If you are looking for your first smart speaker, the Echo Dot has now become much more relevant. Read our review to find out if the lat...

Considering which voice assistant to introduce to your home? The new Echo Dot is the most compelling and affordable case for choosing Alexa

Improved Alexa responses; Enhanced sound quality; Solid build

Nothing at this level

Upgraded speaker, quicker response time, and better design.

Product is as described. Great interactive features.

This was a birthday present for my 81 year old Dad. He found it easy to set up and has been using it already. So far, mostly to set a timer when he is cooking, but has tried playing the radio, checking the weather etc. Its a cool gadget that he likes.

With its new spherical design, the Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) is a far more interesting-looking product than the old model, better able to slip into your home without standing out for the wrong reasons.

Looks fantastic; New controls are easier to reach; Forward-firing speaker is clearer

Low power mode has big restrictions; Not ideal for lots of music

“It's still compact, but the new Echo Dot (4th Gen) packs a serious punch at $50.”

Charming new design; Great audio quality for its size; Alexa Guard protection; Affordable cost

LED clock should be default

The Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) and Echo Dot with Clock build on the strengths of their predecessors while modernising the look and improving the audio of the Alexa-powered devices. As far as budget smart speakers go, they're difficult to beat.

Alexa is still excellent; Choice of appealing colours; Simple setup and operation

Design isn't as compact; Limited display customisation it the Clock version; Biased towards Amazon services

Alexa is getting a fresh wardrobe for 2020, and the new Echo Dot (4th Gen) is going spherical just like its bigger Echo sibling. As always, the pitch is fairly straightforward: at $49.99 , the Echo Dot is a more affordable way to add Alexa to a new room, while the $59.99 Echo Dot with Clock clamors...

Alexa functionality keeps getting better; Affordable way to add Alexa to a new room; Slight improvement in audio quality; Clock display is very useful

Less discreet than 3rd Gen Echo Dot; No line-in or smart home hub support; Last-gen Echo Dot makes a strong value alternative

The fourth-generation Echo Dot speaker doesn't offer particularly impressive sound quality, but for $50, it's still the best basic gateway to Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.

Affordable; Attractive design; 3.5mm output

Only a cosmetic change from previous model; Weak bass