Amazon Echo Pop

The Amazon Echo Pop has lower range overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. With the EQ settings in the Alexa app set for the most even tonal balance the bass has so-so impact, doesn't go deep, and is somewhat subdued. Bass compression can be heard with certain bass-heavy program material. Midrange is a bit thin, somewhat grainy, and a bit hazy. Treble is fairly extended, but is somewhat sizzly, a bit smeared and papery, and can sound a bit prominent with some program material. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. The speaker is monophonic. There was no significant difference between WiFi and Bluetooth sound quality. This speaker is best suited for small rooms and near field listening. As a stereo pair they can be placed to provide stereo separation.

Versatility is very good. It's a monophonic speaker, with multi-room support with other Amazon speakers. Supports stereo pairing with another Amazon Echo Pop. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and it has Bluetooth. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated touch control to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio inputs and outputs. OS Support: IOS, Android. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port. Display: Lacks a display. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of common streaming services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In, iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their voice print to access personal information.

Overall ease of use of the Amazon Echo Pop is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, account setups. Console controls: Volume controls are prominent +/- control buttons with non-persistent numerical and graphical position markings of volume level is easily repeatable via verbal commands and easy to actuate. Audio mute: For unit if Wi-Fi home or Wi-Fi Portable model with multiroom capability that has controls on the speaker but lacks mute. Microphone mute: Dedicated control but the marking is not the most obvious, clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between wireless sources is fairly intuitive within the app. Can't select Bluetooth but Bluetooth can be connected by verbal command to previously paired device - ready to play. App remote: Volume control symbol, then persistent volume slider with a non-persistent numeric level that shows when the slider is touched. Shown for currently playing streamed WiFi music. Mute: (Remote) Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes the line input. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.