Echo Show 10 (2025 Review): I Tested Alexa’s Moving Display for 30 Days

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The Alexa Echo Show 10 stands out as Amazon’s first smart display that actually follows you around the room. After spending 30 days testing this $249.99 device, I’ve discovered what makes its 350-degree rotating screen truly unique in the smart home landscape.

Unlike its stationary predecessors, this Echo Show 10 features an impressive 10.1-inch display mounted on a completely silent motorized base. During video calls, the 13MP camera a significant upgrade from previous 5MP versions tracks your movements to keep you perfectly centered in the frame. Certainly, at nearly twice the price of the Echo Show 8, this device demands consideration of its value. The powerful audio system, featuring a 3-inch woofer and two 1-inch tweeters, delivers the most robust sound experience among Amazon’s smart displays. Additionally, it functions as a home security camera, allowing remote viewing through the Alexa app when you’re away.

Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen, $249.99): Specs and Setup

Setting up the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) took me about 10 minutes from unboxing to full functionality. The process involves connecting to Wi-Fi through the Alexa app and following simple on-screen prompts. What immediately struck me was the heft of the device at 5.6 pounds, this isn’t a display you’ll move around frequently.

Display: 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 resolution

The Echo Show 10’s 10.1-inch touchscreen offers adequate clarity with its 1280 x 800 resolution. While not cutting-edge by modern standards, the pixel density works well for typical viewing distances in kitchens or living rooms. Color reproduction is vibrant, though I noticed slight washout at extreme viewing angles. The adaptive brightness feature adjusts automatically based on ambient lighting, making the screen comfortable to view throughout the day. Furthermore, the touch responsiveness proved reliable even when interacting from awkward angles during cooking sessions. One notable aspect is how the display maintains visibility during the device’s rotation. The screen remains readable even as it moves to track you, a crucial feature considering its motion-tracking capabilities.

Camera: 13MP with physical shutter

The 13MP front-facing camera represents a substantial upgrade over previous Echo models. During video calls, the clarity impressed friends and family, especially compared to laptop webcams. The camera excels in well-lit environments but struggles somewhat in dimly lit rooms despite digital enhancement.

Privacy concerns are addressed through a physical white shutter that completely covers the camera lens when not in use. Sliding this shutter also electronically disconnects the camera a thoughtful redundancy for privacy-conscious users. Moreover, a visual indicator clearly shows when the camera is disabled.

The camera’s wide-angle view captures most medium-sized rooms effectively, though its field of view isn’t quite as expansive as some dedicated webcams. Nevertheless, for video calls and home monitoring, the quality exceeds expectations for a smart display.

Speaker System: 3-inch woofer + dual 1-inch tweeters

Audio performance stands out as one of the Echo Show 10’s strongest attributes. The 3-inch woofer produces surprisingly robust bass for a device of this size, while the dual 1-inch tweeters deliver clear high frequencies.

Music playback sounds full and rich across various genres. Specifically, I tested classical, rock, and jazz, finding adequate separation between instruments in each case. At maximum volume, the Echo Show 10 easily fills a large living room without distortion, though I did notice slight muddiness in bass-heavy tracks at peak volumes.

The directional audio follows the screen’s movement, ensuring sound is always projected toward your position. This feature proves particularly useful when moving around the kitchen while following recipe instructions or watching videos.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Amazon Sidewalk

The Echo Show 10 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), providing reliable connectivity throughout my testing. Bluetooth capabilities allow for streaming from phones and tablets or connecting to external speakers if desired. The built-in Zigbee hub eliminates the need for separate smart home bridges for compatible devices. I tested this with Philips Hue bulbs and found the direct connection process straightforward and stable. Amazon Sidewalk, though still in its early stages, extends connectivity to supported devices beyond your home’s Wi-Fi range. This optional feature can be toggled off in settings if preferred.

In practical terms, these connectivity options make the Echo Show 10 a genuine smart home hub rather than just a display. Setting up compatible devices directly through the Echo Show interface saved considerable time compared to using separate apps and hubs. Overall, the Echo Show 10’s technical specifications deliver a cohesive experience that justifies its premium positioning in Amazon’s smart display lineup.

Motion Tracking and Rotating Display: 30-Day Test Results

The most eye-catching feature of the Echo Show 10 is undoubtedly its ability to follow you around the room. Throughout my 30-day testing period, this motion tracking capability proved both impressive and occasionally frustrating, depending on the environment and use case.

