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Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen, 2025) 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 8 (4th Gen, 2025) ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 7) and scores better on sound, assistant & smart home. Amazon Echo Show 15 (2024) wins on privacy & ads, reliability.
The biggest complaint about the Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen, 2025) is no physical camera shutter; 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 8 (4th Gen, 2025) | Amazon Echo Show 15 (2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart displays | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Mid-size display | Large wall display |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 15% | 11% |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.4 |
| Screen & photos | 4.0 | 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 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.
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 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+)
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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