Struggling to find that perfect bedside companion that doesn’t just bark the time but actually helps you ease into your day? Let’s talk about the Amazon Echo Spot 2024. This isn’t just another alarm clock. it’s a compact, stylish hub designed to streamline your mornings and enhance your smart home, all from your nightstand. If you’re looking for a device that offers more than a basic clock but isn’t a full-blown smart display trying to get you to watch videos while you’re trying to unwind, the Echo Spot really hits a sweet spot. It’s especially good for those who value their privacy in the bedroom, thanks to its thoughtful design in the latest iteration. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a dedicated smart alarm clock that integrates seamlessly with Alexa, giving you a smooth, voice-controlled experience right where you need it most.

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What is the Amazon Echo Spot 2024? Redefining the Smart Alarm Clock

When Amazon first introduced the Echo Spot, it was a pretty revolutionary little device with a unique circular screen and even a camera for video calls. But things have evolved, and the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 has been reimagined to focus squarely on what it does best: being an incredibly sleek and smart alarm clock. You see, the original Echo Spot released back in 2017 had a camera and offered video streaming, but honestly, that tiny screen wasn’t really built for binge-watching your favorite shows.

This newer 2024 model takes a different approach. Think of it as Amazon’s refined answer to a dedicated smart alarm. It’s been positioned as a direct successor to devices like the Echo Dot with Clock, but with a much more versatile and visually appealing display. Instead of trying to be a mini TV, the Echo Spot 2024 doubles down on providing essential information at a glance – time, weather, your next alarm, song titles, and basic smart home controls – without the distractions of video playback or the privacy concerns of a built-in camera in your bedroom. It’s designed for simplicity and functionality, making it an ideal choice for your bedside table, a small desk, or even a kitchen counter where space is at a premium.

Essentially, this is Amazon saying, “Let’s give people a truly smart alarm clock that looks great, sounds good, and works seamlessly with Alexa, without pushing features they don’t really need for this specific use case.” And frankly, they’ve done a pretty impressive job with it.

Sleek Design: A Visual & Physical Delight

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Amazon Echo Spot is its distinctive design. It’s got this cool, rounded, almost semi-spherical shape that just feels modern and understated. It’s definitely a looker, and Amazon clearly put thought into making it fit into various home aesthetics without screaming “tech gadget!” You can grab it in colors like Black, Glacier White, and Ocean Blue, which helps it blend right in with your existing decor.

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Measuring around 4.5 inches high, 4.45 inches wide, and 4.07 inches deep, and weighing in at just under a pound about 0.9 pounds or 405g, it’s truly compact. This small footprint is a huge win, especially for nightstands that are already cluttered with books, water bottles, and whatever else accumulates there. It doesn’t take up much space at all, which is something many users, myself included, really appreciate.

The build quality also feels pretty solid. It’s a sturdy little device that seems well-constructed. The front is angled slightly backward, making it easier to view the screen when it’s placed on a lower surface like a bedside table. On the top, you’ll find three easily accessible buttons: volume up, volume down, and crucially, a microphone off button for privacy we’ll dive into that more later. This tactile control is super handy when you just want to quickly adjust the sound or mute Alexa without fumbling for voice commands.

Overall, the Echo Spot’s design is one of its strongest selling points. It’s not flashy for the sake of it. it’s sleek, functional, and genuinely pleasing to have around.

The Display: Your At-a-Glance Information Hub

Now, let’s talk about that screen. The Echo Spot 2024 features a 2.83-inch LCD touchscreen display. While that might sound small, especially compared to larger smart displays like the Echo Show 5, it’s perfectly sized for its primary role as a smart alarm clock. It’s not designed for video streaming – and thankfully, the 2024 model doesn’t even support it – but rather for quick, easy-to-read information.

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The resolution is around 240×320 pixels. Some older reviews for the original Echo Spot might mention a 480×480 resolution on a 2.5-inch screen, but for the current model, this smaller, rectangular display is optimized for text and icons. Don’t let the numbers fool you too much. for its purpose, text and icons still look surprisingly sharp, even from across a king-sized bed.

