It's your last chance at a cheap Echo Show 8 (in more ways than one)

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By Michael L Hicks
published

The Echo Show 8 2nd Gen, currently 58% off for Cyber Monday, is the smart display I'd recommend before Amazon cancels it.

Echo Show 8 2nd Gen 2
(Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central)

Amazon has discounted all of its Echo Shows for Cyber Monday, in most cases at lower prices than we saw during the October Prime Day event. Of these, my first recommendation is the smart display that I personally own: the Echo Show 2nd Gen, currently 58% off ($54.99) for Cyber Monday. 

Of the best Echo Show devices, we list the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) at the top. That's also on sale for 30% off ($104.99), but the Echo Show 8 2nd Gen is $50 cheaper, and the better deal of the two. 

If you compare the Echo Show 8 3rd Gen vs. 2nd Gen, you'll see they have the same general size, display size and resolution, 13MP camera, dual 2-inch neodymium stereo speakers, Bluetooth and wi-fi standards, and other similarities. 

To be clear, the 3rd-gen Echo Show 8 is better: it supports spatial audio, has a revamped AZ2 neural engine for faster commands, and adds support for Thread and Zigbee. But are these changes enough to justify spending nearly double the price, for essentially the same package? That's why I'd say buying the Echo Show 8 2nd Gen at this low price is the better deal, even if your commands are a little slower. 

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen): $129.99 $54.99 at Amazon

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen): $129.99 $54.99 at Amazon

Amazon is replacing the 2nd Gen smart display, but it still works perfectly well in my home as a quick tool for Alexa responses and smart home tricks. You also get a 13MP camera for video calling (plus a shutter to cover the camera) and 4 mics for clear audio. It's not the highest-resolution display, but that also applies to the 3rd-gen display! Cyber Monday's giving you the excuse to grab one before they're gone for good, too.

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Why did I say this is your "last chance" at this Cyber Monday Echo deal? Because aside from the fact that Cyber Monday ends tonight, Amazon doesn't like to clutter up its Amazon device search results with too many generations, unless there's a reason to sell multiple versions. My guess is that Amazon is clearing out the last of its Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) stock so that it can fully transition to the 3rd-gen smart display, as it has done many times in the past. 

My colleagues recommended the new Echo Show 5 for $40, but its MediaTek MT8169 processor is probably no faster than the Show 8's MediaTek MT8183, the display is smaller and lower resolution, and it has only one speaker. It's worth spending the extra $15 in this case. 

Otherwise, I'd certainly recommend the Echo Show 10 ($90 off) as a premium alternative if you can afford it, or even the Echo Show 15 ($95 off). But they're both still on the pricey side for a smart speaker, even if they come with significant upgrades. It's up to you how much you want to spend!

Michael L Hicks
Michael L Hicks
Senior Editor, VR/AR and fitness

Michael is Android Central's resident expert on fitness tech and wearables, with an enthusiast's love of VR tech on the side. After years freelancing for Techradar, Wareable, Windows Central, Digital Trends, and other sites on a variety of tech topics, AC has given him the chance to really dive into the topics he's passionate about. He's also a semi-reformed Apple-to-Android user who loves D&D, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings.

For wearables, Michael has tested dozens of smartwatches from Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, Apple, COROS, Polar, Amazfit, and other brands, and will always focus on recommending the best product over the best brand. He's also completed marathons like NYC, SF, Marine Corps, Big Sur, and California International — though he's still trying to break that 4-hour barrier.