Tech

Which Amazon Echo Dot Should I Buy? The definitive guide

  • 3rd Gen Amazon Echo Dot
  • 4th Gen Amazon Echo Dot
  • 4th Gen Amazon Echo Dot with Digital Clock

To keep things simple, it is important that you bear in mind that the only difference between the latter two is exclusively the digital clock built into its front. Beyond this section, which can be useful to see the time if we have the speaker on the bedside table, everything is identical from the available colors, sound, functionalities and other features.

With that said, looking to discern between the 3rd gen Echo Dot and the 4th gen model, you should take a look at the following comparison table:

3rd Gen Echo Dot 4th Gen Echo Dot
Dimensions 43 x 99 x 99 mm 100mm x 100mm x 89mm
Weight 300 grams 328 grams
Connectivity 802.11a / b / g / n dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz)
Bluetooth A2DP
802.11a / b / g / n / ac dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz)
Bluetooth A2DP
Sound 40mm speaker 41mm speaker
Compatibility Your Alexa app is compatible with Fire OS, Android and iOS devices App Alexa is compatible with Fire OS, Android and iOS devices
What is in the box? Echo Dot, power adapter (15W) and quick start guide Echo Dot, power adapter (15W) and Quick Start Guide
Clock version? Discontinued Yes
Available colours Anthracite, light gray, dark gray and mauve Anthracite, gray-blue and white
Line in / out 3.5mm in / out 3.5mm output
Official price 59.99 euros (current discount of 39.99 euros) 59.99 euros

The first and probably what most catches your attention between one and the other is the design difference. While the third-generation model has an aesthetic like a circular soap bar, its renovation adopted an almost spherical design. In addition, this fourth edition of the Echo Dot is available in more colors than we can currently buy the third one.

Going to the points that may raise the most doubts, regarding the sound the experience remains similar. In the end, both models are the most “simple” smart speakers in the Amazon catalog. But, even being similar, the more current of the two has a 1.6 ″ speaker for better reproduction of the music and the voices of the assistant or music.

Regarding their functionalitiesAlthough we will talk a little more about this, they are exactly the same in the two models. By having Alexa as a virtual assistant, both the 3rd and 4th generation options will have all the capabilities that we find with it. Of course, we have already told you that the version with the integrated clock can be useful in some specific case if you do not want to talk to the assistant to ask for the time.

Although of course, where we do find differences between them is in the price. On the one hand, the Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation, the smallest of all, is at a regular price of 44.99 euros at this time.

Then, we can take home the 4th generation Echo Dot by paying 50.99 euros. And, in the case of this same model but with the digital clock, its cost increases up to 69.99 euros. These are the prices that, through the manufacturer, are usually shuffled with these devices. Although, as you will already know if you are a regular buyer of the company of the big A, we can find them with some interesting discount on special days such as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day or during Christmas.

Is the 4th generation Echo Dot worth it?

Surely seeing the few differences between one model and another, this question is the one that is running around your head right now. And, the truth is that the reasons for your purchase are not too abundant.

With this we do not mean that it is a bad purchase option, quite the contrary. But, taking into account the difference in price and that, in addition, you can do exactly the same with one and with the other, it is normal for you to doubt. Here, personally, we see 3 possible purchase scenarios different:

  • You want something cheap and with all the Alexa features built in. In this case, the third generation model is the best alternative for you.
  • While it is true that the “pickup” design takes up less and even, many could say that it is more aesthetic than its evolution, you may like the spherical design more. Here the perfect one for you is the 4th generation model.
  • If you need, or just want it that way, the included digital clock has no choice but to go for the most current model.

What can you do with your Amazon Echo Dot?

Now that you know all the different models of this Amazon smart speaker, it’s time to talk a little more about their functionalities and what you can do with it. Although this is a topic to which we have already dedicated several articles so that you can squeeze all the smart speakers to the fullest, some of the functionalities that you probably use the most are:

  • Talk to Alexa: As we have been telling you from the beginning, all Amazon smart speakers come with their built-in smart assistant. Just by invoking her by saying “Alexa”, you can ask her about the weather, save different foods on the shopping list, keep track of all your appointments, call someone using the “Drop In” option and a long etcetera.
  • Control your TV without using the remote: if as a complement to this smart speaker you have an Amazon Fire TV, or a screen model with integrated Alexa, you will be able to manage all its functionalities with voice commands. You just have to ask Alexa to turn up the volume, play the next chapter of your favorite series or search for videos on YouTube. Or even if you forgot to turn on the TV before laying down on the couch, you can also do it with a voice command.
  • All the music at your disposal: Another of the great uses that are usually given to these teams is to reproduce content through them. This can range from a song by your favorite artist, an entire album, search for radio stations, play podcasts, and much more.

These are some of the main uses that you can give your new Amazon Echo Dot. Another way to get even more performance is by using the Skills, small applications created by developers who seek to further expand the possibilities of these smart speakers. Although this is the subject of another article that we already brought you on our website.

Links to these Amazon Echo Dot models are part of our Amazon affiliate agreement and may earn us a small commission on their sale. Even so, the decision to publish them has been made freely, under the editorial criteria of El Output, without attending to suggestions or requests from the brands involved.

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