Echo Sub Review: An Affordable Subwoofer for Compatible Echo Devices

Last updated on 2022-09-19
By Yvonne

Echo Sub: A Subwoofer Affordable for Compatible Echo Devices. We tested the Echo Sub using our Echo line and were disappointed by its lack of functionality.

Amazon Echo Sub

We like this

Compact, 100W device with great sound
Compares visually to other Echo devices of the current generation
Pairs well with Echo devices to produce stereo sound in 2.1.

The Things We Hate

Large spaces are not suitable
Playback only over Wi-Fi networks
Pair it with an compatible Echo device
Echo devices do not support stereo pairing
There is no Bluetooth or 3.5mm Audio port
There is no volume adjustment or crossover adjustment
It is very difficult to clean fabric

It isn't worth the money to buy an Amazon Echo Sub. Although the hardware is decent, there must be too many issues with it and more software. Amazon Echo Plus (2nd Generation) smart speakers are loud enough on their own, and they don't need a subwoofer.

This article explains

Design
Installation
Sound Quality
Software
Prices
Concurrence
Final Verdict
Specifications

The Amazon Echo Sub was purchased by us so that our expert reviewer could fully test it and evaluate it. Continue reading to see our complete product review.

The Echo Sub, part of Amazon's new line of Echo products is a compact subwoofer that can be used with Echo compatible devices. The Echo Sub shares many of the same features as the Echo Plus (2nd Generation) and Echo Dot (3rd Generation), but it comes in a bigger package. We'll be looking at the overall functionality and quality to determine if the additional cost is worth it.

Design: Compatible with Echo products

Amazon Echo Sub is a smaller Echo Plus covered with one of three different fabric colors in a circular design. The top and bottom are made of black plastic and come in three colors: charcoal, heather grey, or sandstone. It holds a four-liter sealed container with a diameter of 8.3 inches. The height is 8 inches. Inside, you will find a 6-inch down-firing speaker and a 100W Class D amplifier.

There's nothing else when it comes to appearances. There aren't any buttons, microphones or LED rings on the top of Echo Plus, unlike other Echo models. It has rubber non-slip padding and a port at the bottom. Only one port connects to the power cable. There is also a small button that activates the action, with a single LED in its center.

The container is shaped like a small trash can and was difficult to place.

We found the Echo Plus's cylindrical design a bit unappealing, unlike its Echo Plus. The shape of the Echo Plus is a trashcan, so it was difficult to find an appropriate space. The problem wasn't so much with where the bass would be the most effective, but rather about how it stands out and blends in. We also found the power cable to be a little too long.

For a device that is more than 9 pounds, the three rubber non-slip pads at its bottom are small. They won't hold on very well and are easy to slip off. Also, we are disappointed that there is no aux port for a 3.5mm like Amazon Echo. This limits compatibility further.

Installation Process: Terribly confusing

In other reviews, we've also shared our frustrations with setting up Echo devices such as the Echo Dot or Echo Plus. It was the Echo Sub that took it to another level. The Echo Sub became the first device to connect miraculously to Alexa's mobile app. After trying three Wi-Fi networks, and troubleshooting every possible solution we could find, the Echo Sub finally decided that it was time. The Alexa app opened, and we clicked the Sub button. It was then added in a matter of minutes.

Stereo pairing, speaker group, and multiroom music support only music playback over Wi-Fi networks. They don't support Bluetooth or 3.5mm Aux In, nor TV/video connections. We also discovered that different Echo devices can support subwoofer and stereo configurations. Amazon claims that Echo Sub is easy to setup and use seems like a horrible joke.

All that being said, when we got the Echo ecosystem up and running, it was easy to see that the hardware actually works well.

Sound Quality - OK, but not really worth it

We weren't expecting much after the hard work of getting our Echo Sub to work. The Echo Sub produces a powerful, clear bass and decent clarity. Our Echo Sub speaker and Echo Plus pairing was tested with various music, videos, and podcasts.

Echo Sub's volume is loud enough. The Sub's sound quality was amazing, and it has been a major downer since the moment I first heard the Sub. It is easy to become too loud with bass heavy music. Alexa can turn down the volume to reduce it. This is an extremely flaw.

Echo Sub can be loud enough, in fact it is sometimes too loud. There's also no volume control.

This problem was highlighted when the Echo Sub and Echo Dot (third gen) were paired together. This pairing is not possible because the Echo Dot, a small smart speaker, doesn't have any controls. We decided that the Echo Sub didn't work well for us. It was a distraction until Amazon added more control options.

We found out from other consumers that Amazon had released the Echo Sub long before it was possible to add a stereo/sub pair to the anywhere group. The software update corrected that problem, and Amazon should continue to add features quickly. This sub is not compatible with your Echo speaker paired.

Software is not ready for primetime

The Echo Sub is not the only device that exposes Amazon's problems with software. Except for the Echo Show 5, which is able to be set up on the Echo itself, we had frustrating issues with all Echo products. We think Amazon needs to overhaul the Alexa mobile app. Based on negative reviews, it's obvious.

After setting up our smart speakers, Alexa was a great voice assistant. However, the Echo Sub lacks that same functionality. The Echo Sub may not suffer from a lack of features such as volume and EQ. Because the sub isn't bad, we'd like to hear that feature in the future.

Very Affordable

Amazon Echo Sub costs only $130. Although there are many other subs with 100W power available in this price range, we could not find one compatible with Amazon Echo. We couldn't locate any other option that would work with the Amazon Echo smart hub speaker. The Echo Sub seems to be your best option at the moment.

With two Echo Plus paired together, the Echo Plus has more than enough bass to satisfy most users. If Amazon does major upgrades, we don't see the point of adding a subwoofer for your Echo speaker.

Competiton: Very few exist

At this point, we couldn't locate any comparable competitor for the Amazon Echo Sub. Although Sonos may be a competitor on the market, their wireless sub is priced at $699. Bose's Bass Module 700 Wireless Speaker Subwoofer comes in at $699. Google has not yet released a sub that can be used with the Google Home Max, or any other Google Home products.

It's quite a contrast to the Echo Sub at $130. The Echo Sub is the best sub-echo option when it comes to adding to your Echo line. We recommend that you look into the great line of Sonos and Bose smart speakers, soundbars and subwoofers if money is tight.

The Amazon Echo Sub may be an interesting addition to Amazon’s Echo line-up, but it is limited in functionality. It can only pair with select Echo speakers and has limited connectivity. Even though the sound quality is good, the lack of volume and crossover controls makes it difficult to balance the bass. The Echo Sub in its current condition is not a good choice.

Specifications

Product Name Echo Sub
Amazon Product Brand
Prices from $130.00
Weighing 9.3 pounds
Color Charcoal. Heather Gray. Sandstone
1-year warranty
Audio 4L sealed chamber, 6' (152mm) downward-firing subwoofer and 100W Class D amplifier
Low Frequency Response (30Hz) (-6dB).
Crossover Frequency 50 Hz - 200 Hz adaptive low-pass filter
Compatibility Fire OS 5.3.3 or higher, Android 5.1 or higher, iOS 11.0 or higher, Desktop Browsers by going to: https://alexa.amazon.com
Ports Power
Alexa Voice Assistants Supported by Voice Assistants
Internet Streaming Services Amazon Music Unlimited and Pandora.
Optional Connectivity Dual-band Wi Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n networks (2.4 and 5.GHz). It does not allow for connecting to peer-to-peer Wi-Fi networks.
Mic No