Full-screen sponsored ads interrupt Photo Frame…
Full-screen sponsored ads interrupt Photo Frame mode and content browsing — it's gotten noticeably worse since 2024 and feels like a billboard I paid for
Source: Amazon reviewer / r/alexaSmart Home
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
Best Midsize Smart Display
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the mid-size smart display in Amazon's lineup, featuring a 13MP centered camera, built-in Zigbee/Matter/Thread hub, and 40% faster Alexa processing — making it the best smart home controller in the 8-inch display class. Available on Amazon.ca (ASIN B0BLS3Y632) at around $169 CAD.
ClearPick Score
6.8 / 10
Buyer Beware
As an Amazon Associate, ClearPick earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Best Midsize Smart Display
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
~$169 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
✅ No extra cost to you
✅ What Works
- Built-in Zigbee, Matter, and Thread hub makes this a genuine smart home controller — Zigbee devices pair without a separate hub, and Matter devices from any brand connect natively. The strongest hub-per-dollar in this size class.
- Centered 13MP camera makes video calls feel natural — looking at the screen now means looking near the camera lens, a meaningful improvement over the offset 2nd-gen camera.
- Room-filling audio for an 8-inch display — dual neodymium drivers with passive bass radiator punch noticeably above expectations for the size and price.
- 40% faster on-device Alexa processing via AZ2 NPU — smart home light and plug commands respond nearly instantly without waiting for cloud round-trip lag.
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Full-screen sponsored ads have grown increasingly intrusive via OTA updates — they appear as interstitial ads in Photo Frame mode and between content cards, and Amazon has not provided a way to disable them entirely. Multiple owners and outlets flagged this as a growing pain point since 2024.
- Display resolution (1280 × 800) and visible bezels lag behind tablet-class screens at the same price — functional but not premium when used purely as a picture frame.
- Alexa voice recordings may be reviewed by Amazon contractors for quality improvement. Users concerned about audio privacy should review the Alexa privacy dashboard and set recordings to auto-delete. Physical mic mute is available.
- No eero built-in (unlike Echo Show 15) — still requires a separate Wi-Fi router.
What Real Buyers Are Saying
What buyers love
“"The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the Alexa-powered smart display to get if you want a larger display but not one that's too large for your kitchen or bedroom."”
Source: Tom's Guide reviewer
“"The centered camera means you look right at the screen during video calls instead of slightly off to the right. Sounds minor but makes a real difference."”
Source: Tom's Guide reviewer
“"Full-screen ads with the 'sponsored' tag are now appearing between my photos in Frame mode. I didn't buy this to watch ads."”
Source: Amazon reviewer
“"Even 15 feet away, the auto-framing camera kept me in the shot and followed me around the room."”
Source: Tom's Guide reviewer
Common complaints
Display resolution is adequate but not…
Display resolution is adequate but not impressive — text and images look slightly soft compared to tablet-class screens at this price
Source: TechRadar reviewerAlexa still makes comprehension errors on…
Alexa still makes comprehension errors on complex or multi-part commands — smart home reliability is strong but natural language stumbles
Source: Amazon reviewerNo eero built-in like the Echo…
No eero built-in like the Echo Show 15 — missed integration opportunity at this price
Source: Tom's Guide reviewerClearPick Verdict
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the right size and price for most households — the centered camera, built-in Zigbee/Matter/Thread hub, and faster processor are genuine upgrades that make it the best Amazon smart display for the money. The growing intrusion of full-screen sponsored ads is a real and worsening nuisance Amazon controls via OTA updates. Buy it knowing you're getting a capable smart home hub that also serves as an ad surface.
