Amazon Echo Pop: Smallest Alexa+ Speaker, Midnight Teal” style=”max-width: 100%; height: auto; max-height: 180px; object-fit: contain;”>
Introduction
In the world of smart speakers, finding the perfect balance between size, functionality, and price can be a challenge. Enter the Amazon Echo Pop (newest model) in Midnight Teal – a compact powerhouse designed for Alexa+ that promises to fit seamlessly into any room while delivering full sound and smart features. Priced at just $39, this smallest Echo speaker boasts an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 103,790 customer reviews on Amazon. But does it live up to the hype as the ideal bedside companion or kitchen sidekick?
In this in-depth Amazon Echo Pop review, we’ll dive into its design, performance, real-user feedback, and whether it’s the best small smart speaker for your home. Whether you’re new to Alexa or expanding your smart ecosystem, we’ll help you decide if this Midnight Teal gem deserves a spot on your shelf.
Product Overview
The Amazon Echo Pop is Amazon’s tiniest smart speaker yet, engineered for small spaces like bedrooms, offices, or bathrooms. Measuring just 3.3 x 3.3 x 3.6 inches and weighing under 7 ounces, it blends effortlessly into your decor with its sleek, spherical design and stylish Midnight Teal finish. The fabric-wrapped exterior, made from 100% post-consumer recycled yarn, pairs with an aluminum base containing 80% recycled aluminum, emphasizing sustainability. Even the packaging is 100% recyclable.
At its core is Alexa+, Amazon’s advanced voice assistant, ready to handle everything from playing music and podcasts to controlling smart home devices. Connect via Bluetooth for wireless streaming, or use voice commands for services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and SiriusXM. The front light bar glows blue only when Alexa is listening (after hearing “Alexa”), ensuring privacy with a dedicated mic-off button and multiple layers of controls.
Key features include:
- Voice Controls: Set timers, check weather, news, reorder essentials, make calls, and answer questions.
- Smart Home Integration: Manage compatible devices like plugs and lights via voice or the Alexa app.
- Skills and Entertainment: Access tens of thousands of Alexa skills for relaxation sounds, trivia, and more.
- Premium Perks: Enhanced with subscriptions like Amazon Music Unlimited, Audible, Alexa Emergency Assist, Amazon Kids+, and Hey Disney! (subscriptions required).
Setup is a breeze via the Alexa app on iOS or Android, and it supports multi-room music and routines. No built-in battery means it requires a constant power outlet, but its low price makes it an accessible entry into smart audio.
Pros
The Echo Pop shines in several areas, making it a standout for budget-conscious smart home enthusiasts. Here are the top advantages based on hands-on testing and user consensus:
1. Compact Size and Stylish Design
Perfectly sized for tight spaces, the Echo Pop’s 3.3-inch footprint won’t clutter your nightstand or counter. The Midnight Teal color adds a modern pop of style, available in other hues like Charcoal and Glacier White for personalization.
2. Impressive Sound Quality for Its Size
Don’t let the small stature fool you – it pumps out full, balanced sound with clear vocals and decent bass. Ideal for music, podcasts, and audiobooks in personal spaces, it fills a bedroom without distortion at moderate volumes.
3. Effortless Setup and Daily Use
Users rave about the quick Wi-Fi pairing via the Alexa app. Daily tasks like reminders, weather updates, and smart device control feel intuitive, turning mundane routines into hands-free experiences.
4. Versatile Music and Streaming Options
Stream from major services via voice or Bluetooth. Pair two for stereo sound or link with other Echos for multi-room audio, enhancing versatility without extra cost.
5. Strong Privacy and Sustainability Focus
The mic-off button and light bar provide peace of mind. Amazon’s no-sell-personal-data policy, combined with eco-friendly materials, appeals to privacy-conscious and green-living buyers.
6. Affordable Price Point
At $39, it’s one of the cheapest smart speakers with premium Alexa features, offering excellent value compared to larger Echos or competitors like Google Nest Mini.
