This post has done extremely well when it comes for the difference of Amazon Echo Dot First and Second Generation comparison, Now this time in 2020 I have updated it to compare it with the Third Gen Echo Dot which is latest introduction. So as the technical specs comparison table updated for quick reference. So lets look into the differences in Amazon Echo Dot 1st Generation vs 2nd vs 3rd Generation?
Will all said done, you will realize that the latest 3rd Gen Echo dot is a smart speaker which is flexible, robust, and intuitive but also cost as less as $25 (as checked on 9 July 2020 – Get latest deal here ) Also while searching for the third gen echo dot the auto-search suggestion showed me “alexa echo dot 4th generation” option, however its not launched till now! since I want to by one more dot for me, I will wait for the alexa echo dot 4th generation launch.
What is the difference between Amazon Echo Dot 1st Generation vs 2nd vs 3rd Generation?
Yes, you are on right page to understand this difference.
Before the launch of Amazon Echo Dot on 20 October 2016, the upgrade has happen to Second Generation and now in 2019 Third generation, So you want to know what the hell it that they have improved or changed in between the 2nd gen echo dot and latest 3rd Gen?
Dot = Small
From the First to Second Gen … The Dot became smaller, I mean the diameter remained same, but the thickness reduced by 0.2 inches. Still it can remote control home lighting, play music for you, operate a timer, answer questions, read books ! Get latest movies being played at your local theater … that too in amazingly small size !!!!
From the Second to Third Gen … The Dot increased in diameter as well as in thickness (dia increased by 0.6 inches and thickness increased by 0.4 inches). I will be interesting to know the reasons behind increase in overall size. One prominent change that I can imagine is the Speaker size, 1.1 inch speaker in 2nd Gen became 1.6 inch in 3rd Gen with louder sound output (12 dB more)
What’t New in the 2nd Gen dot?
Coming to the Second generation echo dot, it’s just fine tuning that Amazon has done over the 1st Gen Echo Dot, You will notice that they are mostly related to ergonomics of buttons as well as improved voice recognition tech, also the ESP shall help placing multiple dots in the same home in synchro.
Also one more important thing is that you need not own Echo to buy Echo Dot 🙂
Obviously both the 1st and 2nd generation Amazon Echo Dot versions have the same Alexa features 🙂
Important changes between the Amazon Echo Dot 1st vs 2nd Generation
The first Two changes between these two generations of Amazon Echo Dot which are Ergonomic Changes rather than Technical ones, remaining are Technical improvements given to the Echo Dot Upgrade
Volume Control :
Volume ring in First generation Amazon Echo Dot is being replaced by Up & Down Buttons in Second generation. As I can tell you from R&D experience, this must have been done to reduce price of device.
3rd Gen Echo also carry forward the same button logic.Device Reset :
There was dedicated reset button in the 1st generation, which is now replaced by combination of buttons in 2nd generation, hence making it purposeful reset act rather than accidental 🙂
Combination buttons prevent reset by child or yourself unknowingly.Color
The Echo Dot 2 is available in a new White Pearl version along with the usual Black one.
Improved Voice Recognition
Echo Dot 2 features Seven Microphones with Far Field Voice Recognition to make sure it does not misses your commands, in addition it is also powered by a new speech processor, enhancing the device’s voice recognition accuracy.
Echo Spatial Perception (ESP)
Echo Dot 2 features Echo Spatial Perception (ESP) technology which is extremely useful when you own multiple Alexa devices, the ESP ensures that when you speak to Alexa, only a single device responds, instead of multiple devices. It will make sure that the device which is closer to you responds by detecting the clarity of your voice.
Obviously Echo Dot 2 will come with ESP enabled, Amazon Echo, Tap and Echo Dot 1st gen will get the ESP feature via a software update.
Rest of the things in the New Echo Dot 2 are same as Echo Dot 1, with support for hands-free Alexa commands, connection to external speakers via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm cable, a small built-in speaker etc.
While people complain that in noisy environment the Echo Dot Voice Recognition system confuses, I have solution for that .. read details on how to resolve Echo Dot listening issue in Noisy rooms …
Important changes between the Amazon Echo Dot 2nd vs 3rd Generation
What’s new in the 3rd Generation Echo Dot?
As said in the beginning of this post, the Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation has changed in terms of hardware dimensions as well as aesthetics, which sets it apart from the 2nd Gen and even 1st Gen Dots.
