Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) vs Philips Hue Starter Kit (White & Colour) (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
Philips Hue Starter Kit (White & Colour)
The smart lighting standard. 16 million colours, 1600 lumens, Zigbee hub included.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | Philips Hue Starter Kit (White & Colour) | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.7★ (24,100) | 4.6★ (22,000) |
| Verdict | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hub | Built-in Zigbee | Included |
Quick Verdict
This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen): 8-inch HD display, 13MP centring camera, spatial audio, Alexa smart-home hub. The Alexa hub all-rounder. Philips Hue Starter Kit (White & Colour): The smart lighting standard. 16 million colours, 1600 lumens, Zigbee hub included. Choose based on your specific needs. 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
Philips Hue Starter Kit (White & Colour)
- 16 million colours with 1600 lumens — the most versatile smart lighting available
- Hue Bridge enables local control — works without internet outage
- Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit and Matter
- Geofencing, schedules and sunrise/sunset automation built in
- 10-year ecosystem track record — the most expandable smart lighting platform
- Requires Hue Bridge for full features — adds cost and setup complexity
- Most expensive smart lighting on a per-bulb basis
- Hue app requires an account — privacy consideration for some
FAQ
Which is better, Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) or Philips Hue Starter Kit?
This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen): 8-inch HD display, 13MP centring camera, spatial audio, Alexa smart-home hub. The Alexa hub all-rounder. Philips Hue Starter Kit (White & Colour): The smart lighting standard. 16 million colours, 1600 lumens, Zigbee hub included. Choose based on your specific needs.
Is the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) worth the extra cost?
Yes — Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) scores higher at 9.1/10 vs 9.0/10.
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 Philips Hue Starter Kit best suited to?
The smart lighting standard. 16 million colours, 1600 lumens, Zigbee hub included.
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. Philips Hue Starter Kit (White & Colour): Requires Hue Bridge for full features — adds cost and setup complexity; Most expensive smart lighting on a per-bulb basis.
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 Philips Hue Starter Kit (White & Colour) at 4.6★ from 22,000.
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