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.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) maintains the familiar Toblerone-shaped form factor of its predecessors while introducing a refined aesthetic. Reviewers from PCMag and GadgetGuy Australia noted that the device features a slimmer bezel around the 5.5-inch display, measuring 960×480 pixels, compared to previous models. The redesign removes the thick frame of the 2nd Gen, resulting in a more streamlined profile that tapers more quickly toward the back. This change affects the button placement, with volume controls and microphone mute buttons now integrated into the mesh body, spaced slightly further apart for better tactile recognition. The fabric-covered back in charcoal, cloud blue, or white provides a modern look, though the build quality, while sturdy, doesn't feel premium. The device's dimensions are 147 mm wide, 91 mm deep, and 82 mm high, weighing 456 grams, making it compact enough for bedside tables or kitchen counters. The screen sits on a slightly more upright angle, improving visibility from various positions, but the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack and rear USB port is a notable downgrade from previous models, limiting connectivity options for external speakers or charging devices.
Display and Visual Performance
The 5.5-inch 960×480 LCD touchscreen on the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) remains unchanged from the 2nd Gen, offering a resolution that's adequate for its size but not exceptional. According to PCMag's Will Greenwald, the screen is bright and vibrant, suitable for displaying recipes, weather updates, and video content. However, the display lacks sharpness and contrast compared to larger smart displays like the Echo Show 8, which features an 8-inch, 1,200×800-pixel screen. The screen's tilt angle is slightly more upright than its predecessor, improving usability from different angles. While the visual quality is functional, it's not the standout feature of the device. The Echo Show 5 also supports ambient lighting, automatically dimming the screen after dark and offering a sunrise feature that gradually brightens the display in the morning. This functionality enhances the device's utility as a bedside alarm clock or digital photo frame, though the screen resolution limits its effectiveness for detailed visual tasks.
Audio Quality and Speaker Performance
One of the most notable improvements in the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is its audio performance. The 1.75-inch speaker, an upgrade from the previous 1.65-inch model, delivers significantly louder and more robust sound for its compact size. PCMag's Will Greenwald highlighted that the speaker can get quite loud for its size, though it still lacks deep bass and crisp highs. The audio output now comes from the sloped back of the device, rather than the bottom, which improves directional sound. Reviewers from What Hi-Fi? and GadgetGuy Australia praised the enhanced audio quality, particularly for music streaming and podcast listening. However, the single speaker setup is still limited compared to the dual 2.0-inch drivers found in the Echo Show 8, which provide stereo sound and better overall audio clarity. The speaker's performance is sufficient for casual use but not ideal for audiophiles or those seeking high-fidelity sound reproduction.
Voice Assistant and Smart Home Integration
Powered by Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) excels in voice recognition and smart home control. The device features Amazon's updated AZ2 Neural Edge processor, which reportedly improves voice recognition and machine learning performance compared to the original AZ processor. According to PCMag, the voice assistant responds quickly to commands, whether it's answering questions, controlling smart home devices, or setting reminders. The Echo Show 5 supports Matter smart home protocol, enabling integration with a wide range of smart devices, including Ring and Blink cameras, Philips Hue lights, and Amazon Fire TV sticks. Users can activate Alexa with various trigger words, including 'Alexa,' 'Amazon,' 'Computer,' 'Echo,' or even 'Ziggy,' offering flexibility in voice activation. The device also supports video calls via the Drop In feature, allowing communication with family members or friends who have Echo devices or the Alexa app installed. However, the Echo Show 5 lacks support for Zoom, a feature available on larger Echo Show models. The camera remains a 2MP sensor, which is adequate for video calls but lacks the resolution and smart-framing features of the Echo Show 8.
User Experience and Interface
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) offers an intuitive user interface that's easy to navigate, with responsive touchscreen controls and a menu redesign that enhances usability. PCMag's Will Greenwald noted that while the menus are still sluggish at times, the overall experience is user-friendly. The device supports multiple user profiles, allowing family members to be recognized by voice or video, and enables intercom-style communication between different Echo devices. The digital photo frame feature is particularly useful when the device is idle, showcasing favorite memories or displaying weather and calendar information. The device also functions as a kitchen or bathroom clock radio, with ambient lighting and sunrise features that enhance its utility. However, the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack and rear USB port limits connectivity options, and the camera's low resolution is a drawback for video calls. Despite these limitations, the Echo Show 5 remains a solid choice for users seeking a compact, Alexa-powered smart display with strong audio and smart home integration.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) has several notable shortcomings. The most significant is the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack and rear USB port, which are missing compared to previous generations. This limits the ability to connect external speakers or charge devices directly, a feature that many users rely on. The 2MP camera remains unchanged from previous models, offering poor video quality for calls and lacking advanced features like digital zoom or smart framing. Additionally, the device lacks support for Zoom, which is available on larger Echo Show models. PCMag's review noted that while the audio quality has improved, it still cannot match the deep lows or crisp highs of higher-end speakers. The menu navigation remains sluggish, and the screen resolution is not sharp enough for detailed visual tasks. The Echo Show 5 also lacks a significant upgrade in core features compared to its predecessor, making it less compelling for users already invested in the Echo ecosystem. These limitations make it less suitable for users seeking advanced smart home capabilities or high-quality audio and video performance.
Who It's Best For
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is best suited for users seeking a compact, affordable smart display with strong Alexa integration and improved audio performance. It's ideal for small spaces like bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms where a compact device is preferred over larger alternatives. Users who primarily use Alexa for voice control, smart home automation, and basic entertainment functions will find the device highly functional. The Echo Show 5 is also a good choice for families looking for an affordable smart display with intercom capabilities and digital photo frame features. However, it's not recommended for users who require high-quality audio or video, as the single speaker and 2MP camera are limited in performance. Those seeking advanced smart home features or a more robust smart display should consider the Echo Show 8, which offers superior screen resolution, dual speakers, and better camera capabilities. The Echo Show 5 is a solid middle-ground option for budget-conscious consumers who value convenience and voice control over premium features.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) competes directly with other smart displays in its price range, such as the Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen and the Apple HomePod mini. While the Echo Show 5 offers better smart home integration through Alexa's extensive ecosystem, the Google Nest Hub provides superior camera quality and better support for Zoom. The Apple HomePod mini, though lacking a screen, offers better audio quality and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem. Compared to the Echo Show 8, the 3rd Gen model is significantly smaller and less expensive, but lacks the advanced features of its larger counterpart, including dual speakers, a higher-resolution camera, and better screen quality. The Echo Show 5's audio performance is an improvement over previous models but still falls short of the Echo Show 8's dual speaker setup. In terms of value, the Echo Show 5 is a good entry-level option for users who want Alexa's voice control without the premium features of larger displays. However, for users seeking a more comprehensive smart home experience, the Echo Show 8 remains the superior choice.
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
- +Includes additional microphone for improved responsiveness
Watch-outs
- −Netflix is not currently compatible with the device
- −Power adapter cable is white, not matching the charcoal color of the device
How it compares
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.
Who this is for
At a glance: users wanting compact smart display with better audio.
Why you’d buy the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
- 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.
Why you’d skip it
- Netflix is not currently compatible with the device.
- Power adapter cable is white, not matching the charcoal color of the device.
Rating sources
Our 4.1 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
