Amazon Echo Pop Review
The Amazon Echo Pop joins the ranks of Amazon’s smart speaker lineup, aiming to be a more compact and affordable option. Priced at £44.99, it offers voice control through Alexa and a minimalist design. However, its placement in the product range raises some questions, particularly when compared to the slightly more expensive Echo Dot.
Design, Setup, and Usability
Amazon has consistently excelled in user-friendly design, and the Echo Pop is no exception. The setup process is straightforward, guided by clear voice prompts once the device is connected to power. The Alexa app facilitates quick speaker addition, making it remarkably easy to start using the device. Users simply say the wake word (defaulting to “Alexa,” but customizable) followed by their command. For example, “Alexa, what’s in the news?” provides a quick headline summary, and “Alexa, play the Rolling Stones” starts the music (with a streaming service subscription). The Echo Pop features a unique headlight-shaped design and is available in a range of colors, allowing it to complement any home decor.
Sound Quality
The Echo Pop is not designed for audiophiles. While the sound is pleasant for casual listening, particularly for podcasts or audiobooks, some users may be disappointed. Despite a larger 1.95-inch driver, some listeners found the Echo Pop’s sound less rich than the Echo Dot’s, with more distortion at higher volumes. Even Amazon acknowledges this difference in their product listings, noting that the Echo Dot offers a “bigger vibrant sound,” while the Pop offers “full sound.”
Voice Assistant
Alexa has matured considerably since its 2014 debut. Commands like “Alexa, what does my commute look like?” and “Alexa, turn on the bedroom light” are executed efficiently. The voice assistant manages to respond to trivia questions reliably. However, it still has some shortcomings, particularly when requesting specific tracks, with occasional inaccuracies. Fortunately, Alexa’s cloud-based nature means that updates improve its performance over time across all devices.
Connectivity
The Echo Pop connects directly to your Wi-Fi and supports Bluetooth. It works with both iPhone and Android devices. The speaker’s main advantage is its integration with smart home devices. Compatible devices, like smart light bulbs or thermostats, can be controlled using voice commands such as, “Alexa can dim the lights in the living room.” It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz on 802.11ac networks.
While the Echo Pop lacks an audio jack, Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream audio from another device or output the Pop’s audio to a different Bluetooth speaker. It is also possible to pair two Echo Pops together for stereo sound.
Music Streaming Services
Amazon’s open approach to music streaming is appreciated. The Echo Pop supports all the major streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and Deezer. The Echo Pop pushes users to use the Amazon Music Unlimited service by default, but you can easily override this.
Verdict
The Echo Pop is a viable, compact smart speaker. However, the Echo Dot remains the superior option, offering more features and better sound quality for only £10 more. Hence, the Echo Dot is perhaps the more sensible choice.
FAQs
What’s the difference in sound between the Echo Pop and Echo Dot?
While the Echo Pop has a larger driver, the Echo Dot’s sound is richer with less distortion. Its round shape also helps with even audio distribution.
Is the Echo Pop loud enough for a small room?
Yes, the Echo Pop can comfortably fill a small room. It can get impressively loud but distorts at higher volumes.
Can you use the Echo Pop as a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, you can connect another device to the Echo Pop to use it as a Bluetooth speaker. Users also can output audio from the Pop to another Bluetooth speaker.
What colors does the Echo Pop come in?
The Echo Pop is available in Midnight Teal, Glacier White, Charcoal, or Lavender Bloom.
