Amazon Echo Studio (2025) review: A comprehensive redesign for Alexa+

Amazon Echo Studio (2025) Review: A Comprehensive Redesign for Alexa+

The 2025 Echo Studio ($220) packs three 1.5-inch full-range speakers with a 3.75-inch woofer into a very limited space, all powered by Amazon's new AI-enabled processor. After so long, there's a lot to like about this comprehensive Studio reboot, but there are a few caveats for now.

Design and Hardware

The second-generation Echo Studio features a major redesign. It ditches the original's (2019) can-like cylindrical shape in favor of a spherical one that looks like an oversized Echo Dot Max and other Amazon smart speakers. The new look feels more like a piece of home decor than just a speaker.

The exterior is covered in acoustic cloth, similar to what's found on the Apple HomePod mini. Unlike the original Echo Studio and the Sonos Era 100, the newest Echo Studio lacks an optical audio input.

The speaker is equipped with smart home features like the ability to act as an **eero Wi-Fi** companion, as well as temperature and presence sensors that can be used as triggers for smart home routines.

Sound

The sound has excellent clarity, and the tuning definitely favors the high and mid-range frequencies in almost every genre. For example, the synths and vocals in the TRON: Ares soundtrack by **Nine Inch Nails** are more prominent than the drum machines or bass line.

While clarity and somewhat immersive audio are strong points for the Echo Studio, a lack of detail in the bass tuning is often a drawback. There is noticeable bass when a song calls for it, but the low-end tone has a muted, almost indistinct quality that lacks nuance.

The speaker handles Dolby Atmos tracks from **Amazon Music** a bit better, as those songs have more depth and a wider soundstage. Still, the Echo Studio doesn't quite deliver the encompassing power of the first speaker, largely due to the lack of bass detail.

Alexa and AI

The second iteration of the Echo Studio is an upgraded smart speaker built specifically for Amazon's next-generation AI voice assistant, dubbed **Alexa+**. The improved, AI-powered version of the assistant shows significant improvements in supporting lengthy conversations with multiple follow-up questions or comments.