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Amazon Echo Spot Review: Features, Design, and Why It's a Must-Have Alexa Device

Amazon's Echo lineup has expanded rapidly, especially in 2017 with the second-generation Echo, Echo Plus, stylish Echo Look, and premium Echo Show.

Enter the Echo Spot, Amazon's latest Alexa-powered smart display exclusive to Prime members.

Echo Spot - Smart Display with Alexa - Black Echo Spot - Smart Display with Alexa - Black Buy Now On Amazon $129.99

With Alexa, a simple voice command handles everything from playing music to controlling smart home devices and more.

Let's dive into the Echo Spot, its place in Amazon's ecosystem, and standout features to help you decide if it's right for you.

What Is the Echo Spot?

The Echo Spot's standout feature is its vibrant 2.5-inch round touchscreen. Its puck-shaped design blends the compact form of the Echo Dot with the display smarts of the Echo Show. Seeing Is Believing: The Amazon Echo Show Review Does a voice assistant speaker really need a touch screen? The $230 Amazon Echo Show certainly makes a compelling case, with informative chops in flash video, song lyrics, and on-demand streaming from compatible security cameras. Read more.

Weighing 14.8 ounces and measuring 4.1 inches wide by 3.8 inches tall, the front houses the camera and screen, with the speaker grille below.

On the back: volume buttons, microphone and camera mute, quad-microphone array, power port, and 3.5mm audio output.

Amazon Echo Spot Review: Features, Design, and Why It s a Must-Have Alexa Device

Available in black or white casing and trim.

An optional adjustable stand lets you angle the screen perfectly—also in black or white.

Echo Spot - Adjustable Stand - Black Echo Spot - Adjustable Stand - Black Buy Now On Amazon $19.99

Touchscreen Features

The Echo Spot unlocks over 20,000 Alexa skills—and growing daily. Let's face it: Amazon Echo's Alexa is stupid There's no question that voice-controlled assistants are the future, but is Alexa the solution? Maybe not. In this article, I am going to argue that Alexa is pretty stupid. Read More. But its screen and camera elevate the experience.

Amazon Echo Spot Review: Features, Design, and Why It s a Must-Have Alexa Device

Unique to the Spot: customizable watch faces with 12 digital and analog options, ideal for nightstand use as a smart alarm clock. Snooze via voice or screen tap—no physical button.

It displays song lyrics, weather, and more, like the Echo Show. Videos play but get cropped to fit the small round screen, focusing on the center action.

Built for Video Calls

The front camera enables video chats with other Echo Show, Spot, or Alexa app users.

Amazon Echo Spot Review: Features, Design, and Why It s a Must-Have Alexa Device

Supports Drop In for quick check-ins (opt-in per contact), with initial blur for privacy. Also handles voice calls and messaging. How to use Amazon Echo voice calls and messages in 3 easy steps Your Amazon Echo device and Alexa have been busy learning some new tricks. Long-requested voice calls and messages add another layer of utility to the popular voice-activated speakerphone. Read more.

Full Smart Home Control

The screen excels in smart home management. Control lights, locks, and more via Alexa.

Amazon Echo Spot Review: Features, Design, and Why It s a Must-Have Alexa Device

View live feeds from Nest, Ring, Arlo, and others. Just say, “Alexa, show me the [camera name].” How to set up and use your Amazon Echo Did you just buy a new Amazon Echo? Here's a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know to get it set up and working perfectly. Read More.

Audio Isn't Its Strength

At Echo Dot size with a 1.4-inch speaker, it's not for audiophiles. Pair via 3.5mm aux or Bluetooth for better sound. Streams from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more. Amazon Echo Owners: Spotify Premium or Amazon Music Unlimited? Amazon Echo owners have a wide variety of ways to listen to music, including Spotify Premium and Amazon Music Unlimited. So we've put both to the test specifically on Amazon smart speakers. Read more. How to set up and use your Amazon Echo Dot Just got an Echo Dot and need help setting it up? We'll show you how to set up your Dot and explain everything you need to use it, as well as troubleshoot common problems. Read More.

Does the Echo Spot Hit the Mark?

Amazon Echo Spot Review: Features, Design, and Why It s a Must-Have Alexa Device

Over three years since the original Echo, Amazon has mastered Alexa integration across hardware.

The Spot isn't for everyone but shines at a fraction of the Echo Show's price—slightly above the second-gen Echo. It's perfect as a versatile bedside alarm clock and more.

Planning to buy an Echo Spot? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments.