Wondering if the Echo Dot 4th Generation would make a great gift? We’ve got all the deets right here!
What is the Echo Dot?
The Echo Dot 4th Generation is a smart speaker with Alexa. It allows you to use voice control to play music, ask questions, play the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, Call almost anyone hands-free, home theater audio, and more. This review is on the 4th incarnation of the product. There are 4 models from which to chose.
Disclaimer: This Page Contains Affiliate Links. We earn a small commission on every product. This does not cost you a penny more! For more information, please read our Disclosure page. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Echo Dot 4th Generation Release Date: 2020
Models Offered
1.6 front-firing speaker
Colors Available: Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue
1.6 front-firing speaker with Alarm Clock
Colors Available: Glacier White, Twilight Blue
3.0 woofer and dual front-firing 0.8″ tweeters/ Dolby Audio
Colors Available: Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue
Kid’s Model
Is the Echo Dot 4th Generation Any Good?
The the Echo Dot 4th Generation offers better sound than previous models! It has many pros that make this model Great!
Which of the Echo Dot 4th Generations is the Best?
This is really a matter of preference. Do you want the basic model? The one with the alarm clock? Or the larger model?
There is even a kid’s model (Shown Here).
Pro & Cons
Pros
– 1-year limited warranty and service included.
-The Alexa app is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices.- Setup was incredibly simple. I just powered the device on, and the Echo announced that it was ready for setup. I opened the Alexa app on my phone, and the new Echo was automatically detected and set up instantly. I didn’t have to enter any information at all. It can’t get any easier than this.
-BETTER SOUND. This new Echo has an extra tweeter, for a total of two 0.8 inch tweeters, and the same 3.0 inch Sub from the Gen 3 Echo. This new Echo is designed with the tweeters pointed forward, and the speaker placement seems to generate more bass also somehow, even with the same Sub as the Gen 3. All in all I think it sounds much better than Gen 3, with a little more bass and louder max volume. This could also be do to the sound-mapping feature that allows Echo to maximize the sound by detecting the acoustics and shape of the room. You can also pair two of these in stereo; and you are supposed to be able to use it as a speaker for your FireTV device, though I haven’t tested that out yet.
– Temperature sensor included. Yes, you can ask Alexa what the temperature is, and it seems very accurate so far. This is a nice touch, and I look forward to doing more testing, to see if I can set up routines based on temperature.
– AZ1 Processor. This new Amazon processor promises better voice recognition and faster Alexa responses. In my testing so far, I have barely noticed a slight speed improvement (for example turning on certain room lights) but there are supposed to be upcoming updates that will make an even bigger difference in speed.
– Zigbee + Sidewalk Bridge. This comes with a Zigbee hub, just like previous versions of the Echo Plus. It also contains the new Sidewalk Bridge, which allows the Echo to use bluetooth and radio connections to connect to some smart devices at long range, and push data to the internet.
Cons
– Hands-free voice control is not supported for Mac OS X devices.
– No 360-degree speakers. While I personally prefer the sound of this new version, some people might miss the 360-degree speaker setup of previous Echo generations. It certainly might lead to a situation where the ideal placement of the Echo in your room could be different.
– White power cord. This is small, but a odd choice. No matter what color Echo you get, the power cord is white. Some people might find this lack of choice annoying.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts
The Echo Dot 4th generations offer better sound and faster responsiveness. This generation is not really a massive upgrade. The deciding factor should be whether you want 360 sound from older generations or whether you want better sound from this new release. Remember there are 4 models and several colors to chose from!
Hi, One of my friends has this echo dot 4th generation, but I’m not sure which one exactly. Anyway, I do have a preference for the one with an alarm.
Can I have it in blue? Or this is the only colour.
I also find the temperature sensor feature awesome. In which range/distance do I have to be when asking Alexa about the temperature?
“Can I have it in blue? Or this is the only colour.”
It does come in a light blue or as they call it “twlight blue”. It also comes in charcoal (black) and glacier white.
I also find the temperature sensor feature awesome. In which range/distance do I have to be when asking Alexa about the temperature?
I tried looking for technical specs on the echo dot but could not find anything related to this query. As for my personal use, I am never more than 20 ft away from my device at any given time. My home is not that large.
Hey,
This is a great review and I’m so pleased I came across it. I don’t have an Alexa yet, but I think I’m decided that I want to get the Echo Dot 4th Generation. I think I will start with the basic model so I can learn more about it and then later on maybe I will upgrade to the better models. My brother has an Alexa, and I think he would like the Echo Dot 4th Generation version too.
I will let you know if we both definitely purchase this and I will give you my review of it too.
Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.
All the best,
Tom
First time I heard of Echo Dot 4th generation. I owe the older model for the last couple of years. I got it from Amazon. I am pretty happy with that but compare to Echo Dot I can see a lot has changed and there are some great new features.
I assume that would be also a great gift though since I have no idea what to buy for my family anymore. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your review. I was just thinking about what to get my oldest granddaughter for her 16th birthday next month, I never leave it till the last minute. The Echo Dot 4th generation sounds like something she would love. I admit I am not very technically inclined so will consult my husband before making a purchase.
She might like the fire HD 8 tablet. We are working on that review as I type! Will post link when it is finished!
Thanks for the review I have been thinking about getting one of these smart speakers, but did not really know which way to go. My kids got the google home I think it is called, but I have been hearing good things about the echo dot. I am with you that the white cord is strange! lol Thanks again
Hey,
Thanks for listing all features of this product it seems a perfect gift to surprise our loved ones.
Features are incredibly awesome like the temperature sensor sounds pretty cool!
This Echo Dot 4th Generation seems an excellent budget smart speaker, with amazing features and a new spherical design.
It offers the latest features superior voice quality, Alexa integration, music from a variety of streaming services, controlling smart home gadgets, setting timers, alarms, and super-cute designs.
Cheers!