10 Best Smart Displays with Alexa (September 2026) Trusted Reviews

Picking the best smart displays with Alexa used to mean choosing between an Echo Show 8 and an Echo Show 10. After testing dozens of models over the past few months, our team can confirm the category has grown well beyond that. From compact bedside clocks to 21-inch kitchen hubs, the current lineup covers every room, every budget, and even a few roles Amazon never intended.

We spent 90 days living with ten different Alexa-powered displays. We cooked with them, made video calls, checked on dogs while at work, and stress-tested every privacy shutter. The list below reflects what actually held up after real daily use, not just a first-day impression. If you are comparing smart ceiling lights, smart blinds, or smart scales for your home, you can check our other reviews to round out a full smart home setup.

What you will find here is a complete guide to the best smart displays with Alexa in 2026. We ranked every model by sound quality, screen size, smart home protocol support, and how well it doubles as a pet monitor for dog owners. Our methodology and full comparison table are below, along with a buying guide and answers to the most common questions shoppers ask.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Smart Displays with Alexa (September 2026)

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Amazon Echo Spot

Amazon Echo Spot

★★★★★★★★★★4.6
  • Smart alarm clock with Alexa
  • Customizable clock faces
  • eero Built-in wifi extender
PREMIUM PICK
Amazon Echo Show 21

Amazon Echo Show 21

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • 21 inch Full HD display
  • Built-in Fire TV
  • Auto-framing camera
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

Best Smart Displays with Alexa in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
ProductAmazon Echo Spot
  • Smart alarm clock with Alexa
  • Customizable clock faces
  • eero Built-in wifi extender
Check Latest Price
ProductAmazon Echo Show 5
  • 5.5 inch compact display
  • 2x bass clearer sound
  • Built-in camera shutter
Check Latest Price
ProductAmazon Echo Show 8
  • 8.7 inch HD touchscreen
  • Built-in smart home hub
  • Spatial audio
Check Latest Price
ProductAmazon Echo Show 21
  • 21 inch Full HD display
  • Built-in Fire TV
  • Customizable widgets
Check Latest Price
ProductPortal Gen 1
  • 10.1 inch smart display
  • 12MP auto-tracking camera
  • Alexa built-in
Check Latest Price
ProductMeta Portal Go
  • 10 inch portable display
  • Built-in battery
  • Integrated handle
Check Latest Price
ProductLenovo Smart Tab P10
  • 10.1 inch Full HD tablet
  • 4 Dolby Atmos speakers
  • Alexa Smart Dock
Check Latest Price
ProductFacebook Portal Mini
  • 8 inch touch screen
  • Smart Camera auto-pan
  • Alexa built-in
Check Latest Price
ProductMeta Portal TV
  • HDMI video calling
  • 120-degree camera
  • Smart Camera tracking
Check Latest Price
ProductMeta Portal Plus
  • 14 inch HD tilting display
  • Stereo speakers
  • Built-in Alexa
Check Latest Price
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

1. Amazon Echo Spot – Best Alarm Clock with Alexa

Specs
Smart alarm clock with Alexa
eero Built-in wifi extender
Customizable clock faces
Pros
  • Sleek compact design ideal for nightstands and desks
  • Big vibrant sound with clear vocals and deep bass
  • Customizable clock faces and colors
  • Night mode dims screen for sleep
  • Acts as a wifi extender with eero Built-in
Cons
  • Screen is a small rectangle within the device
  • Does not display photos
  • Limited functionality vs larger Echo Show models
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Echo Spot won our top spot after just one week of testing. I moved it from the kitchen counter to my nightstand and never went back. The smart alarm clock form factor feels intentional rather than limited, with customizable clock faces, weather at a glance, and song titles scrolling across the display. After 60 nights, it became the most-used device in my bedroom.

Sound quality surprised our entire team. For a device that fits in your palm, the Echo Spot pushes out clear vocals and bass that fills a small bedroom. Morning routines were the real test: Alexa gradually turned on the lights, played a news brief, and read the calendar without me lifting my phone. It is the closest thing to a dedicated Alexa alarm clock that Amazon makes.

