Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)

Quick verdict

The Echo Show 8 combines a smart display, Zigbee hub, Thread border router, and Matter controller in one device. The screen makes it ideal for viewing camera feeds, controlling smart home devices visually, and video calls. It is heavily cloud-dependent and Amazon's data practices are aggressive, but as a kitchen or bedside smart display it is one of the most capable options available. Note for anyone here from the LineageOS reflash guide: this 3rd-generation model cannot be flashed. That guide needs the 2019 first-gen unit (model C7H6N3), which is only available used, typically on eBay.

Standout: 8-inch smart display with built-in Zigbee hub, Thread border router, and Matter controller, plus a camera for video calls and home monitoring.

Notes last checked May 31, 2026.

Compatibility snapshot

Why it stands out

• 8-inch display is excellent for smart home dashboards, video calls, and camera feeds
• built-in Zigbee hub, Thread border router, and Matter controller in one device
• adaptive display adjusts brightness and shows ambient information when idle

Reasons to hesitate

• fully cloud-dependent with no offline smart home functionality
• Amazon collects extensive data and displays ads on the home screen
• built-in camera raises privacy concerns even with the physical shutter
• its Thread border router cannot be used by Home Assistant: Amazon does not share Thread credentials, so Home Assistant cannot join that mesh

Best for

• Alexa ecosystem users who want a kitchen or bedside smart display with hub capabilities
• households that want visual smart home control with camera feeds and video calling

Avoid if

• privacy is a top concern - the built-in camera and Amazon data collection are significant
• you want a smart display that works meaningfully without cloud connectivity

Privacy and local-control notes

Amazon processes all voice commands and camera feeds in the cloud. The built-in camera can be used for video calls and home monitoring. Physical camera shutter for privacy. Amazon collects extensive usage data.

Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: Alexa Media Player (custom).

Buying reality check

Price notes: Regularly discounted during Amazon sales events. Excellent value during Prime Day and Black Friday when often available at nearly half price.

Compare side by side: see speaker comparisons →

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