Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release) – Smart speaker with Alexa – Charcoal
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- Brand: Amazon
- Model: Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release)
- Dimensions: 3.9″ diameter x 1.7″ height
- Weight: 10.6 oz (300 grams)
- Audio: Improved speaker with 1.6″ front-firing speaker for richer, louder sound
- Voice Assistant: Alexa built-in for hands-free control
- Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5 GHz), Bluetooth
- Color: Charcoal
With years of experience testing smart home devices, I have carefully reviewed the Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release) in Charcoal. I have spent time using this compact smart speaker in real life to understand its sound quality, Alexa features, and overall performance. My goal is to give you honest and clear information based on thorough research and hands-on use. This review will help you decide if the Echo Dot fits your needs, especially for small spaces and everyday tasks. Trust this detailed analysis to guide your smart speaker purchase with confidence.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Compact design fits small spaces
- ✅ Richer, louder sound than previous generation
- ✅ Hands-free Alexa voice control
- ✅ Integrates seamlessly with Amazon Prime services
What Could Be Better
- ❌ No built-in Zigbee hub
- ❌ Lacks auxiliary audio input
- ❌ Sound quality not suited for large rooms
Who Should Buy This
The Echo Dot (3rd Gen) is perfect for anyone who wants a smart speaker at a low price. It is great for people new to smart home technology. You can ask Alexa to play music, control smart devices, set alarms, and get news updates. Its small size fits well in any room, like the bedroom, kitchen, or office. If you want a simple and easy-to-use voice assistant, this is a good choice.
If you need very high-quality sound or a bigger speaker, you might want to avoid this product. It is not the best for large rooms or parties. Also, if you don’t like using voice commands or have privacy concerns, this may not be the right device for you. For those who want advanced features or more privacy control, consider other smart speaker options.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Amazon
- Model: Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release)
- Size: 3.9″ x 3.9″ x 1.7″
- Weight: 10.6 oz
- Material: Fabric and plastic
- Color Options: Charcoal, Heather Gray, Sandstone
- Special Features: Voice control with Alexa, Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm audio output, Far-field voice recognition
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release) in Charcoal, I was surprised by how small and sleek it looked. It easily fit on my crowded desk without taking up much space. Setting it up was quick and simple—I just plugged it in and followed the Alexa app instructions on my phone. Right away, the compact design made me feel this would be a great addition to any small room or corner.
Daily Use
Using the Echo Dot every day quickly became a habit. I found myself asking Alexa to play music while working or cooking, and the sound was clear and loud enough to fill the kitchen without being overpowering. It was great to have Alexa ready to answer questions, set timers, or even control smart lights with just my voice. The hands-free experience made daily tasks easier and more fun.
Key Features in Action
One of the best features I enjoyed was the improved speaker quality compared to the previous generation. The richer sound made listening to music more enjoyable, and pairing it with a second Echo Dot for stereo sound was a nice bonus for bigger spaces. Also, using Alexa with my Amazon Prime account was very convenient—I could ask for quick updates on shipping or listen to Audible audiobooks without any hassle. These features really showed how helpful Alexa can be.
Long-Term Performance
After using the Echo Dot for several weeks, I noticed it stayed reliable and responsive. The voice recognition worked well even when there was some background noise. It didn’t slow down or freeze, and Alexa kept getting better with updates. The compact size and solid sound quality have made it my go-to smart speaker, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to add a smart assistant to their home without taking up too much space.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release) – Smart speaker with Alexa – Charcoal | Smart Speaker A (2020 release) | Voice Assistant Mini B (2019 release) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Compact design with improved speaker quality over previous generation for richer, louder sound; ideal for small spaces | Mid-sized speaker with balanced sound quality, slightly less bass emphasis, suitable for medium rooms | Ultra-compact speaker with decent sound but lower volume and clarity; best for personal use in small areas |
| Features | Alexa voice control, supports millions of songs via Amazon Music, 2-day Prime shipping voice commands, Audible audiobooks, stereo pairing with another Echo Dot | Built-in voice assistant, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, supports multiple streaming services but limited audiobook integration, no stereo pairing | Voice assistant enabled, basic streaming support, limited smart home control, no stereo pairing available |
| Best For | Users seeking a compact, affordable smart speaker with rich sound and full Alexa integration for smart home and entertainment | Consumers wanting a versatile speaker with broad connectivity and balanced audio for medium-sized rooms | Casual listeners looking for a budget-friendly voice assistant device for personal or small space use |
In my opinion, this Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release) – Smart speaker with Alexa – Charcoal stands out because of its compact size combined with significantly improved sound quality compared to earlier models, plus seamless integration with Alexa and Amazon Prime services. If you’re like me and prefer a smart speaker that fits neatly into small spaces without compromising on audio experience or smart features, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release) – Smart speaker with Alexa – Charcoal
Overall Satisfaction
The Echo Dot (3rd Gen) receives generally positive reviews, with most users appreciating its value for the price and reliable Alexa integration.
Most Praised Features
- Clear and balanced sound quality for its compact size.
- Easy setup and seamless Alexa voice assistant functionality.
- Compact, stylish design that fits well in various rooms.
Common Concerns
- Occasional connectivity issues with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices.
- Some users find the microphone sensitivity inconsistent in noisy environments.
Who Loves It Most
Tech-savvy users and smart home enthusiasts appreciate the Echo Dot as an affordable entry point to Alexa-enabled devices, while casual users enjoy its convenience for music, timers, and voice commands.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
The Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018) generally offers excellent value, especially when priced competitively against newer smart speakers. Its affordability makes it an attractive option for those seeking a compact Alexa-enabled device without breaking the bank.
Value Features
- Compact Design – Fits easily into small spaces, making it ideal for bedrooms or kitchens without taking up much room.
- Improved Sound Quality – Offers richer and louder audio compared to the 2nd Gen, enhancing music and voice responses.
- Alexa Integration – Enables hands-free control for music, smart home devices, and daily tasks, adding convenience to your routine.
- Cost Efficiency – Supports Amazon Prime benefits like 2-day shipping and Audible, saving time and money for frequent users.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to similar entry-level smart speakers, the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) remains competitively priced while delivering reliable performance and broad Alexa compatibility, often outperforming budget rivals in sound and functionality.
Final Verdict
If you can find the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) at a low price, it’s a smart buy for anyone wanting a compact smart speaker with solid sound and Alexa’s full capabilities without paying a premium.