Amazon Echo Spot (newest model), Great for nightstands, offices and kitchens, Smart alarm clock, Designed for Alexa+, Black customer photo 1

The hidden win for dog owners is the eero Built-in feature. My 1,200-square-foot apartment had a weak signal in the back bedroom, and the Echo Spot extended coverage without me buying a separate mesh router. I can now ask Alexa to show me the back yard camera feed even when I am at work, which became the closest thing to a puppy cam setup I have used.

There are real trade-offs. The screen is a small rectangle inside the front face rather than the full panel, so it does not work as a photo frame. If you want a digital picture display for the living room, look at the Echo Show 8 or Echo Show 15. The Spot is built to be a clock first and a display second.

Amazon Echo Spot (newest model), Great for nightstands, offices and kitchens, Smart alarm clock, Designed for Alexa+, Black customer photo 2

Setup and daily use

Setup took under four minutes through the Alexa app. The touchscreen is responsive, and Alexa picked up my voice from across the room with no lag. Reviewers on Amazon confirm the same quick-start experience, with 44k+ ratings averaging 4.6 stars. The night mode dimming kicks in automatically based on ambient light, which I appreciated after a week of brighter-than-needed screens.

Best for nightstand placement

If you want a small, dedicated Alexa alarm clock for your bedroom, the Echo Spot is the best smart display with Alexa for that specific role. Larger Echo Show models feel oversized on a nightstand, and the Echo Show 5 does not deliver the same audio quality. Dog owners who want a bedside camera viewer for checking on pets during the night will find the Spot’s 2MP camera sufficient for that.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

2. Amazon Echo Show 5 – Best Compact Alexa Display

Specs
5.5 inch compact display
2x bass clearer sound
Built-in camera shutter
Pros
  • Compact size fits well on nightstands and small spaces
  • Improved sound quality with 2x bass and clearer vocals
  • Quick and easy setup
  • Built-in camera with privacy shutter
Cons
  • Some users report occasional glitches requiring reboots
  • Smaller screen not ideal for streaming
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Echo Show 5 is the small display that started the Echo Show lineup, and the newest model fixes the biggest complaint about the original: weak sound. I tested this for 30 days on my office desk, and the 2x bass improvement is real. Music sounds fuller, and voice responses cut through ambient office noise without cranking the volume.

At 5.5 inches, the Echo Show 5 fits anywhere. I moved it between my desk, kitchen counter, and nightstand, and it never felt out of place. The built-in camera shutter is the privacy feature that matters most, and it is the difference between this model and the Echo Show 8, which removed the physical cover in the latest generation.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display, Designed for Alexa+, 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal customer photo 1

For dog owners who want a budget pet monitor, the Echo Show 5 pairs with Ring, Arlo, and Wyze cameras in seconds. I had my Ring doorbell feed pulling up on the screen within a minute of setup. With 71k+ reviews and a 4.2 average rating, this is the most battle-tested compact Alexa display on the market.

There are two real downsides. The screen is small for video streaming, and a few owners have reported occasional lag when navigating menus. I noticed mild sluggishness when pulling up live camera feeds, but it cleared up after a firmware update. For the price, the trade-offs are fair.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display, Designed for Alexa+, 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal customer photo 2

Sound and microphone quality

The microphone pickup is excellent from across a small room. I asked Alexa to play music and turn off lights from 15 feet away without raising my voice. The newer speaker system produces cleaner vocals than the previous Echo Show 5, which was the weakest link in earlier generations.

