Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
8-inch HD display, 13MP centring camera, spatial audio, Alexa smart-home hub. The Alexa hub all-rounder.
Full Review
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro
M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.7★ (24,100) | 4.7★ (4,200) |
| Verdict | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Display | 8-inch HD | 14.2" ProMotion 120Hz XDR |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro edges ahead with a 9.5/10 vs 9.1/10. M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop. That said, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is worth considering if 8-inch HD display, 13MP centring camera, spatial audio, Alexa smart-home hub. The Alexa hub all-rounder. Check the current price on Amazon →
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
- 8-inch HD display with a 13MP camera that auto-centres you on video calls
- Built-in smart-home hub connects Zigbee devices directly, no separate bridge
- Noticeably improved spatial audio for music and video
- Deep Alexa integration and routines
- Huge happy owner base — 24,000+ reviews
- Amazon ecosystem and data considerations
- Larger footprint than a compact Nest Hub
- Display is good rather than class-leading sharpness
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro
- M3 Pro chip handles Final Cut Pro 4K editing, Xcode compilation and ML training without thermal throttling
- ProMotion 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR display is the best laptop screen available — P3 wide colour, 1000 nits
- 18GB unified RAM handles demanding creative workflows that 8GB MacBook Air cannot sustain
- HDMI 2.1, SD card reader and MagSafe alongside USB-C — no hub required for most workflows
- 18-hour battery while running pro workloads — unmatched in the pro laptop category
- £2,100+ starting price requires professional justification
- 1.55kg is heavier than MacBook Air's 1.24kg — noticeable for daily commuting
- M3 Pro is overkill for email, browsing and office work — MacBook Air is the right choice for those tasks
FAQ
Which is better, Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) or Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3?
Both are strong choices, but the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro edges ahead with a 9.5/10 vs 9.1/10. M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop. That said, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is worth considering if 8-inch HD display, 13MP centring camera, spatial audio, Alexa smart-home hub. The Alexa hub all-rounder.
Is the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) worth the extra cost?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.
Who is the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) best suited to?
8-inch HD display, 13MP centring camera, spatial audio, Alexa smart-home hub. The Alexa hub all-rounder.
Who is the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 best suited to?
M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop.
What are the main downsides of each?
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen): Amazon ecosystem and data considerations; Larger footprint than a compact Nest Hub. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro: £2,100+ starting price requires professional justification; 1.55kg is heavier than MacBook Air's 1.24kg — noticeable for daily commuting.
Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?
Largely, yes — Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) sits at 4.7★ from 24,100 verified Amazon owners, and Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro at 4.7★ from 4,200.
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