Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)
Faster Alexa + energy efficiency
The Echo Dot 4th Gen doesn’t make major strides from the previous model, but improves where it counts. Alexa commands are twice as fast thanks to an improved chip, the speaker is now front-facing for directed sound, and the speaker design is both more stylish and more energy-efficient.
For
- Striking new design
- Improved processor chip for Alexa commands
- Low power mode
- Made from recycled plastics and fabrics
- Front-facing speaker
Against
- Slightly pricier
- Has the same size of speaker as previous Dot
- LED ring less visible
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen)
Compact + wall-mountable
The Echo Dot 3rd Gen is designed to be wall-mounted, which many users prefer. Plus, Amazon will continue to update the Echo Dot 3rd Gen with the latest Echo and Alexa tech, including the Sidewalk Bridge program and Guard Plus security features for smart homes.
For
- More compact
- Selling at a discount with similar specs
- Can be mounted on the wall
- Works with Sidewalk and Guard Plus
Against
- Speaker isn’t forward-facing
- Uses older processing chip for Alexa commands
- Muddy sound mixing at higher volumes
- Clock version no longer available
Although Amazon launched the Echo Dot 4th Gen & 4th Gen with Clock in October 2020, it still sells the older 3rd Gen Dot for a slight price dip. The two miniature speakers aren’t that different from one another — unsurprising given the 3rd Generation model only came out a year prior — but the 4th Generation Dot makes significant improvements in Alexa commands, environmental impact, and sound design.
If you’re wondering how the Echo Dot 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen stack up against one another — whether you’re considering upgrading, or saving a few bucks on the older model — we have all the information you need.
Echo Dot 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: A minor specs upgrade
The Echo Dot 4th Gen has the same services and connectivity as its predecessor: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols haven’t changed, nor have the smart home devices or streaming services to which you can connect the Dot. Amazon also generally keeps its old Echo devices compatible with the newest Amazon initiatives and programs, like Amazon Sidewalk and Amazon Guard Plus.
The primary differences between the Echo Dot 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen are physical changes made to the external design and internal components. We break down the differences (and similarities) below:
| Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) | Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches | 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.7 inches |
| Weight | 12 ounces | 10.5 ounces |
| Colors | Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue | Charcoal, Heather Grey, Plum, Sandstone |
| Processor | AZ1 Neural Edge | MediaTek MT516 |
| Speaker | 1.6-inch speaker | 1.6-inch front-firing speaker |
| 3.5mm port | 3.5 mm line out | 3.5 mm line out |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz) |
| Buttons | Volume up and down, Mic off, Action button | Volume up and down, Mic off, Action button |
| Pair Multiple Dots for Stereo Sound | Yes | Yes |
| Free Audio Calls in North America | Yes | Yes |
| Light ring | Runs along base of speaker | Runs along top of speaker |
| Wall-mountable | Yes (technically) | Yes |
| Alexa Guard Plus | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Sidewalk Bridge | Yes | Yes |
The AZ1 Neural Chip makes your Alexa commands faster than ever before, and the Echo Dot gives you access to this upgrade at a fair price.
First and foremost, upgrading to the 4th Generation model gets you the AZ1 Neural Edge chip. Amazon alleges that it processes Alexa commands twice as fast as its 3rd Generation Echos; we can’t validate this with 100% certainty, but our Echo Dot 4th Gen reviewer was totally satisfied with the response time to his commands.
Considering the Echo Dot is more useful as an Alexa speaker than as a dedicated music player, that’s a fairly significant reason to upgrade.
The second change is much more obvious: Both Echos are the same width, but the 4th Gen took on a spherical shape that’s twice as tall as the sardine can-shaped 3rd Gen model.
The ball-shaped Echo Dot 4th Gen has fabric covering the entire top portion, with blended buttons slightly elevated on its top; and the LED ring has been moved to the bottom. With the 3rd Gen model, you have a hard plastic top that makes the buttons more visible and shows off the trademark LED array.
Our Echo Dot 3rd Generation reviewer felt that the old LED array was “segmented” and “not quite as smooth” as other Echo devices — but it was, at least, easily visible due to its placement. With the Echo Dot 4th Gen, the bottom LED is bright but more “problematic” because it means the full height of the device must be visible from any angle, or else you won’t be able to tell what color is flashing or whether it’s listening to you.
