Amazon has unveiled the Echo Show 21, its largest smart display to date, alongside an upgraded Echo Show 15. These new Alexa-enabled devices offer expanded screen sizes, enhanced audio capabilities, and robust smart home integration. While building on the functionality of their predecessors, the new devices aim to cater to users looking for a mix of entertainment, communication, and home automation features in a compact form factor.

The Echo Show 21 features a 21-inch 1080p touchscreen, nearly doubling the display area of the Echo Show 15. Designed to function as both a smart home hub and a small TV, the new device makes accessing household calendars, widgets, and streaming services easier. Widgets are a core feature, allowing users to manage shopping lists, schedules, and smart home controls from a single interface.

The larger screen also enhances its use as a kitchen TV or digital photo frame. Users can stream content through Fire TV apps like YouTube, Prime Video, and Paramount+, and seamlessly transition playback to a larger Fire TV device.

Amazon has also improved the Echo Show's audio quality, equipping the Echo Show 21 with two 0.6-inch tweeters and two 2-inch woofers. This configuration delivers more immersive sound, doubling the bass output compared to earlier models. Room adaption technology ensures the device optimizes sound quality based on its surroundings.

Although its audio setup isn't as advanced as the Echo Show 10 or Echo Show 8, which include features like passive bass radiators, the Echo Show 21’s design focuses on maintaining a slim profile.

The Echo Show 21 includes an upgraded camera with a wider field of view, improved zoom capabilities, and integrated noise reduction technology. These improvements are designed for clearer and more dynamic video calls, even in busy environments. A physical shutter allows users to cover the camera for added privacy when not in use.

Both the Echo Show 21 and the updated Echo Show 15 feature a built-in smart home hub compatible with Matter, Thread, and Zigbee devices. This integration allows users to manage smart home devices directly, without relying on additional hubs. Wi-Fi 6E support ensures smoother connectivity for streaming and smart home control.

Amazon emphasizes that these devices can also operate some smart home devices locally, such as lights and plugs, for quicker response times. This functionality mirrors capabilities first seen in the Echo Hub.

Both the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 are designed to blend seamlessly into home décor. The devices can function as digital photo frames, displaying personal photos or curated artwork. Accessories such as snap-on frames in light brown or white ($39.99 for Echo Show 21) and a countertop stand ($99.99) offer additional customization options.

The wall-mounted design makes the Echo Show 21 particularly appealing as a fixed feature in kitchens or living rooms. However, its size might challenge those looking for a countertop solution, especially in smaller spaces.

The Echo Show 21 is priced at $399.99, while the upgraded Echo Show 15 costs $299.99. Both models include an Alexa Voice Remote and wall-mounting equipment, with accessories sold separately.