For fairly some time, it appeared as if there was a “race to the underside” between Google and Amazon within the battle for the very best good audio system. At this level, it is fairly apparent that Amazon has taken a commanding lead, as there are such a lot of extra Alexa audio system accessible than what Google gives for Assistant.
The newest instance of this comes within the type of the most affordable Alexa-enabled speaker, the Amazon Echo Pop. But this new speaker is not with out its compromises, so let’s dive a bit deeper to see if it is value selecting up.
Amazon Echo Pop: Price and availability
The Amazon Echo Pop was introduced in May 2023, alongside the 2023 Echo Show 5, Show 5 Kids, and Echo Buds. Amazon at the moment gives the Echo Pop in 4 completely different colours, together with Lavender Bloom, Glacier White, Midnight Teal, and Charcoal. Pricing for the Echo Pop begins at $39.99, nevertheless, Amazon can also be providing bundles with Amazon Music Unlimited and an Alexa Smart Plug.
Amazon Echo Pop: What you will like
Starting off with the design, the Echo Pop shares a number of the DNA from the very best Alexa audio system with its material cowl on the entrance. Really, you possibly can take a look at the Echo Pop and suppose that it is simply an Amazon Echo chopped in half, with its semi-sphere design.
At the highest edge, you will discover the LED indicator, letting when Alexa is listening or if there is a notification that it’s essential attend to. Moving additional up, Amazon applied a trio of buttons, permitting for quantity management together with a privateness button within the center.
Something that helps the Echo Pop stand out is the completely different colours which are accessible. These aren’t colours that you’re going to discover on different Alexa audio system, hopefully offering a sign that updates to the Echo and Echo Dot are on the best way.
With that out of the best way, the Echo Pop operates simply as you’d anticipate from every other Alexa good speaker. Say “Alexa, flip off the lights,” and you will get a immediate response. When the microphones really decide up on my voice, the Echo Pop has been fairly fast, and a part of this may be attributed to the AZ2 Neural Edge processor. According to Amazon, the AZ2 is 20% sooner than the earlier technology, and the Echo Pop is the third Alexa speaker to incorporate this.
Something else value making an allowance for with the Echo Pop is that it additionally doubles as an extender for Amazon’s Eero mesh Wi-Fi system. Currently, I haven’t got an Eero router, so I could not do this out for myself, nevertheless it’s a type of stunning additions.
Speaking of which, the Echo Pop is already suitable with the Matter good dwelling customary, out of the field. At this level, that is one thing that needs to be anticipated, however we have now seen a couple of good dwelling merchandise launched that promise a Matter replace sooner or later, whereas some will not be suitable in any respect. So kudos to Amazon on that entrance.
When it comes to really listening to music or podcasts on the Echo Pop, it is a combined bag. My dwelling workplace is not very large, so it sounds fairly stable total within the smaller area. However, the identical cannot be stated relating to bigger rooms because the sound gets fairly muddled after you attain about 75%. That being stated, a sensible speaker this small should not blow you away and it is unlikely that this will likely be your de-facto alternative for media playback.
Amazon Echo Pop: What you will not
My major grievance with this new good speaker Amazon is utilizing completely different microphones with the Echo Pop, as I could not get a response from Alexa even although I used to be a couple of ft out of my dwelling workplace. Both the Echo Pop and Echo Dot supply three built-in microphones, however the Dot was in a position to recurrently decide up my voice even once I was down the corridor.
Another space the place the Echo Pop falls in need of its brethren is in a number of the performance that’s provided. While we’re pleased to see help for Matter and the flexibility to behave as an Eero extender, there are some things which are lacking.
These embody varied sensors such because the movement detection and temperature sensor discovered within the Echo Dot. I perceive that corners wanted to be reduce, however with the Echo Dot costing simply an additional $10, I am unable to assist however really feel as if Amazon missed out on a reasonably nice alternative.
Lastly, I’d have appreciated to see a 3.5mm audio jack on the again of the Echo Pop. This is a function that we’re already seeing faraway from an increasing number of gadgets as it’s however is one other instance of how Amazon may have appeased those that wished to make use of the Echo Pop related to a different system.
Amazon Echo Pop: The competitors
For simply $10 additional, the Amazon Echo Dot (fifth Gen) is the Echo Pop’s stiffest competitors. It gives the entire identical options because the Echo Pop, with the added bonus of that includes an LED clock, in order for you. It additionally doubles as an Eero Wi-Fi extender however contains each movement detection and a built-in temperature sensor.
It’s probably not a good comparability, however in order for you an affordable Google Assistant speaker, your greatest wager is Google’s Nest Mini. The downside is that it hasn’t been up to date because the 2nd Generation was launched in October of 2019. Making issues worse, we aren’t positive whether or not Google plans to really replace its most cost-effective speaker anytime quickly.
Lastly, in the event you’re within the Apple ecosystem and wish the least costly Siri-powered speaker, you will need to spring for the HomePod Mini. It was launched in 2020, and the one updates that we have seen are some new colours right here and there. Apple not too long ago launched the HomePod (2nd Generation), however $99 places the HomePod Mini in competitors with the usual Amazon Echo versus the Echo Pop.
Amazon Echo Pop: Should you purchase it?
You should purchase this if…
- You need an affordable Alexa-powered good speaker.
- You’re trying to dive deeper into the Echo ecosystem.
- You need a cheap Eero Mesh Wi-Fi extender.
You should not purchase this if…
- You’re okay with spending $10 extra to get the Echo Dot which comes with extra options.
- You desire a loud speaker for a bigger room.
- You desire a good speaker with additional sensors or a devoted Alexa motion button.
At $40 the Echo Pop already looks like a reasonably whole lot, till you see that the Echo Dot is bigger and gives extra performance for simply $10 extra. And whereas I’d nonetheless advocate the Echo Pop for many who simply desire a speaker to have on their nightstand or in an workplace, I’d additionally advocate holding off a bit.
Amazon is infamous for dropping costs of their varied audio system, tablets, and different gadgets and I anticipate the identical for the Echo Pop. With Prime Day 2023 slated to kick off quickly, I will not be stunned if you will get the Echo Pop for $20, or much less.
With that in thoughts, the Echo Pop serves the identical function because the Nest Mini, because it’s simply designed to place Alexa in each room with out being overly intrusive. It’s a stable good speaker, and I’m actually conserving my fingers crossed that Amazon brings the enjoyable new colours to the remainder of the Echo speaker lineup.
Even in the event you aren’t entrenched within the Amazon ecosystem, the $40 price ticket could be too nice of a deal to disregard.