Our Verdict
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the Alexa all-rounder: an 8-inch HD display, a 13MP camera that keeps you centred on video calls, improved spatial audio and — importantly — a built-in Zigbee hub so it controls smart-home devices without a separate bridge. It's Amazon-ecosystem and larger than a Nest Hub, but for Alexa households wanting one device to do everything, it's excellent.
Why trust 247Verdict? We don't run a physical test lab — every recommendation is built from verified Amazon owner data (rating, review volume, and recurring themes across owner reviews) checked against manufacturer specifications, and every review says plainly who it's not right for. Every product needs 4.0+ stars from 200+ verified reviews before we'll recommend it. Full detail on our methodology page.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- 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
✗ Cons
- Amazon ecosystem and data considerations
- Larger footprint than a compact Nest Hub
- Display is good rather than class-leading sharpness
4.7★ from 24,100 verified Amazon owners
Key Specifications
| Display | 8-inch HD |
|---|---|
| Camera | 13MP auto-centring |
| Hub | Built-in Zigbee |
| Audio | Spatial |
| Assistant | Alexa |
How It Compares to the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max
The closest alternative in this category is the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max (9.6/10). Here's how the two stack up on the specs they share:
| Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | Apple MacBook Pro... | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 8-inch HD | 16.2" ProMotion 120Hz XDR |
Performance
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the Alexa all-rounder: an 8-inch HD display, a 13MP camera that keeps you centred on video calls, improved spatial audio and — importantly — a built-in Zigbee hub so it controls smart-home devices without a separate bridge. It's Amazon-ecosystem and larger than a Nest Hub, but for Alexa households wanting one device to do everything, it's excellent. On paper the headline numbers are display of 8-inch HD, camera of 13MP auto-centring, hub of Built-in Zigbee, audio of Spatial, assistant of Alexa. Its standout is that 8-inch hd display with a 13mp camera that auto-centres you on video calls. Owners often find an adjustable laptop stand a worthwhile addition to this setup.
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Owner Essentials
Build Quality & Design
Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. Built-in smart-home hub connects Zigbee devices directly, no separate bridge. Noticeably improved spatial audio for music and video. For those looking to complement it, a screen cleaning kit is commonly paired with this product. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up. Setting up a new device? NordVPN is worth considering to secure it on public networks.
Value for Money
It isn't flawless. Amazon ecosystem and data considerations. Larger footprint than a compact Nest Hub. Display is good rather than class-leading sharpness. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At the premium price point, the trade-offs are easy to live with for the right buyer. It's the right call for Look elsewhere if you're among
Final Verdict
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the Alexa all-rounder: an 8-inch HD display, a 13MP camera that keeps you centred on video calls, improved spatial audio and — importantly — a built-in Zigbee hub so it controls smart-home devices without a separate bridge. It's Amazon-ecosystem and larger than a Nest Hub, but for Alexa households wanting one device to do everything, it's excellent.
FAQ
Is the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) worth the money?
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the Alexa all-rounder: an 8-inch HD display, a 13MP camera that keeps you centred on video calls, improved spatial audio and — importantly — a built-in Zigbee hub so it controls smart-home devices without a separate bridge. It's Amazon-ecosystem and larger than a Nest Hub, but for Alexa households wanting one device to do everything, it's excellent.
Who should NOT buy the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
Is the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
What's the biggest drawback of the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
Amazon ecosystem and data considerations
What do owners say about the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
4.7★ from 24,100 verified Amazon owners. 8-inch HD display with a 13MP camera that auto-centres you on video calls
How does the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) compare to similar techs?
At 9.1/10, it ranks among the strongest options we've reviewed in this category. See our Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) comparisons for direct head-to-head detail against specific alternatives.
Alternatives to Consider
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max
9.6/10M3 Max chip, 128GB unified RAM, 22hr battery, 16.2" Liquid Retina XDR, 16-core GPU. The creative workstation.
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro
9.5/10M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop.
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3
9.4/10M3 chip, 18hr battery, 13.6" Liquid Retina, fanless, 1.24kg. The best laptop for most people.
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