One of the coolest things about the Echo Spot’s display is how much you can personalize it. You’re not stuck with just one boring clock face. Amazon gives you a selection of customizable clock faces and color themes. Whether you prefer a minimalist digital look or something more vibrant and artistic, you can easily switch it up through the Alexa app. This means your alarm clock can genuinely match your room’s vibe, which is a nice touch that adds a lot of personality.

What kind of information can you see at a glance?

Time: Obviously, it’s an alarm clock! You can choose between 12-hour or 24-hour formats.
Weather: Get immediate updates on the temperature and forecast for your location.
Song Titles & Album Art: When you’re playing podcast, you can see what’s currently on, along with album art, which is a neat visual addition.
Next Alarm: A quick glance confirms when your next alarm is set.
Smart Home Status: You can see and even control some of your compatible smart home devices with a touch.

Plus, the screen includes an ambient light sensor, so it automatically dims in darker environments and brightens when the room is well-lit. This is fantastic for a bedroom device, ensuring the display isn’t too glaring when you’re trying to sleep but is still readable when you wake up. Bang Olufsen x Antolini Beosound Balance Natura Review: Where Sound Meets Stone

However, a few users, especially those with the older Echo Dot with Clock, have noted that the Dot’s segmented numbers might be easier to read from a greater distance due to their sheer size. Also, while it displays song titles, the text can be a bit small if you’re several feet away, which is a minor trade-off for the more versatile screen. Still, for a bedside device, where you’re usually within a few feet, it works wonderfully.

Alexa at Your Bedside: More Than Just an Alarm

This is where the “smart” in smart alarm clock really shines. Having Alexa built into the Echo Spot 2024 transforms your morning routine. It’s not just about setting an alarm. it’s about seamlessly integrating with your daily life through voice commands.

Here’s how Alexa makes the Echo Spot shine as a bedside device:

Effortless Alarms and Timers: “Alexa, set an alarm for 7 AM with coffee shop sounds.” “Alexa, set a timer for 15 minutes.” It’s that simple. You can even tap the top of the Echo Spot to snooze an alarm, which is incredibly convenient when you’re still half-asleep. For those who have variable alarm times, like me, being able to set new ones each night via voice without touching your phone is a must.
Morning and Evening Routines: This is one of my favorite features. You can set up custom Alexa routines to gently ease you into your day. Imagine: “Alexa, good morning.” And with that, your Echo Spot could slowly turn on your smart lights, start playing a specific playlist or news briefing, and tell you the weather forecast, all in one go. Similarly, an “Alexa, good night” command can dim your lights, play soothing sleep sounds, and set your alarm for the next morning.
Podcast, Podcasts, and Audiobooks: The Echo Spot connects to all your favorite streaming services like Amazon Podcast, Spotify, Apple Podcast, and more though some might require a subscription. Just ask Alexa to play your morning playlist, catch up on a podcast, or listen to an audiobook as you drift off to sleep. The screen will even display song titles and album art.
News and Weather Updates: A quick “Alexa, what’s the weather like today?” or “Alexa, what’s the news briefing?” and you get instant, hands-free information as you’re getting ready.
Whisper Mode: This is a subtle but brilliant feature for a bedroom device. If you whisper a command to Alexa, it will whisper its response back. This is perfect for late-night queries without waking up a partner or disturbing the peace.
Far-Field Voice Recognition: The Echo Spot has an array of microphones with far-field technology, meaning it’s pretty good at hearing your commands even from across the room, or over some background noise. You might still need to speak up a bit if podcast is playing loudly, but for general use, it’s quite responsive.

Some users have mentioned that the Echo Spot’s simplified operating system means it doesn’t clutter its home screen with ads or shopping suggestions, unlike some other Echo devices. This focus on core functionality like showing the time and playing requested sounds is a big plus for a dedicated bedside device. Jbl endurance zone open ear sports headphones review

Sound Quality: Waking You Up Right and Playing Your Tunes

Let’s be real, you’re not buying the Amazon Echo Spot to replace your high-end home theater system. But for a compact bedside device, its audio quality is surprisingly decent, especially for its size and price.

The 2024 Echo Spot features a 1.73-inch front-firing or directional mono speaker. This means the sound is projected forward, giving you the best experience if you’re generally in front of the device, which you usually are when it’s on a nightstand. It’s designed to fill a small room, like a bedroom or a small office, with sound without much distortion at moderate volumes.