7. Expansive Smart Home Compatibility
Works with thousands of devices from brands like Philips Hue, TP-Link, and Ring, making it a hub for expanding your smart setup affordably.
Cons
No product is perfect, and the Echo Pop has some drawbacks, particularly for power users. Here’s a balanced look at the main cons:
1. Occasional Voice Recognition Issues
Some users report frustration with song identification or accents, where Alexa mishears requests despite clear pronunciation. It’s not constant but can interrupt playback.
2. No Built-in Battery
Unlike portable speakers, it needs a plug-in power source, limiting placement flexibility in areas without outlets.
3. Alexa Intelligence Limitations
Complex multi-step commands can lead to loops or errors, like alarm management across devices or app integrations. It feels less “smart” than newer AI assistants in handling context.
4. Limited Bass and Volume for Larger Rooms
While punchy for small areas, it lacks the deep bass and max volume of bigger Echos, making it unsuitable as a primary living room speaker.
5. Subscription Dependency for Premium Features
Full music libraries, kids’ content, and emergency assist require paid plans, adding ongoing costs beyond the low upfront price.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a stellar 4.7-star average from 103,790 reviews, the Echo Pop garners widespread praise but isn’t without criticism. Positive feedback dominates, focusing on its practicality and performance.
Common Positives:
- Sound and Build: “Great sound quality… very useful and good quality. I love listening to it while making meals.” Many highlight its surprising audio punch and pretty design.
- Setup and Reliability: “Setup was easy, and it works very well for daily use like controlling smart devices, setting reminders.” Users appreciate seamless integration into routines.
- Value: At this price, it’s seen as a “solid product” that “does exactly what it promises.”
Common Negatives:
Lower-rated reviews point to Alexa’s quirks. One detailed complaint describes endless loops: “Alexa got stuck… IT’S LIKE TALKING TO A GOLDFISH.” Issues include alarm conflicts between devices, Spotify linking woes on older OS, and poor multi-step comprehension. Music recognition falters occasionally: “Difficulty understanding certain songs.”
Overall, 80-90% of reviews are 4-5 stars, with negatives often tied to expectations of flawless AI rather than hardware flaws. Response times are snappy, mic pickup reliable in small rooms, but ecosystem frustrations persist for advanced users.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Amazon Echo Pop compatible with non-Amazon music services?
Yes, it supports Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, and more via voice or Bluetooth. Link your accounts in the Alexa app for seamless playback.
2. Does the Echo Pop work without an Amazon subscription?
Basic functions like timers, weather, and smart controls are free. Premium features (unlimited music, Kids+) require subscriptions like Amazon Music Unlimited.
3. Can I use the Echo Pop to control smart home devices from other brands?
Absolutely – compatible with Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, and brands like Philips Hue, Kasa, and Ecobee. Use the Alexa app for setup.
4. How does the privacy work on the Echo Pop?
Alexa only listens after “Alexa,” signaled by the blue light bar. Hit the mic-off button for total silence; review/delete recordings in the app.
5. Is the Echo Pop portable?
No built-in battery, so it must stay plugged in. Great for fixed spots but not for on-the-go use.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Amazon Echo Pop is ideal for:
- Beginners to Smart Homes: Affordable entry with easy smart device control.
- Small Space Dwellers: Bedrooms, dorms, or apartments where size matters.
- Alexa Ecosystem Users: Perfect add-on for multi-room setups.
- Budget Shoppers: High features at a steal, especially on sale.
- Parents and Kids: Safe with Kids+ (subscription) and Hey Disney! modes.
Skip it if you need booming sound, portability, or Google/Apple HomeKit priority – consider Echo Dot or Nest Audio instead.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Echo Pop in Midnight Teal earns its 4.7-star acclaim as the best small smart speaker under $50. Its compact design, vibrant sound, and reliable Alexa features make it a no-brainer for everyday smarts in cozy corners. While voice hiccups and no battery hold it back from perfection, these are minor for most users.
Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
Buy it for value-packed convenience; it’s a smart upgrade that punches above its size and price. If you’re building a voice-controlled home on a budget, the Echo Pop delivers big on promise.
