Amazon Echo smart speakers dominate their market. But finding the ideal device for you can be challenging.
Fret not: in our Amazon Echo Dot versus Echo Pop article, we compare both to help you find the perfect one for your home.
- Amazon Echo Dot, £54.99 – buy from Amazon
- Amazon Echo Pop, £44.99 – buy from Amazon
Amazon launched the Echo speaker in 2014, swiftly positioning itself as a frontrunner in the realm of smart devices.
From its initial release, the Echo proved a massive hit across households everywhere, offering an intuitive means to control devices, enjoy music, and access a library of information through voice command.
Over the years, the Alexa-enabled device has undergone multiple generations, with the Echo Dot solidifying its status as the most sought-after smart home gadget.
The Echo Pop, a recent addition to the lineup, surfaced last year as a budget-friendly alternative, albeit not without certain compromises.
Both Amazon speakers are among the most affordable smart home devices available; the question is, which is the best for you?
So I’ve compared the Echo Dot against the Echo Pop, addressing key points such as price, design, and features to help you choose the best fit for you.
Echo speakers also pair seamlessly with Amazon’s smart TV offerings, and I’ve compared the most popular in my Amazon Fire TV Omni Series vs Fire TV 4-Series comparison.
Or you can head to my Sky Glass vs Amazon Fire TV Omni explainer, to discover which smart TV will complete your home set-up.
We also regularly report on the best Amazon device deals, and you’ll often find both Echo speakers amongst the list of deals on offer.
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Pop: At a glance
All Amazon Echo devices share a common primary objective: to function as an Alexa-enabled smart home assistant.
Among them, the Echo Pop stands out as a cost-effective alternative to the renowned Echo Dot, but they vary in terms of features and quality.
Here’s an overview of where they overlap and what distinguishes them:
Similarities
- Both devices offer voice command functionality through Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa.
- They can set timers, check the weather, read the news, and answer questions.
- Every Echo device is compatible with smart home devices such as plugs or lights.
- In case of inconsistent connectivity, both models can function as Wi-Fi extenders with built-in eero support.
Differences
- While both are budget-friendly, the Echo Pop comes at a lower price point.
- The Echo Dot’s spherical shape provides spatial audio, in contrast to the front-facing speaker of the Echo Pop.
- Motion detection is a unique feature of the Echo Dot, allowing it to activate lights or perform routines upon entering a room.
- Unlike the Echo Dot, the Pop lacks a temperature sensor.
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Pop: Price
Naturally, price is often an important factor in the decision-making process when purchasing any gadget.
Despite being the newest device added o the Echo’s ranks, the Echo Pop comes in as the more budget-friendly option, priced at just £44.99, while the Echo Dot 5th generation is slightly more expensive at £54.99.
Although the £10 price difference is relatively small, the more affordable option boasts a smaller footprint, while its larger sibling offers spatial audio.
You’ll also find models with additional features, like the Echo Dot 4th generation with Dolby speakers, which comes in at a pricier £109.99.
You can find these pricer options refurbished, which might offer a more economical option, like the refurbished Echo Dot with Clock for just £57.99.
That being said if you prioritize top-notch sound quality without budget constraints, the Echo Studio ticks that box. Priced at £219.99, it not only serves as a smart home hub but also boasts Dolby Atmos, spatial audio, and five speakers.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to determining which features are worth the additional cost to you.
But, it’s worth bearing in mind that a good time to pick up any Echo device is during Amazon’s Prime events in July and October, that’s when you’ll see the best savings.
- Amazon Echo Pop, £44.99 – buy from Amazon
- Amazon Echo Dot (5th-generation), £54.99 – buy from Amazon
- Refurbished Echo Dot with Clock, £57.99 – buy from Amazon
- Amazon Echo (4th-generation), £109.99 – buy from Amazon
- Echo Studio with Dolby Atmos, £219.99 – buy from Amazon
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Pop: Design
Design plays a significant role when it comes to smart tech, especially when these devices become part of your home decor.
As with each generation of Echo devices, both devices share a common device aesthetic and fabric-covered design. However, the Echo Dot 5 boasts the popular orb design first seen in the 4th generation.
The all-new Echo Pop harks back to the compact and minimalist design of previous Alexa devices, with a flat fabric face, making it easy to blend into any room.
Both devices sport controls at the head to mute and control volume, but the iconic full-ring Alexa status light located at the base of the Echo Dot has noticeably cut down on the Pop, which sports a discreet status light bar at its edge.
That being said, the Echo Pop does add a little flare when it comes to colour options, with Lavender Bloom and Midnight Teal added alongside the classic Charcoal and Glacier White choices.
For those seeking additional functionality, the Echo Dot also sports a variant with an LED clock to display the time, song titles, temperature, and timer countdowns.
Ultimately, if you prefer a discreet design, the Echo Pop may be more suitable than the classic full-sized design of the Echo Dot.
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Pop: Features
It will come as no surprise that front and centre on both Echo devices is the Alexa voice assistant, the brain behind the Echo Dot and Pop.
So whichever of these smart speakers you choose, you’ll be able to play music, get updates, and ask it almost anything (even a joke or two).
Both devices can serve as surround sound systems and Wi-Fi boosters, featuring integration with Amazon’s very own Wi-Fi system, eero, and are excellent smart home hubs, capable of controlling a host of Amazon’s compatible tech, including plugs and light bulbs.
The Echo Dot adds features such as motion detection and temperature sensors, distinguishing it from the Echo Pop, which prioritizes a smaller footprint at the expense of these capabilities.
Of course, while there’s no doubt these added abilities can be convenient for automating your home; such as the lights coming on when entering a room, you’ll need to determine if you value them enough to spend extra on.
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Pop: Sound quality
Given these are smart speakers, you’ll need to consider their sound quality above all else, but the reality is that both are budget players in this field.
Despite this, the Echo Dot and Pop deliver clear and crisp sound, which does the job for those looking to play some background music.
Of the two devices at hand, the Dot is the superior thanks to its spatial audio which delivers sound to more of the room, unlike the Pop which pushes sound from its front-facing speaker.
The audiophiles amongst you will appreciate the Dot, which provides more warmth and bass when at full blast. The Echo Pop, however, has been accused of muddying tracks – though you’ll need a decerning ear to detect it.
All things considered, if you prioritize enhanced audio performance, the Echo Dot is the device to focus on. If you’re satisfied with the audio quality of the Echo Pop and prefer its more compact form, it remains a strong contender.
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Pop: Verdict
When the crunch time comes, both the Amazon Echo Dot and Echo Pop have their unique strengths, catering to different priorities and budgets.
The Echo Dot clearly stands out as the superior option, boasting better sound quality and benefiting from years of fine-tuning. On the other hand, the Echo Pop offers a stylish and affordable alternative.
But whichever Echo device you opt for, you’ll be bringing the convenience of Alexa into your home.
Choose Echo Dot if…
- You prioritize sound and spatial audio.
- You’re looking for motion detection for smart devices.
- The temperature sensor is a key requirement.
- Amazon Echo Dot, £54.99 – buy from Amazon
Choose Echo Pop if…
- You prefer a compact and discreet design.
- Budget is a primary consideration for your purchase.
- You want Alexa without the bells and whistles.
- Amazon Echo Pop, £44.99 – buy from Amazon
To discover more of Amazon’s devices, head to my Amazon Fire tablet vs Kindle explainer, to discover which tablet will serve you best.
And for avid readers stuck between the retail giants’ e-readers, head to my Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite comparison.
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