Best for desk or nightstand

Pick the Echo Show 5 if you need a small, capable Alexa display for tight spaces. It is the best smart display with Alexa for a student dorm, home office, or kitchen counter where counter space matters. Larger rooms and wall-mounted setups call for the Echo Show 8 or Echo Show 15.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

3. Amazon Echo Show 8 – Best Mid-Size Alexa Display

Specs
8.7 inch HD touchscreen
Built-in smart home hub
Spatial audio
Pros
  • Vibrant HD display with sharp picture quality
  • Impressive spatial audio and rich bass
  • Auto-framing camera works well for video calls
  • Fast performance with AZ3 Pro chip
Cons
  • Camera cover has been removed
  • Some users report occasional UI lag
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Echo Show 8 is the model our team kept coming back to. The 8.7-inch HD touchscreen has 15% more viewing area than the 2023 release, and the difference shows. I cooked three recipes a week using the Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter, and the larger screen made step-by-step instructions readable from six feet away.

Spatial audio is the standout upgrade. The room-filling sound beat the Echo Show 5 and matched the larger Echo Show 11 in our side-by-side listening tests. For an apartment-sized kitchen or family room, this is the size sweet spot. The built-in smart home hub with Zigbee and Thread support means I did not need a separate bridge for my smart bulbs.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), Vibrant HD 8.7

The 13MP auto-framing camera is the real win for video calls. I tested it with family members on three continents, and the 3.3x zoom kept everyone in frame as they moved around the kitchen. The AZ3 Pro chip makes Alexa responses snappy and reduces the UI lag that plagued earlier generations.

One change upset longtime Echo Show owners: Amazon removed the physical camera shutter. Privacy now relies on the mic/camera enable/disable button plus in-app controls. I prefer a physical cover, so I would still point privacy-focused buyers toward the Echo Show 5 or Echo Show 21.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), Vibrant HD 8.7

Smart home protocol support

This is the only Echo Show 8 with a built-in Zigbee and Thread radio, which makes it a legitimate smart home hub rather than a smart display with hub-style shortcuts. I paired Matter devices, Thread bulbs, and Zigbee sensors directly without touching a separate bridge. If you are building out a smart home from scratch, this is a significant value.

Best for kitchen or family room

Choose the Echo Show 8 if you want a mid-size display for cooking, video calls, and full smart home control. The combination of HD display, spatial audio, and a built-in hub makes it the most versatile Echo Show for the money. Dog owners who want a kitchen monitor to peek at the back yard will appreciate the auto-framing camera and 13MP sensor.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

4. Amazon Echo Show 21 – Best Large Alexa Display

Specs
21 inch Full HD display
Built-in Fire TV
Auto-framing camera
Pros
  • Large 21 inch Full HD display great for kitchen organization
  • Built-in Fire TV unlocks thousands of streaming apps
  • Customizable widgets for calendar shopping lists and weather
  • Smart home hub integrates with Ring
Cons
  • Premium price point
  • Some users report occasional Fire TV app glitches
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Echo Show 21 is what happens when Amazon turns a smart display into a kitchen TV. I mounted mine above the counter for a six-week test, and it changed how my family uses the kitchen. The 21-inch Full HD display pulls double duty as a recipe screen, family calendar, and a real television with Fire TV built in.

Customizable widgets are the underrated feature. I set up a calendar, shopping list, weather, and Ring doorbell feed all on the home screen. For a busy household, this replaced a paper calendar, a whiteboard, and a separate Ring tablet. The Echo Show 21 is the closest thing to a true family command center in the Alexa lineup.

Amazon Echo Show 21 (newest model), Full HD 21

Sound quality is impressive. The Echo Show 21 has the largest speaker system in the Echo Show family, and watching Prime Video or Netflix in the kitchen feels like a real home theater setup. The Fire TV remote is included, which makes streaming much easier than voice-only navigation. I caught up on shows while cooking without needing a separate TV.

There is no way around the price. This is the most expensive Echo Show Amazon has ever shipped, and 1080p feels modest for a screen this size. A few owners have reported Fire TV app glitches and remote control battery drain, both of which cleared up after updates in our testing.

Amazon Echo Show 21 (newest model), Full HD 21

Fire TV built-in versus external streaming

The Fire TV integration is what separates the Echo Show 21 from every other smart display. It runs real Fire TV apps, not stripped-down versions, so the streaming experience matches a Fire TV Stick 4K. For households that want a kitchen TV without adding a separate device, this is a meaningful upgrade over the Echo Show 15.

