Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) With Clock Review

Pros and Cons

Video Review

A Short Guide To Echo Dot with Clock Versions

As you can see in the video review above, we tested the third generation Echo Dot with Clock, but here’s where it gets a little confusing: That was the first Echo Dot with Clock to actually hit the shelves.

The Echo Dot with Clock shares the same hardware design as the Echo Dot, and the Echo Dot has had different versions throughout the years. This particular Echo Dot with Clock we tested takes its design from the third-generation Echo Dot. So technically, it’s a third-gen Echo Dot but with a built-in LED clock display.

Now, the third-gen Echo Dot has been phased out; the currently available versions are the fourth and fifth generation Echo Dots, both of which have a ball-like design (instead of the puck-shaped third-gen Echo Dot). Both also come with a “with Clock” version.

The clock features didn’t actually change, so the upgrades were to the Echo Dot speaker and capabilities.

With all that being said, let’s take a look at what an Echo Dot with Clock can do.

Amazon Echo Dot With Clock Design

If you’re already familiar with the third-gen Amazon Echo Dot, then the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock won’t be hard to imagine. Basically, it looks exactly the same as the gray smart speaker, with a diameter of 3.9 inches, a height of 1.7 and a 1.6-inch speaker, but with an LED clock on the side. Now, aside from the time of day, you can also have the clock show you the temperature as well as a timer countdown. That way, you don’t have to ask Alexa or touch any device to get this information. And to hit snooze on those mornings where you just can’t get out of bed, simply tap the top of the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock to catch a few more minutes of zzz’s.

The Amazon Echo Dot with Clock also has a ring of light around the top, which actually adjusts automatically based on the brightness of the number display. Like I said earlier, the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock needs to be plugged into power and comes with a power adapter. It’ll connect to your mobile devices over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When it comes to privacy, I like that Amazon included a button to turn the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock’s microphone off so that the device can’t listen for its wake word. After all, we all need privacy at some point or another!

When it comes to functionality and features, the third-gen Echo Dot with Clock we tested isn’t much different from the fourth-gen. I’d say the biggest difference is the shape — the third-gen looks like a giant macaron, while the fourth-gen is spherical. Other than that, they’re identical, so feel free to choose based on your preference.

Amazon Echo Dot With Clock Features

Of course, the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock is more than just a clock. You also get access to over 100,000 Alexa skills simply by saying the wake word “Alexa”. You can also use it to control other connected devices from a number of different smart home brands. Let’s get into specifics.

Music

At its core, the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock is a smart speaker, connecting to music, audiobook, and podcasting apps like:

• Amazon Music
• Apple Music
• Spotify
• Pandora
• Audible

If you use any of these applications, you can play audiobooks, songs or podcasts simply by telling Alexa what you want to hear.

Shopping

Now, this aspect of the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock may be a bit dangerous for your bank account, as you’ll be able to shop on Amazon using your voice alone. However, I can see this making for an easier shopping experience than if you had to go on the website.

Cooking

If you keep your Amazon Echo Dot with Clock in the kitchen, you’ll love using it to help make your delicious food. Aside from using the Dot’s display to set times, you can also have Alexa convert measurements, look up recipes from Allrecipes and read them to you step-by-step, buy an ingredient for you, and more. If you’re not much of a cook, you can use the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock to order food through Seamless or make reservations on OpenTable. Basically, if it’s food-related, your Amazon Echo Dot with Clock can be a huge help.

Amazon Echo Dot With Clock Setup

Setting up the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock was really easy. I already had the Alexa app downloaded, and once I plugged in the Dot, the app immediately recognized it and asked me if I’d like to set it up. After connecting it to my home’s Wi-Fi, I customized a few settings, like the device’s location, and I was done! The entire process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

If it’s your first time setting up an Alexa device, though, you’ll need to follow the steps outlined in the user manual. Don’t worry, it’s not that hard. You’ll only need a smartphone with the Alexa app installed and an Amazon account login. The app will pretty much detect the Echo Dot with Clock automatically once it’s plugged in and booted up.

Recap of the Amazon Echo Dot With Clock

Overall, I think the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock would be a great addition to your smart home, or if you lack any IoT devices whatsoever, a fantastic start. However, it’s not for everybody so let me break down who I think it would be good for.

That’s it from me! If you want to be in the Amazon ecosystem but don’t think the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock is right for you, check out my review of the Amazon Echo Show. And if you’re interested in making your home safer as well, check out the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery. It’s a security camera that works fantastically with Alexa’s smart devices.