Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) - Comprehensive Review

Introduction

I've been using the Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) for several weeks now, primarily in my kitchen and occasionally in the living room. As someone who already had an Echo Show 8 and various smart home devices, I was curious whether the larger screen and additional features justified the $250 price tag. This review covers my honest experience—both the things that work well and the frustrations I've encountered. I'll be upfront about what this device does well and where it falls short.

Design and Build Quality

The Echo Show 15 features a sleek, minimalist design that blends seamlessly into modern home environments. The device measures 15.6 inches diagonally with a Full HD (1080p) display, making it substantial enough to serve as a central hub while remaining unobtrusive.

Key Design Features:

15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display
Wall mount included for easy installation
Premium aluminum frame with matte finish
Adjustable stand available separately
Built-in camera shutter for privacy
Physical mic/camera-off button

The build quality feels solid, though I wouldn't call it premium—it's more functional than luxurious. The included wall mount works fine, but installation requires finding a stud or using heavy-duty anchors since the device weighs over 4 pounds. I ended up mounting it slightly lower than ideal because of outlet placement, which is something to consider during planning.

The matte finish does resist fingerprints reasonably well, though it still shows smudges after regular touch use. The device can be mounted in landscape or portrait mode, but I've found portrait mode somewhat awkward for most tasks—the widgets don't always scale well, and some apps clearly weren't designed for vertical orientation.

Display Quality

The 15.6-inch Full HD display is crisp and vibrant, with excellent viewing angles. While it's not as pixel-dense as some premium tablets, the 1080p resolution is more than sufficient for a device typically viewed from a few feet away.

Display Specifications:

15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
IPS panel with wide viewing angles
Bright and clear, even in well-lit kitchens
Touch-enabled for direct interaction

The display is adequately bright for most situations, though direct sunlight can make it hard to see. The viewing angles are decent, but colors do shift noticeably when viewing from extreme angles—something to consider if you're mounting it where people will view it from the side.

For video content, the display is fine but not exceptional. Colors are reasonably accurate, but I've noticed some compression artifacts when streaming, especially with darker scenes. The 1080p resolution is adequate for a device viewed from a few feet away, but don't expect the sharpness you'd get from a high-end tablet or TV. The large screen is helpful for recipes, though I still find myself squinting at small text in some recipe apps.

Performance and Processing Power

The Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) features upgraded internals, but the performance isn't as impressive as I'd hoped. Navigation is generally smooth, but there are noticeable hiccups. Apps load reasonably quickly, but multitasking between widgets, Fire TV, and Alexa commands can sometimes feel sluggish.

Performance Reality:

App switching is usually smooth, but occasionally lags
Video playback is generally smooth in 1080p
Alexa command response is usually quick, but can be delayed
Some lag when switching between widgets, especially when Fire TV is running
Handles multiple smart home devices, but the dashboard can be slow to update

The device runs on Amazon's Fire OS, which is generally responsive but not without quirks. I've experienced occasional lag when switching between Fire TV and the home screen, and sometimes widgets take a moment to refresh. There have been a few instances where the device became unresponsive for 10-15 seconds, requiring a restart. These issues aren't frequent, but they're noticeable enough to mention. The performance is generally good, but it's not as smooth as a high-end tablet.

Fire TV Integration

One of the standout features of the Echo Show 15 is its built-in Fire TV functionality. This transforms the device from a simple smart display into a full entertainment hub.

Fire TV Features:

Access to thousands of streaming apps (Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, and more)
Fire TV remote included in the box
4K upscaling for supported content
Voice control via Alexa
Support for streaming from mobile devices

The Fire TV integration works, but it's not perfect. The experience is similar to a Fire TV Stick, but I've noticed some apps don't work as smoothly as they do on a dedicated streaming device. The included remote is fine—nothing special, but it gets the job done. The dedicated app buttons are convenient, though I wish there were more options.

I use Fire TV mainly for background content while cooking, but I've run into some frustrations:

Some apps (like YouTube TV) don't work as well as on other devices
The interface can feel clunky compared to Roku or Apple TV
Switching back to the home screen sometimes takes longer than expected
Not all streaming services are available (no HBO Max app, for example)

The Alexa voice control for Fire TV is hit-or-miss. Sometimes it works perfectly, other times it misunderstands what I want to watch or can't find the content. The large screen is nice for kitchen viewing, but honestly, I still prefer using my phone for recipes because the touch interface is more responsive.

Alexa Voice Assistant

Alexa on the Echo Show 15 supports the latest features, but the experience is similar to other Echo devices. The voice recognition is good, but not perfect, especially in noisy environments.

