Wearable technology: Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen) vs. Apple Watch Series 11

Quick Verdict

The Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen) are a niche product for users deeply invested in the Alexa ecosystem who want hands-free voice control in a wearable glasses format. The Apple Watch Series 11 is a more versatile smartwatch with a strong emphasis on health tracking, fitness, and app integration, making it a better choice for users seeking a comprehensive wearable experience, especially those already within the Apple ecosystem.

The Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen) prioritize hands-free Alexa integration in a glasses form factor, while the Apple Watch Series 11 focuses on comprehensive health tracking and smartwatch functionality.
Echo Frames are compatible with prescription lenses, making them suitable for users who require vision correction, while the Apple Watch Series 11 offers a wider range of apps and features through the Apple ecosystem.
The Apple Watch Series 11 includes GPS and advanced health sensors, features absent in the Echo Frames.
Battery life is a key difference, with the Apple Watch Series 11 aiming for significantly longer battery life than the Echo Frames.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen)	Apple Watch Series 11
Voice assistant integration	Alexa	Siri integration, potential Apple Intelligence features
Battery life	Up to 6 hours of continuous media playback or talk time. Up to 14 hours with moderate usage. Full charge in about 2.5 hours.	Hoping to exceed 18 hours, rumors suggest up to 48 hours, faster charging expected.
Prescription lens compatibility	Compatible with most prescription lenses. Optician Guide available.	Not applicable
Audio quality for calls and music	Improved speakers with crisp highs and richer bass. Clear and warm stereo audio. Minimal sound leakage. Optimized algorithms for louder voice calls in outdoor conditions.	Not available
Water resistance rating	IPX4 (splash-resistant). Not waterproof.	Water-resistant (Series 2 and later have a water resistance rating of 50 meters, Apple Watch Ultra up to 40 meters for scuba diving).
Health tracking features	No health tracking features.	More accurate heart rate monitoring and skin temperature readings, smarter sleep tracking, potential for new sensors to track hydration levels and blood pressure, improved blood oxygen sensor, personalized fitness coaching, Vitals app, watchOS 11 support during pregnancy, training load insight.
Smartphone compatibility	Android 9.0+ and iOS 14+. Connects via Bluetooth 5.2.	iPhone XS or later with iOS 18 or later.
GPS functionality	No GPS functionality.	Includes GPS, Apple Watch Ultra has dual-band GPS.
Available apps and ecosystem	Tightly integrated with the Amazon ecosystem and Alexa. Limited direct connection to specific apps.	watchOS 12, Translate app, Apple App Store.
Durability and build quality	Handcrafted Mazzucchelli Italian acetate and German-engineered spring hinges. Designed for comfort and durability.	Possible new design with a thinner, lighter body and smaller bezels, may use new materials or colors, Apple Watch Series 7 and later are rated IP6X dust resistant.
Price	Not available	Likely to start around $399 for the base GPS-only model.

Overall Comparison

Echo Frames: Up to 14 hours battery with moderate use; Apple Watch Series 11: Rumored up to 48 hours battery; Apple Watch Series 11 Price: $399 (base model)

Pros and Cons

Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen)

Pros:

Hands-free control with Alexa
Compatible with prescription lenses
Improved speakers with crisp highs and richer bass
Clear call quality
Comfortable for extended wear
Splash-resistant design

Cons:

Limited bass
External noise can overwhelm the sound
Limited app capabilities
No active noise cancellation
No health tracking features
No GPS tracking

Apple Watch Series 11

Pros:

Improved Siri integration and potential Apple Intelligence features
Hoping for improved battery life, possibly up to 48 hours
Potential for new health sensors for hydration and blood pressure tracking
Brighter display with potential MicroLED technology
Possible thinner, lighter design with smaller bezels
Access to a wide variety of apps through the Apple App Store
Improved fitness tracking with personalized coaching
Dual-band GPS for excellent outdoor tracking accuracy (Apple Watch Ultra)

Cons:

Health tracking accuracy can vary across skin pigmentation
Water-resistant, but not waterproof (except Apple Watch Ultra)
Requires iPhone XS or later with iOS 18 or later

User Experiences and Feedback

Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen)

What Users Love

Good Alexa integration for daily tasks
Clear call quality
Comfortable design

Common Complaints

Battery life varies with usage
Limited app capabilities
No health tracking features
No GPS tracking
Lacks significant bass

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Alexa integrates well for daily tasks, allowing voice control of music, calls, and smart home devices.
The microphones are surprisingly good, making call quality clear.
Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.
Designed to look and feel like normal eyeglasses.

Apple Watch Series 11

What Users Love

Useful available apps
Generally accurate for heart rate and step count
Thinner design of the Series 10 provides a sleeker and more comfortable feel
Dual-band GPS on Apple Watch Ultra provides excellent outdoor tracking accuracy

Common Complaints

Less accurate for energy expenditure/calories burned
Accuracy of health tracking can vary across skin pigmentation

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The Apple Watch Series 10 gets about a day between charges. Apple is aiming to improve battery life.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is thinner, giving it a sleeker and more comfortable feel.