Amazon has pushed the market with cheap and easy-to-use smart home devices with an echo lineup. Two of the smallest (still feature-packed) products are Echodot, which is currently in the fifth generation, and Echopop, which debuted in 2023. Both Alexa Smart Speakers are under $50 and will be sold regularly during Prime Day events. Speaking of which, next up is the Amazon Big Spring sale. We hope that both devices will receive valuable discounts when the March 25th-31 event takes place. Big Spring Sales are usually specific to spring essentials and outdoor items, but first party Amazon devices almost always show a decent price reduction.
The two smart speakers are very similar, but there are some important differences that you should know before choosing one. How do Echodot (5th Generation) and Echopop comparisons compare based on my direct insight using both?
Amazon Echo will begin reporting to Amazon on March 28th
Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Specifications
Credit: Chart: Savanna Shoemaker/Mashable
Design: I like the color options
The Echodot and Echopop are roughly the same size, but the Echopop is round, while the Echopop has a flat face. Basically, it looks like a cross section of a dot.
Echodot (left) and Echopop (right) – As you can see, the dots are decorated by toddler spaghetti fingers.
Credit: Savanna Shoemaker/Mashable
Echodot also comes in three rather muted colors (gray, white, and blue), but Echopop is available in several. popThe colour of the pier (gray and white plus lavender and teal).
Overall, I like the echo pop look a bit better. Bright colors add a cute color splash to the corner shelf. Pop acts as a more modest Alexa assistant than Echodot (which is fairly universally recognized as a smart home gadget).
Both have a modern and refined look that can easily complement or blend in with your home decor.
Winner: Echo Pop
Setup and ease of use
Amazon has made setting up these devices very easy. You will need the Alexa app on your phone, and we’ll explain how to set up step by step. This app can also be used to connect other apps such as Spotify or Audible to stream to your Echo device using the Alexa Voice command.
Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon devices do I need to buy?
The device itself is also very simple. Those physical buttons allow you to mute and mute the microphone to adjust the volume. Everything else is done through voice commands or through the Alexa app. I had no issues setting up either device, but both were very sensitive to “hey, Alexa.”
Winner: Tie
The sound quality is almost the same
Amazon describes the sound of echo pop as “full sound” perfect for bedrooms and small spaces, while the sound of Echo pop is described as “a bigger, more vibrant sound” for any room.
When compared side by side of Echodot and Echopop, we were unable to detect any difference in sound quality between the two devices. Both devices were great for playing background music in my office and listening to podcasts while chores, offering a more crisp and clearer sound and increased volume compared to smartphones.
Echo Pop has a louder speaker than ever before. However, the round shape of the dots can help fill the space with sound, no matter where they are located.
Winner: Echodot
Alexa integration and smart home connectivity
Echodot and Echopop are integrated with Alexa via the Amazon Alexa app. You can use Alexa to ask questions, check the weather, set timers and alarms, and use connected apps (such as music and streaming apps such as Spotify, Pandora, Audible, Amazon Music, etc.).
Personally, I have always found Alexa devices to be the most convenient in the office or kitchen. They provide a hands-free, screen-free way to do it, and a timer (productivity or pizza) or a set to stream audio. A centralized echo device is also a great way to free up brain space. It reminded me to use Alexa to water plants, mail birthday cards and check the pool’s water level regularly when filling during the season.
However, Echodot edges echo pop in two important ways. Temperature sensing and motion detection. Therefore, echodots can perform Alexa routines with temperature or movement, but not echopop. Some examples:
Winner: Echodot
Consider additional features
If you have an existing Amazon Eero network, both Echo Dot and Echo Pop act as WiFi extenders, adding up to 1,000 square feet of WiFi coverage.
However, Echodot edges echo pop in terms of additional functionality. As mentioned above, the DOT is equipped with motion and temperature detection.
Winner: Echodot
Our Winner: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop
Echodot and Echopop are more similar than they are different. Echo Pop is about $10 cheaper and is a bit cute (and available in more fun colors). However, there is no motion detection and temperature sensing that allows you to run some of the most useful and practical Alexa commands and routines.
If you’re just looking for easy-to-use speakers to play music or set alarms in your home, Echo Pop is a great choice. For a more functional smart home assistant, you’ll pay an additional $10 and buy an Echo Dot.
