Amazon Echo Dot with Clock Review: Is It Worth It?

The smart speaker market has seen considerable activity in recent weeks. Amazon initiated a wave of updates in late September with newly designed Echo and Echo Dot models. Shortly after, Google refreshed the Home speaker, rebranding it as the Nest Audio after a four-year period. Subsequently, Apple introduced the much-anticipated HomePod Mini last week, offering a more affordable option for users of its Siri-enabled speaker.

Among these three companies, Amazon has consistently delivered the most frequent updates to its smart speaker lineup. The Echo and Echo Dot are now in their fourth versions, while the Echo Dot with Clock is in its second iteration – essentially functioning as an Echo Dot with the added feature of a clock.

This latest update introduces a unified design aesthetic across Amazon’s smart speaker range. The Dot’s appearance closely resembles a smaller version of the standard Echo. The size difference between the two products is noticeable, with the Echo being approximately the size of a large grapefruit and the Dot being comparable to a softball.

The Dot’s compact size provides greater flexibility in terms of placement. It could easily be positioned in various locations throughout a home to create a distributed sound system, although the included power cable is relatively short, potentially requiring an extension cord depending on proximity to an electrical outlet.

The speaker’s exterior is largely covered in fabric, with a hard plastic base that curves upward on the back. This design accommodates two ports – power and auxiliary audio output – but it also reduces the speaker’s surface area, preventing a full 360-degree sound projection unlike previous designs. Consequently, the speaker directs sound forward, despite its rounded shape.

It’s important to note that the new Echo devices are part of a broader trend among major companies to prioritize environmental responsibility. While a comprehensive assessment of Amazon’s overall carbon footprint is beyond the scope of this discussion, it is encouraging to see these efforts reflected in the product design. The company states that the plastics used are 50% recycled post-consumer material, while the fabric and aluminum components, including the adapter, are both 100% recycled.

The setup procedure remains straightforward. Simply activate a few options within the connected Echo app, and the device will be ready for use. The status light ring has been relocated to the bottom of the device, likely for practical reasons. A traditional light ring would not function effectively on the top of a round, fabric-covered speaker.

The benefit of this placement depends on where the Echo is situated. If positioned at eye level, the ring is easily visible. However, if placed lower, the ring may be obscured, requiring observation of its reflection on the surface below. From a user perspective, this is a minor drawback. The digital clock, a key feature differentiating the two Dot models, is also positioned somewhat low on the device, leaving considerable empty space above it.

Amazon likely anticipates users will position the device at eye level, particularly if the clock is used while in bed. The clock display is sufficiently bright, and a simple digital readout is a welcome alternative to a full smart screen, especially in a bedroom intended as a screen-free zone. This is particularly relevant given the increasing amount of time people spend looking at screens.

The functionality of the display is limited to displaying a “Hello” message upon startup, the current time, weather information when requested, and the volume level. The volume can be adjusted using voice commands or physical buttons on the top of the device. These buttons also include an Alexa activation button and a microphone off button, which illuminates in red along with a red ring on the device’s base to indicate that the speaker is no longer listening.

The sound quality is comparable to previous models – consistent with expectations for a smart speaker in the $50 to $60 price range. The company notes that the shift to a front-firing speaker helps focus the sound. While suitable for voice commands, it is not recommended as a primary home speaker, even when paired with multiple units. However, it functions effectively as an alarm clock, offering an improvement over a smartphone’s speaker.

The $10 price difference between the standard Dot and the Dot with Clock is somewhat unusual. It is anticipated that Amazon will consolidate these models into a single product in future generations, priced similarly to the current standard Dot. For now, however, the convenience of displaying the time at a glance comes at a slight additional cost.

The new Echo will be available starting October 22. The Dot with Clock will arrive on November 5.