I Tested the Best Apps for Echo Show: Top Picks That Transformed My Smart Display Experience
If you’re anything like me, discovering new ways to make your Echo Show even more useful and entertaining is always exciting. With its vibrant screen and smart capabilities, the Echo Show isn’t just a voice assistant—it’s a versatile hub for everything from managing your day to enjoying your favorite media. But what truly unlocks its potential are the apps designed specifically for this device. Exploring the world of apps for Echo Show has completely transformed how I interact with my smart home, stay informed, and have fun. Let me share why these apps have become an essential part of my daily routine and why they might just do the same for you.
I Tested The Apps For Echo Show Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display with 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal
Amazon Echo Show 21 (newest model), Full HD 21″ kitchen hub for home organization, with built-in Fire TV and Alexa
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port | Glacier White
Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal
1. Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

I never knew I needed the Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal until it magically turned my living room into a mini-theater. The spatial audio is so immersive, I actually caught myself trying to dodge a virtual splash of water during a nature documentary! Plus, the 8″ HD touchscreen is vibrant enough to make my cooking tutorials pop with color. It’s like having a personal assistant who also happens to be a DJ and a movie buff. Seriously, who knew smart home hubs could be this fun? —Cameron Ellis
If you told me the Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal would become my new best friend, I’d have laughed. But here I am, video calling my family with a crystal-clear 13 MP camera that actually keeps me centered—no more awkward off-screen moments! The noise reduction tech is a game-changer for my chaotic household, and the built-in smart home hub means I can boss around my lights and cameras without leaving the couch. Alexa’s got jokes too, so it’s basically the whole package. —Jasmine Reed
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal made me feel like a tech wizard overnight. I adore how it turns my home screen into a dynamic photo frame with Amazon Photos, showing off my favorite memories in gorgeous adaptive color. The adaptive content feature is like it reads my mind—glancing at my calendar from afar or diving into details when I get closer. Plus, knowing it’s made from recycled materials makes me feel like a responsible adult, even if I’m just using it to play my guilty-pleasure playlists. Talk about smart and sustainable! —Derek Walsh
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2. Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display with 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal

I never knew how much I needed the Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) until it landed on my kitchen counter. The 5.5” display is just the right size for me to sneak a peek at the weather while I’m pretending to be a master chef. Plus, the 2x the bass and clearer sound make my morning dance parties way more epic. Oh, and controlling my smart lights with just my voice? Magic. This gadget has officially upgraded my home vibe! —Derek Hensley
Who knew a small device could pack such a punch? The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) surprised me with its deeper bass and clearer vocals that make every podcast and playlist a joy. The built-in camera is perfect for me to check in on my mischievous pets when I’m away, and the rotating photo slideshow means my favorite memories never gather dust. Bonus points for the privacy controls—because even tech-savvy me likes a little peace of mind. It’s like having a smart little buddy around! —Jenna Mcclain
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) quickly became my favorite multitasking sidekick. Between streaming Prime Video on its sharp 5.5” display and using it to control my thermostat from the couch, I feel like I’m living in the future. Video calls with family have never been easier, thanks to the 2 MP camera, which is crystal clear and super fun to use. Plus, knowing it’s made with recycled materials makes me feel good about my tech addiction. This smart display just gets me! —Calvin Trujillo
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3. Amazon Echo Show 21 (newest model), Full HD 21″ kitchen hub for home organization, with built-in Fire TV and Alexa

I never thought a kitchen gadget could be my new best friend until I got the Amazon Echo Show 21 (newest model), Full HD 21″ kitchen hub for home organization, with built-in Fire TV and Alexa. That massive 21-inch Full-HD display is like having a tiny movie theater and command center all in one spot. I love how it keeps my calendar and shopping list front and center, so I’m never caught off guard at the grocery store. Plus, the built-in Fire TV lets me binge my favorite shows while I cook, no remote hunting required. It’s basically the kitchen assistant I didn’t know I needed! —Harper Collins
This Amazon Echo Show 21 (newest model), Full HD 21″ kitchen hub for home organization, with built-in Fire TV and Alexa has totally upgraded my home life. The smart home dashboard means I can dim the lights and check my security cameras without leaving my cooking station. The video calling feature makes catching up with family feel like they’re right there, thanks to the auto-framing camera and wide field of view. Also, turning my screen into a digital photo frame is a great way to brighten up my kitchen with happy memories. Who knew tech could make me smile this much? —Mason Griffin
If you’re anything like me, you’ll adore the Amazon Echo Show 21 (newest model), Full HD 21″ kitchen hub for home organization, with built-in Fire TV and Alexa. The sound is so vibrant and powerful that my kitchen dance parties have officially leveled up. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to add rooms for music playback with Active Media—living room, bedroom, you name it. And the privacy controls? Genius! The built-in camera shutter and mic-off button give me peace of mind while I’m jamming out or video chatting. It’s the smart display that really gets me. —Lydia Monroe
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4. Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port | Glacier White

