Amazon Echo Spot (2017)

Useful screen ; Video calling works well ; Compact dimensions ; More intuitive than audio-only Echo devices

Sound could be better

This is far more than an alarm clock; it’s the best Echo to date.

Lovely design ; Clear video

Round screen means video cropping ; Can be pricey

The Amazon Echo Spot is the best-looking Echo product out there: a circular, versatile, Alexa-toting video device that wants to be in your bedroom, your kitchen, your office and, well, just about everywhere else too.

Sharp screen ; Good range of features ; Neat design ; Clear midrange

Divisive camera ; Sound quality could be improved ; Needs more video content

One of the most capable smart-devices we’ve come across

'Alexa Calling' video calls ; Cute design ; Sounds pretty good considering the size ; The smartest radio alarm clock you'll ever find

'Drop In' could cause privacy concerns ; Price feels a little high compared to Echo Dot ; Small screen for video playback

The Amazon Echo Spot hits a number of key areas: it's the best designed of the Echo collection, giving it immediate appeal. Whether in the bedroom, on a kitchen worktop or side table in the living room, the Spot fulfils its role as master of all.

Dinky design ; Alexa smarts ; Decent mics ; Can be connected to other speakers ; Display feedback

Tinny audio ; Very compact screen

If you want a compact, subtle smart speaker which provides visual feedback on top of the usual voice control, the Echo Spot is one of your only options right now. So just as well that it’s everything we hoped for..

Useful touchscreen features ; Small design

Pricey ; Sound quality isn't the best

The Amazon Echo Spot is easily one of the more interesting Alexa-powered devices Amazon has released recently. It’s far better equipped to blend into your home’s decor than the Echo Show and the circular touchscreen adds valuable extra features.

Sleek, compact design ; Alexa with all her powers ; Great as a bedside clock

Only modest sound quality ; Not many useful visual skills yet ; Bedroom camera can be unsettling

Alexa’s sleek alarm clock form finds the purpose that the Echo Show lacks

The Echo Spot is a well-made device with a good-looking design, and it's handy for quick, voice-activated video calls. Sound quality was better than we expected, and noticeably better than the Echo Dot's.

The Echo Spot doesn't currently support YouTube, nor does it offer many video sources for your flash briefings. The touchscreen adds less than it should to the Alexa experience, and it's too small to be helpful unless you're within a few feet of the...

The Echo Spot is a fine for what it is, but Amazon still hasn't done enough to convince us that Alexa needs a touchscreen at all.