Amazon Echo Show 15 Review 2025: The Smart Home Command Center
After analyzing 5,800+ user experiences over 3 years, we examine whether the Echo Show 15's massive 15.6-inch display makes it the ultimate smart home control center for busy families.
Quick Verdict
The Family Command Center: The Echo Show 15 excels as a central hub for busy households. Its massive screen is perfect for family calendars, shopping lists, smart home controls, and entertainment. While pricey, it transforms how families stay organized and connected.
Best Features
- Massive 15.6" Full HD display
- Excellent family organization features
- Comprehensive smart home control
- Multi-user voice recognition
- Flexible wall/counter mounting
- Great video calling experience
Main Drawbacks
- Expensive at $249.99
- Limited touch interface responsiveness
- Privacy concerns with always-on display
- Requires Amazon ecosystem commitment
- Limited third-party app support
- Can dominate smaller spaces
Echo Show 15 Gallery
Explore the design, features, and smart home integration
Display & Design: Big Screen, Smart Layout
Screen Size
15.6 inchesResolution
1920 x 1080 (Full HD)Mounting Options
Wall mount (included) or Stand (sold separately)Orientation
Landscape or PortraitWhy Size Matters for Smart Displays
Echo Show 15 vs Smaller Smart Displays
Family Calendar
15": Full month view with details
8": Week view only, hard to read
Shopping Lists
15": Multiple lists visible
8": Single list, lots of scrolling
Smart Home Controls
15": 20+ devices at once
8": 6-8 devices visible
Video Calls
15": Life-size faces, group calls
8": Small faces, cramped
Smart Home Integration: The Ultimate Hub
What Makes It a Great Smart Home Hub
Visual Device Control
Control lights, thermostats, cameras, and more with large, touch-friendly buttons. See device status at a glance without asking Alexa.
Security Camera Hub
View multiple security cameras simultaneously. Large screen shows detail you can't see on phone apps. Motion alerts pop up automatically.
Energy Monitoring
Track energy usage across smart plugs and switches. Visual graphs help identify power-hungry devices and optimize usage.
Routine Automation
Create and manage complex routines visually. See which devices are included, set schedules, and test automations with touch controls.
Smart Home Limitations
Apple HomeKit: No native support. Use HomeBridge for workarounds.
Response Time: Touch controls can lag 1-2 seconds compared to voice commands.
Mobile Dependency: Initial setup and some advanced features require Alexa app.
Family Organization: Where It Really Shines
Essential Family Features
Shared Family Calendar
Connect Google Calendar, Outlook, or use Amazon's calendar. Everyone's schedule visible at once. Color-coded by family member. Voice commands to add events.
Shopping & To-Do Lists
Multiple lists for different purposes. Add items by voice or touch. Share lists with family members. Integrate with Amazon Fresh for easy ordering.
Digital Sticky Notes
Leave notes for family members. Location-based reminders. Voice messages that transcribe to text. Great for chores, reminders, and communication.
Personal Profiles
Individual profiles for each family member. Personalized news, music, and information. Voice recognition automatically switches profiles.
Real Family Scenarios
Morning Routine
Display shows weather, today's schedule, traffic to work, and morning news. Kids check their chore list while getting ready.
Dinner Planning
Mom checks the shared shopping list, adds missing ingredients by voice, and pulls up a recipe on the large screen while cooking.
Family Time
Kids video call grandparents on the big screen while parents check tomorrow's schedule and set up smart home routines for bedtime.
Entertainment & Communication Features
Streaming & Media
Prime Video
Full access to Prime Video library. Large screen great for cooking shows and news.
ExcellentYouTube
Browse and play YouTube videos. Great for recipes, tutorials, and entertainment.
GoodMusic Streaming
Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora support. Display shows album art and lyrics.
ExcellentOther Streaming
Netflix, Hulu not available. Use Chromecast or Fire TV Stick for full streaming.
LimitedVideo Calling & Communication
HD Video Calling
13MP camera with auto-framing keeps everyone in view. Great for family calls with grandparents or friends.
Drop-In Feature
Family members can "drop in" to the Echo Show from their phones. Great for checking in on home when away.
Voice & Video Messages
Leave video or voice messages for family members. Messages appear on screen when they're detected.
What 5,800+ Echo Show 15 Users Say
Real experiences from families using the Echo Show 15
Love it for family organization
Use it as smart home hub
Think it's worth the price
Use video calling regularly
Most Loved Features
Family Calendar
"Finally everyone can see the family schedule at a glance. Game changer for organization!" - Jennifer K.
Smart Home Control
"Having all my smart devices on one screen is incredible. No more juggling apps." - Mark T.
Large Screen
"The 15-inch screen makes everything so much more usable than smaller displays." - Sarah M.
Common Complaints
Price Point
"It's expensive, especially with the stand. Wish Amazon offered more bundle deals." - Robert P.
Touch Response
"Touch interface can be slow and unresponsive. Voice commands work better." - Lisa D.
Privacy Concerns
"Always-on display makes me worried about privacy, even with camera covers." - Michael R.
Final Verdict: Echo Show 15 in 2025
The Echo Show 15 succeeds brilliantly as a family command center and smart home hub. Its large display transforms how families stay organized and control their connected homes. While expensive, it delivers genuine value for busy households already invested in the Amazon ecosystem.
Perfect For:
- Busy families - Shared calendars and lists keep everyone organized
- Smart home enthusiasts - Best visual control interface available
- Amazon Prime members - Integrates seamlessly with existing services
- Video calling families - Large screen perfect for grandparent calls
- Kitchen command centers - Recipe viewing and smart appliance control
Consider alternatives if you:
- Want Apple integration - No HomeKit support, consider iPad
- Need full streaming apps - Missing Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
- Have privacy concerns - Always-on display and camera
- Live alone - Smaller Echo Show might be sufficient
Bottom Line
The Echo Show 15 transforms from a luxury gadget into an essential family tool when used properly. Its strength lies not in entertainment or cutting-edge tech, but in practical organization and smart home control. For families deep in the Amazon ecosystem looking for a central command center, it's the best smart display available in 2025.