Although the Amazon Echo ( 4th Generation ) and the Amazon Echo Dot ( 5th Generation ) may look similar , there are some fundamental differences between the two Alexa - powered smart loudspeaker system .
We ’ve critique both theAmazon Echo ( 4th Gen)and theAmazon Echo Dot ( 5th Gen)and compared the specs here , so you could determine which twist is better suit for your home .
Keep reading to learn more about the two saucy speakers and how they differ in esteem to price , design , feature film and reasoned quality .
Design
In term of show there is n’t much to separate the Amazon Echo and Amazon Echo Dot as they expect almost identical . feature the orbicular design that was put in with the Echo Dot , our referee concluded that this elan “ look as dear today as it did when the product was launched ” .
Both Echo twist have the same release layout too ( including bulk , Action and Mute ) which are raised with case-by-case shapes so they ’re easier to select . The status ring light for both can be found at the bottom of the verbaliser , which we think is a welcome change as it still gets your tending for presentment but the Inner Light itself is much less intrusive than former speaker .
The dispute between the two come with connectivity . While the Amazon Echo has two ports , a major power input and a 3.5 mm sound recording yield , the latter is missing from the newer Echo Dot . However , we do n’t think this is an issue , as we found the 3.5 mm sound output to be an unneeded feature .
Features
Naturally as Amazon devices , both the Echo and Echo Dot are equipped with the part assistant Alexa which can respond to most queries and request with simplicity .
Both Echo devices also include theZigbeeHub which makes see your smart place devices easier , by earmark you to add chic home devices includingsmart plugsandthermostatsto your Echo twist without having to use additional hub or bridges .
Amazon bring out its unexampled Low Power mode with the Echo ( 4th Gen ) which reduces how much energy the speaker system practice while idle . Although utile , the caveat of this is that if Spotify is linked to your Echo then the Low Power feature wo n’t work , however this has been improved with the Echo Dot which no longer has this confinement .
Also fresh with the Echo Dot is the raw ascendence feature which allows users to keep in line the Echo with a elementary spigot . This is utile for control the equipment when a phonation instruction is n’t convenient .
Both the Echo and Echo Dot also have a built - in temperature sensor which you may use to spark Alexa Routines . For example , if the sensor detects a elbow room is too red-hot , it can automatically sprain on a impertinent fan to cool it down .
The Echo Dot , however , goes further and has Ultrasound Motion Detection built - in which can also be used in Routines . This means Alexa can turn on a light when apparent movement is discover or turn off the heating when no motion is detected .
Sound quality
Amazon managed to squeeze in two 0.8 - inch tweeters and a 3 - column inch woofer into the Echo and although there ’s not enough space to allow for right stereoscopic picture separation , our reviewer concluded you still “ get a clear sense of the stereo force . ” The dual tweeter also appropriate for more item , with clarity and niceness pull out from the euphony .
Our reviewer concluded with the Echo that it ’s “ good when at mid - volume spirit level ” as the speech sound “ gets muddier ” at maximum volume .
The Echo Dot however has a gravid 1.73 - in front - firing speaker which delivers more bass than its predecessor . Our reviewer conclude that although the cooking stove “ is n’t as right as with the standard Echo speaker ” for the price it delivers “ a surprisingly practiced audio experience . ”
Pricing and availability
The older Echo ( 4th coevals ) has an RRP of £ 109.99/$99.99 which is substantially more expensive than the Echo Dot ’s RRP of £ 54.99/$49.99 . However we have seen deals and bundle offers usable for both gadget , so it is potential to snap up a bargain . you could see the in vogue damage below .