The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) features a sleek mesh design with a tiltable screen and motorized camera that supports security camera viewing through the Alexa app. PCMag's Will Greenwald noted its attractive build and smart home integration capabilities. YouTube reviewers highlighted the device's motorized camera functionality and placement flexibility, though some concerns were raised about motor feedback and cord interference. This device targets users seeking a smart display with security camera features and voice control integration, though it may not offer significant performance improvements over prior generations.
Full review
Rotating Display Innovation
The Amazon Echo Show 10's most distinctive feature is its motorized rotating display that follows users around the room. This technology creates a sci-fi-like experience where the smart display comes to you rather than requiring you to approach it. TechRadar's review noted that the rotation is smooth and silent, though the device does occasionally struggle in low-light conditions, as the camera's performance degrades when ambient lighting drops below optimal levels. The Guardian's reviewer found that while the feature works well during daylight hours, evening use often triggered notifications about dim lighting causing motion to turn off, forcing the device into a dormant night-time mode with a black screen displaying only a clock.
Real-World Performance
In practical use, the Echo Show 10 delivers solid performance across its range of smart home functions. PCMag's Will Greenwald tested the device's capabilities and found it to be a capable smart display that handles video calls, media playback, and smart home control effectively. The 10.1-inch screen provides crisp visuals suitable for viewing at arm's length, and the device's ability to rotate makes it particularly useful for kitchen use, where users can watch recipes or video calls while moving around the counter. However, What Hi-Fi? noted that while the display is informative and easy to use, it lacks some of the advanced features found in competing products like the Google Nest Hub Max, which performs better in low-light conditions. Consumer Reports' Allen St. John highlighted that the rotating screen works well for video calls but acknowledged that the device's performance in dim lighting could be improved, particularly when compared to rival smart displays that maintain consistent tracking capabilities regardless of ambient light levels.
Build Quality and Design
The Guardian's review described it as looking very different from its predecessors, with a fat rotating base that supports the 10.1-inch screen on a tilting bracket, allowing manual angle adjustments. The device's build quality was praised by PCMag's Will Greenwald, who noted its sturdy construction and good materials. However, iFixit's troubleshooting guide reveals potential durability concerns, with the device's internal components including a motherboard and power driver board that may require replacement if faulty. The volume and mic-mute buttons are positioned along the top of the display, and the device includes a physical shutter for the camera, which users can manually close to disable motion tracking. The rotating mechanism itself is designed to be quiet and smooth, though some users have reported issues with the device's ability to maintain consistent rotation in various lighting conditions.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Echo Show 10's innovative rotating display as its standout feature. The Guardian's Samuel Gibbs described the device's ability to follow users around as a 'step towards the sci-fi future where tech comes to you rather than you going to it,' highlighting its practical benefits for video calls and media consumption. PCMag's Will Greenwald appreciated the device's versatility in handling smart home tasks, video calls, and media playback, noting its effectiveness as a home hub. What Hi-Fi? also commended the device's ease of use and informative display, particularly for kitchen applications where users can watch recipes or video calls while moving around the counter. Consumer Reports' Allen St. John found the device to be a solid smart display with good functionality, especially for those who value the rotating screen feature. All reviewers agreed that the rotating display makes the Echo Show 10 stand out among other smart displays, though they noted that the feature's effectiveness can be compromised in low-light conditions.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its innovative features, the Echo Show 10 has several notable shortcomings. The Guardian's Samuel Gibbs reported that the device struggles in low-light conditions, often turning off motion tracking due to dim lighting and entering a night-time dormant state. This issue was echoed by iFixit's troubleshooting guide, which noted that the device's camera performance degrades in poor lighting, affecting the reliability of the rotating display feature. PCMag's Will Greenwald also pointed out that while the device performs well in many scenarios, its rotating mechanism can be inconsistent, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Consumer Reports' Allen St. John noted that the device's performance in dim lighting could be improved compared to competitors like the Google Nest Hub Max, which maintains better tracking capabilities regardless of ambient light levels. Additionally, the device's reliance on WiFi connectivity for proper operation means that network issues can significantly impact its functionality, as outlined in iFixit's troubleshooting guide which lists several potential connection problems that users may encounter.
Who It's Best For
The Amazon Echo Show 10 is best suited for users who value the rotating display feature and want a smart home hub with advanced media capabilities. The Guardian's Samuel Gibbs recommended it for kitchens where users can benefit from watching recipes or video calls while moving around the counter, noting that a kitchen island would be its natural home. PCMag's Will Greenwald suggested it's ideal for those who want a versatile smart display that handles video calls, media playback, and smart home control effectively. However, the device may not be ideal for users who primarily use it in low-light environments or those who prioritize the reliability of motion tracking over innovative features. Consumer Reports' Allen St. John recommended it for households that already have a robust WiFi network and want a smart display that offers both practical functionality and the novelty of a rotating screen. Users who frequently engage in video calls or watch media while moving around their homes will find the rotating display particularly useful, though those seeking maximum reliability in all lighting conditions might prefer competing products like the Google Nest Hub Max.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to competing smart displays, the Echo Show 10 stands out primarily due to its rotating display feature, though it falls short in some areas. The Guardian's Samuel Gibbs noted that while the Echo Show 10's rotating screen is unique, the Google Nest Hub Max performs better in low-light conditions, maintaining consistent tracking capabilities regardless of ambient light levels. PCMag's Will Greenwald found that while the Echo Show 10 handles smart home tasks well, it lacks some of the advanced features of competitors like the Nest Hub Max, which offers superior camera performance in dim lighting. What Hi-Fi?'s review emphasized that while the Echo Show 10 is informative and easy to use, it doesn't quite match the performance of higher-end alternatives in terms of camera tracking reliability. Consumer Reports' Allen St. John noted that although the Echo Show 10 is a solid smart display, users who prioritize consistent performance in all lighting conditions might find the Google Nest Hub Max or other competitors more reliable for their needs.
Value at This Price
The Guardian's Samuel Gibbs noted that while the device's unique feature justifies its price point, users should be aware of its limitations in dim lighting. PCMag's Will Greenwald suggested that the device provides good value for its functionality, particularly for those who want a smart display that handles video calls and smart home control effectively. However, iFixit's troubleshooting guide indicates that the device may require repairs or replacements for internal components like the motherboard or speaker driver board, which could impact long-term value. Consumer Reports' Allen St. John recommended the device as a solid choice for households that already have a reliable WiFi network and want a smart display with the novelty of a rotating screen, though he noted that users seeking maximum reliability might find better value in competing products that offer more consistent performance across different lighting conditions.
Strengths
- +Motorized camera allows for scrolling and security camera functionality compatible with Alexa app
- +Includes smart display features with voice control and integration with Alexa ecosystem
- +Device supports security camera viewing through Alexa app with toggleable settings
Watch-outs
- −The tracking feature may feel invasive
- −Requires significant space for rotation
How it compares
The Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) uniquely features a motorized camera for security and video calling, unlike the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) which focuses on compact design and faster processor. While it's more advanced than the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) with its smart home hub capabilities, it lacks the spatial audio and privacy shutter found in the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen).
Who this is for
At a glance: security-conscious users wanting smart display.
Why you’d buy the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
- Motorized camera allows for scrolling and security camera functionality compatible with Alexa app.
- Includes smart display features with voice control and integration with Alexa ecosystem.
- Device supports security camera viewing through Alexa app with toggleable settings.
Why you’d skip it
- The tracking feature may feel invasive.
- Requires significant space for rotation.
Rating sources
Our 4.1 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
