Amazon Echo vs Tap vs Echo Dot: Which One Is For You?

We were caught off guard when Amazon Echo debuted last year. However, because to its cutting edge characteristics, people flocked to it in droves. Amazon Tap and Amazon Echo Dot are two new Echo models that the corporation just introduced in an effort to capitalise on Echo’s popularity. While Echo, Tap, and Echo Dot have nearly identical software, they differ significantly in terms of hardware. The good news is that these new gadgets appeal to diverse consumers and compete favourably with the Echo rather than just being low-cost variations of Echo. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions if you’ve been considering purchasing one of them.

Without further ado, let’s compare the Amazon Echo, Tap, and Echo Dot to make your decision easier:

Design and Size

The speaker and smart home models in Amazon’s lineup range in height from tall to short. The Echo is tall, the Tap is medium in height, and the Echo Dot is short, despite the fact that they are all essentially cylindrical in shape. The table at the conclusion of the article includes information about their size and weight. Amazon Alexa

In addition to other controls, the top ring of all three devices has a volume control. The hardware buttons and LED lights on the Echo and Echo Dot are identical in that they both have action and mute buttons as well as an LED light ring. Kindle Tap

On the other hand, Tap has physical buttons for power, WiFi/Bluetooth, music controls, and microphone activation. Additionally, it has front light indicators. All three Amazon devices have excellent designs overall.

Connectivity

The Echo, Tap, and Echo Dot all support WiFi and Bluetooth in terms of connectivity. However, Echo and Echo Dot support 802.11a/b/g/n and have dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) technology. An 802.11b/g/n-compatible single-band (2.4 GHz) modem is built inside the Amazon Tap.

You can play music from your smartphone on the Tap over Bluetooth & AUX and the Echo over Bluetooth using the Bluetooth & AUX interface for audio playing. However, the Echo Dot isn’t necessary a speaker and just allows you to stream music over Bluetooth or AUX to your external speakers (3.5 mm jack).

Speakers

Although the Amazon Echo and Tap are smart home appliances, they are first and foremost smart speakers. The Amazon Echo has a 2.5-inch woofer and a 2.0-inch tweeter, which together make up a rather potent 360-degree sound system.

However, Tap has a more compact 360-degree sound system with two 1.5-inch drivers, two passive radiators for bass expansion, and support for Dolby audio. As you may have seen, only the Echo Dot has the capability to pair with an external speaker to play music. That’s because it lacks a full-size speaker, unlike Echo and Tap. Only a tiny speaker is present on the Echo Dot, but that speaker should be adequate for Alexa’s voice feedback. Therefore, you must have an external speaker attached in order to play music from the Dot.

Power

While the Tap is more of a portable device, the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot should be placed at home. That’s because the Tap can operate on battery power, with Amazon saying that it can play audio continuously for nine hours longer than the Echo and Echo Dot. Along with the Tap, Amazon has also provided a clever charging stand. Amazon Tap with cradle for charging

Alexa Features

We like that Amazon has not made a distinction between the devices in terms of Alexa functionalities. The same Alexa OS is used by all three devices, which can play music from Amazon, Spotify, or your smartphone, manage smart home appliances, provide weather and news, respond to inquiries, and more. Additionally, you may use Alexa Voice Shopping to buy items from Amazon. It also incorporates third-party services so you may order pizza from Domino’s or book an Uber, for example.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkOCeAtKHIc

However, there is one distinction. You can wake up the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot by saying “Alexa,” as they are always-listening gadgets. On the other hand, Tap cannot be voice activated; instead, you must tap the device’s microphone button to initiate a conversation.

Price and Availability

The three Amazon products are currently only offered in the US. While you can purchase the Amazon Echo ($179.99) and Tap ($129.99) directly from Amazon.com, you can only do so using Alexa Voice Shopping for the Echo Dot ($89.99). This implies that in order to order a Dot, you must already own an Amazon Echo or Fire TV.

Specs Comparison

Amazom Echo vs Tap vs Echo Dot: Which one should you buy?

After comparing all the features and specifications of the three Amazon devices, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each one:

Amazon Echo

Pros:

• Decent speaker
• Far field voice recognition
• Voice activation support

Cons:

• Not portable
• Pricey

Amazon Tap

Pros:

• Portable
• Great battery life
• Dolby audio

Cons:

• Cannot be activated by voice

Amazon Echo Dot

Pros:

• Voice activation support
• Can play music via external speakers
• Affordable

Cons:

• No speaker for built-in audio playback
• Not portable

SEE ALSO:10 Cool Amazon Echo Alternatives

In conclusion, the Amazon Echo is a smart speaker that can be used throughout the house. Because it has far field voice recognition, you may communicate with it from any location in the house. The Amazon Tap, on the other hand, is for consumers looking for a portable Amazon Echo substitute. Dolby audio compatibility and a long battery life make up for the absence of the cool Alexa voice activation. The Amazon Echo Dot, which comes in second place, is for consumers who want to enjoy Alexa’s functions but also want to use their own premium speakers. It’s also quite inexpensive!

That’s all we have to say about it, but we’re curious which of these Amazon products you favour. Please share your thoughts in the section below.

Image Featured Courtesy of: VentureBeat