4 Best Smart Displays Under $150 in 2026
We compared smart displays under $150 by voice assistant, screen size, and privacy controls, since Alexa and Google Assistant models differ meaningfully.
At a Glance
Under $150, smart displays split primarily between Amazon's Alexa ecosystem and Google's Assistant platform, and the real decision isn't screen size alone but which voice assistant ecosystem already runs your other smart home devices.
We compared this lineup on voice assistant compatibility, screen size and use case, and privacy control design, since a smart display's camera and microphone raise genuine considerations a standard screen never has to address.
5 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Smart Displays Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Voice Assistant Ecosystem Compatibility Should Be Checked Against Your Existing Smart Home Devices First
The Google Nest Hub works with Google Assistant while the Echo Show and Echo Spot picks all run on Alexa, and these ecosystems don't always integrate seamlessly with each other's smart home devices, meaning a smart light or plug built specifically for Alexa may not respond to voice commands through a Google-based display, or vice versa. Buying a smart display before checking this compatibility can mean losing voice control over devices you already own. Check your existing smart home device compatibility documentation for which ecosystem, Alexa or Google Assistant, they're actually built to work with before choosing a display.
A Built-In Smart Home Hub Eliminates a Separate Piece of Hardware Some Buyers Don't Realize They'd Need
The Echo Show 8 pairs and controls Zigbee, Matter, and Thread devices directly without needing a separate smart home hub, while smart home devices using these protocols typically require a dedicated hub device to function if your smart display doesn't include one built in. This matters specifically if you're building out a smart home system with devices using these newer protocols, since skipping a hub-equipped display could mean an unexpected additional purchase later. Check whether your planned smart home devices use Zigbee, Matter, or Thread, and whether your chosen display includes built-in hub support for those protocols.
Certified Refurbished Condition on a Smart Display Carries the Same Warranty as New, Making It a Genuinely Lower-Risk Way to Save Money
The Like-New Echo Show 8 is specifically tested and certified to look and work like new, backed by the same limited warranty a brand-new unit receives, meaning the refurbished condition doesn't reduce your consumer protection the way a private third-party used sale typically would. This lets you access a larger, more capable screen size at a price point closer to a smaller new model, a genuine value opportunity rather than a compromise. Check specifically for manufacturer-certified refurbished status and matching warranty terms before assuming any used or refurbished listing carries the same protection.
A Physical Privacy Control Like a Camera Shutter Provides Assurance a Software Toggle Alone Doesn't
The Echo Show 5 specifically includes a built-in camera shutter alongside its mic/camera off button, a physical, mechanical block on the camera lens that provides visual, tangible confirmation the camera can't capture video, distinct from a software-based privacy toggle that requires trusting the device's settings menu. This matters more for a device that lives in a bedroom or other private space, where visual confirmation of blocked camera access offers genuine peace of mind beyond a settings-based assurance. Check specifically for a physical camera shutter or cover, not just a software mute toggle, if camera privacy is a priority for your placement of the device.
A Round Alarm Clock Form Factor Serves a Genuinely Different Purpose Than a Flat Rectangular Display
The Echo Spot's round design and dedicated eero mesh WiFi extender functionality make it purpose-built for nightstand use in a way the flat-panel Echo Show or Nest Hub picks aren't specifically optimized for, even though those larger displays could technically also sit on a nightstand. If your primary use case is a bedside alarm clock with basic glanceable information rather than video browsing or recipe following, the Echo Spot's form factor and bonus WiFi extension offer real value the larger displays don't specifically target. Match the device's form factor to your actual primary use case rather than defaulting to the largest available screen.
4 Best Smart Displays Under $150 in 2026
Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8
About this pick
This certified refurbished unit is tested and certified to look and work like new, backed by the same limited warranty as a new device, and its 8 inch HD touchscreen with spatial audio delivers a meaningfully larger, richer viewing experience than the smaller Echo Show 5 at a similar price. Its built-in smart home hub pairs and controls devices compatible with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread without needing a separate hub.
