Amazon Echo (2nd gen. 2017)

Decent audio for the size ; Full smart home hub ; Ready for Alexa+

Doesn't sound as good as the old standard Echo

Improved bass, better overall audio quality and a Zigbee/Thread smart home hub built in, the Amazon Echo Dot Max might be more expensive than its predecessor but it’s a clear upgrade. If you want the best audio quality then the Echo Studio (2025) is a...

Neat control system ; Well balanced and clear audio ; Responds quickly ; New presence sensor adds options for Routines

Core features not yet available ; Audio quality not as good as the original Echo Studio's

A neat, compact, and well-priced smart speaker, the Amazon Echo Studio (2025) delivers immersive audio in a small package, with a clean, balanced soundstage that adds warmth and depth thanks to the dedicated woofer, though it lacks the room-shaking...

Excellent value ; Easy to set up ; Expandable range of skills ; Clean audio and simple voice control

Similarly priced speakers offer better sound

It doesn’t have the audio prowess to take on the best Bluetooth speakers. However, clear audio, great looks and a significantly lower price than the original make this smart assistant a winner.

Cheaper than predecessor ; Attractive, interchangeable shells ; Powerful microphones ; Alexa keeps getting smarter

Subpar audio quality

Cherlynn is reviews editor of Engadget. She led a mostly unexciting life in Singapore, her home country, until she came to New York in 2012. Since then, she's earned her master's in journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism...

Here is a program I just invented with Alexa.

Interchangeable shell allows you to mix up design ; Updated Alexa features include individual voice recognition and routines ; Compact ; Audio output Jack

Sound on calling feature was more muffled than with original Echo ; Acoustics better with firmware upgrade, still hoped for bigger sound

We’re glad the Echo is more affordable and more compact than before, but a little disappointed sound quality took a turn for the worse. Overall, the new Echo is more approachable and will likely be extremely popular.

Rich, powerful sound on both speakers. Updated design with easier buttons and tap controls. Has Alexa+ right away, no waiting list required. Smart-home hub built into both.

Buttons can show oil stains from skin contact. Echo Dot Max costs twice as much as past Dot models, and the Studio is still on the expensive end for a smart speaker.