Best Buy has slashed the price of the third-generation Amazon Echo Dot to $20—half its original $40 tag. The discount makes it one of the cheapest entry points into a voice-controlled smart home, which explains why budget-conscious buyers are scooping them up. But the bargain raises a practical question beyond the price tag: how does a deeply discounted older-generation smart speaker stack up against its newer sibling, and what should you actually consider before bringing another microphone into your home?
What the Third-Gen Echo Dot Actually Offers
The third-generation Echo Dot does everything most buyers need from a smart speaker. You can ask Alexa to play music, check weather, control other smart devices, set timers, and broadcast messages to other Echo units around the house. Setup takes a few minutes through the Alexa app on Android or iOS. The fabric-wrapped exterior keeps it unobtrusive on a shelf or countertop.
Compared to the second-generation model, the 2018 revision brought noticeable upgrades: better audio quality, improved microphone tuning for clearer voice pickup, and a cleaner overall design. Those improvements matter less now, though, because Amazon has since released the fourth-generation Echo Dot.
Third-Gen vs. Fourth-Gen: Where It Counts
Feature** | **Third-Gen Echo Dot** | **Fourth-Gen Echo Dot
—|—|—
Design** | Compact, fabric-wrapped puck | Spherical shape with LED clock (in Clock variant)
Audio Quality** | Improved over Gen 2 | Better bass and overall clarity
Current Price** | $20 (discounted) | Higher regular price
Availability** | Remaining clearance stock | Widely available
The older model wins on price and footprint. Its slimmer profile makes it easier to tuck into corners or blend into rooms where you want voice control without a prominent device. If you plan to buy several units to cover a home, the third-gen at $20 per speaker costs significantly less than the fourth-gen would.
The newer model wins on audio performance and ongoing support. Amazon typically provides security updates and new features longer for current-generation hardware. If long-term reliability matters more than upfront cost, the fourth-gen may be the smarter buy despite the higher price.
Why the $20 Price Should Make You Pause—Then Decide Faster
A $20 price tag on a voice-activated device sounds like an obvious yes. But consider what that discount actually signals. Amazon has moved on to the fourth generation, which means third-gen stock is being cleared to make room. Once those units sell out, they're gone from new retail channels. If you want a puck-shaped Echo Dot at this price, you are probably looking at your last chance.
That urgency cuts both ways. If you have been meaning to add Alexa to a guest room, garage, or dorm, the economics are hard to argue with. The price makes voice control accessible for multiple rooms without a major investment. But the discount also means you are buying aging hardware with a shorter support runway than the current generation. The trade-off is not about security—it is about whether you value the lower price and slimmer design more than longer software support and better sound.
Who Should Care About This Deal
Buy it if:
- You want affordable multi-room voice control and do not need premium audio
- You prefer the third-gen's compact shape over the fourth-gen's sphere
- You are comfortable with an older device that may have a limited update window
- You need it delivered before Christmas and the $20 price aligns with your budget
Skip it or upgrade if:
- Audio quality matters for music playback (consider the fourth-gen or a dedicated speaker)
- You want the longest possible security update and feature support
- You are buying your first smart speaker and want the current standard experience
What to Watch Before You Buy
Check that the $20 price is still active. Retailers adjust these deals based on inventory, and the post explicitly notes that prices, details, and availability may change. If the third-gen is out of stock at this price, the fourth-gen at its regular price is still a solid alternative. The core Alexa experience remains consistent across generations; your decision hinges on budget, design preference, and how long you plan to keep the device.
Key takeaways
- The third-gen Echo Dot at $20 is a clearance price on aging hardware, not a sign of anything wrong with the device itself.
- Its compact, puck-shaped design and low price make it ideal for buyers who want coverage across multiple rooms without spending much.
- The fourth-gen offers better audio and longer support life at a higher price, which may matter more for primary-use speakers.
- Availability is finite. If the third-gen at this price fits your use case, act before stock runs out.
Frequently asked questions
Is the third-generation Echo Dot outdated?
It still receives core Alexa features and security updates, but Amazon typically prioritizes current-generation hardware. If longevity is a concern, the fourth-gen may be worth the higher price.
Can I use multiple Echo Dots together?
Yes. The Alexa app lets you group devices for multi-room audio, set up routines across units, and use the intercom or broadcast feature to talk between rooms.
Does the third-gen Dot work with all Alexa skills and smart home devices?
Yes, the core Alexa platform is the same across generations. Any skill or smart home compatibility that works on a fourth-gen Dot works on the third-gen.
Is the $20 price guaranteed?
No. Clearance prices depend on remaining inventory. The deal may end without notice, which is why acting sooner rather than later matters if you want this specific model at this price.
Should I wait for another sale?
Major sales events occasionally bring older models back at similar discounts, but there is no guarantee. If you want the third-gen's shape and price, this may be your best window. **END**