Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen Hint

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen Stands Out as Our Top Choice For Entry-level

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen boasts an appealing aesthetic and impressive audio performance. Featuring significantly enhanced sound quality, this smart speaker surpasses the Google Home Mini, making it a superior choice, especially for those less discerning. It can even serve as a more cost-effective substitute for the larger Echo. Consequently, it has earned our Editor's Choice designation among entry-level smart speakers. If you currently possess an older Echo Dot utilized to amplify a larger, superior speaker, there's no necessity for an upgrade. However, if your Echo Dot functions as your primary speaker, the latest version is a must-have.

In comparison to its predecessor, the Echo Dot 3rd Gen exhibits a plumper and more endearing appearance, although its dimensions remain largely unchanged. The speaker now features a fabric covering in one of three gray hues, departing from the previous all-hard plastic design. It's essential to make a thoughtful color selection since, unlike the full-sized Echo, the fabric wrap cannot be altered post-purchase.

The audio quality delivered by the singular 1.6-inch driver is markedly superior to that of the old Echo Dot. The former's sound was dismal, reminiscent of a 1960s transistor radio, suitable for Alexa's voice but sorely lacking in music richness. The new Echo Dot, on the other hand, offers a semblance of bass and a more well-rounded midrange. Pairing two Echo Dots even allows for the creation of a stereo setup.

While the preceding Echo Dot utilized seven microphones to capture voice commands effectively, the third generation maintains this sensitivity and responsiveness, ensuring an equally impressive performance in voice recognition.

The continuous evolution of Alexa's capabilities complicates keeping reviews up-to-date, but currently, there are over 50,000 skills available. These encompass a wide array of functions, from playing games like Jeopardy to managing your smart home devices, ordering food, and arranging transportation to the airport. For a more detailed exploration, consider exploring our top Alexa skills and our comprehensive guide on how to maximize Alexa's functionalities.

Amazon appears to have adopted a more considered approach to product design, lagging behind initially. The initial Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show exhibited utilitarian designs with hard plastic shells and a somewhat generic, budget-oriented finish. It wasn't until Google's Home and Home Mini, which boasted a more visually appealing design, that Amazon seriously reconsidered the appearance of its flagship Alexa devices.