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Head-to-head · Best Smart Displays

Amazon Echo Show 15 vs Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.9 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about users wanting compact smart display with better audio — read the strengths below before deciding.

Amazon Echo Show 15
Ranked #5 in Best Smart Displays
Amazon Echo Show 15
$299.99as of Jul 9

Amazon's second-generation Echo Show 15 offers an upgraded audio experience and camera compared to its predecessor, while maintaining the same core functionality as the larger Echo Show 21. The device includes a new Alexa remote for easier Fire TV navigation and supports personalized content through voice or facial recognition. TechRadar noted that while the 15 is a family hub designed to be a smart assistant with Alexa, it shares identical internals with the Echo Show 21, making it a more premium version of the same device. This product is best suited for users seeking a smart home hub with integrated voice control and personalized media experiences.

Strengths
  • — Improved built-in speaker quality
  • — Sharper and better built-in camera
  • — Includes dedicated Alexa remote for navigation
Watch-outs
  • — Identical internals to Echo Show 21 despite different screen size
  • — Designed primarily as family hub with limited standalone functionality
$299.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smart Displays
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
$89.99as of Jul 9

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) features a redesigned compact form factor with improved audio capabilities and a faster processor. PCMag's Will Greenwald noted its enhanced voice clarity and deeper bass, while YouTube reviewers highlighted the new processor and improved screen design for nighttime viewing. However, the device lacks Netflix compatibility and comes with a mismatched white power cable. This smart display is ideal for users seeking an upgraded Echo Show experience but may not suit those who rely heavily on Netflix streaming.

Strengths
  • — Improved audio with greater voice clarity and deeper bass
  • — New faster processor with Amazon A2 neural Edge
  • — Compact design with Infinity Edge coverglass and improv screen for comfortable nighttime viewing
Watch-outs
  • — Netflix is not currently compatible with the device
  • — Power adapter cable is white, not matching the charcoal color of the device
$89.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Amazon Echo Show 15

The Amazon Echo Show 15 shares identical internals with the Echo Show 21, making it essentially a premium version of the same device, unlike the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) which offers a more affordable mid-sized option with better kitchen usability. While it improves audio and camera quality, it lacks the standalone functionality that makes the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) more versatile with its spheroid design and stereo speakers.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) offers a compact form factor with improved audio and processor, but lacks Netflix compatibility that the Google Nest Hub Max provides, unlike the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) which features stereo speakers and spatial audio. It's more budget-friendly than the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) but doesn't include the motorized camera functionality that makes the latter unique.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAmazon Echo Show 15Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
Screen Size15 inches5.5 inches
Display TypeFlat touch screen—
Resolution1,920 x 1,080—
AudioImproved built-in speaker—
Connectivity2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth—
CameraBuilt-in camera with facial recognition2 megapixel
ProcessorAmazon AZ2 Neural Edge processorAmazon A2 neural Edge
Power30W power adapter22W
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