Alexa Capabilities:

Natural language understanding (works most of the time)
Multi-step requests and follow-up questions (inconsistent)
Integration with thousands of smart home devices (works well)
Music streaming from multiple services (requires subscriptions)
Video calling with auto-framing camera (decent quality)
Routine automation (useful but can be complex to set up)
Shopping lists and reminders (basic but functional)

The microphones are generally good at picking up commands, but they're not perfect. In a noisy kitchen with the exhaust fan running, I sometimes have to repeat commands. Music playing at moderate volume can also interfere with voice recognition. The device does hear me from other rooms, but accuracy drops noticeably with distance.

Alexa's context handling is inconsistent. Sometimes the follow-up commands work well, other times Alexa seems to forget what we were talking about. I've had mixed results with the shopping list example—sometimes it works, sometimes Alexa asks me to clarify. The natural conversation flow is improving, but it's not as seamless as Amazon's marketing suggests.

Smart Home Hub

The Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) includes built-in Zigbee and Thread support, making it a true smart home hub. This means you can control compatible devices directly without needing a separate hub.

Smart Home Hub Features:

Zigbee support for compatible devices
Thread support for Matter-enabled devices
Smart home dashboard with visual controls
Live camera feeds from compatible security cameras
Group control for multiple devices
Scene creation and automation

I've connected various smart devices including:

Philips Hue lights (via Zigbee)
Smart plugs and switches
Thermostats
Security cameras
Smart locks

The smart home dashboard is functional but could be better organized. Device controls are accessible, but finding specific devices can require scrolling through a long list. The visual interface is helpful, but I've noticed some devices don't update their status in real-time, which can be frustrating when you think a light is off but it's actually on.

Viewing live camera feeds works, but there's noticeable lag—sometimes 2-3 seconds behind real-time. The video quality is adequate but not great, especially in low light. For quick checks it's fine, but I wouldn't rely on it for security monitoring.

Widgets and Home Organization

The widget system is useful, but it's not as customizable or reliable as I'd like. You can configure the home screen, but the options are more limited than expected.

Available Widgets:

Family calendars (syncs with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, etc.)
To-do lists
Weather forecasts
Smart home controls
Photo frame (rotates through your Amazon Photos)
Clock and time
News headlines
Sports scores

The widget system is customizable, but the selection is more limited than I expected. Some widgets are useful (calendar, weather), while others feel like filler. The calendar widget works well with Google Calendar, though I've had some sync issues where events don't appear immediately.

In my setup, I use:

Calendar widget (works well, but sync can be slow)
Weather widget (accurate, but sometimes takes a moment to load)
Smart home controls (convenient, but limited to a few devices)
Photo frame (nice feature, but requires Amazon Photos subscription for best experience)

The widgets do update automatically, but not always in real-time. I've noticed the weather widget can be several hours behind, and the calendar sometimes doesn't reflect last-minute changes. The large screen helps, but the widget layout can feel cluttered if you enable too many at once.

Camera and Video Calling

The Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) features a 13 MP centered camera with auto-framing, wide field of view, and 3.3x zoom. This is a significant upgrade from the first generation.

Camera Features:

13 MP centered camera
Auto-framing keeps you in the center of the frame
Wide field of view (more than double the previous generation)
3.3x digital zoom
Noise reduction technology
Built-in camera shutter for privacy

Video calling quality is decent but not exceptional. The auto-framing works reasonably well, though it can be slow to adjust when you move around. The wide field of view is helpful, but image quality drops noticeably in lower light. I've found the camera struggles with backlighting from windows, which is common in kitchens.

The noise reduction helps, but it's not perfect. During calls while cooking, the other party can still hear some background noise, and I've had to speak louder than normal. The audio quality on their end is acceptable but not great—fine for quick check-ins, but I wouldn't use this for important video calls.

The privacy controls are good—the physical shutter is reassuring, and the mic/camera-off button works as expected. However, I wish there was a more obvious visual indicator when the microphone is off, as it's easy to forget the current state.

Audio Quality

Amazon claims the Echo Show 15 has "double the bass and crisper vocals" compared to the first generation. In reality, the audio is better than smaller Echo devices, but it's not particularly impressive.

Audio Features:

Enhanced bass response
Clear vocal reproduction
Spatial audio support
Active Media feature for multi-room audio

The audio quality is okay, but I think Amazon oversells the "double the bass" claim. There's definitely more bass than smaller Echo devices, but it's not particularly impressive. At higher volumes, I've noticed some distortion, especially with bass-heavy music. The sound is fine for:

Background music (though I often use a separate Bluetooth speaker for better quality)
Podcasts and audiobooks (adequate, but not great)
Video call audio (acceptable)
Fire TV content (decent for dialogue, but action scenes lack impact)

The Active Media feature for multi-room audio works, but it's not seamless. I've experienced delays when adding devices, and sometimes the sync between devices isn't perfect. It's a nice feature, but I've found it more reliable to just use the Alexa app to create speaker groups.

