Amazon Echo Show 5 Review: Smarter Sound and Alexa at Your Fingertips

Introduction

If you’re looking to add a smart display to your home that blends convenience, sound quality, and Alexa’s intelligence, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a compelling choice. This compact device has been upgraded with 2x the bass and clearer sound, plus early access to Alexa features, making it a handy assistant for your kitchen counter, nightstand, or desk. In this review, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Echo Show 5, from its design to real-world performance, so you can decide if it’s the right smart display for you.

Key Features & Specs

• 5.5-inch touchscreen display with crisp visuals
• Built-in Alexa with Early Access to new features
• Improved sound system offering 2x the bass and clearer audio
• Compact, charcoal-colored design to fit various spaces
• 720p front-facing camera with a privacy shutter
• Control compatible smart home devices and video calls
• Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth support

Design & Build

The Echo Show 5 (newest model) sports a sleek, minimalistic design in a charcoal finish that easily blends into most home decors. Its small footprint makes it ideal for tight spaces like bedside tables or kitchen counters. The 5.5-inch screen is bright and responsive, perfect for checking the weather, watching brief video clips, or displaying recipes while you cook.

One of my favorite design features is the built-in privacy shutter for the camera. It offers peace of mind when you want to ensure the camera is off. The device feels sturdy and well-made, with fabric-covered sides that give it a premium look and feel without being bulky.

Performance & Real-World Use

In day-to-day use, the Amazon Echo Show 5 impresses with its improved sound quality. The claim of 2x the bass compared to its predecessor is noticeable — music and voice responses sound richer and clearer, whether you’re playing your favorite playlist or hearing Alexa’s answers. The display is sharp enough for quick glances at news headlines, timers, or video calls.

Thanks to Early Access Alexa features, you can enjoy new skills and capabilities before they roll out to other devices. This often means better voice recognition, more natural conversations, and innovative smart home control options. Setting up smart home devices is straightforward, and the Echo Show 5 serves as a central hub for controlling compatible lights, thermostats, cameras, and more.

Video calling works well, though the 720p camera is not the highest resolution available on smart displays. Still, for casual chats with friends and family, it does the job effectively. The compact size means sound doesn’t fill a large room as powerfully as bigger smart speakers, but for personal spaces, it’s more than enough.

Pricing & Value

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is positioned in the budget-friendly smart display category, making it accessible to most consumers looking to upgrade their smart home setup without breaking the bank. It offers excellent value for its price, especially with the sound improvements and Early Access Alexa features that add extra utility beyond the basics.

This product is best suited for users who want a compact smart display primarily for personal use, such as in bedrooms, kitchens, or home offices. If you need a larger screen or more powerful audio for big rooms or entertainment, you might want to explore bigger Echo Show models. But for everyday tasks, hands-free assistance, and smart home control, the Echo Show 5 offers a balanced combination of features and affordability.

Pros

• Compact and stylish design fits anywhere
• Improved sound with 2x the bass for richer audio
• Early Access to new Alexa features enhances functionality
• Easy setup and smart home integration
• Privacy shutter for camera offers peace of mind
• Clear and responsive 5.5-inch touchscreen
• Affordable price point for a smart display

Cons

• 720p camera is adequate but not top-tier
• Sound not powerful enough for large rooms
• Screen size may feel small for some video content
• Alexa ecosystem may feel limiting if you prefer other assistants

Final Verdict

Overall, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is an excellent smart display for anyone looking to add a compact, stylish, and capable Alexa device to their home. Its improved sound quality and Early Access to Alexa features give it an edge over previous models and similar competitors in this price range.

If you want a personal assistant for your bedroom, kitchen, or office that can handle smart home control, video calls, music playback, and more without taking up much space or costing a fortune, this is a smart buy. However, if you need a larger screen for immersive video or more powerful audio for big rooms, you might want to consider other Echo Show models.

In summary, the Echo Show 5 is a great way to enjoy Alexa’s convenience with a clearer sound experience and a compact design. It’s highly recommended for first-time smart display buyers and those upgrading from older Echo devices.