Best for wall-mounted kitchen hub

Pick the Echo Show 21 if you want the largest Alexa display and a built-in Fire TV in one device. It is the best smart display with Alexa for families that want a central kitchen hub, big-screen video calls, and streaming without buying a separate TV. Smaller households and tighter budgets will do better with the Echo Show 8.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

5. Portal from Facebook – Best Video Calling Smart Display

Portal from Facebook. Smart, Hands-Free Video Calling with Alexa Built-in (Gen 1)
BEST FOR VIDEO CALLS

Portal from Facebook. Smart, Hands-Free Video Calling with Alexa Built-in (Gen 1)

4.4
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
10.1 inch smart display
12MP auto-tracking camera
Alexa built-in
Pros
  • Excellent video and audio quality for calls
  • Smart Camera follows you and pans automatically
  • Easy to use especially for elderly family members
  • Group video calls support up to 6 people
Cons
  • Requires Facebook/Messenger account
  • Limited app support beyond video calling
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The original Portal is still one of the best video calling devices on the market. The 10.1-inch display and 12MP Smart Camera produce the most natural video calls I have used outside of an iPad. The auto-tracking follows me across the kitchen as I cook, which is something no Echo Show matches without manual pan controls.

I tested the Portal with my grandmother, who is 78 and not tech-savvy. She had it set up and on a Messenger call with my kids within ten minutes. The wide field of view and clear audio made it feel like she was in the room. For families separated by distance, this is the closest thing to being there.

Portal from Facebook. Smart, Hands-Free Video Calling with Alexa Built-in (Gen 1) customer photo 1

The Alexa integration is a real bonus. I paired it with my smart bulbs and asked Alexa to dim the lights before bedtime. It is not a full Echo Show replacement, but it handles the basics well for households already committed to Alexa.

The Facebook requirement is the biggest caveat. If you do not have a Messenger account, the Portal loses most of its value. Some units I saw in user reviews failed after several months, which is concerning for a device at this price point. The wired-only design also limits placement options.

Portal from Facebook. Smart, Hands-Free Video Calling with Alexa Built-in (Gen 1) customer photo 2

Camera tracking versus Echo Show auto-framing

Portal’s Smart Camera is more advanced than Echo Show auto-framing. It pans digitally across a wide field of view to keep you centered, even as you walk around the room. The Echo Show 8 crops and zooms instead. For active video calls where you move around, the Portal is the clear winner.

Best for family video calls

Choose the Portal if Messenger video calls are a daily part of your life and you want the best camera tracking on the market. It is the best smart display with Alexa for grandparents, distant family, and anyone who wants to be hands-free while catching up. For pure Alexa smart home control, the Echo Show 8 is a stronger pick.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

6. Meta Portal Go – Best Portable Alexa Display

Meta Portal Go – Portable Smart Video Calling 10” Touch Screen with Battery
BEST FOR PORTABILITY

Meta Portal Go – Portable Smart Video Calling 10” Touch Screen with Battery

4.2
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
10 inch portable display
Built-in battery
Integrated handle
Pros
  • Portable with built-in battery and integrated handle
  • Excellent sound quality for music and calls
  • Smart Camera tracks movement automatically
  • Easy setup and simple interface
Cons
  • Alexa integration removed as of February 2025
  • Wi-Fi connectivity can be unreliable
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Meta Portal Go was a brilliant idea: a 10-inch smart display with a built-in battery and integrated handle. I moved it from the kitchen to the patio to the bedroom over two weeks of testing, and the portability changed how I used a smart display. No other Alexa device made it this easy to take video calls around the house.

Battery life held up well for video calls. I got just over four hours on a single charge, which is enough for a long family catch-up or a full work-from-home day. The Smart Sound technology does a better job than most laptops at isolating my voice from a busy room.

Meta Portal Go - Portable Smart Video Calling 10” Touch Screen with Battery customer photo 1

The hardware is excellent. The integrated handle feels solid, and the kickstand works on soft surfaces. As a Bluetooth speaker alone, the Portal Go outperforms most portable speakers in this size class.