Connectivity

The device includes WiFi 6E support for faster, more reliable wireless connectivity, along with Bluetooth for connecting external devices.

Connectivity Options:

WiFi 6E (802.11ax) for faster streaming
Bluetooth for audio devices
USB-C port (for power and data transfer)
5-foot power cord included (6' and 10' extensions available)

The WiFi 6E support is nice to have, but I haven't noticed a significant difference from WiFi 6. Streaming is generally smooth, though I have experienced occasional buffering during peak network usage times. The connection is stable, but it's not immune to the usual WiFi issues—distance from router and interference can still cause problems.

Privacy and Security

Amazon has included privacy controls, but the privacy situation is more complex than the marketing suggests. The device collects significant data, and while you have some control, it's not as comprehensive as I'd prefer.

Privacy Features:

Physical camera shutter
Mic/camera-off button
Privacy settings in Alexa app
Ability to view and delete voice recordings
Local processing for some commands

The physical privacy controls are good, but the privacy situation is more nuanced than Amazon suggests. Yes, you can turn off the mic and camera, but the device still needs to be "listening" to hear the wake word when those are enabled. Amazon does process some commands locally, but most interactions still go to the cloud. The privacy settings are accessible, but they're buried in menus and not always clear about what data is being collected.

I appreciate the physical shutter, but I wish there was a way to completely disable the microphones without losing all functionality. The current setup is a compromise—you can mute the mic, but then you can't use voice commands at all.

Real-World Use Cases

Kitchen Hub

The Echo Show 15 excels as a kitchen command center. I use it for:

Following recipes (displayed on the large screen)
Setting timers and reminders
Playing music or podcasts while cooking
Video calling family members
Checking calendar and weather
Controlling kitchen smart lights

The wall-mounted position works well for hands-free operation, though I've found the touch screen less responsive than I'd like when my hands are wet or covered in flour. The large screen is helpful for recipes, but I still prefer using my phone or tablet for cooking because the interface is more responsive and apps are better optimized.

Family Organization

The calendar and to-do list features are helpful, but they're not game-changers. The calendar sync works, but there's often a delay before events appear. The to-do list is basic—it works, but it's not as feature-rich as dedicated task management apps. It's useful for quick reminders, but I still rely on my phone for serious organization.

Entertainment

While not a replacement for a dedicated TV, the Echo Show 15 is perfect for:

Background TV while working in the kitchen
Music videos and playlists
Quick news updates
Streaming podcasts with video

Smart Home Control

The visual smart home dashboard makes controlling devices intuitive. Instead of remembering voice commands, you can see all your devices and their status at a glance, then control them with a tap.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Large Display: The 15.6-inch screen is useful for viewing from a distance, though not exceptional quality
Fire TV Integration: Having Fire TV built-in is convenient, though the experience has limitations
Smart Home Hub: Zigbee and Thread support are genuinely useful if you have compatible devices
Widget System: The widgets are helpful, though more limited than expected
Camera Upgrade: The camera is better than the first gen, but still has limitations
Audio Improvement: Better than smaller Echo devices, though not impressive
Privacy Controls: Physical controls are good, though privacy concerns remain
Wall Mount Included: The mount works, though installation requires planning
WiFi 6E Support: Nice to have, though not a game-changer

Cons

Price: At $250, this is expensive for what it offers. You're paying a premium for the large screen, but the functionality isn't significantly better than cheaper Echo devices.
Inconsistent Performance: Occasional lag, freezing, and unresponsiveness detract from the experience. It's not terrible, but it's not as smooth as it should be at this price.
Fire TV Limitations: Not all apps work well, some streaming services aren't available, and the interface can feel clunky compared to dedicated streaming devices.
Widget Limitations: The widget selection is limited, and some widgets don't update reliably. The customization options are more restricted than I expected.
Touch Interface Issues: The touch screen isn't as responsive as modern tablets, and it's frustrating to use with wet or dirty hands.
Audio Quality: While better than smaller Echo devices, the audio isn't impressive. You'll want external speakers for serious music listening.
Privacy Concerns: Despite physical controls, the device still sends most data to the cloud. The privacy settings are complex and not always clear.
Amazon Ecosystem Lock-in: Full functionality requires heavy integration with Amazon services. If you're not invested in the Amazon ecosystem, you'll miss out on many features.
No Battery Option: Must be plugged in, which limits placement and requires planning for power outlets.
Stand Sold Separately: The included wall mount works, but the premium stand costs extra if you want tabletop placement.

