For fairly some time, it appeared as if there was a “race to the bottom” between Google and Amazon within the battle for one of the best sensible 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 affords 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.Today’s greatest Amazon Echo Pop offersAmazon Echo Pop: Price and availability(Image credit score: Amazon)The Amazon Echo Pop was introduced in May 2023, alongside the 2023 Echo Show 5, Show 5 Kids, and Echo Buds. Amazon at present affords 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(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Starting off with the design, the Echo Pop shares a number of the DNA from one of the best Alexa audio system with its cloth cowl on the entrance. Really, you would have 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 you understand when Alexa is listening or if there is a notification that you might want to attend to. Moving additional up, Amazon carried out 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 can be accessible. These aren’t colours that you will discover on different Alexa audio system, hopefully offering a sign that updates to the Echo and Echo Dot are on the way in which. With that out of the way in which, the Echo Pop operates simply as you’d count on from another Alexa sensible speaker. Say “Alexa, turn off the lights,” and you will get a immediate response. When the microphones really choose 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 era, and the Echo Pop is the third Alexa speaker to incorporate this. (Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Something else value bearing in mind 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, however it’s a type of stunning additions.Speaking of which, the Echo Pop is already suitable with the Matter sensible dwelling commonplace, out of the field. At this level, that is one thing that needs to be anticipated, however we now have seen just a few sensible 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 strong total within the smaller area. However, the identical cannot be stated on the subject of bigger rooms because the sound will get fairly muddled after you attain about 75%. That being stated, a wise speaker this small should not blow you away and it is unlikely that this might be your de-facto selection for media playback. Amazon Echo Pop: What you will not(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)My major grievance with this new sensible speaker Amazon is utilizing completely different microphones with the Echo Pop, as I could not get a response from Alexa although I used to be just a few ft out of my dwelling workplace. Both the Echo Pop and Echo Dot supply three built-in microphones, however the Dot was capable of frequently choose up my voice even after 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 supplied. While we’re completely satisfied to see assist for Matter and the power to behave as an Eero extender, there are some things which can be lacking. (Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)These embody numerous 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 might have appeased those that wished to make use of the Echo Pop related to a different machine.Amazon Echo Pop: The competitors(Image credit score: Chris Wedel/Android Central)For simply $10 additional, the Amazon Echo Dot (fifth Gen) is the Echo Pop’s stiffest competitors. It affords the entire identical options because the Echo Pop, with the added bonus of that includes an LED clock, if you would like. It additionally doubles as an Eero Wi-Fi extender however consists of each movement detection and a built-in temperature sensor.It’s not likely a good comparability, however if you would like an inexpensive Google Assistant speaker, your greatest guess is Google’s Nest Mini. The drawback 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 least expensive 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?(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)You should purchase this if…You need an inexpensive Alexa-powered sensible speaker.You’re trying to dive deeper into the Echo ecosystem.You need an affordable 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 need a loud speaker for a bigger room.You need a sensible speaker with additional sensors or a devoted Alexa motion button.At $40 the Echo Pop already looks as if a reasonably whole lot, till you see that the Echo Dot is bigger and affords extra performance for simply $10 extra. And whereas I’d nonetheless advocate the Echo Pop for individuals who simply need 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 numerous audio system, tablets, and different gadgets and I count on the identical for the Echo Pop. With Prime Day 2023 slated to kick off quickly, I will not be stunned if you may get the Echo Pop for $20, or much less.With that in thoughts, the Echo Pop serves the identical objective because the Nest Mini, because it’s simply designed to place Alexa in each room with out being overly intrusive. It’s a strong sensible speaker, and I’m actually retaining 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 may be too nice of a deal to disregard.