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Amazon Echo Show 11 vs Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen, 2025)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Amazon Echo Show 11 ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 7) and scores better on screen & photos.
The biggest complaint about the Amazon Echo Show 11 is lots of ads on screen; for the Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen, 2025) it's no physical camera shutter. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Amazon Echo Show 11 | Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen, 2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart displays | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Mid-size display | Mid-size display |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 15% | 15% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Screen & photos | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Sound | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Assistant & smart home | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Privacy & ads | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Reliability | 3.0 | 3.0 |
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 8 (4th Gen, 2025)
- 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.
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 8 (4th Gen, 2025) if
Kitchens and bedrooms where you also want good music
Alexa homes with Zigbee, Thread or Matter devices
Trying Alexa+ on a screen
Skip it if: 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+)
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