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Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen, 2025) vs Amazon Echo Show 21
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 #4 of 7) and scores better on sound, assistant & smart home. Amazon Echo Show 21 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 21 it's pricey for what it does. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen, 2025) | Amazon Echo Show 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart displays | #2 | #4 |
| 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 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 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 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.