ConsFirst / Smart displays / Compare
Amazon Echo Show 11 vs Amazon Echo Show 15 (2024)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Amazon Echo Show 11 ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 7) and scores better on screen & photos, sound, assistant & smart home. Amazon Echo Show 15 (2024) wins on privacy & ads, reliability.
The biggest complaint about the Amazon Echo Show 11 is lots of ads on screen; for the Amazon Echo Show 15 (2024) it's mediocre sound. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Amazon Echo Show 11 | Amazon Echo Show 15 (2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart displays | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Mid-size display | Large wall display |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 15% | 11% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.4 |
| Screen & photos | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Sound | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Assistant & smart home | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy & ads | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Reliability | 3.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Amazon Echo Show 11
- Lots of ads on screen
CNET's one listed con is that, left alone, it shows a lot of ads. Wirecutter says Echo Show displays air sponsored posts and ads tied to your purchases and searches, which can be reduced but not removed.
- Same as the cheaper Show 8, with a crowded interface
PCMag lists the cluttered interface and 'same exact features and sound quality as the Echo Show 8' as cons. Amazon's summary says some owners don't think it's worth the cost.
- Glitches and connection problems for some
Amazon's summary says some owners report it being very glitchy and others say it won't connect to their smart devices at all.
Amazon Echo Show 15 (2024)
- Mediocre sound
PCMag says it's louder but not better, with limited range and brittle treble. CNET says its speakers and camera are lower quality than other Echos'.
Source: PCMag review, CNET best smart displays - Awkward setup and placement
Wirecutter says it needs more setup than any other display it tested and is too large to place where the touchscreen is comfortable; a table stand costs extra ($100 per PCMag). CNET says it needs a lot of space.
- Photo pillarboxing and suggestion clutter
Wirecutter found massive pillarboxing on photos that don't match the screen's orientation. PCMag says the rotating screens include shopping and content suggestions you'll want to switch off; CNET finds widgets awkward.
Who should pick which
Pick the Amazon Echo Show 11 if
Following recipes on a kitchen counter
Larger rooms where you watch from a distance
Video calls with an auto-framing camera
Skip it if: You'd be happy with the Show 8 (same features, lower price per PCMag); You want an ad-free screen; You want a sliding camera cover
Pick the Amazon Echo Show 15 (2024) if
A family calendar and photo frame on the wall
Casual TV watching in a kitchen
Households that want a camera shutter
Skip it if: You want good music sound; You'll put it on a counter (stand sold separately); You want the best value (Wirecutter prefers the Show 8)
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