Head-to-head · Best Smart Displays

Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) vs Google Nest Hub Max

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 (4.1 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about users wanting compact smart display with better audio — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smart Displays

Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

4.1

$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 Amazon Full review →

Ranked #6 in Best Smart Displays

Google Nest Hub Max

3.8

Google Nest Hub Max offers a premium smart display experience with robust Google Assistant integration, superior audio quality, and photo display features. CNET called it a bigger, better version of the standard Nest Hub, emphasizing its enhanced capabilities. However, the device's $229 price tag and included camera raise concerns for some users. The YouTube reviewer noted its powerful assistant functionality and good sound quality after six months of use, though acknowledged the camera as a potential privacy issue. This device is ideal for users seeking a feature-rich smart display but may not suit budget-conscious buyers or those uncomfortable with camera inclusion.

Strengths

— Powerful Google Assistant integration with wide range of voice commands
— Excellent sound quality for music and podcast playback
— Google Photos integration with photo display capabilities

Watch-outs

— Higher price point at $229 USD
— Camera raises privacy concerns for some users

Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

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.

Google Nest Hub Max

The Google Nest Hub Max offers superior sound quality and photo display features compared to the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) which has a more affordable price point, but it's significantly more expensive than the Lenovo Smart Display 10 with its bamboo build. Unlike the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen), it lacks the compact design and doesn't support the same level of smart home integration as the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) with its motorized camera.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)	Google Nest Hub Max
Screen Size	5.5 inches	10-inch
Camera	2 megapixel	Included
Processor	Amazon A2 neural Edge	1.5 GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM® Cortex™ A53
Power	22W	30 W power adapter
Audio	—	Good quality
Display Type	—	Smart display: 10" HD touchscreen
Resolution	—	1280 x 800
Connectivity	—	Wi-Fi for high-performance streaming, Bluetooth® 5.0, 802.15.4 (at 2.4 GHz)

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