(checked 2026-10-10)8,273 ratings pooled with the Echo Show 11 on the same listing (same ratings and summary on both pages).
The top pick at both PCMag and Tom's Guide: a sharp 8.7-inch screen, room-filling sound and Alexa+ built in. The physical camera shutter is gone, the interface is cluttered, Echo Show screens run ads, and about 1 in 7 Amazon ratings (pooled with the Show 11) are 1 or 2 stars.
Subscription: Optional: Alexa+ is free with Prime or $19.99/mo without it (PCMag); you can opt out of Alexa+ (Wirecutter)
Top complaints
- No physical camera shutter
Tom's Guide lists the missing physical privacy shutter as a con; there is only an electronic button. PCMag says the button, app or voice can kill the camera, but a shutter gave extra peace of mind on older models.
- Cluttered interface and ads
PCMag calls the touch screen and Alexa app crowded and confusing, with a shopping option at the top of the Devices tab. Wirecutter says Echo Show displays air sponsored posts and ads that you can reduce but not remove.
- Glitches for some owners; costs more than before
Amazon's review summary (shared with the Show 11) says some owners find it very glitchy or say it won't connect to smart devices. PCMag notes a $30 price rise over the 3rd gen, and Tom's Guide wishes the $40 swivel stand were included.
What owners love
- Big sound for its size
PCMag says it fills a medium room at 50% volume with clear mids and present bass. Tom's Guide loved the audio in a bedroom and kitchen.
- Alexa+ makes voice control easier
PCMag created routines just by asking and found Alexa+ handles natural phrasing like 'It's too dark in here.' Tom's Guide calls Alexa+ a decent upgrade.
- Built-in smart home hub
Zigbee, Thread and Matter support (Tom's Guide, PCMag), plus Omnisense presence sensing for room-aware routines.
- You want a sliding cover over the camera
- You don't want ads or shopping prompts on screen
- You already own the 3rd-gen Show 8 (PCMag says it also gets Alexa+)
- Kitchens and bedrooms where you also want good music
- Alexa homes with Zigbee, Thread or Matter devices
- Trying Alexa+ on a screen
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- PCMag: Best overall (list updated 2026-07-07), 4.5/5 Editors' Choice. Bright screen, room-filling sound, Alexa+; cons are a higher price and a cluttered interface.
- Tom's Guide: Best smart display overall (updated 2026-08-17). Great audio and Alexa+, but no physical camera shutter and it can't act as an eero Wi-Fi extender.
- CNET: CNET still lists the older 3rd-gen Show 8 (2023) as best compact display; the 4th gen isn't reviewed there.