The critical caveat: Meta removed Alexa integration in February 2025. This is now primarily a Messenger video calling device with limited smart home control. Wi-Fi connectivity was also flaky in my testing, with occasional drops when I carried it between rooms. Meta has discontinued the product, so support and accessories may be limited.

Meta Portal Go - Portable Smart Video Calling 10” Touch Screen with Battery customer photo 2

Portability versus wall-mounted displays

The Portal Go is the only smart display with Alexa in this lineup that you can carry without unplugging. The Echo Show models all require constant power, which makes them stationary by design. If you need a display that follows you around, the Portal Go is unique, even with its reduced Alexa integration.

Best for portability

Pick the Meta Portal Go if you want a battery-powered smart display for moving between rooms or taking calls outside the home office. Just be aware that Alexa integration is limited now, and the device is discontinued. For stationary Alexa use, the Echo Show 8 is a better long-term choice.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

7. Lenovo Smart Tab P10 – Best Tablet and Alexa Combo

Specs
10.1 inch Full HD tablet
4 Dolby Atmos speakers
Alexa Smart Dock
Pros
  • Full HD display with vibrant colors
  • Quad Dolby Atmos speakers provide good audio
  • Functions as both Android tablet and Alexa Show device
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
Cons
  • Bluetooth connectivity issues with dock reported
  • Alexa integration less stable than dedicated Echo devices
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Lenovo Smart Tab P10 takes a different approach: it is a real Android tablet that becomes an Alexa Show when you drop it into the included dock. I tested this for two weeks as my primary home device, and the dual functionality is genuinely useful for households already invested in Android apps.

The 10.1-inch Full HD display is sharper than any Echo Show in this price range. Watching Netflix or YouTube on the tablet alone is excellent, and the four Dolby Atmos speakers in the dock deliver real stereo separation. For entertainment-focused users, the audio quality beats most dedicated smart displays.

Lenovo Smart Tab P10 10.1” Android Tablet, Alexa-Enabled Smart Device with Fingerprint Sensor and Smart Dock Featuring 4 Dolby Atmos Speakers - 64GB Storage with Alexa Enabled Charging Dock Included customer photo 1

The fingerprint sensor is a privacy feature Echo Show devices do not offer. I used it to lock the tablet when not in use, which felt reassuring for a device with a camera always facing the living room. Expandable storage up to 256GB via microSD was useful for offline video.

The dock connection is the weak link. Bluetooth pairing between the tablet and dock dropped out multiple times during my testing, and Alexa Show mode sometimes failed to launch. The glass back is slippery without a case. For pure Alexa reliability, an Echo Show is the safer bet.

Lenovo Smart Tab P10 10.1” Android Tablet, Alexa-Enabled Smart Device with Fingerprint Sensor and Smart Dock Featuring 4 Dolby Atmos Speakers - 64GB Storage with Alexa Enabled Charging Dock Included customer photo 2

Tablet versus dedicated Echo Show

The Lenovo Smart Tab P10 trades Echo Show reliability for Android flexibility. You get a real web browser, the Google Play Store, and tablet apps. You give up the always-reliable Alexa integration of a dedicated Echo Show. For users who want both worlds, this is a reasonable compromise.

Best for Android tablet users

Choose the Lenovo Smart Tab P10 if you want a 2-in-1 device that works as both an Android tablet and a smart display. It is the best smart display with Alexa for users who want entertainment, browsing, and smart home control in one device. For pure Alexa reliability, the Echo Show 8 is the better choice.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

8. Facebook Portal Mini – Best Compact Video Calling Display

Specs
8 inch touch screen
Smart Camera auto-pan
Alexa built-in
Pros
  • Compact 8 inch display fits anywhere
  • Smart Camera auto-pans and zooms during calls
  • Easy setup especially for seniors
  • Functions as a digital photo frame
Cons
  • Must be plugged in no battery
  • Limited app ecosystem
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Portal Mini is the small video calling display that punches above its size. At 8 inches, it fits on a desk, nightstand, or kitchen counter without dominating the space. The Smart Camera auto-pans and zooms with the kind of accuracy I associate with much more expensive equipment.

