Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) Review – Is This the Best Smart Display for Your Home?
Looking for the perfect smart display that balances size, sound, and functionality without breaking the bank? The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) might be your ideal smart home upgrade. With its 8-inch HD screen, 13MP auto-framing camera, and stereo sound, this Alexa-powered device is a versatile companion for your kitchen, bedroom, or office.
In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything you need to know before buying — from features and performance to real-world use cases, and of course, the pros and cons.
⭐ Quick Overview
- Product Name: Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) – HD Smart Display with Alexa
- Screen Size: 8” HD (1280×800)
- Camera: 13MP with auto-framing
- Audio: Dual 2″ stereo speakers
- Alexa Built-in: Yes – full voice assistant support
- Ideal For: Smart home control, video calls, streaming, recipes, productivity
📦 Design & Display – Sleek, Smart, and Just the Right Size
The Echo Show 8 features a compact but spacious 8-inch HD touchscreen, offering sharp visuals and intuitive touch navigation. Wrapped in a soft fabric finish, it blends nicely with most interiors.
One key design improvement is the physical privacy shutter for the camera, giving users added control over their privacy. The built-in ambient light sensor adjusts screen brightness based on your surroundings, making it great for any room at any time of day.
✅ Perfectly sized for desks, kitchen counters, and nightstands
🎥 Camera & Video Calling – Clearer, Smarter Communication
One of the standout features of the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is the 13MP camera with auto-framing. This feature ensures you stay centered during video calls, making it feel more personal and professional.
You can easily connect with family and friends using Alexa Calling, or hop onto a Zoom call directly from the device. While Zoom is natively supported, it lacks integration with Google Duo or Skype.
📸 Use Drop In to instantly check in on another Echo device in your home
🔊 Audio Performance – Surprisingly Rich Stereo Sound
This device comes equipped with dual 2-inch stereo speakers that produce clear vocals and impressive bass. Whether you’re streaming music, watching videos, or listening to audiobooks, the audio quality is excellent for its size.
Perfect for casual listening in the kitchen, bedroom, or office, the Echo Show 8 holds its own even at higher volumes.
🎶 Stream from Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, or Audible with ease
💡 Smart Home Integration – Control Everything With Your Voice
With built-in Alexa, the Echo Show 8 can control thousands of compatible smart home devices. From adjusting your smart lights and thermostats to checking your Ring doorbell feed, it’s all hands-free.
The touch interface also adds a new layer of convenience, allowing you to tap to control lights, locks, or cameras.
🏠 Tip: Connect with devices like Philips Hue, TP-Link Kasa, and Ring for best results.
📺 Streaming, Recipes & Daily Use – A Real Utility Workhorse
The Echo Show 8 does more than just answer questions. You can:
- Stream Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu
- Follow step-by-step recipes via Food Network Kitchen
- Set timers, alarms, and reminders
- Check weather, calendar, and news headlines
- Display photos with Amazon Photos (acts as a smart digital photo frame)
Its adaptive interface tailors content to your usage patterns, making it smarter the more you use it.
⚙️ Performance – Faster and More Responsive
Under the hood, the Echo Show 8 is powered by the MediaTek MT8183 processor, which delivers noticeably better performance than the 1st Gen. You’ll notice faster app loading, smoother navigation, and quicker responses to voice commands.
Whether you’re switching between apps or starting a video call, the device handles multitasking well without lag.
🔐 Privacy Features – Designed With Trust in Mind
Amazon has taken major steps to make Echo devices more privacy-conscious:
- Physical camera shutter for peace of mind
- Mic on/off button for instant muting
- Voice recording controls in the Alexa app
- Option to say “Alexa, delete what I just said” for instant audio removal
These features help ensure your device works for you — not the other way around.
📍 Where Does It Fit Best?
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is perfect for:
- Kitchen: Follow video recipes and control timers with your voice
- Bedroom: Use it as a smart alarm clock and digital frame
- Living Room: Make video calls and stream shows
- Home Office: Join Zoom meetings and check your calendar
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
✅ Pros
- 13MP camera with auto-framing is excellent for video calls
- Crisp 8″ HD display with adjustable brightness
- Impressive stereo sound for the size
- Fast processor for smooth performance
- Built-in Alexa with touch + voice control
- Privacy-focused design with camera shutter and mic mute
- Zoom and Alexa Calling support
- Highly versatile – entertainment, productivity, smart home control
❌ Cons
- ❌ No Zigbee hub – limited native smart home pairing
- ❌ No YouTube app (only via browser)
- ❌ Limited third-party video calling support (Skype, Duo unsupported)
- ❌ Netflix experience is a bit basic compared to TVs or tablets
🛍️ Final Verdict – Is the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) Worth It?
Absolutely. The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) strikes a perfect balance between screen size, performance, and price. Whether you’re new to smart displays or upgrading from a smaller Echo device, this is one of the best all-round Alexa displays you can buy right now.
🌟 Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
🎯 Best For: Smart homes, video calling, media streaming, and daily productivity
🛒 Ready to Upgrade Your Smart Home?
👉 Click here to check the latest price and buy the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) on Amazon
🛑 Don’t wait — this popular smart display often goes on sale, especially during Prime Day, Black Friday, or seasonal promotions!