By Taylor Bennett 
Amazon Echo Show 15 Review: The Ultimate Kitchen Hub?
In today’s connected world, the kitchen is rapidly becoming a tech-savvy command center. Enter the Amazon Echo Show 15, a device promising to revolutionize your home organization and entertainment. Is it just another smart display, or does it truly deliver on its ambitious promises? Let’s dive in and find out.
Detailed Review
The Amazon Echo Show 15 is more than just a smart display; it’s designed to be a central hub for your family. Its stunning 15.6″ Full-HD (1080p) screen provides ample real estate for customizable widgets, allowing you to display everything from shared calendars and to-do lists to local weather updates and smart home controls. Setting it up is relatively straightforward, particularly if you’re already invested in the Amazon ecosystem.
One of the standout features is the built-in Fire TV. This instantly transforms the Echo Show 15 into an entertainment powerhouse, granting access to thousands of apps, including Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV (subscriptions required for some services). The included Fire TV remote makes navigating the interface a breeze. The addition of Active Media, which allows seamless music playback across multiple Echo devices, is another welcome enhancement.
The Echo Show 15 truly shines as a smart home central. Controlling compatible devices via voice commands or through the intuitive smart home dashboard is seamless. Whether you want to turn on all the living room lights at once or check live camera feeds, the Echo Show 15 puts you in control with ease. The ability to use the device as a digital photo frame is also a nice touch, allowing you to display cherished memories and personalize your space.
Video calling has been significantly improved in this model. The centered, auto-framing camera, combined with a wide field of vision, 3.3x zoom, and noise reduction technology, makes video calls feel incredibly natural and engaging. Finally, privacy is a key consideration, with Amazon including multiple layers of security controls, such as a mic/camera-off button and a physical camera shutter.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, Full-HD Display | Requires a subscription for some streaming services |
| Built-in Fire TV | Can be overwhelming with so many features |
| Family Organization Hub | Voice assistant may not understand all commands |
| Smart Home Control | Some smart home devices may not be compatible |
| Improved Video Calling | Price point may be a barrier for some |
| Privacy Features |
Excellent Alternatives
If the Echo Show 15 doesn’t quite fit your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:
Amazon Echo Show 10. Its rotating screen offers a unique hands-free experience.
Google Nest Hub Max. A strong contender if you’re deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.
Facebook Portal +. An excellent choice if video calling is your primary focus.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Echo Show 15 is a highly capable and versatile smart display that genuinely lives up to its promise of being a family organization hub. The large screen, combined with Fire TV integration and robust smart home controls, makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen. While it may not be perfect for everyone, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a powerful and comprehensive smart home solution.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5