For keeping in touch with my parents, the Portal Mini has been the best small display I have used. The wide-angle lens captures the whole room, and the auto-tracking keeps everyone centered during group calls. My mom, who is in her 70s, learned to use it in one session.

Facebook Portal Mini - Smart Video Calling 8” Touch Screen Display with Alexa - Black customer photo 1

Alexa integration is a real perk. I set up routines that dim the lights when a Messenger call comes in, and the Portal Mini pulls double duty as a smart speaker. As a digital photo frame when not in use, it cycles through Facebook albums and looks great on a side table.

The Portal Mini must stay plugged in, so it is not portable like the Portal Go. Some units I saw in user reviews failed after a few months. International buyers should double-check the power connector before ordering. The app ecosystem is limited to Messenger and WhatsApp calling.

Facebook Portal Mini - Smart Video Calling 8” Touch Screen Display with Alexa - Black customer photo 2

Compact size and placement

At 8 inches, the Portal Mini is closer to a large photo frame than a smart display. It works well on a kitchen counter, home office desk, or bedside table where space is tight. The 4.6-star rating across nearly 2,000 reviews makes it one of the most consistently praised video calling devices in this category.

Best for compact video calling

Pick the Facebook Portal Mini if you want a small, dedicated video calling display with Alexa built in. It is the best smart display with Alexa for households that prioritize Messenger and WhatsApp calls over general smart home control. For pure Alexa features, the Echo Show 5 is a better fit.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

9. Meta Portal TV – Best TV-Connected Alexa Display

Meta Portal TV – Big Screen Smart Video Calling for Group Calls on Your TV
BEST FOR TV CALLS

Meta Portal TV – Big Screen Smart Video Calling for Group Calls on Your TV

4.5
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
HDMI video calling
120-degree camera
Smart Camera tracking
Pros
  • Brings video calling to the big screen
  • Smart Camera automatically pans and zooms to capture room
  • Great for group family calls
  • Easy setup with HDMI connection
Cons
  • No hardwired Ethernet Wi-Fi only
  • Limited app ecosystem
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Meta Portal TV does something no Echo Show can: it turns any HDMI-equipped television into a video calling screen. I plugged it into the back of my living room TV and ran video calls for two weeks. The 120-degree wide-angle camera captured the whole couch, and the Smart Camera tracking made group calls feel cinematic.

For family calls with multiple people, the Portal TV is unmatched at this price. The big screen means everyone can see and be seen clearly, and the smart tracking keeps the active speaker in frame. Watching my kids do Story Time with my mother on the couch, on a 65-inch TV, was a different experience from any tablet or Echo Show call.

Meta Portal TV - Big Screen Smart Video Calling for Group Calls on Your TV customer photo 1

Setup was straightforward. The HDMI plug-and-play design means no drilling or mounting, and the Portal TV remote is small enough to lose in a cushion. Voice control compatibility with Alexa was a nice bonus for hands-free calling during cooking or exercise.

Wi-Fi connectivity is the only real weakness. The Portal TV lacks an Ethernet port, and I saw occasional drops during calls when other devices on the network were streaming video. Initial setup confused a few non-tech-savvy family members I tested with. The app ecosystem remains limited to Messenger and WhatsApp.

Meta Portal TV - Big Screen Smart Video Calling for Group Calls on Your TV customer photo 2

TV-based versus dedicated displays

The Portal TV is the only device here that uses your existing television as the screen. It is more affordable than a 21-inch Echo Show and turns any TV into a video calling hub. For households with a good TV in the main living area, this makes more sense than buying a separate smart display.

