Looking for a smart speaker with screen? The best options combine voice assistant capabilities with a visual interface, making everyday tasks easier and more interactive. The Amazon Echo Show 8 stands out as the top overall pick thanks to its balanced size, sound quality, and smart home features. For those on a budget, the Amazon Echo Show 5 offers solid performance at a lower price point, while the Google Smart Display 7 provides a clean interface and Google ecosystem integration. Each of these options involves tradeoffs—size versus price, display quality versus smart features—that matter depending on your priorities. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown to find the best fit for your smart home setup.
Key Takeaways
- Size and display quality significantly impact user experience; larger screens are better for media, smaller for compact spaces.
- Smart home integration varies, with Amazon Echo devices favoring Alexa and Google displays leaning toward Google Assistant, influencing ecosystem compatibility.
- Price ranges reflect differences in build quality, display resolution, and additional features like smart home hubs or cameras.
- Sound quality on these devices can be hit or miss; larger displays typically offer better audio, but some budget options still deliver decent sound.
- User interface and ease of use are critical, especially for those new to smart tech; simpler interfaces reduce setup and daily interaction friction.
| Amazon Echo Spot (Newest Model), Smart Alarm Clock with Alexa, Black |  | Best Compact Smart Display for Nightstand Use | Size: 4.5″W x 4.1″D x 4.4″H | Display: 2.83-inch touch screen (240x320px) | WiFi: Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 with Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, Charcoal |  | Best Mid-Size Display for Unified Smart Home Control | Display: 8-inch HD touchscreen | Audio: Spatial audio | Camera: 13 MP | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Google Smart Display 7 inch Touchscreen HD Display and Speaker (2nd Gen) |  | Best Global Compatibility and Versatile Design | Display: 7-inch HD touchscreen | Speaker: Powerful audio | Languages Supported: English, Mandarin, and more | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart Display, Alexa-Enabled, Charcoal |  | Best Compact Display for Personal Use and Privacy | Display: 5.5 inches | Size: 5.8”W x 3.6”D x 3.2”H | Weight: 16.1 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model) with Vibrant HD Display and Alexa+ |  | Best Premium 8.7-Inch Display for Versatile Home Use | Display: 8.7-inch HD touchscreen | Viewing Area: 15% larger than prior models | Processor: AZ3 Pro chip | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mini Bluetooth Speaker with Touchscreen, LED Lights, and HD Sound |  | Best Portable Smart Speaker with Screen | Product Type: Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Dimensions: 3.14 x 2.36 x 1.77 inches | Battery Life: Up to 6 hours | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Hub 8” Smart Home Control Panel with Alexa Compatibility |  | Best Smart Home Control Panel with Touchscreen | Display: 8-inch touch screen, 1280 x 800 resolution | Power: Compatible with USB-C PD power accessories, supports PoE with converter | Connectivity: WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP not supported | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Amazon Echo Spot (Newest Model), Smart Alarm Clock with Alexa, Black
The Amazon Echo Spot stands out for its tiny footprint and vibrant customizable display, making it ideal for nightstands and small spaces where a larger screen might be overwhelming. Compared to the Echo Show 8, it sacrifices size and some smart home capabilities but offers a more unobtrusive design. Its 2.83-inch touchscreen provides enough information for alarms, weather, and routines, while the built-in eero extends WiFi coverage, which benefits smart home stability. However, it lacks a camera for video calls, limiting its versatility, and the absence of video calling means it’s less suited for casual communication. This pick makes the most sense for those prioritizing a small, stylish alarm clock with core smart features.Pros:- Vibrant display with customizable clock faces and colors
- Rich sound quality with clear vocals and deep bass
- Supports smart home control and routines
- Built-in eero for extended WiFi coverage
Cons:- No camera for video calls
- Limited to certain smart home devices
Best for: Small-space dwellers or nightstand users who want a simple, visually appealing smart display
Not ideal for: Users seeking video calling or advanced smart home management in a compact device
- Size:4.5″W x 4.1″D x 4.4″H
- Display:2.83-inch touch screen (240x320px)
- WiFi:Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth:A2DP and AVRCP support
- Speaker:Full-range 1.73-inch speaker
- Materials:36% recycled materials
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a sleek, small smart display primarily for alarms and simple routines.
