ZDNET’s Key Takeaways
- The Echo Show 21 is a $400 smart display designed to be mounted on a wall.
- It features a 13MP camera for video calls with a privacy shutter and Fire TV integrations.
- If you choose not to wall-mount the Echo Show 21, you’ll need to buy a separate stand.
Unboxing the Echo Show 21
Unboxing the Echo Show 21 is a series of awe-inspiring moments, mostly due to its huge smart display. At 21 inches, the Echo Show 21 is imposing and striking. The large display can double as a Fire TV, where its size shines most.
Design and Functionality
This Echo Show is built to be wall-mounted, with the hardware included in the box. This type of device is meant to be multifunctional – a kitchen companion that functions as a smart home hub, a family organizational hub, and a small television for entertainment while cooking or as a recipe source.
Hands-Free Amazon Alexa
Like other Amazon Echo Show displays, the Echo Show 21 features hands-free Amazon Alexa, serving as a communication channel for the virtual assistant. You can ask Alexa to trigger your smart devices with reliable results or request jokes, stories, or music.
Camera and Smart Home Integrations
The 13MP camera supports auto-framing, 3.3x zoom, and noise reduction technology. This has worked perfectly whether I’m calling someone in my contacts list or my kids’ Echo Show 5 upstairs. The Echo Show 21 is a Zigbee hub that supports Matter and functions as a Thread border router. You can also set up multiple user profiles to customize content for each user.
Fire TV and Audio Performance
The Echo Show 21 performs as a Fire TV, with an Alexa Voice Remote control like you’d get with a Fire TV unit or streaming device. However, don’t expect it to win any awards for its audio performance. While it can get boisterously loud, it doesn’t offer the crisp sound quality you get from an Echo Studio.
Conclusion
The large display functions well for casual streaming and smart home controls, but is quite expensive at $400. I would recommend the Echo Show 21 if you’re looking for a family hub, smart home hub, and small television for your kitchen. However, it won’t be able to show a large, full-screen view of your calendar so you can glance at your week’s events, and it’s not a game changer if you already have a smaller Echo Show in the same room.
ZDNET’s Buying Advice
- I would recommend the Echo Show 21 if you’re looking for a family hub, smart home hub, and small television for your kitchen.
- However, it won’t be able to show a large, full-screen view of your calendar so you can glance at your week’s events, and it’s not a game changer if you already have a smaller Echo Show in the same room.
- The Echo Show 21 is so large and imposing that I wouldn’t recommend any installation other than wall mounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Echo Show 21?
A: The Echo Show 21 is a $400 smart display designed to be mounted on a wall, with a 13MP camera for video calls and Fire TV integrations.
Q: Can I use the Echo Show 21 on a tabletop?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to buy a separate stand, which can cost up to $100.
Q: Does the Echo Show 21 have good audio performance?
A: No, it’s not designed for high-quality audio performance, but it can get loud.
Q: Can I use the Echo Show 21 as a smart home hub?
A: Yes, it supports Matter and functions as a Thread border router.
