The Best Smart Displays in 2026
PCMag’s top smart display is the Echo Show 8 (4th Gen). WIRED likes the Echo Show 11 ($250) best among Alexa devices, and says the cheaper 3rd Gen Echo Show 8 ($150) sounds better than the new one. Google’s Nest Hub ($99.99) is the pick if you’d rather avoid ads.
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Quick answer
PCMag’s top smart display is the Echo Show 8 (4th Gen). WIRED likes the Echo Show 11 ($250) best among Alexa devices, and says the cheaper 3rd Gen Echo Show 8 ($150) sounds better than the new one. Best overall: Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen), $149.99. Best for Alexa+: Amazon Echo Show 11, $199.99.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Key facts at a glance
| Pick | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) | most Alexa homes | $149.99 to $200 |
| Best for Alexa+ | Amazon Echo Show 11 | Alexa+ fans who want a bigger screen | $199.99 to $250 |
| Best for Google users | Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) | Google users and bedrooms | $99.99 |
| Best value Echo | Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | a cheaper Echo Show | $150 |
| Best smart home control panel | Amazon Echo Hub | a smart home control panel | $179.99 |
| Best small | Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) | nightstands and small spaces | $99.99 |
Pick the one that matches your assistant: Alexa for Amazon’s Echo Show line, Google Assistant or Gemini for the Nest Hub.
Which should you buy? Our quick picks
How do they compare?
| Display | Price seen | Assistant | Screen | Key catch | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) | $149.99 (PCMag); $200 base (WIRED) | Alexa+ | 8 in. | Cluttered interface | Most Alexa homes |
| Echo Show 11 | $199.99 to $250 | Alexa+ | 11 in. | On-screen ads | Alexa+ fans who want a bigger screen |
| Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) | $99.99 | Google Assistant / Gemini | 7 in. | No camera | Google users and bedrooms |
| Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | $150 | Alexa | 8 in. | Older model | A cheaper Echo Show |
| Echo Hub | $179.99 | Alexa | Wall-mountable | No camera, weak audio | A smart home control panel |
| Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) | $99.99 | Alexa | Compact | Weak bass | Nightstands and small spaces |
| Echo Show 15 | $349.99 | Alexa | Large, wall-mountable | No stand included | A wall-mounted family hub |
The picks in detail
1. Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen)
Best for: most Alexa homesPCMag’s[1] top smart display. It praises the bright, detailed, responsive screen, room-filling sound, conversational Alexa+ and support for Matter, Thread and Zigbee. It costs more than the previous model and the interface is cluttered. PCMag listed it at $149.99; WIRED[2][3] says Amazon raised its base price to $200, though it has been on sale to match the older model.
Price (Oct 2026): $149.99 to $200 Source
Pros
- Bright screen
- Room-filling sound
- Smart home hub built in
Cons
- Cluttered interface
- Price went up
2. Amazon Echo Show 11
Best for: Alexa+ fans who want a bigger screenWIRED’s[2][3] best smart display for Amazon users: great sound, a good-sized screen without bulk, a built-in smart home hub, and Alexa+ included. WIRED says it shows on-screen ads and preset content unless you turn them off. PCMag[1], which calls it the best for large spaces, likes its sharp screen and balanced sound but notes it has the same features as the new Show 8. $250 list; PCMag saw $199.99.
Price (Oct 2026): $199.99 to $250 Source
Pros
- Great sound
- Alexa+ included
Cons
- On-screen ads
- Cluttered interface
3. Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Best for: Google users and bedroomsPCMag’s[1] best for Gemini users. It tracks sleep and breathing, has an intuitive interface and excellent smart home controls, and Google Assistant responds quickly. It has no camera for video calls. WIRED[2][3] says Gemini Live works on Google’s smart displays, including the Nest Hubs, and that Google’s displays don’t show ads like Amazon’s. $99.99.
Price (Oct 2026): $99.99 Source
Pros
- Sleep tracking
- No ads
- Compact
Cons
- No camera
4. Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
Best for: a cheaper Echo ShowWIRED[2][3] recommends the older 3rd Gen Echo Show 8 ($150) over the newest one if you want something cheaper, because it sounded better when tested side by side.
Price (Oct 2026): $150 Source
Pros
- Better sound than the new Show 8, per WIRED
Cons
- Still shows ads
5. Amazon Echo Hub
Best for: a smart home control panelPCMag’s[1] best smart home control panel, with a wall-mountable design, a large, bright display, fast Alexa voice support and touch-friendly interface. It has no camera and weak audio. $179.99.
Price (Oct 2026): $179.99 Source
Pros
- Touch-friendly interface
Cons
- No camera
- Weak audio
6. Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
Best for: nightstands and small spacesPCMag’s[1] best for small spaces. It’s inexpensive and compact with plenty of volume for its size, but it can’t produce deep lows or crisp highs, the camera is mediocre and there’s no 3.5mm audio port. $99.99.
Price (Oct 2026): $99.99 Source
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Compact
Cons
- Thin sound
- Mediocre camera
7. Amazon Echo Show 15
Best for: a wall-mounted family hubPCMag’s[1] best alternative to a digital picture frame: a stylish, wall-mountable design, bright screen, improved camera and the Fire TV interface. Audio is mediocre and it doesn’t come with a table stand. $349.99.
Price (Oct 2026): $349.99 Source
Pros
- Wall-mountable
- Fire TV built in
Cons
- Mediocre audio
- Stand sold separately
Also considered
Google Nest Hub Max: WIRED’s[2][3] favorite all-around smart display, but WIRED says it’s out of stock at all retailers.
Amazon Echo Show 21: PCMag’s[1] big-screen pick ($499.99), with mediocre sound.
Ads on Echo Show displays
WIRED[2][3] says Echo Show devices eventually show ads prompting you to buy things on Amazon. Photo mode hides them, but only for three hours. Google’s displays don’t show ads. If you just want voice control, see our best smart speakers.
More smart home guides
See security cameras, video doorbells and mesh Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best smart display?
Do Echo Show displays have ads?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
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