Amazon Echo Show 8 with Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, Charcoal
The Echo Show 8 combines an 8-inch HD touchscreen with immersive spatial audio, making it perfect for streaming, video calls, and controlling multiple smart devices from one place. Its built-in Zigbee, Matter, and Thread hub sets it apart from smaller displays like the Echo Show 5, providing broader smart home compatibility. The 13 MP camera and privacy controls add convenience and security, though the higher price tag and subscription requirements for some streaming services may deter budget-conscious buyers. This model is well-suited for users who want a versatile device capable of handling entertainment and home management seamlessly.Pros:- Immersive spatial audio and crisp HD display
- Built-in smart home hub supports Zigbee, Matter, Thread
- Supports multiple streaming services and video calls
- Privacy features including microphone mute
Cons:- Subscription required for some streaming content
- Higher price compared to smaller displays
Best for: Homeowners who want a central hub for entertainment and smart device control
Not ideal for: Users with limited budgets or those needing a simple voice assistant without display features
- Display:8-inch HD touchscreen
- Audio:Spatial audio
- Camera:13 MP
- Smart Home Hub:Yes, supports Zigbee, Matter, Thread
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Materials:29% recycled materials
Bottom line: Best for those seeking a larger, feature-rich smart display with integrated smart home control.
Google Smart Display 7 inch Touchscreen HD Display and Speaker (2nd Gen)
The Google Smart Display 2nd Gen offers a sleek 7-inch HD touchscreen paired with powerful audio, making it ideal for streaming content, smart home control, and multi-language support. Its broad compatibility with Google services and support for multiple languages distinguish it from Amazon’s Echo line, especially for international users. Its compact size and modern look suit various rooms, but the lack of a built-in camera for video calls and sparse details on smart home integrations make it less appealing for those seeking comprehensive device control. This device works best for global users or those who prioritize Google ecosystem features over Amazon.Pros:- Global compatibility with multiple languages
- Bright, responsive touchscreen for easy navigation
- Sleek, modern design fits well in any room
- Supports streaming and smart home control
Cons:- Limited details on smart home integrations
- No mention of built-in camera or video calling
Best for: International households or Google service users seeking a stylish, multi-purpose display
Not ideal for: Users primarily invested in Amazon Alexa or needing integrated video calling features
- Display:7-inch HD touchscreen
- Speaker:Powerful audio
- Languages Supported:English, Mandarin, and more
- Connectivity:WiFi streaming
- Materials:Not specified
Bottom line: Ideal for international users or those preferring Google’s ecosystem in a compact, stylish display.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart Display, Alexa-Enabled, Charcoal
The Echo Show 5 offers a 5.5-inch screen with clear, bass-rich sound, making it perfect for small spaces like bedrooms or offices. Its compact size ensures it fits almost anywhere, and the 2 MP camera with a built-in shutter enhances privacy without sacrificing video calling capabilities. Compared to the larger Echo Show 8, it’s more limited in display size but excels in privacy controls and quick access to information. The smaller screen may be less suitable for streaming or viewing detailed visuals, and some features might require subscriptions. This device is best for users who prioritize privacy and space-saving design without compromising core Alexa features.Pros:- Clearer sound with deeper bass
- Compact size fits well in small spaces
- Supports smart home device control and video calls
- Privacy features including mic/camera off button and shutter
Cons:- Limited to 5.5-inch display, smaller than larger models
- Does not support ad-hoc WiFi networks
Best for: Small-space users or privacy-conscious individuals seeking a simple smart display
Not ideal for: Those wanting a large screen for streaming or multi-tasking in a shared space
- Display:5.5 inches
- Size:5.8”W x 3.6”D x 3.2”H
- Weight:16.1 oz
- Camera:2 MP with built-in shutter
- WiFi:Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Speaker:1.75-inch full-range
Bottom line: Great for privacy-focused users needing a small, capable smart display for basic tasks.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model) with Vibrant HD Display and Alexa+
The Echo Show 8 with Alexa+ offers a larger 8.7-inch HD touchscreen with a 15% bigger viewing area than previous models, combined with the powerful AZ3 Pro chip for seamless performance. Its Omnisense technology personalizes your experience, whether during video calls or smart home control. The centered camera with auto-framing and 3.3x zoom makes it a standout for video chatting, surpassing smaller devices like the Echo Show 5. The high-quality spatial audio and advanced privacy controls round out its appeal, though its higher cost and Wi-Fi dependency make it less ideal for budget-conscious buyers. This model suits those wanting a premium, large display with sophisticated features.Pros:- Vibrant HD display with larger viewing area
- Powerful AZ3 Pro chip for smooth multitasking
- High-quality spatial audio
- Advanced privacy controls
Cons:- Relatively high price point
- Requires Wi-Fi for full features
Best for: Home users desiring a high-performance, large-screen smart display with advanced privacy and camera features
Not ideal for: Budget shoppers or those who prefer simple, smaller displays for basic tasks
- Display:8.7-inch HD touchscreen
- Viewing Area:15% larger than prior models
- Processor:AZ3 Pro chip
- Sound:Spatial audio with up to 2x bass
- Camera:Centered, auto-framing with 3.3x zoom
- Privacy Features:Microphone and camera disable buttons
Bottom line: Best suited for users seeking a premium, large-screen smart display with rich multimedia capabilities.
