Refreshed May 2025 with new Matter/Thread features, Alexa Plus AI, and updated pricing.
Quick Verdict
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is still the best‑value Alexa display—now with a built‑in Thread border router, Matter controller, and Alexa+ conversational AI for only $99 on sale.
EchoTekk Rating: 4.6 / 5
What’s New Since 2024
| Upgrade | 2024 Model | 2025 Firmware / Market Change |
|---|---|---|
| Price & promos | Launch promo $129.99 | MSRP $149.99; sales $99–119; Refurb $79–89 |
| Smart-home radios | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Matter controller + Thread border-router |
| Voice engine | Alexa | Alexa+ with natural dialogue |
| Processor & audio | Generic octa-core | MT8188J + AZ2 NPU, spatial audio |
| Camera AI | 13 MP auto-frame | Auto-zoom & pet recognition v2 |
| Matter energy APIs | None | Energy Dashboard; 12 % median savings |
| Privacy | Shutter & mic-off | Local voice fallback; auto-delete options |
Key Features (2025)
8‑inch HD (1280 × 800) touchscreen with adaptive colour and ambient EQ.
13 MP camera—auto‑framing, wide FOV, pet detection notifications.
Built‑in smart‑home hub: Wi‑Fi, BLE, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Sidewalk.
MT8188J SoC + AZ2 NPU for faster on‑device Alexa Plus responses.
Stereo speakers with spatial audio and adaptive room calibration.
Energy Dashboard surfaces plug/thermostat usage and suggests savings.
Privacy controls: mechanical shutter, mic/camera off button, local fallback.
Specs at a Glance
| Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Specifications – 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Display | 8″ HD (1280 × 800, 60 Hz) |
| Camera | 13 MP f/2.0, 1080p 30 fps |
| Processor | MT8188J + AZ2 NPU |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.1, Zigbee, Thread, Matter |
| Audio | Dual 2″ full-range + passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 7.9″ × 5.4″ × 3.6″ (2.3 lb) |
| MSRP | $149.99 |
| Sale price | $99–119 (typical) |
Benefits
Least‑expensive Thread/Matter hub—ideal entry for modern smart homes.
Alexa Plus natural‑language upgrades make routines easier to create.
Camera AI doubles as a mini security cam with pet alerts.
Strong sound for its size thanks to spatial audio & new drivers.
Affordable & compact—fits nightstands, kitchens, or offices.
Drawbacks
No rotating screen (Echo Show 10 advantage).
Bass can’t match Show 10 or Nest Hub Max.
No battery backup.
Shiny bezels look dated compared to rumored OLED Show 9.
Echo Lineup & Competitor Snapshot (Mid‑2025)
| Feature | Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | Echo Hub (2025) | Google Nest Hub 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 8″ static HD | 10″ wall / tabletop | 7″ static 1024p |
| Built-in hub | Zigbee, Thread, Matter | Zigbee, Thread, Matter | Thread + Matter |
| Voice engine | Alexa+ | Alexa+ | Gemini |
| Camera | 13 MP | None | No camera |
| Price (street) | $99–119 | $199 | $69 |
Privacy & Security in 2025
Alexa+ now processes wake‑word and quick commands locally if the internet drops. Use Settings › Privacy to enable auto‑delete of recordings every 3 months.
Energy‑Saving Potential
Show 8’s Energy Dashboard integrates with Matter smart plugs/thermostats; Amazon quotes a 12 % median bill reduction for users who enable suggested routines.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Echo Show 9 rumor: 9.5″ OLED, slimmer bezels, on‑device LLM via next‑gen NPU.
Matter 2.0 camera & energy clusters will unlock deeper automation.
Buy & Save
FAQs
Q: Does Show 8 replace a Hue Bridge?
A: Basic scenes yes; advanced features still need Hue Bridge.
Q: Is Thread required?
A: Only if you own Thread sensors; otherwise Wi‑Fi/Matter keeps things simple.
Q: Can it run routines offline?
A: Quick commands & locally saved routines work during short outages.
