Amazon Echo Dot and Echo Review - Revisited

What we got wrong about Alexa and the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot in our original reviews of the devices, how these speakers now compare to Google speakers and how Alexa compares to the Google Assistant, and we'll discuss whether in 2023 its now better to go for Amazon smart speakers over Google Assistant speakers.

We'll review what's new with the latest generation of Echo and Echo Dot speakers, the improvements Amazon made to the hardware design and how it compares to smart speakers from Google and Apple. We'll also take a look at how fast the response time is for Alexa, how that compares to the Google Assistant in our experience, the progress Amazon has made in search queries and smart home control with it's assistant, the setup process for these devices, sound quality, and which speakers we recommend people should pick up.

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0:00 - Hardware design
1:53 - Audio quality
2:22 - Alexa Response Time vs. Google Assistant
4:03 - Alexa vs. Google Assistant for Search
6:44 - Alexa advantages
7:10 - Smart Home Control
8:14 - Setup experience
8:32 - Amazon's flexibility with devices
9:05 - Issue with marks on table
10:01 - AirPlay 2 and Chromecast Support
10:31 - Other needed improvements
10:50 - Recommendation
12:23 - What about the Echo Studio?
12:52 - Best speaker for casual listening?

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#amazon
#echo
#alexa
#echodot
#googleassistant

[MonthsLater]

**Note, the Echo Dot doesn’t have a Zigbee hub built in and the 5th gen removed the 3.5 mm out port.
Purchase links and reviews mentioned in video:

[gulcinalnuaimi]

Title is very misleading. It has nothing to do with comparing the two Echo versions. All of the talk is about google home vs alexa.

[darkness]

Came for an Echo review. Not how much you love Sonos.

[bellexxoo]

I switched primarily to Amazon dots (I am not fussed about sound quality) a while ago because I liked their functionality better and also as mentioned how they can link to kindle and audible. They work with Apple music also and I prefer the answers and speed. I also prefer the smart doorbell. Probably the main reason however was the single word "call" phrase 'Alexa' for general enquiries rather than "Hey Google" which I often had to repeat. (I know you can set up shortcuts but not worth the effort)

[usa-earth]

Josh, for the echo dot 4th gen, it does not have a zigbee hub whereas the Echo does. It’s not a big issue, but I have motion sensors that are Zigbee and it was nice to not have to get another hub.

[bnwinsf]

Both Alexa and Google Assistant on Sonos provide a sub-standard experience. Not all commands and options for either are available on Sonos. I found it rather frustrating, and that's why I no longer use them on Sonos. I actually like the Sonos assistant on Sonos (works fine for music). And I have a couple Echos for Alexa (Google devices have always been wonky for me).

[ladiesloveghost.]

1:57 You can adjust the EQ through Amazon Alexa app.

[heinekenswordfish]

Strongly agree with everything said here. I set up both Google Home and Amazon Echo devices throughout my house when I moved 7 years ago. At first Google seemed light years ahead. But over the past 2-3 years, it seems Google has gotten noticeably slower and the Echo has gotten noticeably better. I now use the Echo for all my daily asks (weather, time, news) because I can't stand the small delay every time I ask the Home, and as mentioned their ability to answer more complex questions is now very comparable.

[Slocko]

The grass is never greener on either side.

I do like the simplicity of Amazon's drop in feature.

[Alex-njhe]

Is it worth getting an Amazon echo for my first smart speaker instead of a Sonos roam? I like Sonos more for it’s portability, but also I put the sound quality to doubt. Is Sonos sounding good enough as an Amazon echo?

[AlonsoCorreaTyph]

I was considering buy some Alexa devices but thanks to your reviews I still will stick with Google

[rod]

Hi, They removed the speaker out on the 5th gen echo I have.

[filipasilva]

Like your video.
I think that depends the language and country that you in.
I'm from Portugal and the Google assistant in Portuguese doesn't permit that you do routines and other stuff but the Alexa you can talk in Portuguese and she understands.

[Yama_]

Have you considered using a coaster? :)

[joeklamut]

Great review Josh! You're the best!

[Kleastic]

Keep in mind and look up the all the articles about how Amazon has spied on people through those this is happened on more than one occasion. They've been caught doing this

[oliversmith]

Connect Echo Dot to your own speaker via 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth, or setting your Preferred Speaker and also has a good dimensity chip.

[NicCrimson]

This a kinda niche but could you cover how they perform without internet access?

[JimmyFantage]

So I'm going to get the big Echo for the loudest sound for phone calls. Thanks

[vinhennessy]

😅Echo Show 4 and Echo Dot are now wi-fi extenders if you have their Eero Wifi Mesh system. Which makes it a stronger connectivity with compatible devices and soon to come Matter