I’ve always had a touch of skepticism regarding Amazon Echo devices. While most of my family embraced the smart home trend early on — even my parents have several Echos placed throughout their home — I wasn’t fully persuaded that incorporating an Alexa device would greatly improve my experience. I already enjoy using smart home gadgets such as WiFi-enabled lighting and a smart thermostat, but I’ve consistently relied on my iPhone to control them. Nevertheless, when I got the opportunity to try out the 3rd generation Amazon Echo Show 10, I decided to discover whether it was merely an advanced speaker or something more substantial.
### Initial Impressions of the Echo Show 10
From the moment I took it out of the box, setting up the Echo Show 10 was incredibly simple. After selecting a location for it on my kitchen countertop, connecting it to WiFi, linking my Amazon account, and performing a few updates, it was good to go in just minutes.
The Echo Show 10’s 10.1-inch HD display made a strong first impression. The audio quality was surprisingly impressive, especially when compared to the Echo Show 15 that I also tried. The motion tracking capability stood out as particularly remarkable. I enjoyed observing the device navigate its movement area to steer clear of obstacles on the countertop. Once calibrated, I delighted in how the screen trailed me around the kitchen as I moved.
### What I Appreciated About the Echo Show 10
Using the Echo Show 10 quickly turned into a highlight of my day. I began my mornings with Alexa, checking the weather, catching up on good news, and playing my favorite Spotify playlists that continued throughout the day. The sound quality was exceptional, far more convenient than my typical Bluetooth speaker. It also transitioned effortlessly to my Apple AirPods when I exited the house.
In comparison to the Echo Show 15, the Show 10 boasted several remarkable features. The camera quality was superb, making it simple to “drop in” to check on my dogs or have a chat with my husband. The motion tracking proved especially helpful, as the screen followed my husband around the kitchen during our discussions, allowing him to remain hands-free. The integrated speaker was also a noteworthy upgrade — not surprising, considering that the Show 10’s base serves as a speaker, unlike the smaller, less powerful one in the Show 15. I also valued the ability to tilt and adjust the screen as necessary.
Even though it has a somewhat bulky design, the Echo Show 10 found its place on my kitchen counter. To my surprise, I noticed I was using my phone less, as the Echo took care of tasks like setting timers, answering queries, and checking my calendar. This enabled me to “detach” from my phone and engage more fully in the moment.
### What I Found Less Favorable About the Echo Show 10
Truthfully, there wasn’t much to complain about. The base is a bit hefty, and the off-center camera means the motion tracking isn’t perfectly aligned. However, these were negligible annoyances rather than dealbreakers. The Show 10 was also marginally less responsive than the Show 15, prompting me to repeat commands at times.
Nonetheless, I still had a preference for the Show 10 over the Show 15, even if it meant having a smaller screen for Netflix while I cooked dinner.
### Is the Echo Show 10 a Good Investment?
For me, the Echo Show 10 was a fantastic addition to my household. It’s an ideal entry-level device for anyone new to the Echo ecosystem, featuring standout attributes like high-quality speakers, an impressive camera, and seamless motion tracking. Compared to the Echo Show 15, the Show 10 felt like a more refined and thoughtfully crafted device. While it does occupy some counter space, its functionality and quality make that a worthwhile trade-off. I’m pleased to have it as part of my smart home arrangement.