Test and review: Amazon Echo Pop – a compact smart speaker with full-fledged sound?

Amazon introduced the Echo Pop – a new Bluetooth smart speaker. It is smaller than the regular Echo model but promises full sound. Let’s see how the speaker performs in our tests.

Last year, before the announcement of the Echo Pop, Amazon introduced two Echo speakers. Specifically, the large Echo (4th Generation) and the compact Echo Dot (5th Generation). Now, the Echo Pop has hit the market – another compact model. It breaks the familiar spherical design of the Echo models and is priced lower. Despite its compact size, Amazon advertises full sound quality. However, the Echo Pop is better suited for bedrooms and small rooms.

The Echo (4th Generation) can be purchased for €120, while the Echo Dot (5th Generation) starts at €65. In Russia, at the time of publication, we found only the Echo Dot 5 starting from 10,000 ₽. But for the Echo Pop, Amazon has set a price of €55. Four color options are offered: anthracite, turquoise, lavender, and white. Amazon also offers silicone cases in bright colors.

Together with the speaker, a quick start guide and a booklet with important information are included, as well as a power adapter from the network. The latter has a power of 15 W, and the cable length is 1.45 m.

Echo Pop in Detail

Unlike the two previously released Echo models, the new Echo Pop speaker is not spherical – it is a hemisphere. Inside the half covered with fabric, there is a 49.5 mm speaker hidden. There is also a status indicator integrated, which lights up in different colors depending on the status. The dimensions of the Echo Pop are 99 x 83 x 91 mm (W x D x H), making it even more compact than the Echo Dot (5th Generation) which measures 100 x 100 x 89 mm (W x D x H). However, the Echo Pop’s speaker is larger – 49.5 mm compared to 44 mm. Unlike the Echo Dot (5th Generation), it does not have a temperature sensor. Additionally, Amazon added the Zigbee smart home hub to the larger Echo speaker.

The semi-spherical shape of the speaker is clearly visible from the side. The Echo Pop’s body is made of plastic. Weighing 196 g, the speaker is very lightweight. The power cable is connected at the back, and there are no other ports.

Three buttons are added on top: for increasing and decreasing volume and for muting the microphone. The button physically disconnects power from the microphones, so the Echo Pop will listen to the surrounding space only when the user wants it to. The stored voice recordings can be viewed and deleted if necessary.

A flat base has been added to the bottom of the Echo Pop, which surrounds a rubber ring.

Tests

Compared to the regular Echo speaker, the new Echo Pop is much more compact and also costs less. However, the technical specifications are weaker. Instead of a neodymium full-range speaker and two front-facing tweeters found in the Echo, it uses a single front-facing speaker. It is quite logical to ask: what compromises will have to be made regarding sound quality? Amazon itself promises “full sound” for the Echo Pop, while the Echo Dot (5th generation) claimed “powerful and vibrant sound,” and the larger Echo (4th generation) features premium sound with Dolby Audio, capable of filling a room. In reality, the Echo Studio model is positioned higher in audio quality, but Amazon has not compared it with that. As we can see, the manufacturer itself provides differentiation, and in an optimistic light.

In terms of sound quality, the Echo Pop understandably falls short compared to the larger Echo (4th generation). However, it is designed for small rooms and short distances to the listener, meaning the purposes here are different. The Echo Pop is quite sufficient for listening to podcasts and using as a music alarm, as well as for relaxing background music. But if you need a smart speaker with powerful sound, it’s better to choose another model.

Conclusion

The Echo Pop is a more compact and inexpensive alternative to earlier Echo models. The compromises compared to the Echo Dot (temperature sensor and clock display in the corresponding version of the speaker) are quite tolerable for most users. Instead, the Echo Pop offers a fresh design and new colors (turquoise and lavender). Like other Echo models, the Echo Pop is particularly appealing to Amazon Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers.

In terms of sound quality, the Echo Pop predictably falls short compared to the larger Echo (4th generation). However, it is intended for small rooms and short distances to the listener, meaning the goals here are different. The Echo Pop is quite sufficient for listening to podcasts and musical alarms, as well as for relaxing background music. But if you need a smart speaker with powerful sound, it’s better to choose another model.

Overall, the compact Amazon Echo Pop is suitable for a first introduction to the world of Echo – if you want to place it in a small room and your budget is limited. However, we would prefer to pay a little more for the more quality Echo Dot (5th Generation), which can be purchased from 10,000 rubles. Nevertheless, if design is your top priority, then the Echo Pop is also worth considering as a potential purchase.

Advantages

• Compact and inexpensive alternative to other Echo speakers
• Four color options, with additional colorful silicone cases available for purchase
• Easy installation and management through the Alexa app
• Voice control (without support for the Russian language)
• Built-in microphone mute button

Disadvantages

• Less equipped compared to the Echo Dot (no temperature sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or clock display capability)
• Suitable only for small rooms, compact speaker limits low frequencies