Originally I was going to maybe rate this 4 stars, but honestly, this is EXACTLY what I've been looking for and nothing even comes remotely close to it, so I'll go ahead and list everything it does great, followed by what needs improvements, and finally what you should NOT purchase this for... and at the end I'll go over the "general" stuff like screen and sound.
IF YOU DON'T WANT TO PULL OUT YOUR PHONE & GO TO ALEXA APP
This is honestly the only reason you should be buying this. Because you can already do everything and more directly on the Alexa app on your phone. So you need to (a) see yourself using the Alexa app a lot, and (b) wish you had it on your wall.
IF YOU HAVE SMART DEVICES
Without these, this is just an overpriced and very bad tablet. Maybe you want to control a few devices around your house like your lights, look at the front door camera. If your requirements aren't too specific with these and you just are willing to take what you can get, then this is it.
IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE OTHER ALEXA SPEAKERS
This really does help bring them together, because you now have a screen, although you might save some money if you get one of the other Echo Show devices. It's cool to have it up on the wall, be able to again, not use your phone, not pull out some tablet, to change songs.
IF YOU WANT A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF SECURITY & THERMOSTAT
This will display your Ring alarm status, let you arm and disarm it, and see what your thermostat is set to from another location across the house (I wouldn't recommend putting them side by side, that's a waste.)
IF YOU WANT YOUR HOME TO FEEL "MODERN" SMART
This reminds me of things I've seen at high-end hotels. It's just cool to have a touchscreen tablet on the wall, and be able to adjust some lights, play music, adjust the temperature.
___________________
DO >>NOT<< BUY FOR:
1) Managing your device settings. This does a poor job. Your phone can do better. This should only be there to access frequently used devices you've already set up but don't want to navigate through your phone to access.
2) Speakers. This isn't it. The sound isn't awful but it's not great, and you should only use this as a supplement to other speakers you already have in your home.
3) Watching videos. Don't do it. I know you might think it'll be nice to put this in the kitchen and watch something while you cook, just get some other display or tablet.
4) Controlling everything. This kind of ties into #1 above but this should only be set it and forget it, quickly click what you can fit on the screen, and overview of your devices per room. Don't spend a lot of time navigating around. Just get any other tablet at that point.
5) Highly specific apps. The apps on it are lackluster. Have some really cool specific idea? You won't be able to do it or it'll end up being bad. You likely won't be able to do exactly what you want, only as I mentioned very very very basic things.
__________________
THE REALLY BAD, DEFINITELY DON'T BUY:
1) Device groups. Currently not supported. If you "favorite" a group of smart devices, it doesn't display it and you can pretty much only do one device at a time, with the "group" being the entire group like "Living Room." This was almost a deal-breaker for me, hopefully they add it later, but I've since found some workarounds for me specific use case. But I wanted to group four mart lights in a room, per room, and have it all display under favorites and could not do that.
2) Smooth tablet experience. Nope, this is going to feel like a really cheap tablet because it is a really cheap tablet. You're going to have to be patient and wait one second or maybe even two for some things, and you'll see it stutter once in a while. This is still miles better than anything else like it that's meant to go on your wall. But probably one of the worst if you're comparing it to an iPad or high-end Samsung tablet.
__________________
The Screen:
Feels like a really cheap tablet, but they make it work for what it is. The size could have been bigger but honestly then it'd look weird and not like a wall panel. I like it, I just wish there was some more customizability (there isn't really.)
The Audio:
Again, feels like a really cheap tablet or laptop.
The Design:
Works out for being wall-mounted. I like the big bezel.
Portability:
No. Almost none. Do not expect to unplug this and move it around.
The Software:
Needs some work but it's not as terrible as people make it out to be. I've noticed a few minor bugs like arming my Ring if a device needs a bypass gets it stuck with no error, just loading. Smart thermostat (Nest) if you try to set it to let's say 72 to 73, it will error out vaguely when you should remember that you need a bigger gap between the low and high number. Cameras take a bit to load but they also do that on the apps in any case. It'll only get better from here.