So lets see what & why?
Aesthetics
Main change in 3rd Gen dot is look and feel, mostly looks like the refined look has been inspired from the Apple’s Homepod or its own full size Amazon Echo.
So the third gen comes with a rounded edge, fabric coating and softer look than before. You will see less plastic than before.
Some more aesthetic changes done on the control buttons placed over top of dot like Mute button pictogram has been simplified — the microphone has been replaced with a simple circle with a line through it.
Hardware (Speaker)
The new speaker of the 3rd Generation Echo Dot has got bigger and better, the diameter of speaker itself has been increased by 0.5 inches which delivers 12 dB louder volume.
The Speaker wraps the entire edge of the Dot, for Omani directional sound delivery.
The speaker performance has surprisingly improved as compared to all prior generations, best for living room use now. And if at all you want to use it as a music system, then go ahead and connect it to traditional big home speakers using 3.5 m output jack.
Hardware – Power
The 2nd Generation Dot is powered via micro USB power.
Whereas the 3rd Generation Dot is powered via a power pin connector.
What it means is that you need to have separate proprietary power connector for use rather than having standard micro USB which is used for most of the Android smartphones as on date.
Pairing – Music Streaming
The Alexa Dot 3rd Generation has further enhanced ability to pair with music streaming services like Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, Sirius XM, iHeart Rario and Tune In which is the MOST IMPORTANT thing in itself.
What it means is that even you are a Apple freak and have subscription of Apple music, simply go ahead to buy the cheapest small dot third gen version.
Pairing – Smart Home
The third gen system further connects to your smart home devices through systems like Samsung SmartThings or Philips Hue etc.
- You can connect and sync with a smart home hub (like Smartthings or Wink)
- Control a robot vacuum, like Roomba
- Change the temperature (when paired with a smart thermostat, like Nest or Ecobee)
- Turn on lights (when paired with smart bulbs, see our LIFX vs. Hue comparison)
- Play music, Set a timer, Set an alarm etc which were also available in previous generations of dot.
So that removes one of the greatest hurdle as compared to Google Home
Skills
Till the second gen you needed to be dependent upon built in Alexa skills.
In the latest 3rd gen, you have ability to enhance the skills using Third part apps and products which are accessible through Alexa.
What it means is now with voice commands, you will be able to speak and communicate with third party devices.
Like playing a favorite radio station, and / or integrate a variety of other smart home connectivity functions controlled by Alexa.
Amazon Echo Dot 1st vs 2nd vs 3rd Generation Technical Specs & Features comparison
| All New Echo Dot 3 Review |  |  |   |
Echo Dot (1st Generation) | Echo Dot (2nd Generation) | Echo Dot (3rd Generation) | |
| Light Ring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Volume Control | Action, Mute, Volume ring | Action, Mute, Vol. Up / Down | Action, Mute, Vol. Up / Down |
| Audio Out | Yes, 3.5 mm line out | Yes, 3.5 mm line out | Yes, 3.5 mm line out |
| Speaker dia | Unknown | 1.1″ speaker | 1.6″ speaker |
| Maximum Volume | Unknown | 66 dB | 79 dB |
| Power | 9W adapter with USB cable | 9W adapter with USB cable | 9W adapter with USB cable |
| Connects to Bluetooth Speakers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connects to Bluetooth Devices (Phones, Tablets, etc.) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Voice Remote | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Power Light | Yes | No | Yes |
| Device Reset | Dedicated reset button | Button combination | |
| Power | micro USB | micro USB | power pin connector |
| Dimensions | 3.3″ dia. X 1.5″ H | 3.3″ dia. X 1.3″ H | 3.9″ dia x 1.7″ H Increased |
| Best Buy Amazon Echo Dot 2 Prices are updated daily on this website | Besy Buy on Amazon | Besy Buy on Amazon | |
| Suggested Accessory for Amazon Echo Dot – Alexa Voice Remote for Amazon Echo and Echo Dot The Remote eliminates need for voice commands for regular functions like Skip tracks, Volume control, Turn OFF mic (when you need privacy ! :-P) at least for me its boring to give voice commands all the time | |||
Echo Dot case – if you are having old echo dot, then this is the choice for you.
- While you place so many Echo Dots at home, they become part of style quotient and hence it is extremely important to blend them with surroundings, get them look like designed for your own house. So here I suggest to check Echo dot case, feel free to explore them as matching to the upholstery …
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