Smart displays are quickly becoming a must-have gadget in many homes, and the Amazon Echo Show series continues to lead the way in 2025. These devices combine the best of Alexa voice control with a bright touchscreen display, great speakers, and video-calling features — all in one. Whether you want to chat with family, watch your favorite shows, or control your smart home, the Echo Show makes it simple.
In this article, we’ll explore why the Echo Show is one of the best choices for video calls and entertainment, and take a closer look at two top models — the Amazon Echo Show 15 and Amazon Echo Show 8. Both have their own strengths, and by the end, you’ll know which one is the right fit for your home.
Why the Echo Show is Great for Video Calls and Entertainment
The Echo Show line was designed to make life easier and more connected. Here’s why it stands out for both entertainment and communication:
- Hands-free video calls: With Alexa built-in, you can start a call just by saying, “Alexa, call Mom.” It’s quick, simple, and perfect for busy days.
- Big screens for clear visuals: Depending on the model, the screen sizes range from 5 to 15 inches, making them ideal for watching shows or chatting with friends.
- Good sound quality: Amazon has improved the speakers over time, so music, movies, and video calls all sound clearer and richer
- Smart-home control: You can connect smart lights, cameras, and plugs and control them right from the screen or by voice.
- Streaming and entertainment: You can watch videos from Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, or follow recipes on the screen while cooking.
In short, the Echo Show brings convenience, communication, and fun together in one easy-to-use device.
Amazon Echo Show 15 — Best for Families and Shared Spaces
Overview
The Amazon Echo Show 15 is the largest Echo Show available, with a massive 15.6-inch full HD display. It looks more like a tablet or a digital picture frame that you can mount on your wall or place on a stand. Because of its size, it’s perfect for common areas like the kitchen, living room, or family room.
Key Features
- Big 15.6-inch display: Ideal for watching movies, video calls, or showing photos.
- Built-in Fire TV: You can stream your favorite shows and movies from Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more — just like a small smart TV.
- Multiple viewing options: Can be mounted on a wall (portrait or landscape) or placed on a stand.
- Visual organizer: The home screen can show shared family calendars, to-do lists, weather updates, and sticky notes.
- Great for video calls: The large screen and 5 MP camera make calls more enjoyable and natural.
Pros
Large and bright screen, great for shared use.
Fire TV built-in for easy streaming.
Perfect as a digital family hub.
Clean, modern design that blends well with home decor.
Cons
Needs more space — not ideal for small rooms.
More expensive than smaller models.
Wall mounting requires some setup.
Best Uses
- Family video calls: The wide camera and big display let everyone fit in the frame easily.
- Entertainment center: Works like a mini smart TV for your kitchen or living room.
- Family organization: Keep track of chores, appointments, and reminders all in one place.
Why It’s a Top Pick
If you want a smart display that serves as both a communication hub and an entertainment screen, the Echo Show 15 is the best option. It’s powerful, stylish, and large enough for everyone in the house to enjoy.
Amazon Echo Show 8 — Perfect Balance of Size and Performance
Overview
The Amazon Echo Show 8 is the mid-size model that offers a great balance of features, size, and price. It has an 8-inch HD display and improved sound compared to smaller versions. For most users, this is the “just right” Echo Show — big enough for comfortable video calls and entertainment, yet compact enough to fit almost anywhere.
Key Features
- 8-inch HD display: Clear visuals for video calls and watching shows.
- 13 MP camera with auto-framing: Keeps you centered during calls even if you move around.
- Dual speakers: Provide deep and clear sound for music or movies.
- Smart-home hub compatibility: Can control connected devices using Alexa.
- Privacy features: Built-in camera cover and microphone off button.
Pros
Great picture quality for the size.
Strong sound performance for music and calls.
Compact design that fits in bedrooms, kitchens, or offices.
Affordable for what it offers.
Cons
Not as immersive as the large Echo Show 15 for watching movies.
Limited to tabletop or counter placement (no wall mounting).
Best Uses
- Video calls with family and friends: The upgraded camera makes calls look clearer and more natural.
- Kitchen helper: Follow recipes, watch tutorials, and play music while you cook.
- Bedroom or office entertainment: Watch short videos, set alarms, or enjoy background music while you work.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The Echo Show 8 is perfect for people who want a versatile smart display that does everything well — video calls, streaming, and smart-home control — without taking up much space or costing too much.
Echo Show 15 vs Echo Show 8 — Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Echo Show 8 | Echo Show 15 |
| Screen Size | 8 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Best For | Personal use, small rooms | Families, large spaces |
| Camera | 13 MP with auto-framing | 5 MP wide-angle |
| Sound Quality | Excellent for its size | Rich and room-filling |
| Streaming Options | Alexa + Prime Video, Netflix | Alexa + Built-in Fire TV |
| Mounting Options | Table or counter only | Wall or stand |
| Price Range | More affordable | Premium price |
Choose Echo Show 8 if you want a mid-size display for personal use, smaller rooms, or video calls.
Choose Echo Show 15 if you want a bigger, shared screen for family entertainment and home organization.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Echo Show
1. Make Video Calls Easier
Use Alexa voice commands like:
- “Alexa, call Mom.”
- “Alexa, drop in on the living room.”
- “Alexa, answer the call.”
These hands-free options make calls effortless, especially when your hands are full.
2. Use It for Entertainment
Connect your streaming accounts and say things like:
- “Alexa, play a movie on Netflix.”
- “Alexa, show me cooking videos on YouTube.”
You can even connect Bluetooth headphones for private listening.
3. Customize the Home Screen
Add widgets like weather, calendars, shopping lists, and photos. This helps make your Echo Show more personal and useful day-to-day.
4. Control Your Smart Home
If you have smart bulbs, cameras, or plugs, you can control them with your Echo Show. Say:
- “Alexa, show me the front door camera.”
- “Alexa, turn off the lights.”
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the Amazon Echo Show remains one of the best smart displays for both video calls and entertainment.
If you want a large, family-friendly screen that doubles as a smart TV, the Echo Show 15 is worth the price. It’s perfect for living rooms or kitchens where everyone can enjoy it together.
If you prefer something compact, affordable, and powerful, the Echo Show 8 is ideal. It offers excellent picture quality, great sound, and smooth video calling — all in a smaller, easy-to-place package.
No matter which one you pick, both bring convenience, entertainment, and connection to your home — all through the power of Alexa.