Pros
Smooth and crisp sound quality, especially with music streaming from Amazon Music HD
Directional sound setup ideal for most home positions
Enhanced surround sound experience, particularly with Dolby Atmos
Loud volumes with little to no distortion
Improved voice recognition over earlier generations
Quick Alexa responses due to better processor and software
Integration with a wide variety of smart home devices
Easy setup and grouping of devices
Versatile usage across multiple rooms
Premium look and design
Temperature sensor and Zigbee hub for smart home integration
Faster and more efficient processing with AZ1 Processor
Cons
Directional sound may not be suitable for those who prefer 360-degree audio
White power cord regardless of device color choice
Voice detection struggles during loud music playback
Main Product Advantages
10 Sound Quality
The Echo (4th Gen) offers premium sound with smooth and crisp music streaming, notable bass for its size, and Dolby Atmos support. The sound quality is described as immersive and room-filling, making it suitable for both music and home theater setups.
9 Setup and User-Friendly Interface
Easy setup and straightforward user interface make the Echo (4th Gen) accessible for new users. Grouping devices for stereo, home theater, or speaker groups is simple through the Alexa app.
9 Alexa Capabilities
Alexa provides extensive functionality including answering questions, controlling smart devices, setting reminders, offering news updates, and playing media. The processor upgrades have made Alexa's responses faster.
9 Overall Versatility
Aside from being a high-quality speaker, the Echo (4th Gen) can control lighting, play rain/storm sound effects, serve as an intercom, and execute multi-room audio commands, among other features.
8 Voice Recognition
Voice recognition capability of the Echo (4th Gen) has been improved with software updates for better mic sensitivity and processing speed due to the new AZ1 processor. It generally responds well to voice commands, even from across the room.
8 Design
The new spherical design and visible activity light ring are aesthetically pleasing and functional. The compact form factor allows for easy placement without compromising sound quality.
8 Build Quality
Sturdy build quality with weight enough to stay stable on various surfaces, though the white power cord regardless of Echo color received mild criticism.
7 Smart Home Hub Integration
The built-in Zigbee hub offers smart home integration, but its utility may be limited as newer devices often don't require a hub.
7 Temperature Sensor
Included temperature sensor provides the ability to monitor room temperature, which can be used to trigger routines and improve smart home automation.
6 Connectivity Options
The Echo (4th Gen) supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. It includes a 3.5mm audio jack, configurable as either an input or output, providing flexibility in connectivity.
Echo (4th Gen) | With Premium Sound, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa | Charcoal
PREMIUM SOUND – Rich, detailed sound that automatically adapts to any room. Supports lossless HD audio available on select streaming services such as Amazon Music HD.
VOICE CONTROL YOUR MUSIC – Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and more. HD requires a compatible music streaming service.
SMART HOME HUB – Built-in hub to voice control compatible lights, locks, and sensors. Easily set up compatible Zigbee and Matter devices or select Ring Smart Lighting solar lights and bulbs.
ALEXA IS READY TO HELP – Set timers, reminders, and alarms. Alexa answers questions like "Alexa, what time is it?"
START YOUR ROUTINES WITH MOTION – Turn on compatible lights, play your Flash Briefing, or turn on the coffee maker when you walk into the room.
FILL YOUR HOME WITH SOUND – With multi-room music, play synchronized music across Echo devices in different rooms. You can also pair your Echo with compatible Fire TV devices to feel scenes come to life with home theater audio, or extend wifi coverage with a compatible eero network so you can say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS HANDS-FREE – Call friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device. Instantly drop in on other rooms or announce to the whole house that dinner's ready.
PRIVACY CONTROLS – Designed to protect your privacy – Amazon is not in the business of selling your personal information to others. Built with multiple layers of privacy controls including a mic off button.
Conclusion
The Echo (4th Gen) offers a versatile combination of premium sound, smart home capabilities, and the convenience of Alexa, making it a valuable addition to any modern home. With enhanced audio quality, seamless connectivity, and robust privacy controls, it stands out as a top choice for smart speakers.