(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,823 ratings).
A wall-mounted smart-home control panel rather than an entertainment screen: easy touch control, no camera. Its speaker is weak, CNET found it slow, and Amazon owners report freezes and firmware problems: 1 in 5 ratings are 1 or 2 stars, the most here.
Subscription: Optional: Alexa+ is free with Prime or $19.99/mo without it (PCMag); CNET lists Alexa+ support
Top complaints
- Slow and freezes
CNET lists slow response time. Amazon's summary says owners find it slow, report it freezing on a black unresponsive screen, and are mixed on reliability with some firmware problems.
- Weak audio, no entertainment
PCMag lists weak audio and Tom's Guide says its speakers aren't as powerful as the Show 8's. CNET says a hub without entertainment options is a tough sell outside Alexa.
- Limited customization and Ring-only cameras
CNET says camera previews only work with Ring devices; Amazon owners say widgets can hardly be customized, report Ring integration issues and say it's not worth the money.
What owners love
- Touch-first smart home control
PCMag's best smart home control panel, with a touch-friendly interface; Wirecutter says it's much better than an Echo Show for touch control.
- Easy setup
CNET calls it easy to set up with an intuitive interface; Amazon owners also find setup easy.
- No camera
No camera at all (PCMag, CNET).
- You want music or video
- You aren't using Alexa and Ring
- You want a fast, stable screen
- A wall panel for lights, locks and Ring cameras
- Family members who won't talk to Alexa
- Rooms where you don't want a camera
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- PCMag: Best smart home control panel, 4/5. Large bright display and fast Alexa; weak audio.
- CNET: Best smart home control display. Easy and intuitive, but slow to respond, no dark mode and Ring-only camera previews.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Other good option for guests and non-Alexa-savvy family; Wirecutter prefers the Show 8's look, sound and price. Needs a wall mount or a separate stand.