Echo Pop Review: Alexa in a Compact, Powerful Bluetooth Speaker

With the Echo Pop, Amazon embarks on a new path in terms of design. The previous spherical or flat "puck" forms are a thing of the past. Instead, a semi-spherical design is introduced, which can be set up at an angle. The device takes up little space and is not intrusive. The size is pleasant, and the build quality is at the high level expected of Echo devices. Gaps or wobbly parts are nowhere to be found.

The Echo Pop significantly differs from its Echo siblings. It appears more like a halved plastic sphere, blending harmoniously into the living ambiance. The slanted front houses the speaker, hidden behind the typical Echo fabric cover.

At the top edge, there is a bar that provides information about volume and microphone status. With color tones like Anthracite, Teal Blue, Lavender, or classic White, the Echo Pop fits into any interior.

The Echo Pop lacks a display. Instead, an LED bar on the top side of the case signals whether Alexa is currently listening or how high the volume is set. Here are also the buttons for volume control and for turning the Alexa microphone on or off. If the internal microphone is deactivated, the LED bar glows red.

Unfortunately, Amazon still relies on a proprietary connector for the power supply. A USB-C connector would have made the setup of the device even more flexible. Also missing is a jack output, so the Echo Pop cannot be used as a player for a larger Hi-Fi system.

Overall, one can say that the design of the Echo Pop is new, but not necessarily an eye-catcher. It is ideal for smaller rooms and leaves a positive impression in terms of design and build quality.

Setting up the Echo Pop is, as usual with Amazon, quick and easy. If you already have an Amazon account and the Alexa App installed on your smartphone, the process becomes even simpler. If you order the device with your own account, it even arrives pre-configured.

Here is the official guide for setup:

1. Connect your Echo Pop device to power.
2. Open the Alexa App on your mobile device.
3. Select "More" and then "Add Device".
4. Choose "Amazon Echo" and then "Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop, and more".
5. Select Echo Pop.
6. Follow the instructions to set up the device.

The user-friendliness and uncomplicated nature of the Alexa setup is a remarkable feature of Echo devices. New devices can be added with just a few simple steps. Once the new model is connected to the power supply, it is enough to search for the new device in the Alexa App.

In the test, setting up the Echo Pop took hardly a minute to connect the device with the rest of the Alexa system. However, with your first Alexa device, you should expect a few more minutes for setup.

The user experience with the Echo Pop is very much in line with what we've come to expect from Amazon Echo devices. When it comes to interacting with the device, the experience is seamless and comfortable.

As soon as the device is set up and connected to the internet, you can start using it almost instantly. The Echo Pop shows good responsiveness to voice commands, which is a key component for the usability of this kind of devices. Whether you're asking for the weather, playing your favorite music, or controlling your smart home devices, the Echo Pop does all of this promptly and without noticeable delay.

Another strength of the Echo Pop lies in its compactness. Its small size makes it easy to integrate into any room without taking up much space or disturbing the room's aesthetics. Moreover, its attractive design makes it a nice decorative piece that also serves a practical purpose.

Despite the positive experiences so far, it must be noted that the test period has been relatively short. There are still some aspects to check, in particular how well the device responds to voice commands in loud environments or with background noise. In the time to come, it will surely be possible to give a more thorough assessment.

Overall, the experience with the Echo Pop has been very positive so far, and it is a device that will appeal to both newcomers to the world of smart speakers as well as experienced users.

The Echo Pop from Amazon is a compact device that surprises in terms of sound quality. Despite its reduced size, it delivers convincing voice and music reproduction. It can be compared with the latest Echo Dot models in terms of audio quality.

Clear tones and pronounced mids are hallmarks of the Echo Pop. It plays audio content without distortion, even when the volume is turned up. With the individual sound controls in the Alexa app, one can adjust trebles, mids, and lows to personal preferences.