Here’s what you can expect from its audio:

Clear Vocals: For listening to podcasts, audiobooks, Alexa’s responses, or even news briefings, the vocals come through crisp and clear.
Alarms and Radio: It performs admirably as an alarm, with plenty of tones to choose from, and is good for streaming radio stations.
Podcast Playback: While it won’t blow you away with booming bass, it handles most podcast genres well for casual listening. The sound is generally described as “respectable” or “decent,” especially considering its compact form factor. However, if you’re a bass enthusiast, you’ll notice a lack of deep thump, and the bass can drop out a bit at higher volumes above 70%. It sounds about as good as a small Bluetooth speaker.
Connectivity for Better Audio: If you really want a richer audio experience, the original Echo Spot had a 3.5mm aux-out jack, letting you connect it to external speakers. While the 2024 model might lack this physical port, it still offers Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily pair it with a more powerful Bluetooth speaker for better sound quality if needed. Some reviewers even suggest that streaming over Wi-Fi directly to the Echo Spot provides better audio detail than streaming from your phone via Bluetooth.

In essence, the Echo Spot’s speaker is more than capable for its intended purpose – waking you up, giving you information, and playing background podcast. It’s a good step up from a basic alarm clock and perfectly adequate for bedside tunes. Temperature controlled cup review

Smart Home Control: Your Bedroom Command Center

Beyond being a stellar alarm clock and media player, the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 also acts as a convenient control center for your smart home devices, right from your nightstand or desk. This integration with Alexa means you can manage your connected gadgets with simple voice commands or even a quick touch on the screen.

Here’s how it helps you keep your home comfortable and connected:

Voice Control Everything: “Alexa, turn off the bedroom lights.” “Alexa, set the thermostat to 22 degrees.” If you have compatible smart lights, smart plugs, or a smart thermostat, the Echo Spot becomes your easy interface. No more fumbling for light switches in the dark or getting out of bed to adjust the heating.
Touchscreen for Quick Adjustments: While voice is usually king with Alexa, the small touchscreen on the Echo Spot is great for quick visual checks and adjustments. You can tap to dim lights or see the status of other connected devices without saying a word. This is particularly useful if you don’t want to disturb others with voice commands.
Motion Detection for Routines: The Echo Spot 2024 includes Ultrasound Motion Detection. This clever feature allows you to set up occupancy-based routines. For example, you could configure it to turn on your bedroom lights when it detects you entering the room and then turn them off after a set period of no motion. This adds an extra layer of automation and convenience to your daily life.
Matter Compatibility: The 2024 Echo Spot is Matter-compatible. Matter is a new smart home connectivity standard designed to make devices from different brands work together more seamlessly. This means your Echo Spot is ready for the future of smart home integration, ensuring better compatibility with a wider range of devices as the standard gains traction.

It’s worth noting that while the Echo Spot is excellent for smart home control, it does lack a temperature sensor, which is a feature found in some other, even cheaper, Echo devices like the Echo Dot 5th Gen. This means you can’t create routines based on the room’s temperature directly from the Spot, but you can still control a smart thermostat connected to your wider Alexa ecosystem. Despite this minor point, its core smart home capabilities make it a powerful addition to your connected space.

Privacy Focus: Sleeping Soundly

In an age where smart devices are everywhere, privacy is a huge concern, especially for something you keep in your bedroom. This is an area where the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 really stands out, particularly compared to its original iteration and other smart displays.

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Here’s why you can feel more at ease with the Echo Spot 2024:

No Camera in the 2024 Model!: This is perhaps the biggest privacy win for the current Echo Spot. Unlike the original Echo Spot which had a camera for video calls and the “Drop-In” feature or the larger Echo Show devices, the 2024 Echo Spot does not have a camera. This makes it an ideal choice for a bedside table, giving you peace of mind that there’s no lens pointing into your private space. Many users actively seek out smart devices without cameras for their bedrooms, and the Echo Spot 2024 perfectly addresses that need.
Physical Microphone Off Button: Located conveniently on top of the device, there’s a physical button to electronically disconnect the microphones. When pressed, a red light indicator usually appears, letting you know that Alexa cannot hear you. This provides an immediate and undeniable layer of privacy whenever you want it.
Alexa’s Listening Habits & Data Policies: It’s true, all Echo devices are “always listening” for the wake word “Alexa,” “Amazon,” “Echo,” or “Computer”. However, Amazon states that your device locally processes the audio it hears and deletes the buffer within seconds if the wake word isn’t detected. Only once the wake word is heard is your command sent to Amazon’s secure cloud servers for processing.
Control Over Your Recordings: Amazon allows you to review and delete your voice recordings through the Alexa app. You can even set it so that your recordings are automatically deleted after a certain period, or choose not to save recordings at all, though opting out might limit some personalized Alexa features like Voice ID. Amazon explicitly states they are not in the business of selling your personal information to others.
Built-in Privacy Controls: Beyond the hardware button, the Alexa app provides multiple layers of privacy controls, allowing you to manage permissions, data, and activity logs.