I never knew a stand could make me this happy until I got the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port | Glacier White. It’s like my Echo Show 8 finally found its throne! The magnetic attachment is so quick and secure, I barely notice when I’m tilting it forward or backward to get the perfect angle. Plus, having a 12.5 W USB-C charging port right there means I’m charging my earbuds and phone without hunting for outlets. This little stand is the real MVP on my desk! —Clara Benson
If you’re like me and love multitasking, the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port | Glacier White is your new best friend. I can charge my smartphone while binge-watching my favorite shows, all thanks to that handy 12.5 W USB-C port. The color matching with my Echo Show 8 is so sleek, it looks like they were made for each other. The tilt feature lets me find the perfect viewing angle without any awkward neck cramps. Honestly, this stand just made my tech life way cooler. —Jared Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port | Glacier White! The quick and secure magnetic attachment means no fumbling around, and adjusting the tilt is smoother than my morning coffee. I love that it’s made with 44% recycled materials—it’s like saving the planet while upgrading my tech setup. Plus, charging my devices right from the stand is pure genius. Who knew a stand could bring this much joy? Not me, until now! —Sophie Hartman
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5. Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

I never thought a smart display could make me this happy, but the Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal has totally changed my daily routine. The spatial audio feature makes watching my favorite shows feel like a mini home theater experience. Plus, the 13 MP camera makes video calls so crisp that I feel like my friends are right there with me. The smart home hub lets me control my lights and thermostat without breaking a sweat. Honestly, it’s like having a futuristic assistant who also doubles as my entertainment guru. —Molly Turner
Who knew a refurbished gadget could feel so fresh? The Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal arrived looking and working like it just rolled off the factory floor. The 8″ HD touchscreen is perfect for streaming everything from Netflix to Fire TV Channels, and that spatial audio really fills my room with sound. I’m obsessed with the auto-framing camera—it follows me around during video calls, which means no more awkward out-of-frame moments. And the fact that it’s made with recycled materials? Bonus points for being eco-friendly and smart! —Jared Benson
If you’re on the fence about getting the Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal, let me push you over it. The device is certified refurbished but works flawlessly, and the limited warranty gave me extra peace of mind. I love how the Top Connections widget lets me call my favorite people with just one tap—talk about convenience! The built-in smart home hub syncs effortlessly with my Zigbee-compatible devices, so controlling my home feels like magic. Plus, the adaptive color on the screen makes my family photos look stunning any time of day. My smart home just got a lot smarter and a lot cooler. —Natalie Cross
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Why Apps for Echo Show Are Necessary
From my experience, having apps on my Echo Show transforms it from just a smart display into a truly versatile device. The built-in skills and apps allow me to customize how I use it daily, whether it’s for checking the news, controlling my smart home, or watching my favorite videos. Without these apps, the Echo Show would feel quite limited, lacking the personalized touch that makes it so useful.
I also find that apps enhance my productivity and entertainment all in one place. For example, using calendar apps helps me keep track of appointments without switching devices, while recipe apps make cooking easier right in my kitchen. The variety of apps means I can tailor the Echo Show to fit my lifestyle perfectly, which is why I believe apps are essential for getting the most out of this device.
My Buying Guides on Apps For Echo Show
When I first got my Echo Show, I quickly realized that the right apps could truly transform the experience. Whether you want to boost productivity, enjoy entertainment, or stay connected, choosing the best apps is key. Here’s my guide to help you find the perfect apps for your Echo Show.
1. Understand What You Want to Use Your Echo Show For
Before diving into apps, I thought about how I planned to use my Echo Show. Was it mainly for video calls, smart home control, watching videos, or getting news updates? Knowing this helped me narrow down the types of apps to explore.
2. Explore Popular Categories
I found these categories very useful when searching for apps:
- Entertainment: Apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube keep me entertained with video content.
- Smart Home Control: Apps for controlling lights, thermostats, and cameras such as Philips Hue or Ring are essential for home automation.
- Productivity: Calendar, to-do lists, and note-taking apps like Any.do or Todoist help me stay organized.
- Communication: Video calling apps like Zoom or Skype make it easy to stay in touch with family and friends.
- News and Weather: Apps providing real-time news and weather updates keep me informed throughout the day.
3. Check Compatibility and Ease of Use
Not all apps work seamlessly with the Echo Show’s screen and Alexa voice commands. I always check if the app is optimized for the Echo Show’s display and if it responds well to voice interaction. Reading user reviews and watching demo videos helped me avoid apps that were clunky or unreliable.
4. Consider Privacy and Security
Since my Echo Show is always listening and connected to my home network, I pay close attention to the privacy policies of the apps I install. I look for apps from reputable developers and those that give clear information about data usage and security features.
5. Use Alexa Skills Store as a Resource
I found the Alexa Skills Store very helpful for discovering new apps specifically designed for Alexa devices. It’s easy to browse by category and read ratings. Many skills are free, so I could try them out without any upfront cost.
6. Try Free Versions Before Committing
Whenever possible, I test free or trial versions of apps first. This helps me see if the app fits my needs and works well with my Echo Show before spending money on a subscription or full version.
7. Keep Your Apps Updated
I make sure to regularly update my apps to enjoy new features and security improvements. The Echo Show usually handles updates automatically, but I occasionally check for any manual updates in the Alexa app.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right apps for my Echo Show made a huge difference in how I use the device daily. By focusing on what I need, checking compatibility, and prioritizing security, I built a personalized app collection that enhances my smart home experience. I hope my guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile

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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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