3 Apple HomeView alternatives that fit into the smart home you already have

Managing a smart home shouldn’t require opening multiple apps to adjust lights, control security cameras, or change the thermostat. A dedicated smart display puts these controls within reach, making connected devices easier for everyone in the household to use.

Apple’s new HomeView promises a 7-inch touchscreen, Siri AI (beta), FaceTime, and personalized controls that recognize household members. Starting at $299 in the US, it’s designed around Apple’s ecosystem, but households that already use Alexa or Google Home may prefer something compatible with their existing devices. Apple says that a fully personalized experience requires an Apple account, a compatible iPhone or iPad, and membership in Shared Home. Some personal context Siri requests also require a paired Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad.

With HomeView scheduled to arrive on November 13, 2026, these three alternatives offer different ways to manage a connected home, from compact displays to family dashboards and portable tablets.

1. Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025 release): A compact display for Alexa households

The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a practical alternative for households that want smart home controls, video calls and daily information without giving up a lot of counter space.

Its 8.7-inch touchscreen works alongside Alexa voice commands, allowing users to manage compatible lights, plugs, thermostats and other connected devices. Instead of reaching for a phone, household members can adjust settings directly from the display or ask Alexa to handle them.

Price: $149.99
Where to buy: Amazon

The model also supports Alexa +, Amazon’s conversational AI assistant. Alexa+ access on compatible devices is included with Prime; Non-Prime customers need the $19.99 per month Alexa+ Standard subscription. Amazon currently makes Alexa+ available to US customers with personal Amazon accounts set up in a supported location; compatible devices can be set to English (US), Spanish (United States) or a supported English/Spanish multilingual option. Supported functions also depend on related services.

For households using compatible Ring cameras or video doorbells, the Echo Show 8 offers another place to view camera feeds. It also supports recipes, weather forecasts, reminders, music and video calls, extending its usefulness beyond home automation.

Its biggest advantage is compatibility with an established Alexa setup. Buyers can introduce a common touchscreen without replacing their existing supported smart home accessories.

However, it doesn’t offer Apple’s native FaceTime, Messages or custom HomeView interface. Buyers should also consider the Amazon account requirements and screen recommendations.

The Echo Show 8 is best suited for Alexa households looking for a compact display for everyday tasks. Its combination of voice controls, touchscreen interaction, and connected device management makes it especially useful in kitchens and living rooms.

2. Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen): A bigger dashboard for families

A compact smart display works well for quick commands, but it can feel restrictive when multiple household members need access to calendars, reminders, and shared information. The Amazon Echo Show 15 addresses this limitation with a larger screen designed for community spaces.

Its 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen offers space for various widgets. Families can organize calendars, shopping lists, reminders and smart home shortcuts without constantly navigating between screens.

Amazon’s customizable interface makes the Echo Show 15 useful as a household information center. Mounted in a kitchen or common area, it gives family members a convenient place to check schedules and manage connected devices.

Price: $349.99
Where to buy: Amazon

The second generation model includes Fire TV functionality, which allows users to stream entertainment or follow video recipes. A 13MP camera supports video calls, while a physical camera cover offers easy privacy control.

Compared to Apple’s smaller HomeView, the Echo Show 15 emphasizes screen space and common household organization. Its larger display can be easier to read from a room, especially when showing calendars or reminders.

However, its greatness comes with trade-offs. The Echo Show 15 takes up more wall or counter space than the smaller Echo Show 8, and it’s less portable than a tablet. It can be mounted on the wall or placed on a counter with a stand, sold separately.

It remains centered on Amazon’s services and doesn’t offer native FaceTime, Messages, or HomeView-style custom controls. The Apple TV app is available through Fire TV, but that’s separate from the native integration with the Apple ecosystem.

The Echo Show 15 makes sense for families already invested in Alexa who want a central dashboard for schedules, reminders, smart home controls and casual entertainment. Buyers with limited space may find the smaller Echo Show 8 more practical.

3. Google Pixel Tablet: A flexible option if you already own one

If you already own a Google Pixel tablet or find one through another retailer, it can still be a good alternative for Google Home users. Google has removed the Pixel Tablet product page and the “Tablet” category. Check third-party availability and whether the Charging Speaker Dock is included or sold separately. The tablet form factor combines standard Android apps with Google Home controls when docked.

The Pixel tablet has an 11-inch display with 2560 × 1600 resolution, Google Tensor G2 processor, and 8GB of RAM. Unlike conventional smart displays, it supports regular Android applications in addition to its home control features.

When Google’s Charging Speaker Dock is connected and locked, the tablet goes into hub mode. This provides access to compatible Google Home devices, allowing users to control lighting, adjust connected accessories and view supported camera feeds.

The dock keeps the tablet charged and includes a speaker, making it suitable for a kitchen counter or living room shelf. If needed elsewhere, the tablet can be removed for browsing, streaming, reading or other applications.

Google lets households set up separate user profiles on the tablet, each with its own apps, settings and home screen. That differs from Apple’s facial recognition personalization: Google lists guest-user support for Hub Mode, rather than separate personalized profiles for each person in docked display mode.

There are limitations that are worth considering. Hub mode requires the Charging Speaker Dockwhich can be sold separately. The tablet also doesn’t function as a Nest security camera, despite having cameras for video calls and other tablet functions.

For Google Home households, the Pixel tablet offers more flexibility than a stationary smart display. Its biggest advantage is the combination of connected-home controls with the utility of a portable Android tablet.

Which Apple HomeView alternative should you buy?

The choice between these displays depends on your existing smart home ecosystem and where you plan to use the device.

Those Echo Show 8 is the easiest option for Alexa households looking for compact controls and everyday convenience. Those Echo Show 15 is better suited for families who want a shared dashboard with calendars, reminders and entertainment.

If you already own a Pixel tablet or find one through a retailer, it offers Google Home controls alongside the flexibility of a conventional tablet.

Apple’s HomeView may remain a better fit for households that rely heavily on HomeKit, FaceTime and Siri. Its custom interface also sets it apart from these alternatives.

Before you buy, confirm compatibility with your existing cameras, locks, lights and thermostats. Raw support can improve interoperability, but it does not guarantee identical functionality across platforms.

Finally, the best alternative is the one that works with the devices you already own. A useful smart display should simplify daily routines without forcing you to set up your connected home.