How the motorized base works

The Echo Show 10’s motorized base rotates almost silently on a 350-degree axis, powered by a brushless motor system. What’s particularly clever is how Amazon engineered this movement the base houses not just the motor but also the main speakers, with the display component remaining relatively lightweight.

The rotation mechanism uses a combination of computer vision algorithms and the device’s 13MP camera to identify human shapes rather than specific faces. This approach preserves privacy while still allowing effective tracking. Whenever the system detects movement, it processes this information locally on the device before deciding whether to adjust its position.

Notably, the base maintains a “home position” that you can customize, which is where it returns after periods of inactivity. I found this particularly useful when placing the device in a corner, as it allowed me to direct the display toward the room’s center when not in active use.

Accuracy of motion tracking in daily use

Initially, I was skeptical about how well the Echo Show 10 would actually track my movements, yet in daily testing, the device proved remarkably accurate. During video calls, it maintained me in frame about 90% of the time, even as I moved around my kitchen preparing meals or folding laundry in the living room.

The tracking feels natural rather than robotic the display moves smoothly to follow you, not jerking with every minor adjustment. There’s a slight delay of approximately half a second between movement and the screen’s response, creating a pleasing, organic-feeling motion rather than an aggressive following sensation.

For kitchen use, this functionality proved genuinely helpful. I could walk between refrigerator, sink, and counter while following recipe videos without manually adjusting the screen. Similarly, during video calls with family, I remained visible regardless of whether I was sitting or standing.

Limitations in low light or crowded rooms

Admittedly, the Echo Show 10’s tracking abilities aren’t infallible. In dimly lit environments, particularly after sunset with only ambient lighting, the device struggled to maintain consistent tracking. The screen would sometimes rotate in search of a person before giving up and returning to its home position.

Likewise, in crowded situations with multiple people, the system occasionally became confused about whom to follow. During a small gathering, the display would sometimes bounce between different people, particularly when someone walked directly in front of the current tracking subject.

Another limitation emerged when I placed objects partially blocking the camera’s view. Even with minimal obstruction, such as a tall vase or decorative item, tracking performance degraded significantly. Consequently, placement in your home becomes critically important the device needs clear sightlines to function optimally.

Manual tilt vs. automatic rotation

In addition to automatic tracking, the Echo Show 10 offers manual adjustment options. The screen can be physically tilted up or down approximately 15 degrees, which I found essential for accommodating different heights and seating positions. The device provides multiple ways to control rotation. You can disable motion entirely through onscreen controls or voice commands (“Alexa, turn off motion”). Alternatively, you can swipe on the display to rotate it to a specific position or use the Alexa app to control movement remotely.

What impressed me most was how these manual and automatic systems complement each other. For instance, I could manually position the screen for a video call, then enable tracking once the call began. This hybrid approach offered greater flexibility than either system alone would provide. Throughout my month-long test, I gradually came to appreciate the motion tracking as more than a novelty. For certain use cases particularly video calls, kitchen use, and media consumption while moving around it genuinely enhanced the experience in ways static displays simply cannot match.

Entertainment and Video Calling Experience

After testing the Echo Show 10’s media and communication features extensively, I found its entertainment ecosystem to be both impressive and occasionally limiting.

Streaming support: Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video

The Echo Show 10 offers direct access to major streaming platforms through dedicated apps. Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video all run smoothly with intuitive interfaces adapted for the 10.1-inch display. The picture quality remains sharp even as the screen rotates to follow you.

Prime Video naturally integrates most seamlessly, offering the full catalog without restrictions. For Netflix, I appreciated how the content recommendations appear directly on the home screen. Hulu performs equally well, although occasionally buffering occurred on my 100Mbps connection.

Essentially, the rotating display transforms these streaming experiences. I could continue watching cooking shows while moving around my kitchen or enjoy movies from different angles in my living room. Upon saying “Alexa, play Stranger Things on Netflix,” the content starts immediately, eliminating the need for remote controls.

