Echo Dot 3 vs 4: 7 Must-Know Facts

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In this article, we’ll compare the latest two versions, the Echo Dot 3rd generation, and the Echo Dot 4th generation. Read on to decide which is best for your home. 

Echo Dot 3 vs 4: Side by Side Comparison

Echo Dot 3 vs 4: What’s the Difference?

The 3rd Generation and 4th Generation Echo Dot are amazing smart speakers that are worth their costs. However, there are some differences between them. Here are some of their unique differences.

Design

One of the main differences between Echo Dot 3 and Echo Dot 4 is their design. Echo Dot 4 has a traditional globe shape, unlike its predecessor, the Echo Dot 3rd generation, which has a puck shape. Echo Dot 4 is also several inches taller than Echo Dot 3. Due to the increase in size, it might be difficult for Echo Dot 4 to fit into congested spaces like the Echo Dot 3, which has a smaller appearance. 

In terms of weight, the Echo Dot 4th Gen is slightly heavier than its predecessor, mainly because of its increased size and because it was constructed using aluminum. Unlike Echo Dot 3, which has its lights on top, the Echo Dot 4 has its lights on the bottom. Echo Dot 4 also looks more refined and elegant than the Echo Dot 3rd Generation. However, mounting the Echo Dot 3rd Generation on the wall is a lot easier than Echo Dot 4 because of its design. 

Price

Echo Dots are easily affordable. All generations of Echo Dots are below $65, making them one of the most affordable smart speakers on the market. Echo Dot 3 is typically sold between $35 – $40, while Echo Dot 4 costs between $45 – $50. Echo Dot 4, with a clock, costs $10 more than the regular Dot 4, which means that it is available for $60. 

Audio Quality

Echo Dot 3 and 4 both have amazing audio output. Echo Dot 3 has a 1.6-inch speaker, unlike its predecessor, the Echo Dot 2nd Generation, which has a 1.1-inch speaker. The increase in size gave Echo Dot 3 a better sound output compared to older Echo Dot generations.

Echo Dot 4 also has a 1.6-inch speaker. Just like Echo Dot 3, the Echo Dot 4th Generation also boasts a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, with Echo Dot 4, you can play loud music with less speaker vibration. It also has an overall better sound quality.  

Alexa

When it comes to smart home connectivity, both speakers are compatible with Alexa. While Echo Dot 3 and 4 offer similar experiences with Alexa, the assistant’s processing and responsiveness are slightly faster on Echo Dot 4 because it uses the AZ1 Neutral Edge Chip. Just like the previous Echo Dot generations, Echo Dot 4 can be used to control the smart home-compatible devices in your house, and it does so with less delay because of its upgraded chip.

Features

Echo Dot 3 and the Echo Dot 4th Generation have several shared features, such as the Alexa technology. Newer features, such as Care Hub and Alexa Guard Plus, are also present in Echo Dot 4. Care Hub allows you to feel closer to your elderly loved ones and check in on them easily, even when you are miles apart. Guard Plus is a subscription service that enables your Echo speaker to detect threats, notify you immediately, and connect you to emergency responders.

However, Echo Dot 4 offers many unique features in an eco-friendly manner. Most of the materials used include aluminum, plastic, and fabrics that are all recycled items. It’s also highly energy efficient.

Echo Dot 3 vs 4: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Use?

Echo Dot 3 and its 4th generation successor offer high sound quality. They are both Alexa-compatible speakers. Better still, with Alexa Guard, the smart speakers can notify you of threats in your house. The Echo Dot 3 is the more affordable option, but it doesn’t have as many features as the Echo Dot 4. The Echo Dot 4 has an improved sound quality. It is one of the most eco-friendly smart speakers on the market right now and has more improved features than the Echo Dot 3, which is why we recommend it.

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