While some users still have general concerns about smart devices and data, the Echo Spot 2024 demonstrates a clear effort to prioritize privacy for its specific role as a bedroom smart alarm. The absence of a camera is a significant differentiator that sets it apart from many other smart displays, making it a more comfortable choice for many.

Who is the Echo Spot For? And Who Might Look Elsewhere?

So, is the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 the right smart alarm clock for you? Let’s break down who will love it and who might be better off with a different device.

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The Echo Spot is Perfect For You If:

You Want a Dedicated Smart Alarm Clock: This is its bread and butter. If your main goal is an alarm clock that’s smarter than a basic digital one but doesn’t have a giant screen, the Echo Spot is ideal. It helps you wake up gently, provides at-a-glance info, and keeps your smartphone away from your bed.
You Value Privacy in the Bedroom: The lack of a camera in the 2024 model is a huge selling point here. If the thought of a lens in your private space makes you uncomfortable, this Echo Spot offers peace of mind.
You’re Already in the Alexa Ecosystem: If you’re already using Alexa devices or Amazon’s smart home platform, the Echo Spot will integrate seamlessly. It’s an intuitive addition that extends Alexa’s reach to your bedside.
You Prefer Voice Control with Visual Cues: You love the convenience of Alexa’s voice commands but also appreciate having a small screen to quickly check the time, weather, or what song is playing without needing to ask.
You Like Customizable Aesthetics: The ability to change clock faces and color themes allows you to personalize the device to match your room’s style.
You Have Limited Bedside Table Space: Its compact, rounded design means it fits comfortably in smaller areas without feeling bulky.
You Want Basic Smart Home Control: It’s a great little hub for controlling your lights, thermostat, and other compatible devices via voice or touch from your bedroom.

You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If:

You Want a Full-Fledged Smart Display for Video: If you’re looking to watch YouTube, Netflix, or display video feeds from security cameras, the Echo Spot 2024 is not for you. It doesn’t support video playback, and its screen is too small for such uses anyway. In this case, an Amazon Echo Show 5 or Amazon Echo Show 8 would be a much better fit.
You Need Top-Tier Audio Quality: While the sound is decent for its size, audiophiles looking for rich, deep bass or room-filling sound for serious podcast listening will find it lacking. You’d be better off with a larger Amazon Echo speaker or a dedicated sound system.
You’re on a Very Tight Budget and Don’t Need a Screen: If you just want Alexa and voice control without any display, the Amazon Echo Dot is a more affordable option. The Amazon Echo Dot with Clock also provides the time with a simpler LED display and often comes at a lower price point.
You Want a Temperature Sensor: Unlike some Echo Dot models, the Echo Spot 2024 doesn’t have a built-in temperature sensor for creating environment-based routines.
You Prefer Physical Buttons for Everything: While it has volume and mute buttons, the main interaction is voice or touchscreen. If you like dedicated alarm buttons, you might find some aspects fiddly.

Ultimately, the Echo Spot 2024 is purpose-built for a specific niche: a stylish, compact, and private smart alarm clock with the power of Alexa. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, it delivers wonderfully.

Pricing and Value: Is it Worth It?

Let’s talk money. The Amazon Echo Spot 2024 typically retails for around $79.99 or £79.99. Now, you might look at that price tag and think, “Hmm, an Echo Show 5 is only slightly more expensive for a bigger screen and a camera.” And you’d be right! The Amazon Echo Show 5 3rd Gen usually comes in at about $90 or £90.