Its 13 MP camera with auto-framing supports crisper, more natural video calls, and Adaptive Content lets you glance at your calendar from across the room or see more detail up close. Being made from 29 percent recycled materials, it also reflects a genuine sustainability commitment.
Best for buyers who want the larger 8-inch Echo Show experience at a price closer to the smaller model, thanks to certified refurbished condition.
Best for: buyers who want a larger 8-inch Echo Show at a lower price via certified refurbished condition
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Larger 8-inch screen at a price close to smaller models
- +Built-in smart home hub skips needing a separate hub device
- +Certified refurbished with the same warranty as new
Cons
- −Refurbished condition may not suit buyers wanting factory-sealed new
- −Limited color options compared to buying new
Google Nest Hub (1st Gen), 7-inch Display
About this pick
This is the only pick in this comparison built around Google Assistant rather than Alexa, making it the natural choice if your existing smart home devices already run on Google's ecosystem. Its 7 inch touchscreen displays weather, calendar, YouTube videos, and Google Photos at 1024x600 resolution, and it's compatible with over 200 devices from more than 50 brands including lights, cameras, and thermostats.
Its Voice Match feature personalizes routines, commute updates, and reminders based on recognizing your specific voice among household members, and it streams music and video from YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, and more with high-quality sound.
Best for buyers already invested in the Google Assistant ecosystem who want a genuine Google-native smart display.
Best for: buyers already using Google Assistant smart home devices
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Only genuine Google Assistant pick in this comparison
- +Broad compatibility across 200+ smart home devices and 50+ brands
- +Voice Match personalizes responses per household member
Cons
- −No camera for video calling, unlike the Echo Show picks
- −Lower resolution display than the Echo Show 8
Amazon Echo Spot, Smart Alarm Clock
About this pick
This is a genuinely different form factor from the flat-screen picks in this comparison, a round smart alarm clock specifically designed for nightstands, offices, and kitchens rather than general-purpose viewing. Its customizable clock face lets you personalize the display with different colors and styles, and it shows time, weather, and song titles at a glance.
Its built-in eero technology doubles as a mesh WiFi extender, adding up to 1,000 square feet of coverage to an existing eero network, a genuinely unique bonus feature no other pick in this comparison offers. Alexa routines can gently wake you with music and gradual light, and it's made from 36 percent recycled materials.
Best for buyers who specifically want a nightstand-focused smart alarm clock rather than a general-purpose flat display.
Best for: buyers who want a nightstand-specific smart alarm clock with bonus WiFi extension
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Only pick in this comparison doubling as a mesh WiFi extender
- +Purpose-built round design suits nightstand use specifically
- +Customizable clock face personalizes the bedside experience
Cons
- −No touchscreen video viewing like the flat-panel picks
- −Smaller display less suited to browsing photos or recipes
Amazon Echo Show 5, Smart Display
About this pick
This remains the budget anchor of this comparison, with a 5.5 inch display showing news, weather, and song titles at a glance, plus 2x the bass and clearer sound than earlier generations for streaming music and shows from Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video. Its built-in camera supports video calling and home monitoring, including compatible video doorbells.
Its privacy controls include a dedicated mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter, and the device's fabric is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester yarn with 100 percent recycled aluminum, a genuine sustainability commitment.
Best for buyers who want a compact, affordable entry point into the Alexa smart display ecosystem.
Best for: budget-focused buyers who want an affordable entry point into Alexa smart displays
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Lowest price for a new (not refurbished) smart display in this comparison
- +Dedicated privacy controls including a physical camera shutter
- +Fully recycled fabric and aluminum construction
Cons
- −Smallest screen in this comparison at 5.5 inches
- −No built-in smart home hub like the pricier Echo Show 8
How We Evaluated These Smart Displays Under $150
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Voice Assistant Ecosystem
Distinguished Alexa-based picks from the Google Assistant-based Nest Hub, since ecosystem compatibility affects existing smart home integration.
Screen Size and Use Case
Compared display size and form factor, from compact bedside clocks to larger general-purpose touchscreens.
