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Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation)
Alexa is faster + energy efficient
The Echo Dot 4th Gen doesn’t make huge strides over the previous model, but it improves where it matters. Alexa commands are twice as fast thanks to an improved chip, the speaker is now front-facing for voice-guided, and the speaker design is more stylish and more energy-efficient.
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd generation)
Compact + Wall Mountable
The Echo Dot 3rd Gen is designed to be wall-mounted, which is what many users prefer. In addition, Amazon will continue to update the Echo Dot 3rd Gen with the latest Echo and Alexa technologies, including Sidewalk Bridge software and Guard Plus security features for smart homes.
Although Amazon launched the Echo Dot 4th Gen & 4th Gen with Clock in October 2020, it still sells the older 3rd generation Echo Dot for a slight price drop. The two miniature speakers aren’t much different from one another—which isn’t surprising given the third-generation model was released just a year ago—but the fourth-generation Dot makes significant improvements in Alexa commands, environmental impact, and sound design.
If you’re wondering how the Echo Dot 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen will stack up against each other — whether you’re considering upgrading or saving a few bucks on an older model — we’ve got all the info you need.
Echo Dot 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Minor spec upgrade
The Echo Dot 4th Gen has the same services and connectivity as its predecessor: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols remain unchanged, and the smart home devices or streaming services you can connect the Dot to are unaffected. Amazon also generally keeps its older Echo devices compatible with Amazon’s latest initiatives and programs, such as Amazon Sidewalk and Amazon Guard Plus.
The primary differences between the Echo Dot 4th Gen versus the 3rd Gen are the physical changes made to the exterior design and internal components. We detail the differences (and similarities) below:
| Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) | Amazon Echo Dot (3rd generation) | |
|---|---|---|
| size | 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches | 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.7 inches |
| Weight | 12 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Colors | Charcoal, ice white, light blue | Charcoal, Heather Grey, Plum, Sandstone |
| Healer | AZ1 neural edge | MediaTek MT516 |
| Loudspeaker | 1.6 inch subwoofer | 1.6 inch front speaker |
| 3.5 mm port | 3.5 mm line output | 3.5 mm line output |
| Bluetooth | yes | yes |
| WIFI | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| buttons | Volume up and down, microphone off, action button | Volume up and down, microphone off, action button |
| Multipoint pairing for stereo sound | yes | yes |
| Free Voice Calls in North America | yes | yes |
| ring light | Runs along the base of the speaker | Runs along the top of the speaker |
| removable wall | Yes (technically) | yes |
| Alexa Guard Plus | yes | yes |
| amazon bridge pier | yes | yes |
The AZ1 neural chip makes Alexa commands faster than ever, and the Echo Dot gives you access to that upgrade at a fair price.
First and foremost, upgrading to the fourth-generation model gets the AZ1 Neural Edge chip. Amazon claims it processes Alexa commands twice as fast as 3rd generation Echos; We can’t verify this with 100% certainty, but our Echo Dot 4th Gen reviewer was fully satisfied with the response time to his commands.
Given that the Echo Dot is more useful as an Alexa speaker than as a dedicated music player, that’s a fairly important reason to upgrade.
The second change is more noticeable: both Echos have the same width, but the fourth generation has taken on a spherical shape that is twice as tall as the third generation model in the form of a sardine can.
The Echo Dot 4th Gen has a ball-shaped fabric that covers the entire top, with blended buttons slightly raised on the top; The LED ring has been moved to the bottom. With the third generation model, you have a hard plastic cover that makes the buttons more visible and shows off the array of LED branding.
Our Echo Dot 3rd Generation reviewer felt the old LED matrix was “fragmented” and “not quite as smooth” as other Echo devices — but it was, at least, easily visible due to its placement. With the Echo Dot 4th Gen, the bottom LED is bright but it’s more “problematic” because it means the full height of the device has to be visible from any angle, otherwise you won’t be able to tell which color is blinking or if it’s listening for you.
