The Amazon Echo Hub represents a significant shift in Amazon’s smart speaker lineup, putting smart home control front and center rather than treating it as a secondary feature. As more households embrace the Internet of Things, the need for a central control panel has become increasingly apparent. Has Amazon hit the bullseye with the Echo Hub, or is it just another smart display? After reading this comprehensive review, you will find out if this device truly deserves a place on your wall.
| Pros | Cons |
| The proximity sensor works reliablyFast response to commandsIntuitive touch interfaceSleek, wall-mountable designCompatible with Matter, Thread, and ZigbeeMore affordable than competing panelsPower over Ethernet support | No camera for video callsMediocre audio qualityLimited widget selectionNot ideal for media consumptionOccasional issues with camera feedsThe case design appears datedCustomization can be clunky |
Use Cases: Who Needs an Alexa Hub Amazon?
If you’ve already gone “all in” on smart home technology and find yourself switching between multiple apps or struggling with voice command limitations, the Amazon Echo Hub review suggests this device could be your knight in shining armor.
On the other hand, if you primarily use your best smart speakers for music playback, and video calls, or have only a handful of smart devices, you might be better served by a standard Echo or Echo Show.
Buy it if
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You want a dedicated, always-available control panelYou prefer touch controls sometimes over voice commandsYou have multiple smart home devices from different manufacturersYou want a controller that's more affordable than specialized competitorsYou're looking for a wall-mountable smart home controllerYou want Matter, Thread, and Zigbee compatibilityYou need a central location for family members to control home devices :
Don't buy it if
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You only have a few smart home devicesYou need video-calling capabilitiesYou primarily want good audio quality for musicYou want the most customizable widget experienceYou need a device with a cameraYou're looking for a media consumption deviceYou prefer voice control exclusivelyYou only have a few smart home devices :
Design and Build Quality: Function Over Flash
The Amazon Echo with Hub makes a strong first impression with its slim profile. Measuring just 5.4 by 7.9 by 0.6 inches, it’s considerably thinner than any other Echo display, clearly designed with wall-mounting as the primary installation method. The wall mount comes included in the box, while a table stand is available as an optional purchase if you prefer to place it on a surface.
The hub features an 8-inch screen framed by a narrow 0.5-inch white bezel that sits flush with the display. While the overall aesthetic is clean and minimalist, some might find the design slightly utilitarian compared to the more stylish Amazon Echo Show 15. Three small pinholes for the far-field microphones are discreetly positioned on the bottom bezel, with proximity and ambient light sensors hidden at the top.
Physical controls are kept simple with volume up/down and microphone mute buttons located on the right edge, while the speakers are positioned along the top. The rear of the device houses a USB-C port for power, cleverly recessed with cable management hooks to minimize slack when wall-mounted.
For those with wired homes, the Alexa Hub supports Power over Ethernet with a compatible adapter (available separately), offering a cleaner installation without the need for a nearby power outlet.
Setting Up: Getting Your Amazon Hub Ready
Setting up the Amazon smart home Hub follows the same straightforward process as other Echo devices. After plugging it in, you’ll follow on-screen prompts to connect to your Wi-Fi network and log into your Amazon account. The device will guide you through selecting display options, including photos for when it’s in standby mode.
Unlike other Echo displays, you’ll need to use the Alexa mobile app to connect and manage your smart home devices. While the Hub Echo can control devices once they’re connected, it cannot add new ones directly. This feels like a missed opportunity for a device marketed specifically as a smart home controller.
The “hitting the ground running” phase is smooth, thanks to the familiar Alexa interface that existing Amazon device owners will recognize. New users may need a short adjustment period, but the learning curve isn’t steep.
Interface: Where the Smart Home Hub Alexa Shines
The Amazon Echo Hub truly differentiates itself with its interface, which is specifically optimized for touch control of smart home devices. When you approach the hub, the proximity sensor automatically wakes the display from its photo slideshow mode, revealing a user-friendly control panel.
The layout is intuitive, with a list of rooms in your home displayed on the left side of the screen and a status bar at the bottom showing device groups and currently playing media. The rest of the screen features customizable widget tiles similar to those on the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) review, including calendar, shopping list, weather, and more.