Camera and Privacy Controls
Compared built-in camera presence and physical privacy controls like mic/camera off buttons and shutters.
Smart Home Hub Integration
Checked which picks include a built-in smart home hub versus relying on a separate hub device.
Sustainability Materials
Compared recycled material content across the lineup where specifically stated.
How to Choose the Right Smart Displays Under $150
By Primary Need
| If you mainly need | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| A larger 8-inch screen at a lower price | Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 |
| Genuine Google Assistant compatibility | Google Nest Hub (1st Gen), 7-inch Display |
| A nightstand-focused alarm clock with WiFi extension | Amazon Echo Spot, Smart Alarm Clock |
| The most affordable new Alexa smart display | Amazon Echo Show 5, Smart Display |
By Budget
| Price range | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Under $100 | Echo Show 5 ($99.99) |
| Under $110 | Google Nest Hub ($109.99) or Echo Spot ($109.99) |
| Under $135 | Like-New Echo Show 8 ($134.99) |
Alexa vs Google Assistant Ecosystem
Alexa (Echo Show 5, Echo Show 8, Echo Spot)
Integrates with Amazon's broader Alexa smart home ecosystem, ideal if you already own other Echo devices or Alexa-compatible smart home gear.
Google Assistant (Nest Hub)
Integrates with Google's ecosystem instead, the better fit if your smart home devices already work with Google Home or Google Assistant.
Check which ecosystem your existing smart lights, plugs, or cameras support before choosing, since mixing ecosystems can mean losing voice control over some devices.
By Screen Size Needs
| Your primary use | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| General browsing, video calls, recipes | Like-New Echo Show 8 (8 in) or Nest Hub (7 in) |
| Compact bedside or desk use | Echo Show 5 (5.5 in) |
| Nightstand alarm clock specifically | Echo Spot (round display) |
For Video Calling with Family Specifically
Look for
A larger screen with a higher-resolution camera and auto-framing technology for a more natural calling experience.
In this comparison
The Like-New Echo Show 8's 13 MP auto-framing camera offers the most capable video calling experience here.
When to Spend More
Spend more if
You want a larger screen and built-in smart home hub, where the Like-New Echo Show 8 delivers both at a price still under $135.
Save if
You just want a basic, affordable entry into smart displays, where the Echo Show 5 covers that for under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Google Nest Hub work with my existing Alexa-compatible smart home devices?
Not reliably for voice control, since the Nest Hub runs Google Assistant, and many Alexa-specific smart home devices aren't designed to respond to Google Assistant voice commands, so check your existing devices' actual ecosystem compatibility before switching.
What's the most common mistake buyers make when choosing between the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8?
Assuming the smaller, cheaper Echo Show 5 is always the better value, when a certified refurbished Echo Show 8 like the Like-New pick in this comparison can offer a meaningfully larger screen and built-in smart home hub for only about $35 more than the new Echo Show 5.
Is a certified refurbished Echo Show 8 as reliable as buying new?
Yes, Amazon's Like-New program specifically tests and certifies these units to look and work like new, backing them with the same limited warranty a new device receives, making it a lower-risk way to access a larger screen at a reduced price.
Does the Echo Spot's WiFi extender feature require a separate eero device to work?
Yes, it specifically extends an existing eero mesh WiFi network, so you'd need to already have or set up an eero system for this bonus feature to provide additional coverage.
How do I decide if I need a smart display with a built-in camera or one without?
If video calling or home monitoring matters to you, choose a camera-equipped pick like the Echo Show 5 or Echo Show 8, but if you're mainly interested in voice control and glanceable information without video capability, the Echo Spot's lack of a full touchscreen camera view may still suit basic needs.
Can I use the Echo Show 5's privacy shutter and still receive video call notifications?
Yes, closing the physical camera shutter only blocks the camera from capturing video, so you'll still see and hear incoming call notifications on the display and can choose to open the shutter before answering if you want to enable video.
Bottom Line
best overall: Like-New Amazon Echo Show 8 - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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