Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | Smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera | Charcoal
- See your day clearly with Alexa at the ready – Set alarms and timers, check your calendar or the news, make video calls with the 2 MP camera, and stream music or shows – all with your voice.
- Add Alexa to your nightstand – Ease into the day with a routine that turns compatible lights on gradually. Or wake up to your news update, the weather forecast, and your favorite music.
- Manage your smart home – Look in when you’re away with the built-in camera. Control compatible devices like cameras, lights, and more using the interactive display, your voice, or your motion.
- Connect with video calling – Use the 2 MP camera to call friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device with a screen. Make announcements to other compatible devices in your home.
- Be entertained – Ask Alexa to play TV shows and movies via Prime Video, Netflix, and more on the 5.5″ screen. Or stream favorites from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and others. Subscriptions for some services required.
- Put photos on (smart) display – Use Amazon Photos to turn your home screen into a digital frame.
- Designed to protect your privacy – Amazon is not in the business of selling your personal information to others. Built with multiple layers of privacy controls including a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter.
The Echo Show 5: Compact Smart Home Hub with a Big Impact
The Echo Show 5 is Amazon’s compact, versatile smart display that brings Alexa’s full functionality to any room in the home, offering not only a smart assistant but also a small yet powerful screen that opens up a world of possibilities. This device, ideal for both seasoned smart home users and newcomers, combines affordability with a solid feature set, making it a popular choice for those who want a mix of smart assistant functionality, entertainment options, and home control. Here’s a closer look at the Echo Show 5, its features, performance, and the ways it can enhance your everyday life.
Key Features
The Echo Show 5’s 5.5-inch screen is the perfect size for compact spaces, fitting well on nightstands, kitchen counters, and small shelves. While smaller than the larger Echo Show models, the screen is still clear and bright enough to comfortably watch videos, display photos, and show real-time information.
- Voice-Activated Alexa
Alexa is the backbone of the Echo Show 5, making it easy to control with just your voice. Whether you want to check the weather, set reminders, play music, control smart home devices, or get answers to random questions, Alexa’s hands-free operation makes it highly convenient. Alexa’s voice recognition capabilities are also solid, allowing it to respond accurately to commands, even from a distance. - Compact Design
Measuring about 5.8 inches wide and just over 3 inches tall, the Echo Show 5 is designed to fit in spaces where larger smart displays might be too bulky. Its sleek design with rounded edges ensures it blends seamlessly into most interiors without taking up much room, making it particularly suited to bedrooms, kitchens, and even office desks. - Privacy Features
Privacy remains a top concern for smart device users, and Amazon addresses this by including a physical shutter to cover the camera. Additionally, there are on-device options to disable both the microphone and camera, offering peace of mind for users who are wary about surveillance. - Smart Home Control
With Alexa compatibility, the Echo Show 5 can control compatible smart home devices such as lights, cameras, thermostats, and more. For instance, with a quick voice command, you can dim the lights, view a live feed from a compatible security camera, or adjust the thermostat. The display adds visual convenience, allowing you to manage these devices and see live feeds or weather forecasts without needing to look at your phone or another screen. - Entertainment Options
Although its screen is small, the Echo Show 5 is great for casual video watching and streaming. You can enjoy Amazon Prime Video, stream Netflix, or watch news clips and YouTube videos with simple commands. The device’s speaker quality, while not the same as the higher-end Echo Show models, provides clear sound, making it suitable for listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. You can connect it to external Bluetooth speakers if you need enhanced audio quality. - Video Calling and Communication
One of the biggest advantages of the Echo Show 5 is its ability to make video calls to other Alexa-enabled devices. This is especially useful for families and friends who may not have the latest smartphones but still want a visual connection. The device also supports “Drop In” functionality, which allows you to quickly check in on another Echo Show device without requiring the person on the other end to pick up, making it useful for keeping in touch with family members in other rooms or even other homes.
Performance and User Experience
The Echo Show 5 is responsive and reliable, offering an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate. The device’s touchscreen is responsive, and Alexa’s voice recognition is effective, even in moderately noisy environments. While the screen is small, it’s well-suited for close-up interactions, such as checking recipes, following workout videos, or watching quick video snippets while multitasking.
For those integrating it into a larger smart home ecosystem, the Echo Show 5 performs as a hub that can orchestrate various tasks and routines. You can set up morning routines, for example, that might start with turning on the lights, displaying the weather, and showing your calendar for the day.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact size fits well in smaller spaces
- Affordable with many of the same features as larger Echo Show models
- Versatile Alexa integration for hands-free control of smart home devices
- Privacy controls with camera shutter and microphone mute button
- Good range of streaming services and video calling capabilities
Cons:
- Speaker quality is moderate and may benefit from a Bluetooth speaker for better sound
- Small screen isn’t ideal for extended video watching or detailed visuals
- Some users may find the interface too basic or limited compared to a tablet or larger screen
Is the Echo Show 5 Right for You?
The Echo Show 5 is an excellent option for users looking for a compact, multifunctional device that balances affordability with smart home functionality. It’s especially suited to those who need a versatile smart assistant with the added bonus of a screen for video calls, streaming, and quick visual information. Whether it’s for use in the bedroom as a smart alarm and weather station, in the kitchen for recipes and video content, or in a home office for quick information checks, the Echo Show 5 offers great utility.
For users with more demanding audio or video needs, larger models like the Echo Show 8 or 10 may be better suited. However, for anyone who prioritizes convenience, compactness, and affordability, the Echo Show 5 is a standout choice in Amazon’s lineup.
In summary, the Echo Show 5 shines as an affordable, compact, and versatile smart display that fits well into any room. It provides the essential Alexa features along with added value from its visual display, making it a valuable companion for daily routines and smart home control.