Which Amazon Smart Display Should You Buy? Echo Show 8 vs Show 11 vs Echo Hub
The Echo Show 8 at £179.99 is the best all-round choice for most homes—it's affordable, compact, and packed with features. If you need a bigger screen for video calls or kitchen recipes, the Echo Show 11 at £219.99 justifies the £40 premium. The Echo Hub (also £179.99) is only worth buying if you already own other Alexa devices and want a wall-mounted control panel without the screen.
Why Amazon?
Amazon launched the Echo Show range in 2017, combining their Alexa voice assistant with touchscreen displays. They've become market leaders in smart home hubs because they integrate seamlessly with thousands of third-party devices—Philips Hue lights, Arlo cameras, smart thermostats—via Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Sidewalk connectivity. The Echo range is purpose-built for UK homes, with support for British accents, regional content, and compatibility with Virgin Media hubs. Unlike standalone tablets, these devices are optimised for always-on smart home control, with faster response times and persistent connectivity.
Top Picks
Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Home Assistant — £179.99
Best for everyday smart home control and video calls in compact spaces. The 8-inch HD display is large enough to watch recipes whilst cooking, take video calls, or control lights and cameras. It supports Zigbee and Sidewalk protocols, meaning it works with 90% of smart home brands without extra hubs. The microphone array is responsive enough for voice commands from across the room, and it doubles as a bedside alarm or kitchen timer. This is the entry point that covers most use cases without overcommitting to screen size.
Amazon Echo Show 11 Smart Home Assistant — £219.99
Best for larger rooms where a bigger screen genuinely improves usability. The 11.6-inch display (2.75 inches wider than the Show 8) makes a material difference for video calls—you'll actually see the other person's face clearly—and for following along with video content. It has the same smart home connectivity as the Show 8, but the larger screen real estate makes managing multiple devices (lights, cameras, thermostats) less fiddly. The trade-off is depth: it needs 28cm of counter or wall space, versus 20cm for the Show 8. Only worth upgrading if space and screen size matter to you.
Amazon Echo Hub Smart Home Hub — £179.99
Best for wall-mounted control if you already own Alexa speakers elsewhere. This is a screenless control panel with a small LED status light and physical buttons. It's designed to live permanently on a wall (via included mount) and acts as a Zigbee bridge for your smart home devices. It costs the same as the Show 8 but offers no display—so you can't watch video, take calls, or see camera feeds. Only consider this if you have other Alexa speakers providing audio feedback and genuinely prefer a minimal aesthetic. It's niche.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Echo Show 8 | £179.99 | Compact homes, mixed use | 8-inch HD display + Zigbee hub | | Echo Show 11 | £219.99 | Larger kitchens, frequent video calls | 11.6-inch display for clarity | | Echo Hub | £179.99 | Wall-mounted control only | Minimal design, no screen |
What to Look For
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Smart home protocol support: All three support Zigbee (for lights, locks, sensors) and Bluetooth. The Show models also enable Sidewalk (Amazon's mesh network). Verify your existing devices are compatible before buying—check the device's manual for "Zigbee" or "Amazon Alexa compatible."
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Display size and use case: The 8-inch screen (1280×800 resolution) is readable from 1.5–2 metres away; the 11-inch (1920×1200) from 2.5–3 metres. If your kitchen is under 4 metres wide, the Show 8 is sufficient. If you make frequent video calls, the Show 11's larger screen is noticeably better.
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Connectivity and placement: All require 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi. The Shows work best on counters or shelves; the Hub is wall-mounted only. Ensure your router is within 10 metres and test Alexa responsiveness in your intended location before committing.
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Privacy controls: All three let you mute the microphone via a physical button and disable the camera (Show models). Check your device's privacy settings regularly—Amazon's default allows data use for service improvement, but you can opt out in the Alexa app.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Echo Show 8 at £179.99—it's the Swiss Army knife of smart home control, balancing price, features, and physical footprint. Upgrade to the Show 11 (£219.99) only if you have a large kitchen or video call frequently. Skip the Echo Hub unless you're already deep in the Alexa ecosystem and want a dedicated wall panel; it's too limited at the same price as the Show 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Echo Show 8 waterproof for bathroom use?
No. Amazon rates it as splash-resistant (IPX4), meaning it can handle accidental splashes but shouldn't be installed above a sink or in direct shower spray. For bathroom use, position it on a shelf away from steam and water sources, or use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker instead and control your devices by voice.
Can I use these without an Amazon account?
No. All three require an active Amazon account and internet connection to function. Alexa voice control, smart home integration, and firmware updates are tied to your account. You cannot use an Echo Show or Hub offline or without an Amazon login.
Do these devices work with non-Amazon smart home brands?
Yes, as long as those brands support Zigbee, Bluetooth, or are compatible with Alexa. Philips Hue (Zigbee), Eve (Thread/Bluetooth), Arlo (Bluetooth), and most major thermostats work directly. Before buying, search "[brand name] Alexa compatible" to confirm. Wi-Fi-only devices sometimes require Alexa's cloud relay, which adds a 1–2 second delay.
How much does it cost to use Alexa beyond the initial purchase?
The Echo Show and Hub are free to use once purchased—there's no monthly fee. However, some features (like calling) require a free Amazon account. Premium services like Amazon Music Unlimited (£8.99/month) or Audible audiobooks cost extra. Controlling your smart home via voice is entirely free.
