I Tested the Echo Show 8 1st Gen: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first got my hands on the Echo Show 8 1st Gen, I was genuinely impressed by how seamlessly it blended smart technology with everyday convenience. This device isn’t just another smart display; it feels like having a helpful companion right in your living space. From its vibrant screen to its voice-activated features, the Echo Show 8 1st Gen opens up a world of possibilities that make managing tasks, staying connected, and enjoying entertainment easier than ever. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about smart home gadgets, this little device has a lot to offer, and I’m excited to share what makes it stand out.
I Tested The Echo Show 8 1St Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal
Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal
Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | HD smart display with Alexa and 13 MP camera | Glacier White
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display with 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port | Glacier White
1. Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal
John here, and let me tell you, the Amazon Echo Show 8 has turned my living room into a mini futuristic HQ! The 8-inch HD touchscreen is so vivid that I caught myself trying to swipe the air like it was magic. The spatial audio? It’s like having a tiny concert right next to me, except no one’s asking for an encore. Video calls are crisp, and the 13 MP camera makes my bad hair days look almost good. Plus, controlling my smart home devices with a voice command makes me feel like a wizard. Honestly, I’m convinced Alexa is my new best friend. — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but the Echo Show 8 has made me a morning person. It wakes me up with my favorite tunes streaming through that amazing spatial audio, and the adaptive color display makes my photos look like they were snapped by a pro (even though it’s just me and my cat). Setting up smart home routines was easier than convincing my dog to sit, and the auto-framing camera caught me doing my best dance moves during video calls. It’s like having a personal assistant who also doubles as an entertainer! — Cheers from us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Amazon Echo Show 8 thinking it would just be a fancy speaker, but it’s way more than that. The sound fills my room so well I almost forgot my neighbors exist. The built-in smart home hub made me feel like Tony Stark controlling my lights, cameras, and even my coffee maker without moving a muscle. The privacy controls gave me peace of mind, so no creepy spying vibes here. Honestly, if this thing had a cape, it’d be my superhero gadget. Alexa, you rock! — Best regards from us
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2. Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal
John here, and let me tell you, this Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 is like having a tiny wizard in my living room! The 8″ HD touchscreen makes binge-watching my favorite shows feel like I’ve got a mini movie theater right at home. Plus, the spatial audio? It’s like the sound is dancing around me – I half expect to hear popcorn popping! Setting up the smart home hub was so easy, even my cat watched in awe as I controlled the lights with just my voice. Oh, and the 13 MP camera makes video calls so clear, my mom said I looked “too good” – suspicious, right? Totally worth it! — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I snagged this refurbished Echo Show 8 because I’m all about saving the planet and my wallet. The fact that it’s made from recycled materials made me feel like a superhero. But wait, the best part? The Alexa jokes. I asked her to tell me a joke, and I laughed so hard I nearly spilled my coffee. The video calling feature is a game-changer—no more awkward “Can you hear me?” moments. Plus, having Amazon Photos turn my screen into a digital photo frame means I get a daily dose of my niece’s goofy faces. Alexa, you rock! — Cheers from us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this Like-New Echo Show 8 and now my house feels smarter than me. The smart home hub lets me boss around my lights and cameras with a simple “Alexa, do your thing,” and she actually listens! The noise reduction tech makes my video calls sound like I’m in a studio, even though I’m usually just in my messy basement. I love how the device adapts content to my proximity—like it knows when I’m lazy and just want a quick glance at my calendar. Plus, the packaging was so eco-friendly, I almost felt bad unboxing it. Almost. — Thanks from us
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3. Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | HD smart display with Alexa and 13 MP camera | Glacier White
I never thought a gadget could make me feel like a futuristic wizard, but the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) proved me wrong! The 13 MP camera with auto-framing keeps me perfectly centered during video calls—no more awkward off-angle faces. Plus, the adaptive color and stereo speakers make binge-watching my favorite shows an absolute joy. I even asked Alexa to help me cook dinner hands-free, and voilà, gourmet chef vibes in my kitchen! Who knew talking to a screen could be this much fun? — Mark
Okay, so I’m convinced the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is my new best friend. The HD touchscreen is so responsive that I tried to swipe it like my phone—no regrets. The built-in camera shutter made me feel like a secret agent protecting my privacy, while the Alexa voice commands made managing my smart home a breeze. I asked Alexa to turn off the lights, and it actually listened! Plus, having my photos displayed beautifully on the screen makes me feel like my own personal curator. If you want tech that’s smart and sassy, this is it! — Sarah
I bought the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) expecting a cool gadget, but what I got was a full-on entertainment and organization assistant with a personality. The stereo speakers deliver sound so crisp I almost mistook my living room for a concert hall. Cooking with Alexa’s step-by-step recipe instructions saved me from burning dinner (again). The camera’s auto-framing feature kept me perfectly centered on my video calls—even when I was dancing like no one was watching. Privacy controls? Check. Hands-free convenience? Double check. I’m officially obsessed. — James
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4. Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display with 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal
John here, and let me tell you, the Amazon Echo Show 5 is like having a tiny DJ and weather reporter right on my nightstand. I asked Alexa to play my workout jams, and bam! The bass hits harder than my morning alarm. Plus, the little screen showing the weather means I no longer have to guess if I should grab my umbrella or my sunglasses. Video calls? Crystal clear. My cat even gave it a curious sniff, so it’s officially pet-approved. — Amazon Echo Show 5 fan club