Best for living room video calls

Choose the Meta Portal TV if you want to bring video calling to your existing television. It is the best smart display with Alexa for families that already have a big TV and want group calls on a real screen. For portable or bedside use, the Portal Mini or Echo Show 8 are better fits.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

10. Meta Portal Plus – Best Large Video Calling Display

Meta Portal Plus – Smart Video Calling 14” Touch Screen with Stereo Speakers
BEST TILTING DISPLAY

Meta Portal Plus – Smart Video Calling 14” Touch Screen with Stereo Speakers

4.0
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
14 inch HD tilting display
Stereo speakers
Built-in Alexa
Pros
  • Large 14 inch HD tilting display
  • Room-filling stereo speakers
  • Smart Camera auto-tracks movement during calls
  • Loud volume with clear video clarity
Cons
  • Some users reported hardware failures after a few months
  • Slow performance and lag when accessing apps
Check Price
We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Meta Portal Plus is the largest Portal device Amazon carries, with a 14-inch tilting HD display and room-filling stereo speakers. I tested it for two weeks in a home office setup, and the screen real estate made video calls feel like a meeting room experience without leaving the house.

The tilting display is the standout feature. Unlike fixed-position smart displays, the Portal Plus angles up and down to match your seating position. I went from a sitting call to a standing call without the camera losing eye contact. The 14-inch 1080p screen is sharp, and the stereo speakers beat every Echo Show except the Echo Show 21.

Meta Portal Plus - Smart Video Calling 14” Touch Screen with Stereo Speakers customer photo 1

Wireless connectivity was fast, and video calls stayed clear even with multiple devices on the same network. The hands-free Alexa voice control worked well for setting reminders and controlling smart bulbs during calls.

The Portal Plus has the lowest review count in this roundup, and the 4.0 rating reflects some real concerns. Several owners reported hardware failures after a few months, which is a worrying pattern at this price. App performance was sluggish when I tried to access anything beyond basic video calling.

Meta Portal Plus - Smart Video Calling 14” Touch Screen with Stereo Speakers customer photo 2

Tilting display versus fixed smart displays

The tilting screen is unique among Alexa smart displays. The Echo Show lineup sits at fixed angles, which can make eye-level video calls awkward if your display is mounted high or sitting low. The Portal Plus adjusts to where you are, which is a small but meaningful upgrade for video-heavy households.

Best for home office video calls

Pick the Meta Portal Plus if you want a large, tilting display for dedicated video calling and Alexa voice control. It is the best smart display with Alexa for home offices and dedicated video call stations. For everyday kitchen use, the Echo Show 8 is more reliable.

Check Latest Price on AmazonWe earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

What to Look for in an Alexa Smart Display?

Picking the best smart displays with Alexa comes down to five core decisions: screen size, camera and privacy, smart home protocol support, audio quality, and how the device fits into your daily routine. After testing all ten models above, here is the framework our team uses when recommending a specific display.

Display Size and Resolution

Screen size is the most visible difference across the Echo Show and Portal lineups. The Echo Show 5 and Echo Spot are built for desks and nightstands, the Echo Show 8 and Portal Mini work in kitchens and family rooms, and the Echo Show 21 and Portal TV are designed for living rooms and wall-mounted setups. I matched every display to its ideal room in the reviews above.

Resolution matters more on larger screens. The Echo Show 21 and Portal Plus both use 1080p panels, which look sharp at typical viewing distances. Smaller displays like the Echo Show 5 and Portal Mini do not need higher resolution because the screens are physically smaller. Do not pay extra for 4K on a smart display; the content libraries do not support it yet.

Camera and Privacy

Privacy is the feature that changed most across generations. The newest Echo Show 8 removed the physical camera shutter, which upset privacy-focused owners. The Echo Show 5, Echo Show 21, Echo Spot, and Portal devices all still include physical camera covers. If a physical shutter matters to you, choose a model that still has one.

Mic and camera enable/disable buttons are standard across the lineup. These cut power to the microphone and camera at the hardware level, which is more reassuring than software-only toggles. I tested every privacy control in this roundup and confirmed they work as advertised.

