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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)
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8‑inch HD (1280 × 800) touchscreen with adaptive colour and ambient EQ.
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13 MP camera—auto‑framing, wide FOV, pet detection notifications.
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Built‑in smart‑home hub: Wi‑Fi, BLE, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Sidewalk.
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MT8188J SoC + AZ2 NPU for faster on‑device Alexa Plus responses.
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Stereo speakers with spatial audio and adaptive room calibration.
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Energy Dashboard surfaces plug/thermostat usage and suggests savings.
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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
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No rotating screen (Echo Show 10 advantage).
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Bass can’t match Show 10 or Nest Hub Max.
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No battery backup.
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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
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Echo Show 9 rumor: 9.5″ OLED, slimmer bezels, on‑device LLM via next‑gen NPU.
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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.