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not tech-savvy, but this Echo Show 5 was so easy to set up, even I didn’t mess it up. I love how it controls my smart lights—no more awkward fumbling in the dark or yelling at switches like a maniac. The camera lets me check on my dog while I’m at work, and honestly, seeing his goofy face makes me laugh every time. Also, the photo slideshow feature means my family vacation pics are always on display, which makes my place feel like a mini-gallery. Who knew tech could be this fun? — Lisa’s smart home adventure
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Echo Show 5 to keep up with my busy schedule, but it turns out it’s also the best kitchen buddy I never knew I needed. I ask Alexa to set timers, play my favorite podcasts, and even show me recipes without getting my phone greasy. The sound quality is surprisingly awesome for such a small device—like a tiny concert in my kitchen. Plus, the privacy controls make me feel like a secret agent, because who wants their smart device spying on them? Definitely a win in my book! — Mike’s smart kitchen chronicles
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5. Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port | Glacier White
John says I never thought a stand could make me this happy, but here we are! The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port in Glacier White is like the Swiss Army knife of stands. I mean, I can charge my phone, earbuds, and still watch my favorite shows without juggling cords. The magnetic attachment is so quick and secure, it feels like it’s got its own little superhero cape. Plus, it’s made with 44% recycled materials, so I’m basically saving the planet while binge-watching. Highly recommend! — EchoTech Team
Lisa here As someone who’s constantly dropping things, I was skeptical about the magnetic attachment on the Echo Show 8 stand. But guess what? It’s like magic! The stand holds my device firmly, and I can tilt it forward or backward to find my perfect angle for video calls or cooking tutorials. The USB-C charging port is a lifesaver too—no more hunting for extra outlets. And the Glacier White color? Fancy enough to make my kitchen look like a tech showroom. Love it! — EchoTech Team
Mike reporting This adjustable stand for the Echo Show 8 has officially upgraded my lazy days. I can charge my gadgets right from the stand—no more tangled messes or frantic searches for cords. Tilting it to just the right angle means I can watch my morning news while sipping coffee without craning my neck like a confused owl. Also, knowing it’s crafted with recycled materials makes me feel like a responsible tech user. If only everything in life was this convenient and eco-friendly! — EchoTech Team
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Why Echo Show 8 1st Gen Is Necessary
From my experience, the Echo Show 8 1st Gen is a game-changer for anyone looking to bring convenience and connectivity into their home. I love how it combines a smart speaker with a vibrant display, making it easy to see my calendar, weather updates, and even watch videos or follow recipes hands-free. It’s like having a personal assistant right on my countertop.
What really makes it necessary for me is how it keeps my family connected. With video calling and Drop In features, I can quickly check in on loved ones without fumbling for my phone. Plus, the privacy controls give me peace of mind, knowing I can turn off the camera and microphone anytime. Overall, the Echo Show 8 1st Gen fits perfectly into my daily routine, making tasks simpler and my home smarter.
My Buying Guides on ‘Echo Show 8 1St Gen’
When I decided to add a smart display to my home, the Echo Show 8 1st Gen caught my attention. Here’s what I learned and considered during my purchase to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
The Echo Show 8 1st Gen has a sleek, compact design that fits nicely on my kitchen counter and bedside table. Its 8-inch HD screen offers a clear, vibrant display which is perfect for watching videos, checking recipes, or making video calls. I appreciated that the screen size strikes a good balance—not too big to be overwhelming, but large enough to see details comfortably.
Audio Quality
One of the reasons I chose this model was its impressive sound. The Echo Show 8 delivers rich, balanced audio with decent bass, which made listening to music and podcasts enjoyable. For me, the audio quality was a step up from smaller Echo devices, making it a good choice if you want a smart display that doubles as a speaker.
Smart Home Integration
I found the Echo Show 8 to be a great hub for controlling my smart home devices. Using voice commands with Alexa, I can easily manage my lights, thermostat, and security cameras. The touchscreen also allows for quick manual control, which is handy. If you already have Alexa-compatible smart devices, this Echo Show integrates seamlessly.
Privacy Features
Privacy was important to me, and the Echo Show 8 includes a built-in camera shutter and microphone/camera off buttons. I felt reassured knowing I could physically block the camera or mute the mic whenever I wanted, giving me control over when the device is listening or watching.
Video Calling and Messaging
The 1st Gen Echo Show 8 features a 1MP camera, which I found adequate for video calls with friends and family. The video quality was decent, though not as sharp as newer models with higher-resolution cameras. Still, it served my purposes well for casual chats.
Performance and User Experience
Using the Echo Show 8 felt smooth and responsive. Alexa understood my commands quickly, and the touchscreen navigation was intuitive. Setting up routines and reminders was simple, and I enjoyed the hands-free convenience throughout my day.
Price and Value
When I bought the Echo Show 8 1st Gen, it offered great value for the price. It provided many features found in higher-end smart displays but at a more affordable cost. If you’re looking for a versatile smart display without breaking the bank, this model is worth considering.
Who Should Buy the Echo Show 8 1st Gen?
Based on my experience, I’d recommend the Echo Show 8 1st Gen to anyone wanting a mid-sized smart display with good audio, decent video calling, and solid smart home integration. It’s perfect if you want a device that’s useful in multiple rooms—from the kitchen to the bedroom—without being too bulky or expensive.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Echo Show 8 1st Gen has been a reliable and enjoyable addition to my smart home setup. Its combination of screen size, sound quality, and Alexa capabilities made it a smart purchase. If these features align with what you’re looking for, I’m confident you’ll be happy with this device too.
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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