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For most households, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) is the strongest all-around smart display pick in 2026. Choose the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) if you use Google services or want a screen without a camera; step up to the Echo Show 11 for a larger tabletop display, or consider the Echo Show 21 for a wall-mounted household dashboard. The right choice depends on your assistant ecosystem, room, privacy preferences and current local pricing.
Which smart display should you buy?
| Model | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) | Most buyers who want a mid-size Alexa display | Tom’s Guide names it a best pick for most people. It has an 8.7-inch display and 13MP camera, but no physical camera shutter and cannot serve as an eero Wi-Fi satellite. Tom’s Guide comparison |
| Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) | Google users and buyers who prefer no camera | It has a 7-inch display, no camera, sleep tracking and Google/YouTube integration. It launched in 2021 and is described as Google’s most recent smart display, so its older hardware is a consideration. Tom’s Guide comparison Google product page |
| Amazon Echo Show 11 | Alexa users who want a larger tabletop screen | Its 11.95-inch, 1920 × 1200 display, 13MP camera and Matter and Thread support make it the larger-screen alternative. It costs more than the Show 8 and has no physical camera shutter. TechRadar review |
| Amazon Echo Show 21 | Households seeking a large wall-mounted dashboard | It has a 21-inch, 1920 × 1080 display, a 13MP camera, Alexa, and Matter and Thread support. It is large and expensive, and installation can be difficult; it is better viewed as a household dashboard than a television replacement. TechRadar guide |
Start with the assistant your household already uses
If your smart-home devices and routines already run through Alexa or Google Home, staying in that ecosystem is generally the simplest route. The Echo Show models suit Alexa households; the Nest Hub fits Google users and offers Google and YouTube integration. Compare the assistant and compatibility you actually rely on rather than choosing by screen size alone. TechRadar’s buying guide
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Match screen size and placement to the job
For a counter or bedside table
The Echo Show 8 is the balanced, mid-size option for everyday glanceable information, calls and smart-home controls. The Nest Hub’s 7-inch screen is smaller and camera-free, while the Echo Show 11 adds more screen area for a tabletop setup.
For a wall-mounted family dashboard
The Echo Show 21 is intended for a much larger display on a wall. Account for mounting effort and any associated installation needs before choosing it. Its size does not make it a straightforward TV substitute; the cited guide cautions against buying it just to watch television. TechRadar guide
#1 Best Overall
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Decide how much the camera matters
The Nest Hub (2nd Gen) has no camera, making it the clearest choice here for someone who wants a display without one. The Echo Show 8 (4th Gen), Echo Show 11 and Echo Show 21 have cameras. Reviews of the Show 8 and Show 11 note that neither has a physical camera shutter, so check whether that design fits your privacy expectations before buying. Tom’s Guide comparison TechRadar review
Consider what you will use the display for
A smart display adds visual information to a smart speaker: it can show glanceable details, video-doorbell or security-camera feeds, and support video calls or media use. If you mainly want voice commands and do not need those visual features, a smart speaker may be sufficient. Tom’s Guide comparison
Rank #2
- MEET ECHO SHOW 15 - A stunning 15.6" Full-HD (1080p) smart display that's perfect for your kitchen and ready to show you more. Use customizable widgets to keep your day on track, watch your favorite shows with Fire TV and powerful vibrant sound, and enjoy natural video calling, with 3.3x zoom and wide field of view.
- FAMILY ORGANIZATION HUB - See your top widgets at a glance, like your family’s calendars and to-do lists, local weather, smart home, and more.
- ALL YOUR FAVORITES, ALL RIGHT HERE - Built-in Fire TV unlocks endless entertainment, so you can enjoy your favorite content from thousands of apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, and more (subscription may be required). Fire TV remote included. Plus, now you can quickly add a device to play music with Active Media - start playing a song in the kitchen, then add the living room and bedroom on the fly.
- SMART HOME CENTRAL - Control smart devices with your voice or a few taps using the smart home dashboard. Easily turn on all your living room lights at once or check live camera feeds to see what's happening around your home.
- YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ON DISPLAY - Brighten your space (and your day) by turning your home screen into a photo slideshow that displays your favorite memories. Auto curate your images and show off your favorite family memories.
Check the Show 11’s price and regional features
TechRadar listed the Echo Show 11 at launch-era prices of $219.99 in the US, £219.99 in the UK and AU$429 in Australia in its 2025 review. Its optional stand was listed at $34.99, £34.99 and AU$69.95, respectively. These are review-time figures, not current offers; check your local price and whether a stand is needed. The model was announced in September 2025 and launched in November 2025. TechRadar review
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →That review also said Alexa+ was US-only at the time it was written. Regional availability and software features can change, so verify what is currently offered where you live. TechRadar review
Rank #3
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Make the final choice
- Choose the Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) for a general-purpose Alexa screen at a mid-size scale.
- Choose the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) if Google integration or having no camera is the priority, and you are comfortable with its older hardware.
- Choose the Echo Show 11 if the larger tabletop display matters enough to justify its price premium and camera design.
- Choose the Echo Show 21 for a large wall-mounted family dashboard, not simply as a TV replacement.
Before ordering, confirm local availability, current price, software features, and any extra cost for a stand or mounting hardware.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OUR LARGEST SMART DISPLAY YET - A stunning 21" Full-HD (1080p) smart display with built-in Fire TV and Alexa that's perfect for your kitchen and built to show you more. Use customizable widgets to keep your day on track, experience your favorite content with powerful vibrant sound and immersive HD streaming, and stay connected with crisp, clear video calling, with 3.3x zoom and wide field of view.
- GO BIG ON PERSONALIZATION - The large 21" display is perfect for turning your home screen into your family's organization hub. So you can keep your top widgets, like calendars, shopping lists, weather, and more in view.
- ALL YOUR FAVORITES, ALL RIGHT HERE - Built-in Fire TV unlocks endless entertainment, so you can enjoy your favorite content from thousands of apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, and more (subscription may be required). Fire TV remote included. Plus, now you can quickly add a device to play music with Active Media - start playing a song in the kitchen, then add the living room and bedroom on the fly.
- SMART HOME CENTRAL - Control smart devices with your voice or a few taps using the smart home dashboard. Easily turn on all your living room lights at once or check live camera feeds to see what's happening around your home.
- YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ON DISPLAY - Brighten your space (and your day) by turning your home screen into a photo slideshow that displays your favorite memories. Auto curate your images and show off your favorite family memories.
Rank #4
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
