Amazon’s Echo range has firmly established itself as a market leader in the realm of affordable and user-friendly smart home devices. Two of the smallest yet feature-rich products in this lineup are the fifth-generation Echo Dot and the Echo Pop, which was introduced in 2023. Both of these Alexa-enabled smart speakers are priced below $50 and frequently feature in Prime Day sales.
Despite their striking similarities, there are some notable distinctions between these two devices that prospective buyers should be aware of. Let’s delve into a comparison of the Echo Dot (5th gen) and the Echo Pop, based on my personal experience with both gadgets.
Specifications: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop
Regarding design, the Echo Dot and the Echo Pop are almost identical in size. However, the Echo Dot has a rounded design, while the Echo Pop sports a flat face, making it look like a cut-out of the Dot. The Echo Dot is available in three subdued colors (gray, white, and blue), whereas the Echo Pop comes in more vibrant hues like lavender and teal, along with gray and white.
I find the Echo Pop’s design more appealing, thanks to its brighter color options. It can discreetly fit into any corner shelf, adding a pop of color, without being immediately recognized as a smart home device like the Echo Dot. Both devices have a modern, sleek look that can seamlessly blend with or enhance your home decor.
Design Winner: Echo Pop
Setting Up and Using the Devices
Amazon has simplified the setup process for these devices to a great extent. All you need is the Alexa app on your smartphone, which guides you through the steps. This app is also necessary to connect other apps like Spotify or Audible for streaming on your Echo devices using voice commands.
The devices themselves are quite easy to use, with physical buttons for muting and adjusting the volume. All other functionalities can be accessed through voice commands or the Alexa app. I had a smooth experience setting up both devices, and they responded promptly to my “Hey, Alexa” commands.
Usability Winner: It’s a Tie
Comparing Sound Quality
Amazon markets the Echo Pop’s sound as “full sound” suitable for bedrooms and small spaces, while the Echo Dot’s sound is described as a “bigger vibrant sound” fit for any room. In my comparison, I found no noticeable difference in sound quality between the two devices.
Both devices are excellent for playing background music or listening to podcasts, offering a fuller, clearer sound and higher volume compared to a smartphone. The Echo Pop has a slightly larger speaker, but the Dot’s round shape allows it to fill a room with sound regardless of its placement.
Sound Quality Winner: Echo Dot
Alexa Integration and Smart Home Connectivity
Both the Echo Dot and the Echo Pop seamlessly integrate with Alexa via the Amazon Alexa app. You can use Alexa to ask queries, check the weather, set timers and alarms, and access connected apps for music or streaming, such as Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and Amazon Music.
I’ve found Alexa devices to be most useful in the office and kitchen, providing a hands-free way to set timers or stream audio. However, the Echo Dot slightly outperforms the Echo Pop with its additional features of temperature sensing and motion detection, enabling it to execute Alexa Routines involving temperature or motion that the Echo Pop cannot.
Alexa Integration Winner: Echo Dot
Considering Additional Features
Both the Echo Dot and the Echo Pop can function as WiFi extenders if connected to an existing Amazon Eero network, providing up to 1,000 square feet of additional WiFi coverage. However, with its motion and temperature detection capabilities, the Echo Dot has an edge over the Echo Pop in terms of extra features.
Additional Features Winner: Echo Dot
