Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025) review: a sleek redesign that actually delivers

It took a lot of people by surprise when Amazon unveiled just how big its product showcase was last September, bringing with it a stack of new devices. Tucked in amongst those announcements were two new Echo Shows, and I soon managed to get my hands on one for testing.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) is a premium 8.7-inch smart display featuring a major redesign, with the main difference from the new Echo Show 11 simply being its size. I couldn’t wait to try it, and you'll find my full thoughts below.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025) review: price and availability

The Echo Show 8 has an RRP of £179 and is available to buy from Amazon – of course. It's available in Glacier White or Graphite, and I've been reviewing the latter.

It's also available in multiple buying options, giving users the choice to get it for slightly less if purchased alongside a Ring video doorbell or something else.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025) review: unboxing and set up

The Echo Show 8 is really simple to setup, especially if you're already invested in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem. This means most of your settings are already within the setup process, and is usually just a case of logging on and making sure the Echo Show is added as a device.

I recorded a quick TikTok which you can see below to see just how quick it us.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025) review: design and features

You can tell the Echo Show 8 is a new upgraded version as it looks completely different to all other Echo models, now featuring a round, pill-shaped speaker base with a floating 8-inch thin screen.

There’s a slot for the optional magnetic stand, as well as a single power port located on the back. I actually decided to purchase an speaker stand which attaches to my plug outlet, raising the speaker above and keeping everything nice and tidy!

On the right-hand side you get the physical controls including volume, and a mute button that turns off the camera and microphone. There's unfortunately no slider that puts a privacy shutter across the 13 MP camera, which is a shame as that was one of my favourite features of its predecessor.

The Echo Show 8 is powered by Amazon’s AZ3 Pro chip with an AI accelerator, which helps make interactions feel snappy and responsive. The audio is also vastly improved with front-facing drivers and a dedicated woofer for richer, fuller sound that’s surprisingly good for a device of this size.

For smart home fans, it doubles as a hub supporting Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, letting you connect a wide range of lights, locks, sensors and more. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth ensure faster, more reliable connections, whilst Alexa integration makes voice-controlled automation seamless. On top of that, OmniSense smart sensors help the device detect presence and improve routine automation.

Visual ID is also built in, so the Echo Show 8 can recognise faces and show personalised information and appointments. This also works across multiple devices, so once your register yourself, your profile can follow you from one Echo Show to another.

One new feature announced during the big September launch was Alexa+, but it’s currently only available in the US. Whilst I haven’t been able to test it yet, it’s said to handle follow-up prompts and natural commands much better than the standard Alexa, so I can’t wait to see it in action when it finally arrives.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025) review: performance

I've had a really positive experience testing the new Amazon Echo Show 8, and there was a lot riding on it since my entire smart home is built around Alexa. The first thing to mention is that it reacts to voice commands faster than any predecessor. I wasn't too sure what to expect here without Alexa+, but it's obvious the OmniSense smart sensors do a fantastic job.

Everything you know and love about Alexa also remains, and the device handles all the usual tasks like controlling smart home devices, managing lists, checking calendars, and giving news updates without any issues. Watching Netflix and other streaming apps worked surprisingly well – in fact, this is the first time I’ve enjoyed using an Echo Show for streaming, largely thanks to the upgraded screen.

Speaking of, it's important to say that the 1340 x 800 resolution isn’t the sharpest in the world, but it’s fine for an 8-inch screen, with bright, evenly lit colours. There’s no HDR support, but overall picture quality is strong.

I was also impressed with the sound quality. It feels nicely balanced overall, with clear vocals and enough depth from the dedicated woofer to avoid a tinny effect. At higher volumes, it easily filled the kitchen, and is more than capable of handling a small gathering or dinner party.

The user interface is clean and easy to navigate. When idle, it can rotate through personal photos, recipes or themed image collections. The recipe suggestions have been a particular favourite of mine, even if they do leave me feeling hungry at random points throughout the day.

Widgets are clear, easy to read and highly customisable, which I’ve especially appreciated whilst reviewing different smart home devices, allowing me to tailor the layout to prioritise the ones I was using most. A quick swipe down opens the control centre for fast access to settings and connected hubs, whilst swiping left cycles through your personalised widgets.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025) review: verdict

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) feels like a confident step forward for the Echo lineup. The refreshed design looks more modern and premium, performance is noticeably improved, and the upgraded audio makes it far better suited to music and casual streaming than previous generations. Whilst the absence of a physical privacy shutter and Alexa+ is disappointing, neither drawback detracts from what is otherwise one of the strongest Echo Shows Amazon has released so far.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025) review: alternatives to consider

If you’d rather go bigger, the Echo Show 15 is worth considering – it doubles as a small TV and household hub with Fire TV integration, though it has fewer sensors.

For a smaller alternative, the Echo Dot Max delivers many of the core Alexa features without the screen, which might actually suit you better if you prefer a more minimal setup. It’s also noticeably cheaper, making it a smart way to save money whilst still getting an Alexa experience.