Echo Pop vs Echo Dot (5th Gen) – Which One Comes Out on Top?
The new Amazon Echo Pop smart speaker, which is currently available for pre-orders, has generated a lot of buzz in the market. As consumers eagerly await its release, a pertinent question arises: is it better than its predecessor, the 2022 Echo Dot (5th Gen)?
In May 2023, Amazon introduced the Echo Pop, a brand-new Alexa-enabled smart speaker that aims to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts and consumers alike. With its release, the Echo Pop enters the market, pitting itself against the established Echo Dot (5th Gen). So, let’s delve into what makes the Echo Pop stand out and how it compares to its popular counterpart.
Echo Pop vs Echo Dot (5th Gen): Video Review
Echo Pop vs Echo Dot (5th Gen): Design and Aesthetics
One of the standout features of the Echo Pop is its unique design and attractive color options. Unlike the traditional cylindrical shape of the Echo Dot (5th Gen), the Echo Pop introduces a fresh and modern look. It comes in four vibrant colors, allowing users to choose a style that suits their personal taste and enhances the aesthetics of their living space. This design distinction sets the Echo Pop apart and offers a refreshing alternative to the Echo Dot (5th Gen)’s more conventional appearance.
The Echo Pop weighs a mere 196g, making it significantly lighter than the Echo Dot (5th Gen), which weighs 304g. This weight difference can be attributed to the unique form factor of each device. The Echo Pop features a semi-sphere design, resembling a small dome that sits elegantly on any surface. In contrast, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) has a spherical body, reminiscent of a compact ball. The varying form factors contribute to distinct visual aesthetics, allowing users to choose the speaker that aligns with their preferred style.
Another significant disparity between the two devices lies in the presence of a built-in LED clock with ambient light sensors. The Echo Dot (5th Gen) incorporates this feature, allowing users to conveniently check the time at a glance. The ambient light sensors adjust the brightness of the LED clock based on the surrounding lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visibility without being overly distracting. In contrast, the Echo Pop lacks this LED clock feature, focusing primarily on its unique design and other functionalities.
The lighting system on both the Echo Pop and the Echo Dot (5th Gen) serves as a visual indicator for various functions and interactions. These lights can change color, pulse, or display patterns to convey information or provide feedback to the user. This familiar lighting system adds a touch of interactivity and enhances the overall user experience.
Action Button and Touch Controls: While the Echo Dot (5th Gen) features an action button on its top surface, the Echo Pop does not include this particular button. The action button on the Echo Dot (5th Gen) allows users to manually trigger certain actions or voice commands without using the wake word. Additionally, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) sets itself apart with touch controls on its top surface. These touch-sensitive controls allow users to adjust volume, play/pause audio, and perform other functions with a simple tap or swipe gesture.
Volume and Mic Controls: Both the Echo Pop and the Echo Dot (5th Gen) share standard controls such as volume up/down and a mic-off button. These controls provide users with convenient ways to adjust the volume levels of the speakers or disable the microphone for privacy when needed.
Echo Pop vs Echo Dot (5th Gen): Features and Performance
The Echo Pop offers a similar set of features as other popular smart speakers in its segment, including the Echo Dot (5th Gen). It is equipped with Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, enabling users to control smart home devices, play music, set reminders, and access a vast range of skills through voice commands. Both devices provide a seamless smart home experience, making it convenient for users to integrate their voice control ecosystem.
The Echo Pop boasts a front-firing speaker with a diameter of 1.95 inches, which is slightly larger than the 1.73-inch speaker found in the Echo Dot (5th Gen). As a result, the Echo Pop has the potential to deliver slightly better sound quality with improved clarity and enhanced bass response. While both devices provide a satisfactory audio experience, the larger speaker size in the Echo Pop may offer a more immersive sound experience, particularly for music enthusiasts.
Lossless High Definition Streaming and A2DP Support: Both the Echo Pop and the Echo Dot (5th Gen) support Lossless High Definition streaming, allowing users to enjoy high-quality audio playback with improved fidelity. This feature is especially beneficial for audiophiles who want to experience their music collection in exceptional detail. Additionally, both devices also support the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), enabling users to wirelessly stream audio from compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers directly to the speakers.
Built-in Alexa and Smart Home Control: Both the Echo Pop and the Echo Dot (5th Gen) come with built-in Alexa, Amazon’s intelligent voice assistant. This feature allows users to control the smart speaker and access a wide range of voice-activated functions. Additionally, Alexa enables seamless integration with other connected smart home devices, such as bulbs, thermostats, plugs, and more. With voice commands, users can conveniently control their smart home ecosystem, making their daily routines more efficient and enjoyable.
Both the Echo Pop and the Echo Dot (5th Gen) support Wi-Fi, allowing seamless integration into home networks for online connectivity and access to a wide range of streaming services and smart home features. Additionally, they also support Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, which enables easy pairing with compatible devices without the need for complex setup processes. Furthermore, the inclusion of Matter (formerly known as Project CHIP) ensures compatibility with a growing ecosystem of smart devices from various manufacturers. Additionally, Amazon Sidewalk extends connectivity beyond the home network by utilizing low-bandwidth signals to connect to supported devices outside the range of Wi-Fi.
Both speakers come equipped with an eero Wi-Fi extender. This feature expands the Wi-Fi coverage area by up to 1,000 square feet, ensuring a reliable and robust wireless connection throughout the home. The extender also provides up to 100 Mbps speed, ensuring fast and stable internet access for connected devices in the extended coverage area.
The Echo Pop and the Echo Dot (5th Gen) are inclusive devices that offer various accessibility features. These include Adaptive Listening, which adjusts the speaker’s response based on the user’s specific hearing profile, Preferred Speaking Rate, which allows users to customize the speed at which Alexa speaks, and Notify When Nearby, which notifies users when the speaker detects a person nearby. These features cater to users with different needs, ensuring a personalized and inclusive experience for all users.
Echo Pop vs Echo Dot (5th Gen): Pricing and Value
The new smart speaker from Amazon, the Echo Pop, offers consumers a range of choices when it comes to finishes. It is available in four attractive and vibrant colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, Lavender Bloom, and Midnight Teal. This variety allows users to select a color that matches their personal style and complements their home decor. In comparison, the 2022 Echo Dot is available in two colors: Cloud Blue and Glacier White, providing a more limited color selection.
When considering the price, the Echo Pop presents an enticing offer. Available for pre-order at $39.99, it offers a more affordable option compared to the $49.99 price tag of the Echo Dot (5th Gen). The Echo Pop’s competitive pricing makes it an attractive choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smart speaker without compromising on functionality and quality.
When deciding between the Echo Pop and the Echo Dot (5th Gen), users should consider their specific needs and preferences. If having a unique design and color options are important, the Echo Pop could be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if budget is a primary concern and design is less critical, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) might be a more suitable option, especially considering its established reputation and lower price point.
You can also check out the best-selling Compact Smart Speaker on Amazon:
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