The Cost:
I wish it would have been closer to $100, but hey, I bought it at full price because I saw the value. If you do not see the value, do not buy it, you'll be disappointed. This is the type of product that's simultaneously worth $50 and $500.
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Carbon impact
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
As certified by
Reducing CO2 The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
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Reviews with images
Decent smart hub
2/28/24: Just got the echo hub last night and have been playing around with it. So far, my overall impressions are good. Been able to integrate much of my smart home into the device even though I use Smartthings as my base. I have noticed, the device can be a little laggy when setting up the dashboard and moving from menu to menu. Did not have any issues with my ring alarm (except for a short response delay when changing to away) or ring cameras. I additionally have some Arlo cameras, and that worked but took more time to view than the ring cameras. I love how there is no camera built in. I am fine with the size of the device, it fits nicely where I placed it. I am hoping since this is brand new more integrations are coming. I did at first had an issue with the power supply provided. I had to reset the USB into the power supply and currently have it plugged directly into an outlet right below my set up. I have not tried POE with it. Since the initial set up, I have had no issues with the power supply or power to the device. I am actually fine with no battery to the device, it makes sense to me and if it helps keep the cost down, I am for it. Plus one less thing I have to worry about going wrong with the device is an issue with the battery. Just like the other echo devices it's supposed to be stationary so again, I don't see an issue with lack of battery. It's not a tablet. I have been able to control all devices through the hub which are actually connected to my smarthings hub. I have not attempted to connect anything directly to the Hub, may for the thread router but probably will never use the zigbee as I have another hub for that. But I do like having these options and the ability to do so. Would be nice to see Z wave to round out the hub experience but definitely not upset about missing that again due to having my main hub having that capability. I do have sidewalk engaged on the hub along with my other echos and looking forward ehat products come out that incorporate that tech. I like how I was able to connect the hub to a specific multi-room music group. That has been very useful feature. I am still playing around with the features but so far not bad at all.Overall, this is a good first start on a hub. I hope more integrations will be coming. Additionally, I hope some of the lagging and bugs get fixed through future updates though I haven't had too many issues. Would be nice to see more integration with other smart home systems like smartthings, etc. The real benefit is that my wife enjoys using it as it has been easy for her to utilize where as she does not like my custom dashboards I have put together with other programs which I do enjoy nerding it up with them. She is not a huge tech person so having this has been a good bridge for her to use all the smart tech I have in our house. Finally, I am fine with the so long as they do not start placing ads on it, that also has been a good bonus I hope amazon keeps with this device. Will add additional updates when needed.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
The major downside is the issue with the power as others have mentioned it should have an network interface for POE instead of having to buy an $80 splitter plus an injector if you don't have POE switch.
Tried cheating by adding a 30ft usb cable extender that didn't work.
Setup and software is glitchy too, missed all my groups when first installed had to do a factory reset.
I found a cheaper POE splitter that someone recommended on Reddit so we'll see how that goes. I like the unit as far as a 1st gen, but really they should have thought the power issue through.
Edit: 03/03/2024 The support for POE is very poor as stated the one I tried had the same specs as the one listed by Amazon and didn't work connected to a POE+ switch.
Looking at just getting a 12 ft usb-a to usb-c cord and running to a nearby outlet. Unless you buy the recommended splitter I wouldn't bother trying POE. After using a few days the hub is actually fine.
Edit 03/17/24 I really wish they thought the power issue through on this. I gave up trying even using longer USB cords. Just ended up fishing the original cord down the wall to an extension cord. Pairing speakers also doesn't work well they'll play for awhile then stop.
Configuration: Device onlyVerified Purchase
Ok for a first version but needs improvement
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
It's well made and the mounting is easy. We had a wall mounted phone in the kitchen that we weren't using the bracket included with the hub fits perfectly.Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
The major downside is the issue with the power as others have mentioned it should have an network interface for POE instead of having to buy an $80 splitter plus an injector if you don't have POE switch.
