Amazon has introduced its biggest Alexa-powered smart display so far: the Echo Show 21. The new 21-inch model joins a refreshed, wall-mountable Echo Show 15 and represents Amazon’s largest Echo Show to date (the Skylight Calendar Max is larger, but it’s calendar-focused and lacks built-in camera and speakers).
The Echo Show line follows the same design language introduced with the original Echo Show 15 in 2021, which was notable for being Amazon’s first wall-mountable Echo. That first 15-inch model worked well in kitchens with large widgets and decent video space, but earlier reviews flagged weak audio, a relatively low-resolution panel for the size, and the absence of a built-in Zigbee hub.
Amazon has addressed many of those complaints with the refreshed Echo Show 15 and the new 21-inch model. The Echo Show 15 (15-inch) is priced at $299.99, while the Echo Show 21 (21-inch) costs $399.99. Both units include upgraded audio hardware—twin 2-inch woofers that Amazon says deliver roughly double the bass of previous models—and “room adaptation” tuning to optimize sound for the room’s acoustics.
Although the 21-inch display offers nearly twice the screen area of the 15-inch model, both panels run at 1920 x 1080 resolution. They continue to support Fire TV apps like YouTube, Paramount+, Peacock, and Max, and provide access to morning news segments from CBS News, FOX News Channel, and NBC News.
A major functional upgrade is the inclusion of Zigbee and Thread radios in both models, allowing them to act as Matter-capable smart home hubs. That fills a notable gap from the first Echo Show 15, which required separate hardware to connect non–Wi-Fi smart devices.
Camera and call quality receive improvements as well: the auto-framing camera now provides roughly double the field of view and about 65% more zoom, and added noise reduction should improve audio during video calls. Both new Echo Shows are also Amazon’s first Echo devices to support Wi‑Fi 6E for smoother streaming.
Each Echo Show ships with a wall-mount kit. Amazon will offer optional accessories: a decorative frame (available in light brown or white) for $34.99 and a “premium” counter stand for $99.99.
TechHive plans to publish full hands-on reviews of the Echo Show 15 and Echo Show 21 after testing.
Author: Ben Patterson, Senior Writer, TechHive
Ben Patterson has covered consumer technology for more than 20 years. He joined TechHive in 2019 and has contributed to PCWorld, PC Magazine, TIME, Wired, CNET, and others.