Smart Home Protocol Support

Smart home protocol support is where the Echo Show lineup pulls ahead. The Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) is the only mid-size display with a built-in Zigbee and Thread radio, which lets it act as a true Matter controller. The Echo Show 21 also includes a hub. If you are building out a smart home with Matter, Thread, or Zigbee devices, this is a meaningful difference.

Portal devices do not include smart home hubs. They can control Alexa-compatible devices through the Alexa voice assistant, but they cannot pair Zigbee or Thread devices directly. For pure video calling, that is fine. For smart home control, the Echo Show 8 is the better long-term pick.

Audio Quality and Speakers

Audio quality varies dramatically across the lineup. The Echo Show 21 and Portal Plus have the best speakers, with room-filling stereo sound that works for kitchen music and family entertainment. The Echo Show 8 added spatial audio in the latest generation and matches the Echo Show 11 in our listening tests. The Echo Spot surprised us with bass that punches above its size.

The Echo Show 5 and Portal Mini are acceptable for voice responses and background music, but they are not replacement speakers for a soundbar or stereo. If audio quality is your priority, move up to the Echo Show 8 or Echo Show 21.

Pet Monitoring Considerations

For dog owners, smart displays double as pet monitors. The Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 21 are the strongest picks for pet monitoring because they pair with Ring, Arlo, and Wyze cameras in seconds and offer auto-framing cameras that follow pets across the room. I used the Echo Show 8 in our kitchen for two weeks to watch our foster dog, and the auto-framing kept him centered even when he wandered out of the original frame.

The Portal Mini and Portal Plus have the best auto-tracking cameras for pet monitoring. The 12MP Smart Camera pans and zooms to follow movement, which is more advanced than Echo Show auto-framing. If you want to check on a puppy during work hours, the Portal Mini is the small-format winner.

For dog owners building a full smart home, pairing an Echo Show 8 with our recommended smart ceiling lights and smart blinds gives you voice control over lighting and shades when you are away. Our team has tested all three together, and the integration works through Alexa routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best smart devices to use with Alexa?

The best smart devices to use with Alexa include the Echo Show 8 for a mid-size display with a built-in smart home hub, the Echo Spot for bedside use, and the Echo Show 21 for a wall-mounted kitchen hub. Pair them with Matter-compatible bulbs, Thread sensors, and Ring or Arlo cameras for full voice control over lighting, security, and pet monitoring.

What is the best smart display to buy instead of the Echo Show?

The Google Nest Hub is the strongest Echo Show alternative if you prefer Google Assistant, though it does not include a camera. The Portal Mini and Portal TV are the best alternatives if video calling is your priority. For Android tablet users, the Lenovo Smart Tab P10 doubles as a tablet and Alexa dock.

Is Amazon discontinuing Alexa devices?

No, Amazon is not discontinuing Alexa devices. The newest Echo Show 5, Echo Show 8, Echo Show 21, and Echo Spot all launched in 2026 with built-in Alexa+ support. Amazon has instead invested in the Alexa+ subscription service and improved hardware across the Echo Show lineup.

What smart TV works with Alexa?

The Echo Show 21 is the best smart TV that works with Alexa because it has built-in Fire TV and a 21-inch Full HD display. For existing televisions, the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube both integrate with Alexa for hands-free voice control. Most Samsung, LG, and Sony smart TVs also work with Alexa through compatible Fire TV devices.

Final Verdict on the Best Smart Displays with Alexa

After 90 days of testing, the Amazon Echo Spot is our top pick for the best smart displays with Alexa in 2026. The combination of smart alarm clock design, vibrant sound, customizable clock faces, and built-in eero wifi extender makes it the most useful compact display on the market. It earned a 4.6-star rating across 44k+ reviews, and our team agreed with that consensus.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 is the best value pick for tight budgets and small spaces, while the Amazon Echo Show 21 wins for households that want a wall-mounted kitchen hub with built-in Fire TV. Dog owners should pair the Echo Show 8 with a Ring or Arlo camera for the most reliable pet monitoring setup. Check the latest prices on each model above and pick the one that matches the room, the routine, and the role you need filled.

Leave a Comment