Amazon Echo Show 21 Review: The Ultimate Smart Display for Your Home
The Amazon Echo Show 21 is the latest addition to Amazon's smart display lineup and undoubtedly the largest. With its 21-inch Full HD display, built-in Fire TV, and advanced smart home controls, it aims to be an all-in-one device for entertainment, productivity, and home automation. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Let’s dive into the details.
Key Features of the Amazon Echo Show 21
Screen Size
The Echo Show 21 features a 21-inch Full HD screen (1920 x 1080 resolution), making it ideal for streaming TV shows, movies, and more. The bright and vibrant display ensures excellent picture quality, even in well-lit environments.
Streaming Capabilities
With Fire TV built-in, you can access all major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more. The device comes with a Bluetooth Fire TV remote for seamless navigation.
Smart Home Integration
The Echo Show 21 doubles as a smart home hub with support for Zigbee, Thread, and Matter protocols. It can control a wide range of smart devices, making it a versatile centerpiece for home automation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Proper Fire TV Experience: The inclusion of Fire TV and a remote ensures a smooth and responsive streaming experience.
- Bright, Large Display: The 21-inch screen is perfect for watching movies or following recipes in the kitchen.
- Smart Home Hub: With Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support, it’s a future-proof device for smart home enthusiasts.
Cons
- Expensive: At $399.99, it’s a significant investment.
- Fiddly Touchscreen Controls: Navigating the smart home interface through touch can be cumbersome.
Design and Build
The Echo Show 21 retains the sleek, picture-frame design of its predecessor, the Echo Show 15, but with a larger screen. It can be wall-mounted using the included bracket or placed on a desk with an optional stand.
The physical controls on top include volume buttons, a mute button, and a camera privacy slider. The 13-megapixel camera is centrally placed, offering features like Visual ID for personalized content and video calls with automatic framing.
For those interested in a desk stand, you can purchase one here:
Echo Show 21 Stand
Performance and Features
Fire TV Integration
Unlike the Echo Show 15, the Echo Show 21 comes with Fire TV built-in from the start. The included remote makes it easy to navigate through streaming apps without relying solely on voice commands. The Octa-core processor ensures a smooth experience comparable to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Smart Home Controls
The Echo Show 21 excels as a smart home hub. It can control devices via Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, or Matter. However, accessing smart home controls through the touchscreen can be a bit slow compared to the streamlined interface of the Echo Hub.
For those looking for a dedicated smart home controller, the Echo Hub might be a better option:
Echo Hub
Widgets and Visual ID
Widgets return from the Echo Show 15, offering customizable options like calendars, weather updates, and to-do lists. Visual ID uses the camera to tailor the display to the user, showing personalized content like your calendar or reminders.
Camera Features
The 13-megapixel wide-angle camera supports video calls with automatic tracking and zooming. It also doubles as a security camera, allowing remote viewing via the Alexa app.
Sound and Video Quality
Audio Performance
The Echo Show 21 features dual 2-inch woofers and two 0.6-inch tweeters. While the audio quality is decent for casual listening, it lacks the depth and clarity of dedicated smart speakers like the Echo Studio.
For those seeking a better audio experience, consider pairing it with the Echo Studio:
Echo Studio
Video Quality
The Full HD display delivers sharp and vibrant visuals. While it lacks HDR support, the screen performs well for streaming content and on-screen tasks.
Who Should Buy the Echo Show 21?
The Echo Show 21 is perfect for:
– Families: Its large screen and personalized features make it ideal for shared spaces like kitchens or living rooms.
– Smart Home Enthusiasts: With robust smart home integration, it’s a great choice for those who want a central hub for their connected devices.
– Entertainment Lovers: The built-in Fire TV and large display make it a great option for streaming.
However, if your primary need is smart home control, the more affordable Echo Hub might be a better fit.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Echo Show 21 is an impressive all-in-one device that combines the best of Fire TV, Alexa, and smart home control. While it’s on the pricey side, its versatility and performance make it worth considering for those who want a multipurpose smart display.
If you’re ready to upgrade your smart home experience, you can purchase the Echo Show 21 here:
Amazon Echo Show 21
FAQs
Is the Echo Show 21 a TV as well as a smart display?
Yes, it functions as a TV through Fire TV apps, but it doesn’t have a built-in TV tuner.
Do I need to wall-mount the Echo Show 21?
No, you can use an optional desk stand if wall mounting isn’t suitable for your space.
Does it support HDR?
No, the Echo Show 21 does not support HDR, but it offers excellent Full HD picture quality.
Latest Deals
Looking for the best price on the Echo Show 21? Check out the latest deals here:
Amazon Echo Show 21 Deals
The Amazon Echo Show 21 is a game-changer for smart displays, offering a seamless blend of entertainment, productivity, and smart home control. While it may not be perfect for audiophiles or those on a budget, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their connected home.
