Amazon is using its echo lineup to market with inexpensive and easy-to-use smart home devices. Its two tiniest (but still features included) are the Echo Dot, now the fifth-generation Echo Dot, and the Echo Pop debuted in 2023. The two-digit Alexa Smart Speakers are priced under $50 and are available regularly in Prime Day Events. Speaking of which, next is Amazon Prime Day 2025, which we expect will be available for discounts on both devices when the event is held from July 8 to 11.
While the two smart speakers are very similar, there are some key differences you should know when choosing one. This is the way Echo Point (5th Generation) and Echo Pop music, based on my first-hand insights on using both of them.
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Echo Points and Echo Pop: Specifications
Image: Chart: Savanna Cobbler/Mix-matching
Design: We like the color options
The echo point and echo pop are nearly the same size, but while the echo point is round, the Echo pop has a flat face. It basically looks like a cross section of a point.
Echo Point (left) and Echo Pop (right) – As you can see, this point has been given by the toddler’s spaghetti fingers.
Image source: Savanna Cobbler/Mix-matching
The echo point also comes in three rather soft colors (gray, white and blue), but the Echo Pop is somewhat available, which is good, Pop musicPier colors (except grey and white, lavender and turquoise).
Overall, I like the look of the Echo Pop. Brighter colors add cute color to the corner frame. Compared to the Echo Dot, POP can act as a more cautious Alexa assistant (which is recognized as a smart home gadget).
Both have a modern, stylish look that can be easily complemented or blended into your home decor.
Winner: Echo Pop
Setup and ease of use
Amazon has made these devices very easy to set up. You will need the Alexa app on your phone and you can set it up step by step. The app is also where you will use Alexa voice commands to connect it to Spotify or Audible’s other apps on your echo device.
Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon device should you buy?
The device itself is also very simple. The physical buttons on them allow you to mute and mute the microphone and adjust the volume. Everything else is done via voice commands or through Alexa apps. I have no problem setting up either device, and both are sensitive to my “hey, Alexa”.
Winner: Tie
Almost the same sound quality
Amazon describes the Echo Pop’s sound as “full sound” that is perfect for bedrooms and small spaces, while the Echo Dot’s sound is “a bigger, vibrant sound” of any room.
In a side-by-side comparison of the echo point and the Echo Pop, I couldn’t detect the difference in sound quality between the two devices. Both devices are perfect for playing background music in my office or listening to podcasts while doing housework, providing a richer, clearer sound and increased volume compared to smartphones.
The Echo Pop does have larger speakers. However, the circular shape of the dot helps it fill the space wherever it is placed.
Winner: Echo Dot
Alexa integration and smart home connectivity
Both Echo Points and Echo Pop are integrated with Alexa through the Amazon Alexa app. You can use Alexa to ask questions, check the weather, set timers and alerts, and open connected apps (such as Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and Amazon Music, including music or streaming apps).
Personally, I always find the most convenient equipment for Alexa devices in my office and in the kitchen. They offer a hands-free, screen-free way to set a timer (for productivity or pizza) or play audio. Centrally located echo devices are also a good way to free up brain space. I have used Alexa to remind me to water plants, put birthday cards in mail, and check the pool water level regularly as it fills the season.
However, the echo point pops the echo here in two critical ways: temperature sensing and motion detection. So your echo point can perform Alexa routines involving temperature or motion, while Echo Pop cannot. Some examples:
Winner: Echo Dot
Consider other features
If you have an existing Amazon Eero network, both ECHO Points and Echo Pop can be used as WiFi extensions, totaling up to 1,000 square feet of additional WiFi coverage.
But again, the Echo Point stands out the edges of the Echo Pop in units of extra features. As mentioned above, this point is equipped with motion and temperature detection functions.
Winner: Echo Dot
Our Winners: Echo Dot and Echo Pop
Echo dots and echo pops are different from them. The Echo Pop is about $10 cheaper and is a bit cute (and has more fun colors). However, it lacks motion detection and temperature sensing, allowing it to execute some of the most useful and practical Alexa commands and routines.
If you’re just looking for easy-to-use speakers to play music or set up alerts at home, the Echo Pop is a great option. For the more powerful Smart Home Assistant, pay an extra $10 and buy an echo point.
