Amazon Echo Hub
VERDICT
This device solves the "Wife Acceptance Factor" problem. It gives everyone in the house a simple, physical way to control lights, locks, and cameras without needing an app. It’s thinner than a picture frame, supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for a clean look, and acts as a central brain for Matter, Zigbee, and Thread devices.
The Big Picture
Unlike the Echo Show 15, which tries to be a TV and a kitchen helper, the Echo Hub has one job: controlling your smart home. The 8-inch screen interface is redesigned with customizable widgets for your cameras, thermostat, and favorite scenes. It uses an infrared sensor to wake up instantly when you walk by, transitioning from a clock to a control panel.
🔌 Power over Ethernet (PoE)
The Pro Feature: No ugly dangling wires.
How it works: If you have an Ethernet port on your wall, you can use a PoE adapter to power the device and provide internet through the same cable. This allows for a completely flush, wire-free installation that looks professionally done.
🏠 The Dashboard Interface
Widgets, not apps.
Design: Instead of asking Alexa to "turn on the lights," you can just tap the "Living Room" widget. You can view multiple camera feeds simultaneously (Multiview) to check the front door and the backyard at the same time, right from your hallway.
✅ The Pros
- Connectivity: Built-in Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, and Matter hub.
- Form Factor: Extremely thin and unobtrusive on the wall.
- Response Time: Local voice processing makes it faster than older Echos.
- Price: Relatively affordable ($180) compared to iPads or custom control panels.
❌ The Cons
- Screen: Not OLED; blacks look greyish in a dark room.
- Performance: The processor is mid-range; scrolling through camera feeds can be slightly stuttery.
- Bezels: The white bezels are quite thick and noticeable.
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you have a lot of smart devices (Ring, Hue, etc.) and want a central control panel for the family.
NO if you want a high-quality media consumption device for the kitchen (get the Echo Show 15 instead).
See the showdown: Amazon Echo Hub vs. Google Pixel Tablet (Dock Mode)