Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen vs Echo Dot 2nd Gen: Worth the upgrade?

Amazon Echo smart speaker series has always favoured functionality over design. However, with the introduction of the latest generation of Echo devices, Amazon has stepped up their design game. One of the Echo devices to receive a design overhaul is the Echo Dot 3rd generation smart speaker, which replaces the Echo Dot 2nd generation. The question that lies here is should you ditch your old echo dot for the new one? Let's find out:

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen vs Echo Dot 2nd Gen: Design

Amazon with its new Echo Dot 3rd generation smart speaker has stepped up their design game. The new Echo Dot comes with a fabric and rubber build, unlike the full plastic build we got to see on the last Echo Dot. Thus improving the look and feel of the device greatly. Additionally, the blue halo ring light on the top carried from the last generation is well integrated and doesn't feel out of the place on the 3rd Generation.

Rest of the design configuration remains mostly same, with the same 4 button layout on top. Dimensions have changed a bit, the 3rd Generation Echo Dot is a little bigger and bulkier when compared to the 2nd Generation side by side.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen vs Echo Dot 2nd Gen: Audio Quality

The Echo Dot 3rd Generation is hands down way better than any of the previous Echo Dots available in the market. It brings major improvements in terms of audio, when compared to the 2nd Generation Echo Dot. It has a comparatively bigger driver, which makes it up to 70 percent louder. You can still connect an external speaker using the 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth just like the previous model if you require much better sound.

Also Read: Amazon Echo Spot Review: Alexa meets a display

There’s a change in the microphone arrangement too. The 3rd Generation Echo Dot reduces the far field microphone count to four from the original seven. This according to us is a bad thing that the company has done. However, Amazon claims the device works fine and during our review process we found that the company's claim isn't wrong.

However, in the case of large rooms, we think it will have an effect. The company also claims to have updated the voice processor, which will make voice processing in the 3rd Generation a lot better than the previous generation.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen vs Echo Dot 2nd Gen: Conclusion

Echo Dot 3rd Generation certainly has a lot of improvements inside and out. However, the brain inside of the speaker remains the same, that is the digital voice assistant Alexa. This makes the true function of both the speakers pretty similar.Due to which, it all boils down to two things: Looks and Audio Quality.

If you are looking to upgrade from a 2nd Generation Echo Dot to a 3rd Generation, we would advise you don't follow up on that urge. If you are looking to buy your first smart speaker, you might as well go in for the 3rd Generation. The better sound quality and an addition to the home decor does have its own perks.