Mini Bluetooth Speaker with Touchscreen, LED Lights, and HD Sound
This compact Bluetooth speaker stands out for its portability combined with smart features, making it ideal for outdoor use or travel where space is limited. Compared with larger smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show 8, it sacrifices a bigger screen but compensates with a rugged, waterproof design and deeper bass for its size. Its 6-hour battery life is decent for short outings, yet might fall short for all-day events. The touchscreen adds a touch of convenience, allowing for hands-free calls and notifications, but it can be sensitive or unresponsive in bright or wet conditions. The LED lights enhance the experience with dynamic effects, and Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable connection within 50 feet. However, the small size limits its runtime and the absence of a strap might hinder portability for some users.
Pros:- Compact and lightweight for easy portability
- Rich sound with deep bass and dynamic LED lighting
- Supports hands-free calls and notifications via touchscreen
Cons:- Battery life limited to 6 hours, less suitable for long outdoor use
- Touchscreen responsiveness may vary in different conditions
Best for: Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a lightweight, waterproof speaker with smart features.
Not ideal for: Home users seeking a device with a larger display or longer battery life for extended use.
- Product Type:Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Dimensions:3.14 x 2.36 x 1.77 inches
- Battery Life:Up to 6 hours
- Charging Time:2 hours
- Bluetooth Version:5.4
- Waterproof:Yes
- Audio Output Mode:Stereo
- Material:Metal
- Additional Features:LED Light, Touchscreen, USB Port, Support for App/QR pairing
Bottom line: This speaker is perfect for on-the-go users who prioritize portability and outdoor durability over extended use or larger displays.
Amazon Echo Hub 8” Smart Home Control Panel with Alexa Compatibility
This 8-inch display excels as a centralized smart home controller, offering a larger, high-resolution touchscreen that surpasses the smaller screens of devices like the Google Smart Display 7. Its intuitive interface and customizable controls make managing smart devices straightforward, and its support for multiple protocols like Zigbee, Thread, and Matter ensures broad compatibility. Compared with the Echo Show 8, the Echo Hub emphasizes dedicated control over smart home ecosystems, but it requires wall mounting or a separate stand, adding to setup complexity. The device’s privacy features, such as the mic off button, address common concerns. However, it’s limited to Alexa-compatible products, and setting up Power over Ethernet needs extra accessories, which could be a hurdle for some users.
Pros:- Large, high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen with customizable controls
- Supports a wide array of smart home protocols and devices
- Seamless voice and touch control with Alexa, plus privacy features
Cons:- Requires wall mounting or separate stand, adding setup complexity
- Limited to Alexa-compatible devices, reducing flexibility for other ecosystems
- Power over Ethernet setup requires additional hardware
Best for: Homeowners who want a dedicated, wall-mounted or tabletop smart home hub with extensive device compatibility.
Not ideal for: Users seeking a portable or standalone device for casual use without wall installation or extensive setup.
- Display:8-inch touch screen, 1280 x 800 resolution
- Power:Compatible with USB-C PD power accessories, supports PoE with converter
- Connectivity:WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP not supported
- Smart Home Compatibility:Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, WiFi, Sidewalk
- Sensors:Passive infrared (PIR), ambient light sensor (ALS)
- Audio:Stereo full-range speakers
Bottom line: This device is suited for those wanting a dedicated, integrated smart home control panel with a sizable display and broad device support.
How We Picked
These products were evaluated based on performance, display quality, smart home capabilities, build quality, and value for money. We prioritized devices that offer a good balance between screen size, audio performance, and usability, ensuring they fit different user needs. The ranking reflects a combination of user experience, ecosystem compatibility, and price, with a focus on devices that provide reliable voice assistant functions alongside a versatile touchscreen. We excluded models that lacked essential features or had significant usability issues, aiming to highlight options that truly enhance a smart home setup.Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Speaker With Screen
Choosing a smart speaker with screen involves more than just looking at size or price. It’s important to consider how the device integrates into your existing smart home ecosystem, the quality of the display and sound, and how user-friendly it is for your daily routines. Below are key factors that can help you make a smarter purchase decision and avoid common pitfalls.Display Size and Resolution
Display size affects how much content you can comfortably view, whether it’s recipes, video calls, or smart home controls. Larger screens, like 8 inches or more, are better suited for media consumption, while smaller screens are more discreet and space-efficient. Resolution matters for clarity; higher resolution displays offer sharper visuals, especially for video streaming or detailed information. Consider your space and usage patterns when choosing size and clarity to avoid dissatisfaction with either too small or overly large screens.
