Main difference between Echo and Echo Plus?

[berndinternetfuchs]

So as they pretty much look alike (at least the Plus looks like gen. 1 Echo, I know Echo gen 2 has slightly changed its appearance) - what's the difference why is it 'Plus'?

https://devicebase.net/en/product/a...main-difference-between-echo-and-echo-plus/66

 

[thejesse]

So as they pretty much look alike (at least the Plus looks like gen. 1 Echo, I know Echo gen 2 has slightly changed its appearance) - what's the difference why is it 'Plus'?

https://devicebase.net/en/product/a...main-difference-between-echo-and-echo-plus/66

The echo plus has the same speaker and microphone improvements as the gen 2 echo. The echo plus also includes a built-in smart home hub for controlling connected devices.

 

[hoopitz]

The echo plus has the same speaker and microphone improvements as the gen 2 echo. The echo plus also includes a built-in smart home hub for controlling connected devices.

Not sure if you know the answer to this or not, but how is the functionality of the echo plus' ability to be a hub vs. using the echo 2 with a smarthings hub? I'm going to get an echo and trying to figure out which one I should get.

 

[thejesse]

Not sure if you know the answer to this or not, but how is the functionality of the echo plus' ability to be a hub vs. using the echo 2 with a smarthings hub? I'm going to get an echo and trying to figure out which one I should get.

Great question. Knowing what I know today, I would go with the echo 2 and a bridge/hub. The echo plus works fine but limited control of connected devices. For instance, I can turn hue bulbs on/off or dim them. However, if I want to tune the white temperature or change colors, it requires a hue bridge.

 

[hoopitz]

Great question. Knowing what I know today, I would go with the echo 2 and a bridge/hub. The echo plus works fine but limited control of connected devices. For instance, I can turn hue bulbs on/off or dim them. However, if I want to tune the white temperature or change colors, it requires a hue bridge.

Yeah, that's kind of what I was initially thinking, but being brand new to the home automation game, a second opinion helps. I love the idea of one unit (echo plus) being able to do it all, but the ST hub seems like it'll make things a lot smoother.

Perhaps, a few models down the road, the all-in-one route will be comparable.

Thanks for the 2 cents.

 

[thejesse]

Yeah, that's kind of what I was initially thinking, but being brand new to the home automation game, a second opinion helps. I love the idea of one unit (echo plus) being able to do it all, but the ST hub seems like it'll make things a lot smoother.

Perhaps, a few models down the road, the all-in-one route will be comparable.

Thanks for the 2 cents.

I should also mention that the echo plus is zigbee only so if you want to use z wave you'll need a hub anyway. With an echo 2 and a smartthings hub you're set for both.