Amazon Echo (4th Gen) vs Amazon Echo Show 21

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) wins overall on value, with a higher owner rating, a lower price, and an added temperature sensor. The Echo Show 21 is the better pick only if you specifically want its very large 21-inch screen and Fire TV.

Scale and screen. The Amazon Echo Show 21 is a 21-inch wall-mountable smart display with a camera and built-in Fire TV, while the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is a small speaker with no display or camera.

Yes. Each includes a Zigbee coordinator, Thread border router, and Matter bridge, so both can directly control devices on those protocols alongside Alexa. Neither supports Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings.

The Echo Show 21 carries a one-year warranty, while the Echo (4th Gen) has a shorter 90-day warranty. The Show 21 also adds built-in Fire TV for streaming, which the Echo (4th Gen) does not offer.

Buy the Echo (4th Gen) if you want an affordable, top-rated speaker that also serves as a Zigbee/Thread/Matter hub and you do not need a large screen or streaming.

Buy the Amazon Echo Show 21 if you want the biggest wall-mounted family display for calendars, recipes, and Fire TV streaming, plus a camera and a one-year warranty.