ConsFirst / Smart displays / Compare
Amazon Echo Show 11 vs Amazon Echo Show 21
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Amazon Echo Show 11 ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 7) and scores better on screen & photos, sound, assistant & smart home. Amazon Echo Show 21 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 21 it's pricey for what it does. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Amazon Echo Show 11 | Amazon Echo Show 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart displays | #1 | #4 |
| 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 21
- Pricey for what it does
PCMag lists 'pricey' as a con and prefers smaller Echos with better sound; Tom's Guide says its use is more niche than other displays.
- Average sound
PCMag says it is loud but unrefined, with distortion on bass hits and brittle treble, and that an Echo Studio sounds much better for less.
Source: PCMag review - Stand extra and suggestion clutter
No stand in the box; Amazon's adjustable stand costs $100 (PCMag). PCMag says you'll want to disable most rotating screens unless you like suggestions every five minutes.
Source: PCMag review
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 21 if
A small TV plus smart-home hub in the kitchen
The biggest family calendar and photo frame
Checking a room remotely through the camera
Skip it if: You want good sound for the money; You're on a budget; You'll stand it on a counter (stand sold separately)
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.