YouTube access via browser

Unlike dedicated apps for other services, YouTube requires accessing Amazon’s Silk browser. Simply say, “Alexa, open YouTube” and the browser launches automatically. Subsequently, the browsing experience feels somewhat clunky compared to native apps. Text appears small, requiring precise touches for navigation. Video quality automatically adjusts based on connection speed, though manual quality selection often proves frustrating. Yet, once videos are playing, the content looks crisp. The motion tracking feature proves valuable here too I could watch tutorials while moving around my workspace.

Video call quality and camera tracking

Video calling stands out as one area where the Echo Show 10 truly outshines other smart displays. The 13MP camera delivers noticeably clearer video than my laptop webcam, with excellent color reproduction in well-lit rooms. Supported services include Alexa calling, Skype, and Zoom. The rotating display automatically follows you during calls, keeping you centered in frame. This tracking works remarkably well, creating a more natural conversation experience as I moved around my space. In fact, family members commented on how much better they could see me compared to static webcams. The wide-angle lens captures enough background to provide context without making you appear distant.

Audio performance at different volumes

Audio quality for both entertainment and calls impressed me throughout testing. At low volumes (below 40%), dialog remains clear without waking sleeping family members. Mid-range volumes (40-70%) deliver balanced sound with distinct vocals and background music.

Pushing to maximum volume fills my 400-square-foot living room without distortion. Even at peak levels, call audio maintains clarity, effectively separating voices from background noise.

Ultimately, the Echo Show 10’s entertainment capabilities combined with its motion tracking create a uniquely versatile viewing and calling experience that static displays simply can’t match.

Alexa Integration and Smart Home Control

Beyond its rotating display, what truly makes the Echo Show 10 stand out is Alexa’s brain powering everything. Throughout my month of testing, I discovered how this voice assistant transforms a smart display into a comprehensive home control center.

Voice commands and responsiveness

In daily use, the Echo Show 10’s far-field microphones picked up my voice commands from impressive distances up to 20 feet away, even with music playing. The response time averages under a second, noticeably faster than previous Echo models I’ve tested.

What impressed me most was Alexa’s contextual understanding. For example, when asking “What’s the weather tomorrow?” followed by “How about Friday?” the system maintained conversation context without requiring me to repeat the full command.

Yet I did notice occasional hiccups with complex queries involving multiple actions. Requests like “Turn on the kitchen lights and set them to 50% brightness” sometimes executed only the first part of the command.

Smart home routines and device compatibility

The Echo Show 10 excels as a smart home hub with its built-in Zigbee controller. I successfully connected and controlled:

• Philips Hue lights
• Ring doorbells and cameras
• Ecobee thermostats
• Smart plugs from multiple brands

Creating automated routines proved remarkably intuitive. I set up a “Good Morning” routine that simultaneously adjusted lights, displayed weather forecasts, and started my coffee maker. The visual confirmation on screen enhanced the experience compared to audio-only Echo devices.

Using Echo Show 10 as a home security camera

Perhaps the most practical feature is the ability to check your home remotely. Through the Alexa app, I accessed the Echo Show 10’s camera from anywhere, panning the room via intuitive controls.

The pan-and-tilt functionality offers complete room coverage that fixed cameras simply can’t match. Accordingly, motion alerts worked reliably, sending notifications when activity was detected.

Unlike dedicated security cameras, however, there’s no continuous recording option without a subscription. Nevertheless, as an occasional monitoring solution, it adds substantial value to the device’s overall utility.

Privacy, Customization, and Value for Money

Privacy concerns often arise with camera-equipped smart devices, yet the Echo Show 10 addresses these issues thoughtfully with several built-in protections. Throughout my month-long testing, I examined how these features balance convenience with security.

Camera shutter and mic mute options

The physical camera shutter proved indispensable during my daily use. This opaque white cover slides into place with a satisfying click, completely blocking the camera lens. What I particularly appreciated was the redundant protection engaging the shutter also electronically disconnects the camera circuit.

Additionally, the dedicated microphone mute button illuminates bright red when activated, providing clear visual confirmation that Alexa isn’t listening. Unlike software-based privacy solutions, these physical controls offer genuine peace of mind, especially in bedrooms or other private spaces.

Motion control settings and idle position

Customizing the Echo Show 10’s motion proved straightforward through both on-screen menus and voice commands. I could adjust the rotation range from the full 350 degrees down to narrower arcs perfect for corner placement. Moreover, the idle position setting allowed me to determine exactly where the screen faces when inactive.

