In its fourth version, Amazon’s iconic Echo connected speaker tries a new approach with its spherical design: a choice that finally allows it to raise the level, if not completely revolutionary.
Without fundamentally reshuffling the cards, the fourth generation of Amazon’s Echo has the merit of laying a more solid foundation than the previous versions. The manufacturer’s small smart connected speaker offers decent performance with, finally, decent sound reproduction (conditioned by a setting necessary to calm its energy in the bass), good quality voice pickup and intuitive use. Alexa users with a content budget will therefore find their account here. If your priority is to get your hands on the most capable smart speaker under the $100 mark, regardless of the on-board assistant, the Google Nest Audio will stand out as a better choice.
Strong points
- Round and warm restitution (which still requires prior adjustment to remain pleasant).
- Mini-jack analog input/output.
- Good manufacturing quality.
Weak points
- Very average sound precision.
- Particularly limited power reserve.
- Some errors in triggering the voice assistant at times.
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
Alternatively
New look for a new life: with a much neater construction, more discreet and above all much higher performance, the Nest Audio supplants without a shadow of a doubt the Google Home. The conditions are now met to properly enjoy his music. Compared to the rest of the smart speaker market, this model is not flawless, but it undeniably offers excellent value for money.