Tried cheating by adding a 30ft usb cable extender that didn't work.
Setup and software is glitchy too, missed all my groups when first installed had to do a factory reset.
I found a cheaper POE splitter that someone recommended on Reddit so we'll see how that goes. I like the unit as far as a 1st gen, but really they should have thought the power issue through.
Edit: 03/03/2024 The support for POE is very poor as stated the one I tried had the same specs as the one listed by Amazon and didn't work connected to a POE+ switch.
Looking at just getting a 12 ft usb-a to usb-c cord and running to a nearby outlet. Unless you buy the recommended splitter I wouldn't bother trying POE. After using a few days the hub is actually fine.
Edit 03/17/24 I really wish they thought the power issue through on this. I gave up trying even using longer USB cords. Just ended up fishing the original cord down the wall to an extension cord. Pairing speakers also doesn't work well they'll play for awhile then stop.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024
Configuration: Device onlyVerified Purchase
2/28/24: Just got the echo hub last night and have been playing around with it. So far, my overall impressions are good. Been able to integrate much of my smart home into the device even though I use Smartthings as my base. I have noticed, the device can be a little laggy when setting up the dashboard and moving from menu to menu. Did not have any issues with my ring alarm (except for a short response delay when changing to away) or ring cameras. I additionally have some Arlo cameras, and that worked but took more time to view than the ring cameras. I love how there is no camera built in. I am fine with the size of the device, it fits nicely where I placed it. I am hoping since this is brand new more integrations are coming. I did at first had an issue with the power supply provided. I had to reset the USB into the power supply and currently have it plugged directly into an outlet right below my set up. I have not tried POE with it. Since the initial set up, I have had no issues with the power supply or power to the device. I am actually fine with no battery to the device, it makes sense to me and if it helps keep the cost down, I am for it. Plus one less thing I have to worry about going wrong with the device is an issue with the battery. Just like the other echo devices it's supposed to be stationary so again, I don't see an issue with lack of battery. It's not a tablet. I have been able to control all devices through the hub which are actually connected to my smarthings hub. I have not attempted to connect anything directly to the Hub, may for the thread router but probably will never use the zigbee as I have another hub for that. But I do like having these options and the ability to do so. Would be nice to see Z wave to round out the hub experience but definitely not upset about missing that again due to having my main hub having that capability. I do have sidewalk engaged on the hub along with my other echos and looking forward ehat products come out that incorporate that tech. I like how I was able to connect the hub to a specific multi-room music group. That has been very useful feature. I am still playing around with the features but so far not bad at all.
Overall, this is a good first start on a hub. I hope more integrations will be coming. Additionally, I hope some of the lagging and bugs get fixed through future updates though I haven't had too many issues. Would be nice to see more integration with other smart home systems like smartthings, etc. The real benefit is that my wife enjoys using it as it has been easy for her to utilize where as she does not like my custom dashboards I have put together with other programs which I do enjoy nerding it up with them. She is not a huge tech person so having this has been a good bridge for her to use all the smart tech I have in our house. Finally, I am fine with the so long as they do not start placing ads on it, that also has been a good bonus I hope amazon keeps with this device. Will add additional updates when needed.
Overall, this is a good first start on a hub. I hope more integrations will be coming. Additionally, I hope some of the lagging and bugs get fixed through future updates though I haven't had too many issues. Would be nice to see more integration with other smart home systems like smartthings, etc. The real benefit is that my wife enjoys using it as it has been easy for her to utilize where as she does not like my custom dashboards I have put together with other programs which I do enjoy nerding it up with them. She is not a huge tech person so having this has been a good bridge for her to use all the smart tech I have in our house. Finally, I am fine with the so long as they do not start placing ads on it, that also has been a good bonus I hope amazon keeps with this device. Will add additional updates when needed.
Images in this review
