Last updated on January 29, 2026
Originally launched back in 2020, the Amazon Echo Dot 4th Gen completely changed the game with its now-iconic spherical design. Six years later, in a market flooded with next-gen smart speakers, we’re doing a full Echo Dot 4th Gen review in 2026 to determine if this classic device is still a smart buy. Does it still hold its magic, or has it been relegated to a tech museum piece?
Echo Dot 4th Gen Features: A Design That Lasts
The 4th Gen Echo Dot is a sphere measuring just under 4 inches in diameter, featuring a hybrid plastic and fabric construction that, even in 2026, feels modern and minimalist. The original colors (Charcoal, Glacier White, and Twilight Blue) still blend seamlessly into any decor. On top, you’ll find the physical volume up/down, microphone mute, and action buttons—a functional layout Amazon has wisely carried over to later generations.
One of its signature features is the LED light ring at the base, which casts a cool reflection on the surface below to indicate Alexa’s status. Around the back, we find the power connector and, most importantly, a 3.5mm audio output jack. This feature, famously dropped from some newer, budget-friendly models, remains its killer feature in 2026, allowing you to connect it to a higher-quality sound system.
Alongside the standard model, Amazon also released an Echo Dot with Clock version, perfect for nightstands, which displays the time, alarms, and timers on a discreet LED panel. Though harder to find now, there were also “Kids Edition” versions with fun animal designs.
Echo Dot 4 Sound Quality: A 2026 Perspective
Let’s be blunt: the Echo Dot 4’s sound quality doesn’t hold a candle to high-end smart speakers of 2026. Its front-firing 1.6-inch speaker is optimized for the clarity of Alexa’s voice and for listening to podcasts or background music at a moderate volume. Crank it up, and the bass is nearly non-existent, with a tendency to distort.
In my opinion, its acoustic performance is perfectly adequate for a kitchen, office, or bedroom. However, if your primary goal is high-quality music playback, I’d recommend investing in a full-sized Echo or an Echo Studio. The huge advantage, as I mentioned, is its 3.5mm port. With a simple cable, you can turn your old stereo system into a modern, smart sound system—an incredibly useful function.
Echo Dot 4th Gen vs. Newer Models (2026 Showdown)
To put the Echo Dot 4’s place in 2026 into perspective, I’ve put together a comparison table with the subsequent generations. This will help you visualize the key differences between the Echo Dot 4 vs 5 and the latest models.
| Feature | Echo Dot 4th Gen (2020) | Echo Dot 5th Gen (2022) | Echo Dot 6th Gen (Est. 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaker | 1.6-inch, front-firing | 1.73-inch, improved architecture for clearer vocals and deeper bass | Redesigned driver with basic spatial audio and better bass response |
| Additional Sensors | None | Temperature sensor, accelerometer (for tap controls) | Temperature sensor, ultrasonic motion sensor |
| 3.5mm Audio Out | Yes | No | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth LE Mesh | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), integrated Thread radio |
| Matter Controller | Yes, for Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices | Yes, with Eero built-in to act as a Thread border router | Yes, with native support for Matter-over-Thread |
The Verdict: Is the Echo Dot 4th Gen Worth Buying in 2026?
The short answer is: yes, but only in the right scenarios. Despite its age, the 4th Gen Echo Dot remains a surprisingly competent device, primarily because Alexa’s intelligence lives in the cloud.
You should buy it if…
- You’re looking for the cheapest option: The price of a used or refurbished Echo Dot 4 in 2026 is unbeatable. It’s the most affordable way to add a voice control point to any room.
- You want to connect external speakers: Its 3.5mm output is its standout feature. If you already own a great sound system, this device will make it smart for next to nothing.
- You need it for basic tasks: For setting kitchen timers, hearing the morning news, or controlling smart lights and plugs, its performance is identical to newer models.
You should skip it if…
- Music quality is your priority: Newer generations offer a noticeable improvement in sound. If this will be your main speaker for music, invest in a newer model.
- You want to create advanced automations: The Echo Dot 4 lacks the temperature or presence sensors found in newer models, limiting your ability to create routines like “turn on the fan if the room gets above 77°F.”
Echo Dot 4th Gen (2026) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does the Echo Dot 4th Gen still get software updates in 2026?
- Yes. Since Alexa is a cloud-based service, all new features, Skills, and AI improvements are rolled out to all Echo devices, including the 4th Gen. It also receives regular firmware updates for security and stability.
- Is the Echo Dot 4 compatible with the Matter smart home standard?
- Yes, the Echo Dot 4 can control devices that use Matter over your Wi-Fi network. However, it does not have a built-in Thread radio, so it cannot communicate directly with Matter devices that only use Thread without the help of an additional Thread border router on your network.
- Can I use the Echo Dot 4 in a multi-room music group with newer models?
- Absolutely. You can group a 4th Gen Echo Dot with a 6th Gen Echo or an Echo Show to create a multi-room music system and have your music play in sync throughout the house.
- Is the “Echo Dot with Clock” version still a good buy?
- Definitely. As a smart bedside clock, it remains one of the best options on the market. Being able to see the time at a glance and ask it to set an alarm or turn off the lights without looking at a bright screen is a convenience that never goes out of style.