For a kitchen counter or shared living space, the Echo Show 8 combines an Alexa display, camera, speaker, and smart-home hub in one device. At holiday time, that could make it a useful gift for someone who wants recipes and video calls close at hand, along with a simple way to manage compatible home devices.
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Its larger screen, spatial audio, and broad hub support are appealing. The trade-offs matter too: there’s no headphone jack or external speaker output, and the camera has no physical cover.
Our top pick at a glance
Echo Show 8
- ✔ Processor: AZ3 Pro with AI accelerator
- ✔ Sensors: Ambient temperature, ambient light, presence detection, visual ID
- ✔ Display size: 8.7 inches
A screen that suits everyday shared spaces
The 8.7-inch HD touchscreen offers more viewing area than the previous screen, giving recipes, photos, and video calls more room. At 8.2 by 5 by 5.9 inches and 37 ounces, it needs a stable spot on a counter, shelf, or side table rather than a slim ledge.
For a holiday gift, think about where the recipient would actually use it: a kitchen for hands-free Alexa access, or a common room where people can see the display and join calls. It can also show photo slideshows, which gives it a personal touch when it’s not being used for tasks.
Better sound and a camera for calls
Amazon lists a 2.8-inch woofer and two full-range drivers, with spatial audio and up to twice the bass. That makes the Echo Show 8 a promising fit for music and other listening in a room; it is still a compact all-in-one speaker, and there’s no output for connecting an external speaker or headphones.
The 13 MP camera has auto-framing and 3.3× zoom, useful features for video calls when someone shifts position. If camera privacy is a concern in the household, plan around the fact that this model has no physical camera cover.
A useful starting point for a smart home
Built-in Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Border Router, and Sidewalk support makes the device a capable hub for compatible smart-home products. That can simplify a setup for someone who wants to bring supported devices together around Alexa, though compatibility still depends on the products they own.
Its ambient temperature, ambient light, and presence detection sensors add context for supported features. Alexa+ is described as adding personalized recommendations, visual ID routines, and photo slideshow display; those features may appeal to a recipient who enjoys tailoring a smart home, but they are less compelling if the device will mainly sit unused in a guest room.
The holiday verdict: consider the room and the privacy fit
The Echo Show 8 makes the most sense as a shared-space gift for someone who will use a screen, speaker, video-call camera, and smart-home controls together. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 are included, and the AZ3 Pro processor is designed for fast Alexa responses.
Before gifting it, check that the recipient is comfortable having a camera-equipped device in that room and will use Alexa. There are no dedicated headphone or external speaker connections, and privacy controls depend on the user disabling hardware switches rather than using a physical camera cover.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Echo Show 8
The Echo Show 8 brings an 8.7-inch HD touchscreen, spatial audio, a 13 MP auto-framing camera, and support for several smart-home standards into one countertop device. It’s a good holiday fit for an Alexa user who will make regular use of calls, media, and home controls.
Pros:
- Larger 8.7-inch HD touchscreen
- Spatial audio with enhanced bass
- Built-in Zigbee, Matter, Thread, and Sidewalk support
- 13 MP camera with auto-framing
Cons:
- No headphone jack or external speaker output
- No physical camera cover
- Its size calls for a stable, visible spot
Best for: Alexa users who want a shared kitchen or living-room screen with video calls, audio, and smart-home controls.
Not ideal for: People who want a camera cover, private headphone listening, or a simple display for a room where Alexa features won’t be used.
Bottom line: Give it to an Alexa user with a suitable shared-space spot who will appreciate its screen, calls, sound, and smart-home hub.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