However, the value proposition for the Echo Spot really shines when you consider its frequent sales. Amazon is known for its discounts, especially during events like Prime Day or the holiday season. We’ve seen the Echo Spot drop significantly, sometimes as low as $44.99 or £54.99. At that price, it becomes an incredibly compelling option, making it an excellent “best value” pick for a smart alarm clock.

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At Full Price $79.99 / £79.99: It’s a solid choice if you prioritize its unique design, compact size, dedicated smart alarm clock functions, and especially the no-camera privacy aspect for your bedroom. It sits comfortably as a middle ground between the screen-less Echo Dot and the more feature-rich Echo Show devices.
On Sale $45 – $60 / £55 – £70: Absolutely! When it’s on sale, the Echo Spot offers fantastic value. At these prices, it’s hard to beat for a smart alarm clock that looks this good and performs so well with Alexa. If you’re not in an immediate rush, keeping an eye out for these discounts is a smart move.

Think about what you’re getting: a sleek design that blends into your decor, a customizable display for at-a-glance info, robust Alexa integration for alarms, routines, and smart home control, and decent audio, all wrapped in a privacy-conscious package. For many, especially those who want a smart alarm without the distractions or camera concerns of a full smart display, the Echo Spot 2024 hits the mark beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 and the original Echo Spot?

The main difference lies in their purpose and features. The original Amazon Echo Spot, released in 2017, featured a circular screen and a built-in camera that allowed for video calls and displaying video content. The newer Amazon Echo Spot 2024, however, is reimagined primarily as a sleek smart alarm clock. It features a slightly different screen rectangular within a semi-circle casing, does not have a camera, and does not support video playback. This 2024 version emphasizes privacy for bedside use and focuses on essential visual information like time, weather, and podcast titles.

Can I watch videos or make video calls on the Amazon Echo Spot 2024?

No, the 2024 iteration of the Amazon Echo Spot is not designed for watching videos or making video calls. It lacks a camera and video streaming capabilities. If these features are important to you, you should consider a device like the Amazon Echo Show 5 or Amazon Echo Show 8, which have larger screens and built-in cameras for such functions.

How is the sound quality of the Echo Spot 2024?

The Echo Spot 2024 offers respectable sound quality for its compact size, especially for Alexa’s voice, alarms, and casual podcast listening. It has a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker that can adequately fill a small room. However, it lacks deep bass and might experience some distortion at maximum volumes, so it’s not suited for audiophiles or for replacing a larger, more powerful speaker system. You can connect external Bluetooth speakers for an upgraded audio experience. 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox Review: Is This Your Next Fight Stick?

Does the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 have privacy features?

Yes, privacy is a key focus for the Amazon Echo Spot 2024. Most notably, it does not include a camera, addressing a major privacy concern for a bedroom device. It also features a physical microphone off button on top of the device that electronically disconnects the microphones. Additionally, you can manage and delete your voice recordings through the Alexa app and Amazon states it does not sell your personal information.

Can I customize the clock face on the Echo Spot 2024?

Absolutely! One of the standout features of the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 is its highly customizable display. You can choose from a variety of clock faces and color themes through the Alexa app to match your personal style and room decor. This allows you to personalize how your smart alarm clock looks, making it more than just a functional device.

How does the Echo Spot 2024 compare to the Echo Show 5?

While both are compact smart displays with Alexa, the Amazon Echo Show 5 offers more functionality as a full smart display, featuring a larger 5.5-inch screen and a built-in camera for video calls and video content streaming. The Amazon Echo Spot 2024, on the other hand, is specifically designed as a smart alarm clock, with a smaller 2.83-inch screen that focuses on essential at-a-glance information and lacks a camera. The Echo Spot is often slightly more affordable and is ideal if privacy and simplicity are your top priorities for a bedside device.

Is the Echo Spot 2024 good for smart home control?

Yes, the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 is an excellent addition to your smart home setup. It provides hands-free voice control via Alexa for compatible devices like smart lights, thermostats, and plugs. You can also use its touchscreen for quick adjustments. It even includes Ultrasound Motion Detection for creating automated routines, such as turning lights on when you enter a room. It’s also Matter-compatible, ensuring future-proof connectivity with a wider range of smart devices.

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The Amazon Echo Spot (2024): Your Sleek Smart Alarm Clock Review