Tapping on a room opens a full control panel for all devices assigned to that space. Large, easy-to-use tiles let you toggle smart plugs, dim lights, adjust thermostats, and control other connected devices. The Amazon Alexa Hub makes it simple to manage your smart home without using voice commands, which is ironically a refreshing change for an Alexa-powered device.
However, the widget selection remains somewhat limited with only about two dozen options available, mostly focused on ambient video, music apps, and weather services. More specialized widgets for individual devices would be a welcome addition in future updates.
Smart Home Control
The Echo Hub review wouldn’t be complete without examining its core functionality: smart home control. This is where the device truly excels, offering compatibility with virtually all major smart home platforms and protocols. The Amazon Echo smart home Hub connects to your home network via dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and can use Bluetooth for pairing with phones and speakers. Beyond the already extensive Alexa compatibility list, the Hub can control Matter, Thread, and Zigbee devices without requiring additional bridges or hubs.
| Feature | Specification |
| Price | $179.99 / £180 |
| Dimensions | 5.4 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches (HWD) |
| Screen | 8-inch touchscreen, 1280 x 800 resolution |
| Connectivity | Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Smart Home Standards | Alexa, Matter, Thread, Zigbee |
| Power | USB-C, Power over Ethernet (PoE) compatible |
| Mounting | Wall mount included optional table stand |
| Sensor | Proximity, ambient light |
| Audio | Built-in speakers (top edge) |
| Camera | None |
| Microphone | Far-field microphones (3 pinholes) |
| Controls | Volume up/down, microphone mute buttons |
| Colors | White |
Echo Show Hub Field Testing
In testing, the Home Hub for Alexa responded quickly to both voice and touch commands. The device adjusted lights, thermostats, and other connected equipment without requiring overly specific language or complex routines. This marks a significant improvement over previous Alexa implementations, which sometimes struggled with natural language requests.
The response time to voice commands is notably faster than comparable Google Assistant devices, making the Amazon Echo as Smart Hub feel snappier and more responsive overall. That said, the instant availability of touch controls is particularly convenient when you don’t want to speak commands aloud.
There were occasional hiccups when accessing camera feeds, with the connection sometimes hanging or requiring multiple attempts. However, when the video feed loaded successfully, it displayed clearly, and functions like digital zoom and two-way communication worked well.
Users’ Review
✔ ️ Users love the Echo Hub’s intuitive touch controls and smart home dashboard, making it easy to manage many devices from one place. (4.5)
✖️ A common complaint is the mediocre speaker quality, which isn’t great for music or media playback. (3.5)
⭕ Most users recommend the Echo Hub for smart home control, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars, but suggest skipping it if you want a device for entertainment or video calls.
Voice Assistant Capabilities
While the Amazon Echo Smart Hub prioritizes touch controls, it still offers the full suite of Alexa voice assistant features. You can ask for weather forecasts, news updates, sports scores, set reminders, create shopping lists, and perform other standard Alexa functions.
The Echo Smart Hub supports voice calling through various services, including Amazon Drop-In, Skype, and Zoom. You can also place standard phone calls to numbers in the US, Canada, or Mexico. Video calls aren’t supported due to the lack of a camera, which might be a deal-breaker for some potential buyers who’ve grown accustomed to this feature on the Amazon Echo Show 10. The Smart Home Hub for Alexa serves as a comprehensive control center for your connected devices, but it doesn’t abandon the voice-first approach that made Amazon Echo devices popular in the first place. It’s a best-of-both-worlds scenario where you can choose the interaction method that suits your current needs.
Media Playback: Not the Home Hub Amazon’s Strong Suit
If you’re looking at the Amazon Echo Hub primarily as a media consumption device, you might want to think twice. While the 8-inch, 1,280-by-800 screen can display vibrant colors with good brightness, the audio experience leaves much to be desired.
The Hub’s speakers are noticeably smaller than those in other Echo devices, resulting in audio that’s fine for Alexa’s voice responses but underwhelming for music playback. At maximum volume, the assistant sounds a bit louder than normal conversation, making podcast listening acceptable if you’re relatively close to the device.