Comparison to Competitors

Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 10

The Echo Show 15's larger screen is its main advantage over smaller models. Whether it's worth the extra cost depends on how much you value screen size. The smaller models (Show 8, Show 10) offer most of the same functionality for less money, and they're more portable. Unless you specifically need the large screen, the smaller models are often a better value.

Google Nest Hub Max

The Nest Hub Max offers similar functionality with Google Assistant. The Echo Show 15 has a larger screen and Fire TV, but the Nest Hub Max often provides a smoother, more polished experience. If you're not committed to Alexa, the Nest Hub Max is worth considering, especially if you're already using Google services.

iPad with Stand

An iPad with a stand can serve many of the same functions, and often does them better. The iPad has better apps, smoother performance, and more flexibility. The Echo Show 15's main advantages are the always-on display, integrated Alexa, and smart home hub—but if you already have an iPad, you might not need this device.

Pricing and Value

The Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) typically retails for around $249.99, though prices may vary with promotions and sales.

Value Assessment:

High Value For: Families wanting a kitchen hub, smart home enthusiasts, users with extensive Amazon ecosystem
Moderate Value For: Users wanting a large smart display, those needing Fire TV in the kitchen
Lower Value For: Casual smart home users, budget-conscious shoppers, those who prefer other voice assistants

The value proposition is questionable. At $250, you're paying a premium for the large screen, but the overall experience isn't significantly better than cheaper alternatives. If you'll use multiple features regularly and specifically need the large display, it might be worth it. Otherwise, you can get similar or better functionality for less money.

Verdict

After several weeks of use, I have mixed feelings about the Echo Show 15. It does some things well—the large screen is nice for viewing from a distance, the smart home hub functionality is convenient, and having Fire TV built-in is useful. However, the $250 price tag is hard to justify given the inconsistent performance, limited widget selection, and various small frustrations I've encountered.

Who Should Buy This:

Families heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem who want a large kitchen display
Smart home enthusiasts with many Zigbee/Thread devices who want visual control
Users who specifically want Fire TV in the kitchen and don't mind the limitations
People who value the large screen enough to overlook the price and performance issues

Who Should Consider Alternatives:

Budget-conscious shoppers (the Echo Show 8 does most of the same things for less)
Users who want better performance and responsiveness (consider an iPad with a stand)
Those who prefer Google Assistant (the Nest Hub Max is a better value)
People who only need basic smart speaker functionality (any Echo device will do)
Users uncomfortable with Amazon's data collection practices
Those who want a truly seamless, polished experience (this device has too many rough edges)

My Honest Take: The Echo Show 15 is a decent device that tries to do a lot, but it doesn't excel at any one thing. The large screen is its main advantage, but the performance issues, limited app ecosystem, and high price make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly. If you're already deep in the Amazon ecosystem and specifically want a large kitchen display, it might be worth it. Otherwise, you can get similar functionality for less money, or better functionality for similar money with other devices.

Rating: 3.5/5

Breakdown:

Design & Build: 4/5 (Solid but not premium)
Display Quality: 3.5/5 (Adequate but not impressive)
Performance: 3/5 (Works but has noticeable issues)
Fire TV Integration: 3.5/5 (Functional but limited)
Alexa Functionality: 4/5 (Good but not perfect)
Smart Home Hub: 4/5 (Convenient but could be better organized)
Camera & Video: 3.5/5 (Decent but struggles in some conditions)
Audio Quality: 3/5 (Okay for background, not great for serious listening)
Value: 2.5/5 (Expensive for what you get)

Overall: The Echo Show 15 is a functional device that does many things adequately, but none exceptionally well. The large screen is its main selling point, but performance issues, limited app selection, and high price make it hard to recommend at full price. It's worth considering if you're heavily invested in Amazon's ecosystem and specifically need a large display, but most users would be better served by cheaper alternatives or better-performing devices at similar prices. Wait for a sale, or consider whether you really need the 15-inch screen versus the more affordable Echo Show 8.

Technical Specifications

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen
Camera: 13 MP centered camera with auto-framing, wide field of view, 3.3x zoom
Audio: Enhanced speakers with double bass, crisp vocals, spatial audio support
Connectivity: WiFi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth
Smart Home Hub: Built-in Zigbee and Thread support
Fire TV: Built-in with access to thousands of streaming apps
Power: 5-foot power cord included (6' and 10' extensions available)
Mounting: Wall mount included, premium adjustable stand sold separately
Privacy: Physical camera shutter, mic/camera-off button
Dimensions: Varies by orientation (wall mount or stand)
Weight: Approximately 4.3 pounds
Operating System: Fire OS (Amazon's custom Android-based OS)
Voice Assistant: Alexa with support for latest features and skills

Review based on personal testing and experience with the Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen), supplemented with specifications from Amazon and independent technology review sources. Testing period: 4 weeks of daily use in kitchen and living room environments.