Amazon just released two new smart displays — the completely new Echo Show 21 and the updated Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen). Both are premium options for your home, offering powerful speakers, Full HD displays, and heaps of useful apps so you can stream videos or check your schedule. But which is the better option? The gigantic Echo Show 21, or the updated Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen)? Here’s a closer look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and design
The Echo Show 21 is the biggest member of the Echo Show family, and it’s got the price tag to prove it. Clocking in at $400, it’s a hefty investment. Its design is pretty premium, however, and it can be either mounted on a wall or placed on a table with an adjustable stand (sold separately). The Echo Show 15 looks much the same, though it’s quite a bit smaller. But from a design standpoint, it’s essentially a shrunken version of the Echo Show 21. It too can be mounted on a wall or placed on a table with an optional adjustable stand. But at $300, it’s much easier on the wallet.
Winner: Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen)
Display and quality
Both products offer a 1080p resolution. The only difference here is the screen size. On the Echo Show 21, you’ll get a 21-inch display. On the Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen), you’ll get a 15.6-inch display. They should look great no matter what you’re using them for, whether it be streaming TV shows, looking up a recipe, or taking a video call. However, the extra real estate on the Echo Show 21 could be a game-changer for most families, as you’ll have more space to hold all your widgets and can quickly parse information from across the room.
Winner: Echo Show 21
Features and smart home connectivity
There are no significant differences between the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) when it comes to smart home connectivity or available features. Both are supported by Alexa, come with Fire TV built-in, let you customize your home screen, and sync to other Alexa devices. They also feature a 13MP webcam with auto-framing, which follows you as you move to ensure you’re always in the picture. If you’d prefer privacy, there is a manual privacy shutter that covers the camera when not in use.
Other shared specs include two 0.6-inch tweeters, two 2-inch woofers, and the option to use Live View to check in on your device while away from home. Popular supported apps include Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube, among others.
Winner: Tie
Is the bigger smart display better?
At the end of the day, the only significant difference between the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) is screen size. Beyond that, they feature the same internal hardware, support the same software, and work seamlessly with other Alexa devices. Because of that, we’d recommend simply picking whichever one works best in your space.
If you’re hoping to use the device to watch movies or as a central hub for all your family’s activities, springing for the Echo Show 21 could be a good choice. But if you need something to place on a somewhat crowded countertop or want to save $100, you’re not missing out on anything but screen size when choosing the Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen).