Music, however, suffers from limited dynamic range and a high-mids-focused balance that borders on tinny. Even the affordable Amazon Echo Pop manages to deliver better sound, thanks to its slightly larger speaker and deeper design.
The Amazon Echo with Smart Hub can still access video content from services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Tubi, with playback controls appearing when the media is playing. Netflix isn’t available as a native app but can be accessed through the built-in Silk web browser, as can YouTube.
Comparison: Amazon Echo Hub vs Amazon Echo Show
When evaluating the Amazon Smart Hub, it’s essential to consider how it compares to other Echo devices and competing smart home controllers.
At $179.99, the Echo Hub costs more than the Show 5 according to the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) review with the Echo 5 costing ($89.99). Echo Hub also is pricier than the Echo Show 8 ($149.99), but less than the Echo Show 10 ($249.99) and Amazon Echo Show 15 ($279.99). If you’re looking for a dedicated smart home control panel, this option is much easier on your wallet than pricier choices like the Brilliant Control, which sells for $399.
The key differences between the Hub Amazon Echo and other Echo displays are its slimmer design, wall-mountability, touch-optimized interface, and focus on smart home control over media consumption. The trade-offs include poorer audio quality and the absence of a camera. Compared to using a smartphone or tablet with the Alexa app, the Echo Hub offers a dedicated, always-available control point that doesn’t require unlocking a device or navigating to an app. The proximity sensor that automatically wakes the display when you approach is particularly useful for quick interactions.
Value Proposition: Is the Echo Hub Worth It?
At $179.99, the Amazon Alexa with Hub occupies an interesting middle ground in the Echo lineup. It’s not the cheapest option, but it offers specialized functionality that budget devices lack.
When viewed as a smart display, the price might seem steep given its audio limitations and lack of a camera. However, when considered as a dedicated smart home control panel, it represents excellent value compared to specialized competitors that cost significantly more.
For households already invested in the Alexa ecosystem with multiple smart home devices, the convenience factor alone might justify the price. The ability to control everything from one intuitive interface without voice commands or phone apps is a significant quality-of-life improvement for smart home enthusiasts.
Conclusion: The Home Hub Alexa Shows Promise
The Amazon Echo Hub isn’t for everyone, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: providing intuitive, touch-based control of your smart home devices. In this specialized role, it shines brightly, offering a user-friendly interface that makes managing complex smart home setups a breeze.
While its audio quality won’t blow you away and the lack of a camera limits some functionality, these are reasonable trade-offs given its primary purpose. The slim, wall-mountable design and dedicated smart home controls address a genuine need that other Echo devices haven’t fully satisfied.
For smart home enthusiasts who find voice control limiting and phone apps cumbersome, the Echo Hub is a breath of fresh air. It bridges the gap between traditional wall switches and fully voice-controlled environments, providing a middle ground that combines the best of both worlds.
What is the Amazon Echo Hub and how is it different from other Echo devices?
The Amazon Echo Hub is a wall-mountable smart home control panel powered by Alexa. Unlike standard Echo speakers, it has an 8-inch touchscreen display designed specifically for managing smart home devices, routines, cameras, and more — all in one central place.
Can the Echo Hub control all my smart home devices?
Yes, the Echo Hub supports Matter, Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, so it’s compatible with most major smart home brands. If a device works with Alexa, it’ll likely work with the Echo Hub.
Does the Echo Hub have built-in speakers like the Echo Show?
It has basic speakers for Alexa’s voice responses and notifications, but it’s not meant for music playback like the Echo Show. It focuses more on smart home control than entertainment.
Can the Echo Hub be used without mounting it to a wall?
Yes, but it’s designed primarily for wall-mounting. You can also use it with a compatible tabletop stand (sold separately) if you prefer it on a counter or desk.
Is the Echo Hub worth buying if I already have an Echo Show or Alexa-enabled devices?
If you’re deeply invested in smart home automation and want a dedicated control center for your devices, the Echo Hub offers a more focused and streamlined experience than a regular Echo Show. It’s not a replacement, but a complement to other Alexa devices.