The 3rd Gen model also gives you buttons with a “tactile and satisfying click,” while the 4th Gen model — similar to the larger Echo (4th Gen) speaker — also has a nice click and blends more seamlessly into the fabric, but may not be quite as responsive as the previous model.
Both devices have a 1.6-inch speaker, but the 4th Generation model makes it a front-facing model. Our 3rd-Gen reviewer found that the tiny speaker had strong volume and decent bass considering its size, but that it does get muddier at the higher volumes.
For comparison, our 4th Gen review says that you get “much louder output and a richer, more well-rounded sound” than you get with the 3rd Gen model. And when he paired two 4th-Gen Echo Dots for stereo sound, he was totally “blown away” by the “impressive” quality on display.
The final change to the Echo Dot’s design is a new focus on responsible environmental design and energy use. Amazon reportedly used “50% post-consumer recycled plastics, 100% post-consumer recycled fabric and 100% recycled die-cast aluminum” to build the 2020 Echo Dot. Moreover, all the 4th Generation Echos now feature a “Low Power Mode” that activates whenever the Dot is idle, so it will drain less electricity over time.
The Echo Dot 3rd Gen is the better mounted option
Both Echo Dot models are 3.9 inches wide and deep, so if you buy the 4th Gen Dot, you can place it exactly where your 3rd Gen Dot sits now. Except, of course, if you mount the 2019 Echo Dot on your wall. It may lack the focused audio of the newer model, but it’s specifically designed to be screwed sideways into a mount and spread audio throughout a room, without taking up too much room.
For comparison, the 4th Gen model is twice as thick, protruding further from the wall and making it more of a potential hindrance or eyesore. Plus, the front-facing internal speaker means it isn’t exactly built to spread from the wall throughout the room.
The 3rd Generation Echo Dot can be mounted on an outlet, the wall, the ceiling or even on a desk stand.
Amazon told The Verge (opens in new tab) that it would continue to sell the 3rd Generation model for customers that want to wall-mount an Echo speaker, making it clear that the 4th Generation model is not built for it.
We’ve collected the best Echo Dot wall mounts available, and there are 4th Gen accessories — they just work by placing your Echo Dot on a circular tray that juts out from the wall. 3rd Gen mounts take better advantage of its thinner frame for much more versatile and attractive designs.
Echo Dot 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Otherwise, it’s time for an upgrade
Wall mounting aside, the 4th Generation model improves on the old Echo Dot in all the areas that count. Improved Alexa response time makes voice commands more appealing and easy to use; the front-firing speaker gives you a clear audio boost; and the low power mode and recyclable materials will make you feel greener when you use it (just make sure to recycle or donate your old Echo Dot!).
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) is the second-best Alexa speaker behind the larger Echo (4th Gen), and this takes up less space and costs half the price. For comparison, the Echo Dot 3rd Generation is still perfectly effective as an Alexa speaker, but it won’t age quite as well and the price difference between generations is negligible, especially since the 4th Gen frequently goes on sale nowadays.
Due to their small sizes, neither Echo Dot will quite hit the audio quality of a more powerful, expensive speaker. But it’s a cheap way to access lightning-fast Alexa commands, and we’ve collected a list of the best speakers to use with an Echo Dot that pair its smarts with another brand’s beautiful audio.
Lastly, we’ll note that both models came with variant models, either with an LED clock or kid-friendly designs. But the 3rd-gen versions are no longer in stock on Amazon, whereas the Echo Dot 4th Gen with Clock and 4th Gen Kids Edition remain available. If you want to see the time without asking, or want a safer smart assistant option for your kid, you’ll want a newer generation device.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)
Faster Alexa + energy efficiency
The Echo Dot 4th Generation makes more of a statement thanks to its new spherical design, but thankfully remains just as affordable as ever. A new processor chip means that Alexa has become faster than ever, the low power mode will do wonders for your electric bill, and it even sounds better.
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen)
Compact + wall-mountable
The Echo Dot 3rd Generation remains a viable device to consider buying today, thanks to a variety of mounting options. It can be held in place magnetically, mounted directly to an outlet, or even placed on a desk stand. While not as fast or green as the new model, it’s a cheap and effective device for Alexa access.
