Amazon has just unveiled its latest wireless speaker, and my impatience to put it to the test was undeniable. I must admit that I was impressed by its performance. However, this led me to wonder if it outperformed its predecessor, which I considered a game changer compared to the initial launch. If you find yourself with the same uncertainty, I’ve taken the liberty of conducting a comprehensive comparison between the Echo Pop and the Echo Dot.
In this comprehensive evaluation, I delve into the key differences and similarities between the two speakers. Based on my own experience, I present my conclusion as to which speaker is more valuable. It is important to remember that personal preference plays an important role, and your perspective may differ from mine. Nevertheless, I hope this in-depth analysis serves as a useful reference for evaluating both models and making an informed decision.
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Echo Pop vs Echo Dot: How are they similar?
You know what the versions are, so now it’s time to see how our two protagonists are similar:
Privacy control
Since they’re both great speakers to have in your bedroom, it’s important to know that they both have buttons that allow you to turn off the microphone and exercise more control over your privacy whenever you want.
Alexa compatible
It’s worth noting that both devices are equipped with Amazon’s AZ2 Neural Edge processor. As a result, both can be synced with Alexa, so you can turn them on and off using just your voice. In this respect, there are no major differences to note or highlight.
Same touch controls
On both the Echo Pop and the Echo Dot, the controls are located in the same place, at the top of the dial. So, by simply tapping on it, you can turn the music volume up or down or turn off the microphone.
Price
To be honest, the price of both devices is not exactly the same. In addition, you have to take into account the possible economic offers on each one. But, in general, we have to say that the price difference between the two is not very high. The Echo Dot is slightly more expensive, but remember that it includes an important sensor and that the sound quality is somewhat better.
Echo Pop vs Echo Dot: What are the differences?
Now, let’s analyse all the differences between the two models, which are the ones that will help you to know which one best suits your preferences:
Design and aesthetics
It goes without saying that at first glance it is easy to see that these are two different speakers. In fact, the Echo Pop breaks with one of the signs of identity that, until now, the Echo speakers have had, and that is their spherical shape. Actually, it partially breaks it, because the Echo Pop has a half-sphere design. At first glance, it looks like a sphere split in half, which makes its size lighter and more compact.
In addition, the LED light ring has been repositioned, which on the Echo Dot is at the bottom, and on the Echo Pop we can see it at the top. Honestly, I like the aesthetic effect of the Echo Dot better at the bottom, but I recognise that it is by no means a relevant feature in the decision.
And as for the colours available, both the Echo Pop and the Dot are available in a variety of colours. The Echo Pop is available in anthracite, white, lavender and teal, while the Echo Dot is available in white, navy blue and anthracite. In this case, I’m opting for the Pop colours, which are more original and, on a personal level, I find them beautiful. The lavender colour, in particular, really softens the design of the speaker in any room.
Audio quality
Another aspect to take into account in a speaker is, obviously, the sound quality it offers. And in this respect, the two are quite similar. The Echo Pop has a 49.5 mm speaker, front-facing and high-definition audio.
The Echo Dot, on the other hand, is equipped with a 44 mm front-facing speaker that, while slightly smaller, doesn’t reflect a significant hearing loss. In fact, I’d say it’s even slightly louder on the Echo Dot, although it wouldn’t be fair to say the difference is very large.
LED display
We can’t really say that the Echo Dot has a screen as such, but it does have a small LED display that shows the time, and acts as a display. In contrast, the Echo Pop does not have this functionality, which is more aesthetic than practical.
Temperature sensor
Another difference between the two Amazon wireless speakers is that the Echo Dot is equipped with a temperature sensor and an accelerometer, which allows it to adopt certain routines and automations that are activated depending on the temperature. For example, it is able to identify when to automatically turn on the fan if the temperature rises above a set threshold.
The Echo Pop does not have this sensor in the first generation model, although I don’t rule out Amazon including it in future generations and updates.
Amazon Echo: What versions are there?
Now I want to tell you what all the versions of the Amazon Echo are. Since it decided to market its own speaker, the company has been adding new versions until it has a really extensive catalogue:
Echo Pop: the most recent, and even smaller than the Dot.
Echo Dot: the compact and affordable smart speaker.
Echo: a standard version with improved sound quality.
Echo Plus: with an integrated smart home hub for easy control of devices.
Echo Show: integrated display for visual interactions.
Echo Spot: more compact, with a circular display for visual content.
Echo Studio: immersive audio and Dolby Atmos support.
Echo Flex: connectable mini smart speaker for convenient voice control in any room.
Echo Auto: designed for use in vehicles.
Echo Input: adds Alexa features to existing speakers.
Echo Pop vs Echo Dot: My Final Verdict
I’ve already told you everything I’ve analysed about Amazon’s two wireless speakers, and now it only remains for me to explain my conclusion. On the one hand, I love Amazon’s design break with the Echo Pop, because it’s a change that always conveys the image that companies continue to innovate and offer different products. Although, in this case, I have to admit that I like the spherical aesthetic of the Echo Dot a lot, too. But, for example, I prefer the colour scheme of the Echo Pop, especially the lavender.
On the other hand, the Echo Pop is conceived to be a speaker that we can have in our room, or in a rather small space, while the Echo Dot has a bit more sound power to cover a wider area. In addition, its temperature sensor makes it an ideal choice for the office, for example.
We also lose the screen on the Echo Pop, although the controls at the top and the LED light ring remain, only it is located at the top instead of the bottom. And in terms of price, the difference is not too great, although it is true that the Dot is slightly more expensive than the Pop without taking into account the offers.
That said, the choice will depend primarily on how you are going to use each device. The Echo Pop is designed for more individual use in smaller spaces, while the Echo Dot supports slightly larger rooms. So think about what your usage preferences are and choose the one that best suits them.