ZDNET’s Key Takeaways
- The Echo Show 21 is a $400 smart display designed to be mounted
- It includes 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’d have to buy a separate stand
The Best Smart Display for Your Home?
A great smart display is a sight to behold, but it doesn’t need to be huge to be outstanding. I love the idea of a great display for smart home control and everyday home management, like keeping my family’s calendars, to-do lists, reminders, shopping lists, and more updated, easy to find, and visible for everyone.
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.
Hands-On with the Echo Show 21
The Echo Show 21 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.
Features and Functionality
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.
Display and Camera
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 camera also has a physical privacy shutter that you can toggle closed as needed.
Smart Home Integrations
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
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.
ZDNET’s Buying Advice
I’d recommend the Echo Show 21 if you’re looking for a family hub, smart home hub, and small television for your kitchen. However, it’s not going to show a large, full-screen view of your calendar so you can glance at this week’s events, and it’s not a game changer if you already have a smaller Echo Show in the same room.
Conclusion
The Echo Show 21 is a large and imposing smart display that excels in its Fire TV capabilities and smart home control, but falls short in its audio performance and lack of a full-screen calendar view.
FAQs
Q: What is the Echo Show 21?
A: The Echo Show 21 is a $400 smart display designed to be mounted and includes a 13MP camera for video calls with a privacy shutter and Fire TV integrations.
Q: Can I use the Echo Show 21 as a standalone TV?
A: Yes, the Echo Show 21 can be used as a small television for entertainment or recipe viewing.
Q: Do I need to buy a separate stand for the Echo Show 21?
A: Yes, if you choose not to wall-mount the Echo Show 21, you’d have to buy a separate stand, which can cost up to $100.
Q: How does the Echo Show 21’s audio performance compare to other Echo devices?
A: The Echo Show 21’s audio performance is average and doesn’t offer the crisp sound quality you get from an Echo Studio.