Despite its strengths, the Echo Pop also has its limits. It reaches its performance limits with bass-heavy music. Its bass performance is impressive for a device of its size, however, it is not very deep or voluminous. As the speaker projects the sound directly forward, it has a more limited sound distribution compared to the Echo Dot, which disperses the sound more widely.

Nevertheless, the Echo Pop offers possibilities for sound improvement. When two Echo Pops are coupled as a stereo pair, the soundstage can be expanded. In addition, it can be added to multi-room speaker groups to create a comprehensive sound experience.

Amazon has launched the Echo Pop, a smart Bluetooth speaker on the market, which delivers full sound despite its small size. This device is particularly recommended for smaller rooms or bedrooms. With its excellent price-performance ratio, the Echo Pop is a worthwhile addition for any Echo user group.

Amazon's Echo Pop is the latest addition to the world of smart Bluetooth speakers. The Echo Pop offers all the Smart Home Integration and Alexa Features that are available in other Echo models without a screen.

In terms of Smart Home Integration, the Echo Pop allows effortless control of all compatible Smart Home devices. Communication with devices is seamless and without delays. Whether it's turning lights on and off, controlling thermostats, or locking doors, the Echo Pop performs all tasks reliably and accurately.

In terms of Alexa Features, the Echo Pop delivers strong performance. The functionality and response of Alexa to voice commands is prompt and reliable. Whether it's news, weather information, or retrieving appointments from the calendar, Alexa responds promptly and provides the desired information quickly and accurately.

The Echo Pop thus offers all the features of an Echo without a screen, enabling users to dive cost-effectively into the world of voice assistants. The integration of Smart Home devices and Alexa features make the Echo Pop a powerful and versatile helper in everyday life.

In an era where sustainability and eco-friendly measures are becoming increasingly important, Amazon clearly demonstrates its commitment to these goals with the Echo Pop. The company has made significant efforts to make the Echo Pop as eco-friendly as possible.

This begins with the housing of the Echo Pop, which is made from 50% recycled plastic, 100% recycled fabric, and 100% recycled aluminum. With this, Amazon has taken a step further towards more sustainable production while not compromising the quality and design of the product.

In addition, Amazon has introduced energy-efficient power management in the Echo Pop. This feature reduces power consumption when the device is not in active use, helping to protect the environment while also saving costs.

Furthermore, the Echo Pop is available with Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging, meaning that the packaging is 100% recyclable.

Overall, the Echo Pop reflects Amazon's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly measures. It is a significant step towards a more eco-friendly, sustainable product offering, without users having to make compromises in terms of quality or functionality.

After a thorough analysis and review of the Echo Pop in the above categories, we can give a final assessment, including a judgment of the value for money.

My personal opinion: I find the design of the Echo Pop extremely appealing and the sound is impressive for its size. As an additional speaker in a speaker group, the Pop performs its task excellently. A point that disappointed me a bit is the power supply, which does not work with a standard USB connection. I bought the Echo Pop on Prime Day for under 20 Euros, which I consider a very good value for money. Currently, it costs about 30 Euros, which is still a reasonable price. The RRP is about 55 Euros, which I personally find a bit high. However, the Echo devices are very often offered at a reduced price, so if you want one, patience is required.

In conclusion, some customer statements from Amazon, summarized without mentioning names:

Amazon customer reviews rate the Echo Pop with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on 435 global reviews. 71% of the reviews are 5-star reviews. The functions of the device, including the Alexa integration, voice recognition, and value for money, were also positively rated. The sound was somewhat more critically assessed, but is still at a respectable value of 4.2 stars.

One review highlights that the Echo Pop, despite its compact size, has a powerful 1.95-inch speaker and delivers a "full sound." Another user emphasizes that the sound of the Echo Pop is "impressive," with "strong bass and clear highs," which provides an excellent sound experience.

In summary, the Echo Pop is an extremely popular device that is valued by users for its sound quality, design, and Alexa integration. It is seen as excellent value for money, especially if you can purchase it at a reduced price. Despite some minor criticisms, such as the lack of standard USB power supply, the Echo Pop has generally received very positive reviews.