For nighttime use, the “Motion During Sleep” toggle disabled rotation during specified hours, preventing unexpected movements that might startle someone walking into a dark room.

Is the $249.99 price justified?

At $249.99, the Echo Show 10 commands a premium compared to non-rotating displays. After extended use, I found this price reasonable for specific users. The combination of premium audio, motion tracking, and home security functionality effectively replaces multiple devices a smart speaker, digital photo frame, and basic security camera.

Yet for casual users primarily seeking a static display for weather and timers, the cost might be difficult to justify.

Comparison with Echo Show 8 and Nest Hub Max

Compared to the $129.99 Echo Show 8, the Show 10 offers substantially better audio quality and the obvious rotation capability. The camera resolution jumps significantly (13MP vs 1MP), making video calls notably clearer.

Against the $229 Nest Hub Max, Google’s alternative offers better integration with Google services and slightly superior display quality. However, it lacks the rotating screen and Zigbee hub functionality.

Ultimately, the Echo Show 10’s unique motion tracking remains its key differentiator a feature unavailable on any similarly priced competitor.

Conclusion

After 30 days with the Echo Show 10, I’ve come to appreciate this device as more than just a gimmick with a rotating screen. Certainly, the motion tracking feature stands out as its defining characteristic, following me around the kitchen during recipe preparations and keeping me centered during video calls. The robust audio system delivers impressive sound quality that easily fills larger rooms, while the built-in Zigbee hub eliminates the need for additional smart home bridges.

Though the $249.99 price tag initially seemed steep, the value proposition became clearer through daily use. This device effectively combines the functionality of a premium smart speaker, home security camera, and video calling station into one cohesive package. Nevertheless, it’s not without limitations tracking struggles in low light conditions, and YouTube access feels clunky compared to native streaming apps.

Ultimately, the Echo Show 10 best serves specific users rather than general consumers. Those who regularly make video calls, need hands-free entertainment while moving around spaces, or want to consolidate multiple smart home functions will find the rotating display genuinely useful. Meanwhile, users primarily seeking weather updates and timers might be better served by the more affordable Echo Show 8.

The thoughtful privacy features, including the physical camera shutter and mic mute button, address legitimate concerns about having an always-watching device in your home. Still, placement matters significantly the Echo Show 10 requires adequate space and clear sightlines to fully utilize its rotation capabilities.

Overall, Amazon has created something uniquely practical with the Echo Show 10. Despite occasional frustrations, this smart display delivers an experience that static competitors simply cannot match. The question isn’t whether it works as advertised it absolutely does but rather whether your specific needs align with what this innovative device offers.

FAQs

Q1. How does the Echo Show 10’s motion tracking feature work? The Echo Show 10 uses a combination of computer vision algorithms and its 13MP camera to detect human shapes and follow your movements. The screen rotates smoothly on a 350-degree axis to keep you in view during video calls or while you move around the room.

Q2. What streaming services are available on the Echo Show 10? The Echo Show 10 supports major streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video through dedicated apps. YouTube is accessible via the Amazon Silk browser, though the experience is not as seamless as with the native apps.

Q3. Can the Echo Show 10 be used as a home security camera? Yes, the Echo Show 10 can function as a home security camera. You can access the device’s camera remotely through the Alexa app, allowing you to pan the room and receive motion alerts. However, it doesn’t offer continuous recording without a subscription.

Q4. What privacy features does the Echo Show 10 have? The Echo Show 10 includes a physical camera shutter that completely blocks the lens and electronically disconnects the camera. It also has a dedicated microphone mute button that illuminates red when activated, ensuring Alexa isn’t listening.

Q5. How does the Echo Show 10 compare to other smart displays in terms of price and features? At $249.99, the Echo Show 10 is pricier than static displays like the Echo Show 8, but it offers unique features such as motion tracking, better audio quality, and a higher resolution camera. Compared to the Google Nest Hub Max, it provides a rotating screen and Zigbee hub functionality, making it a more versatile smart home control center. Want to discover more  Smart Displays reviews? CLICK HERE

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About Richard Carter

Technology Consultant & Writer

I've been working with computers for many years. I spent over six years as a staff member at a major tech store in New York, where I helped customers find the best solutions for their needs. After that, I transitioned into freelancing to share my knowledge with a wider audience and continue doing what I love. My goal is to help people make smart technology choices.