Amazon recently introduced the new Echo Spot, expanding its extensive lineup of Echo devices. However, the Echo Spot is not a newcomer to the ever-growing Echo series. The original Echo Spot, which debuted and faded away quietly around 2007, has made a comeback in 2024. This latest version boasts a compact design, impressive functionality, and excellent sound quality for its size. While it has many positive attributes, it may not appeal to everyone.

So, what exactly is the Echo Spot? It is a Matter-compliant alarm clock powered by Alexa. For those familiar with Alexa or Echo devices, this might seem like the end of the review, but it's not. While it functions as an Alexa-driven alarm clock, it offers more than just basic alarm features. Before exploring these additional features, let's examine the hardware, which is part of the device's appeal. The Echo Spot comes with a single DC power input, which is not USB-C, a feature that would have been beneficial given the prevalence of multiport USB-C chargers and cables worldwide. It has three buttons on top for volume control and microphone muting.

The device's compact form factor, measuring approximately 10 x 11 cm, makes it ideal for a bedside table. The 2.83-inch rectangular screen is slightly tilted backward for better visibility, though it may appear dull at certain angles. The screen's design suggests potential plans for additional features, such as a camera, which the Echo Spot lacks, giving it an unfinished look. When the original Echo Spot was released, it was more of a smart speaker with a clock, representing an early version of the Echo Show line. It included features like a camera for video calls, video streaming capabilities, and a 3.5mm audio jack for enhanced audio output options. However, considering the device's primary use in the bedroom, losing these features does not significantly impact its core functionality.

The Echo Spot is designed to be a smart alarm clock rather than just a smart speaker with a clock. Its vibrant display enhances your morning routine by providing weather updates, daily schedules, and information about the currently playing music. I have appreciated the audio quality of Echo speakers over time, and the Echo Spot maintains this standard. It effectively handles podcasts and audiobooks, which is perfect for my listening habits while in bed. However, it struggles with a broad range of frequencies at higher volumes; anything above 70 percent tends to produce distortion, resulting in muddy mid-range audio. The speaker is also quite directional, meaning you'll lose volume if you step outside a roughly 45-degree arc in front of it.

Despite these limitations, the Echo Spot is effective as a bedside speaker or smart alarm clock. You won't need a loud brass orchestra to wake up every morning, so even at half volume, the Echo Spot is loud enough to wake you up and musical enough to improve your mood. It also displays other information to prepare you for the day, like the weather. When it comes to audio quality, while the Echo Spot wouldn't be my first choice for music listening, it performs well considering its size and price. There are better Echo devices for sheer audio quality, such as the original Amazon smart speakers - the Echo and the Echo Dot with clock - which sound better as pure audio devices. The Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 10 also perform better sonically while providing larger information displays.

This makes the Echo Spot a midway device – it offers much of the best sound from smart speakers and some of the information display from smart displays. The price, at Dh334, is also a midway feature. It's unclear whether it lacks features compared to larger Echo smart displays or is a step up from smaller Amazon smart speakers like the Echo Dot. If you're looking for a musical smart speaker, the Echo Dot or Echo 4th generation might offer better sound. For a smart display, consider the Echo Show 8, which costs slightly more but provides additional features and a larger screen with a touchscreen interface for controlling smart home devices.

However, if you're in the market for a space-efficient smart alarm clock that brightens your mornings, the Echo Spot could be the perfect choice. It has good sound quality, a vibrant screen, solid functionality, and an attractive design that works well as both a clock and a speaker. Although it is outperformed by other Echo devices, placing it on your bedside table makes it a bright spot to wake up to every morning.

Amazon Echo Spot smart speaker:

Hits: Stylish and compact size, integrated small display, good alarm-clock speaker

Misses: Restricted sonic capability, there are better Echo devices

Price: Dh334

Rating: 3.5 stars