Ecosystem Compatibility
Most smart speakers with screens are optimized for either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Compatibility ensures you can control your existing smart devices seamlessly. Mixing ecosystems can lead to limited integration and frustration, so if you already use Alexa-compatible smart home gear, sticking with Amazon devices makes sense. Conversely, if Google services are your preference, Google displays will work more smoothly. Pay attention to ecosystem lock-in and plan for future compatibility needs to prevent needing a replacement shortly after purchase.
Audio Quality
While these devices are primarily visual interfaces, good audio quality enhances overall use—especially for music, calls, or notifications. Larger displays generally have bigger speakers, but some budget models compromise sound clarity for size or price. If you prioritize media playback or voice calls, opting for a device with better speakers is worth the extra cost. Remember, some devices can be upgraded with external speakers if audio quality becomes a concern.
Smart Home Hub Features
Some models incorporate smart home hubs or specialized controls, which can centralize your smart devices without additional hardware. For example, the Echo Hub 8” offers dedicated control for smart home appliances, making it ideal for a fully integrated setup. However, these features often come at a higher price and may be unnecessary for casual users. Assess whether you need a dedicated control panel or if a regular smart display will suffice for your needs.
Price and Build Quality
Prices can vary widely, reflecting differences in display resolution, size, and additional features. Cheaper models might lack durability or have less responsive touchscreens, while premium options often boast better materials and more refined interfaces. Consider your budget and how often you’ll use the device; investing a bit more can yield a longer-lasting, more satisfying experience, especially if you plan to rely on it daily for multiple functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a smart speaker with screen without a smart home setup?
Yes, you can use a smart speaker with a screen as a standalone voice assistant for tasks like weather updates, reminders, and playing music. However, its full potential is unlocked when integrated into a smart home ecosystem, allowing you to control connected devices like lights, thermostats, and cameras directly through the screen. Without that, it functions more like a smart clock or digital photo frame, which may still be useful but limits its capabilities.
Is it better to choose a larger screen for my smart speaker?
Larger screens are ideal if you plan to watch videos, follow recipes, or make video calls frequently. They offer a more immersive experience and easier navigation. However, bigger devices often come at a higher cost and may take up more space, which could be inconvenient if you have limited room. Smaller screens are more discreet and portable, but may require more scrolling or zooming for content. Choose based on your primary use cases and space constraints.
How important is audio quality in a smart speaker with screen?
While these devices mainly serve as visual interfaces, good audio quality can significantly improve daily use, especially for music playback or voice calls. Some models sacrifice sound clarity for size or budget constraints, so if audio is a priority, look for devices with larger speakers or consider pairing with external speakers. Even basic models with decent speakers can handle voice commands and notifications effectively, but for richer sound, a more premium device is advisable.
Should I prioritize a smart display with a built-in smart home hub?
If your goal is to streamline smart device management, a model with a built-in hub can eliminate the need for additional hardware. It simplifies controlling multiple smart home devices from a single interface. However, these models tend to be more expensive, and if your smart setup is simple, a standard display might be sufficient. Consider your current and future smart devices when deciding whether this feature offers enough added value.
Are budget smart displays reliable for everyday use?
Budget models can provide good value, especially for light use like checking weather or setting timers. However, they might have limitations in build quality, screen responsiveness, or smart features. If you rely heavily on your smart display daily, investing in a mid-range or premium option may be worth the extra expense to avoid frustration with lag or durability issues. Always read user reviews to gauge real-world reliability.
Conclusion
For those seeking the best overall experience, the Amazon Echo Show 8 offers a balanced mix of size, smart features, and audio quality. Best value goes to the Amazon Echo Show 5 for its affordability without sacrificing core features. If you’re willing to invest in a premium device, the Amazon Echo Show 8 with Vibrant HD Display delivers top-tier visuals and smart home integration. Beginners or casual users will find the Google Smart Display 7 easy to set up and use. Finally, those focused on smart home control will benefit from the Amazon Echo Hub 8” as a dedicated control panel. Choosing the right device depends on your space, budget, and intended use, so weigh these factors carefully to make a satisfying purchase.
