208 x 135mm) fits snugly on a kitchen shelf or nightstand without consuming much visual real estate, and the compact size is perfect for spaces where you can't dedicate a full wall or large counter. The Echo Hub is even smaller (square wall mount), but only if you don't need a screen.
Do I need to buy a separate smart home hub if I buy an Echo Show?
No. Both the Show 8 and Show 11 include Zigbee and Bluetooth hub functionality built-in, so you can control compatible devices directly. You won't need a separate Philips Hue Bridge or SmartThings hub if you're using an Echo Show as your primary control point.