The third-generation model also gives you buttons with a “satisfactory, tactile click,” while the fourth-generation model—similar to the larger (4th generation) speakers—has a nice click and blends more seamlessly into the texture, but may not be quite as responsive as the previous model.
Both devices have a 1.6-inch speaker, but the fourth-generation model makes it a front-facing model. Our third-generation reviewer found the small speaker to have solid volume and good bass given its size, but it gets a bit more cumbersome at higher volumes.
For comparison, the 4G review notes that you get “much higher output and richer, more accurate sound” than you get with the 3rd generation model. And when he paired two 4th generation Echo Dots for stereo sound, he was completely “amazed” at the “cool” quality on offer.
The final design change for the Echo Dot is a new focus on responsible environmental design and energy use. Amazon reportedly used “50% post-consumer recycled plastics, 100% post-consumer recycled fabrics and 100% recycled die-cast aluminum” to build the 2020 Echo Dot. Furthermore, all fourth-generation Echos now feature With a “low power mode” that activates when the dot is idle, draining less electricity over time.
Echo Dot 3rd Gen is the best installed choice
Both Echo Dot models are 3.9 inches wide and deep, so if you buy the fourth-generation Dot, you can fit it exactly where the third-generation is sitting now. Except, of course, if you install the 2019 Echo Dot on your wall. It may lack the focused sound of the newer model, but it’s specifically designed to be side-mounted in a stand and spread sound throughout the room, without taking up much space.
For comparison, the fourth-generation model is twice as thick, protruding away from the wall and making it more of a potential obstruction or unsightly to the eye. Plus, the interior’s forward-facing speakerphone means it’s not exactly designed to spread from the wall throughout the room.
The 3rd generation Echo Dot can be installed on an outlet, wall, ceiling, or even on a desk stand.
Amazon said the edge (Opens in a new tab) It will continue to sell the 3rd generation model to customers who want to install the Echo speaker on the wall, which shows that the 4th generation model is Not built for it.
We’ve rounded up the best Echo Dot wall mounts available, and there’s it be 4th generation accessories – works only by placing the Echo Dot on a circular tray that protrudes from the wall. Third-generation mounts make better use of their thinner frame for more versatile and attractive designs.
Echo Dot 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Otherwise, it’s time to upgrade
Wall-mounted aside, the fourth-generation model improves on the old Echo Dot in all important areas. Improved Alexa response time makes voice commands more attractive and easy to use; Front speaker gives you a clear audio boost; And the low-power mode and recyclable materials will make you feel more environmentally friendly when using it (just be sure to recycle or donate your old Echo Dot!).
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) is the second best Alexa speaker behind the larger Echo (4th generation), and this takes up less space and costs half the price. For comparison, the Echo Dot 3rd Generation is still quite effective as an Alexa speaker, but it will not age and the price difference between the generations is negligible, especially since the fourth generation is on sale quite often nowadays.
Because of its small size, none of the Echo Dot will beat the sound quality of a more powerful and expensive speaker. But it’s a cheap way to access Alexa commands at lightning speed, and we’ve put together a list of the best speakers to use with the Echo Dot that pair smartly with another brand’s beautiful sound.
Finally, we will note that both models come in different models, either with LED clock or kid-friendly designs. But the 3rd generation versions are no longer available on Amazon, while the Echo Dot 4th Gen with Clock and 4th Gen Kids Edition remain available. If you want to see the time without asking, or want a safer smart assistant option for your child, you’ll need a new generation device.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation)
Alexa is faster + energy efficient
The Echo Dot 4th Generation makes more statement thanks to its new spherical design, but thankfully it remains as accessible as ever. The new processor chip means Alexa is faster than ever, and Low Power Mode will do wonders on your electric bill, and it even looks better.
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd generation)
Compact + Wall Mountable
The Echo Dot 3rd Generation remains a viable device to consider buying today, thanks to a variety of mounting options. It can be held in place magnetically, clipped directly to an outlet, or even placed on a desk stand. Although it’s not as fast or green as the new model, it’s a cheap and effective Alexa-access device.