Best Smart Displays for Everyday Use and Fun Features
Overview
Smart displays have transformed the way we interact with technology, serving as a hub for information, entertainment, and smart home control. Whether you're looking to make video calls, follow recipes, or simply enjoy your favorite music, these devices can enhance your daily routines. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to find the right fit for your needs.
In this post, we will explore the best smart displays currently on the market, highlighting their features, pros, and cons. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of which device will best suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Products Featured in This Article
Echo Show 8 (1st Gen, 2019 release) -- HD smart display with Alexa – stay connected with video calling - Sandstone
👥 What customers said: The Echo Show 8 has received mixed reviews, with users appreciating its sound quality and smart features, while also expressing frustration over certain limitations, particularly regarding the display and Alexa's persistent suggestions.
- "The sound is really really good!! Way better than the Echo Show 5."
- "Setup was super simple as expected."
- "I like the switch on the top to turn off the camera and microphone."
- Turn off "Discovery" to minimize unwanted display content.
- Customize the alarm settings for a personalized wake-up experience.
- Use the Alexa app to explore and set up skills before device arrival.
- Excellent sound quality, especially for music playback.
- Easy setup and integration with smart home devices.
- Compact design fits well in various room settings.
- Persistent "Try Alexa" suggestions cannot be disabled.
- Small clock display in ambient mode frustrates users.
- Limited app functionality compared to other smart devices.
Echo Show - 1st Generation Black
👥 What customers said: The Amazon Echo Show has received mixed reviews from customers, with many praising its video calling capabilities and integration with smart home devices, while others express frustration over voice recognition issues and the removal of YouTube support.
- "He can talk face to face with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
- "Setup was a breeze... Ring Pro screen pops up brilliantly."
- "I think they hit this one out of the park."
- Use voice commands for hands-free operation while cooking or busy.
- Ensure a good Wi-Fi connection for smooth video streaming.
- Explore the "Your Voice" feature for personalized responses from Alexa.
- Video calling feature is convenient for families, especially for elderly users.
- Integration with smart home devices works well, enhancing automation.
- Good sound quality and easy setup process noted by many users.
- Voice recognition issues lead to frustration for some users.
- YouTube support removal significantly reduces functionality for video content.
- Limited customization options for the home screen and settings.
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | Smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera | Charcoal
👥 What customers said: The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) has received mixed reviews, with customers appreciating its ease of setup and voice recognition, while others criticized its audio quality and screen size. Many users find it useful for simple tasks and as a digital photo frame, but some experienced issues with mic sensitivity and unwanted ads. Overall, it offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking a smart display but may fall short for more demanding users.
- "My elderly mom sits and watches the pictures display."
- "Excellent voice recognition and very good audio and video quality."
- "Just plug it in; very easy setup."
- Consider purchasing a stand for better camera angle.
- Use the equalizer feature to improve sound quality.
- Block the camera for privacy when not in use.
- Easy setup and integration with Amazon services.
- Good voice recognition for commands.
- Compact size suitable for small spaces.
- Sound quality lacks depth and clarity.
- Limited screen size for viewing content comfortably.
- Mic sensitivity issues lead to difficulty in voice activation.
- **What Customers Loved**
- "My elderly mom sits and watches the pictures display."
- "Excellent voice recognition and very good audio and video quality."
- "Just plug it in; very easy setup."
- **Tips from Users**
- Consider purchasing a stand for better camera angle.
- Use the equalizer feature to improve sound quality.
- Block the camera for privacy when not in use.
Echo Show (2nd Gen) | Premium 10.1” HD smart display with Alexa – stay connected with video calling - Sandstone
👥 What customers said: The Echo Show has received mixed reviews from users, highlighting both its impressive features and significant drawbacks. Customers appreciate its sound quality and screen size but express frustration over software limitations and usability issues.
- "The screen is large enough to view from across the room."
- "It has great speakers so you can fill the room with sound."
- "Drop-In feature... allows us to interact every single day."
- Use the Silk browser to access YouTube and other websites.
- Adjust settings to magnify clock and information display.
- Disable picture feature to protect personal photos from being displayed.
- Excellent sound quality and improved speakers.
- Large, vibrant screen enhances viewing experience.
- Useful kitchen companion for recipes and video calls.
- Constant “Try this” messages clutter the display.
- Limited customization options for the home screen.
- Frequent software updates disrupt user experience.
Echo Plus with built-in Hub 1st Generation – Black
👥 What customers said: The Echo Plus has received mixed reviews, with users praising its features while expressing frustration over setup difficulties and performance issues. Some customers appreciate the strong microphone and multi-room music capabilities, while others criticize sound quality and connectivity problems. Overall, the device shows potential but has significant room for improvement.
- "Amazon support definitely gets 5 stars."
- "I love my Echo Plus!! Amazon is so great."
- "The sound quality for background music is great."
- Use common names for device groups to improve recognition.
- Reset bulbs before connecting to Echo Plus for easier setup.
- Explore volume commands like "set volume to 1-10" for quicker adjustments.
- Strong microphones that capture commands even in noisy environments.
- Multi-room music synchronization with other Echo devices.
- Instant response time for GE Wink bulbs after setup.
- Complicated setup process requiring manual resetting of smart bulbs.
- Sound quality is disappointing compared to the original Echo.
- Limited functionality for controlling smart devices and creating scenes.
- **What Customers Loved**
- "Amazon support definitely gets 5 stars."
- "I love my Echo Plus!! Amazon is so great."
- "The sound quality for background music is great."
- **Tips from Users**
- Use common names for device groups to improve recognition.
- Reset bulbs before connecting to Echo Plus for easier setup.
- Explore volume commands like "set volume to 1-10" for quicker adjustments.
Buyer’s Guide
- Key Features: Focus on build quality, warranty, and ease of use.
- Price vs. Value: Don’t overpay for minor upgrades; compare core specs.
- Real-World Fit: Check size/weight, comfort, and noise in everyday use.
FAQ
Q: How do I choose among similar models?
A: Match features to your use-case and check return/warranty terms.
Conclusion
If you need a quick recommendation: pick the “Best Overall” for balance, “Best Budget” for price, and “Best Premium” for top performance.