Amazon Echo Dot 4 Vs Echo Dot 4 Premium

If you’re trying to decide between the Echo Dot 4 and the Echo Dot 4 Premium, you might be wondering what exactly sets them apart. Both devices fall under the popular “echo dot” keyword umbrella, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. When it comes to choosing a smart speaker, the Amazon Echo Dot series is often a top contender. Here, we’ll break down the differences, features, sound quality, pricing, and overall value to help you make better choices.

Echo Dot 4 vs Echo Dot 4 Premium: What’s the Difference?

Known for its compact, globe-like shape, the echo dot 4 marks a shift from the puck design seen in earlier models. It features a 1.6-inch speaker driver and provides clear, crisp sound that’s suitable for casual listening and voice assistant tasks. Meanwhile, the echo dot 4 Premium (sometimes referred to as the Echo 4 with Premium Sound) offers enhanced audio capabilities with richer, fuller sound thanks to additional stereo tweeters and a woofer. This means the Premium version is better suited for those who want a more immersive music experience from their echo device.

Design and Build

Both version share a similar globe-like shape, but the Premium model tends to have a slightly larger build to accommodate the enhanced audio hardware. Echo Dot 4 features a design that combines plastic with fabric covering and comes in various colors such as white, dark gray, and blue. It has four physical buttons on top for volume control, Alexa activation, and microphone mute. Echo 4 Premium keeps this aesthetic but adds to the speaker quality with a more sophisticated internal setup.

Sound Quality: The Key Difference

Sound is where the both version debate really heats up. The standard echo dot 4 has a single 1.6-inch driver that delivers decent sound for its size, but it lacks deep bass and room-filling power. For example, when playing bass-heavy tracks, the 4 can sound a bit thin or tinny, with limited low-frequency response. This is adequate if you mainly use your echo dot for voice commands, podcasts, or background music.

On the other hand, the 4 Premium features stereo tweeters and a 3-inch woofer, which provide a richer, fuller sound with noticeably better bass. This means you can enjoy music with more depth and clarity, making it a better choice if you want your echo dot to double as a small but quality speaker for your favorite playlists. Users have noted that the Premium sound model delivers a more balanced audio experience, making it stand out compared to the standard Echo 4.

Alexa and Smart Features

Both versions come equipped with Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, which can help you control smart home devices, answer questions, set timers, play music from various streaming services like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music, and much more. The Alexa experience is largely the same on both devices, with voice recognition and smart home control capabilities consistent across the echo dot line.

For more information on Smart Home device control, check out this post on: Is there an app to control smart home devices?

However, the Echo 4 Premium sometimes includes additional smart home features such as a built-in Zigbee hub and temperature sensor, which the standard echo dot 4 lacks. This means that if you want to use your echo device as a central hub for compatible smart home devices, the Premium model may offer more convenience.

Price and Value

Price is always a factor when deciding between both models. The Echo 4 typically retails around $49.99, making it an affordable option for anyone new to smart speakers or looking to add Alexa to multiple rooms without a big investment. The Echo 4 Premium usually costs more, around $59.99 or higher, reflecting its enhanced sound and additional smart home features.

If you primarily want a smart assistant for voice commands and casual listening, the echo 4 offers excellent value. But if you care about sound quality and want a device that can serve as a more capable music speaker, the extra cost for the echo 4 Premium is justified.

Note: Many users appreciate the echo dot 4 for its compact size, ease of use, and reliable Alexa integration. It’s praised for being a fun and useful device for everyday tasks like setting timers, controlling lights, and checking the weather. Some users note occasional issues with Alexa’s voice recognition, especially if you mumble or speak softly, but overall, it performs well for its price point.

Echo Dot 4 Premium is praised for delivering excellent sound quality. Users who enjoy music find the richer bass and stereo sound a big upgrade over the standard model. Some have even paired two Premium units for stereo sound in different rooms. However, a few mention that the Premium model’s microphones can be less responsive after heavy use, though this seems to be a rare issue.

Should You Upgrade from Echo Dot 3rd Gen?

If you already own an Echo Dot 3rd Gen, you might wonder if the echo 4 or the premium version is worth upgrading to. The 4 offers a refreshed design and slightly improved bass, but the overall sound profile is similar. The Premium version, however, provides a significant boost in audio quality and smart home capabilities, making it a more compelling upgrade if you want better music and smart home integration.

Which Echo Dot 4 Should You Choose?

If you want a budget-friendly, compact smart speaker that covers all the basics of Alexa voice control and casual music listening, the echo dot 4 is a solid pick. It fits nicely on desks, nightstands, or kitchens and offers reliable performance.

But if you value sound quality and want your echo device to deliver a more immersive audio experience, the echo dot 4 Premium is the better option. It also adds smart home features like a Zigbee hub and temperature sensor, which can simplify your smart home setup.

Ultimately, your choice depends on how you plan to use your echo dot. For voice assistant tasks and light music, the echo dot 4 is enough. For music lovers and smart home enthusiasts, the echo dot 4 Premium is worth the extra investment.

By understanding these differences, you can confidently pick the echo dot model that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you go for the standard echo dot 4 or the Premium version, you’re getting a smart speaker that brings Alexa’s convenience and entertainment right into your home.