Amazon Echo Show 5 Review: A Smart Display That Packs a Punch

Introduction

If you’re looking to add a smart assistant with a screen to your home, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a compelling choice. This compact smart display with Alexa offers a blend of convenience, entertainment, and smart home control right at your fingertips. In this review, I’ll walk you through its key features, design, real-world performance, pricing, and whether it’s the right smart display for you.

Key Features & Specs

• Display: 5.5-inch touchscreen, crisp and vibrant for its size
• Sound: Enhanced audio with 2x the bass and clearer sound compared to previous models
• Alexa Integration: Voice control with Alexa for smart home, music, news, and more
• Early Access Features: Exclusive early access to new Alexa capabilities
• Design Colors: Available in Charcoal (reviewed here) and other finishes
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee hub compatibility
• Camera: 2MP camera with privacy shutter for video calls and security

Design & Build

The Echo Show 5 (newest model) sports a sleek and minimalistic design that fits comfortably on a nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk without taking up too much space. The Charcoal color option I tested blends well with most modern decor, offering a matte finish that feels premium to the touch. The 5.5-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive, framed by a slim bezel that maximizes the display area.

Build quality feels solid, and the fabric covering on the speaker section adds a nice touch of texture. The device includes a physical camera shutter and microphone/camera off button, giving you peace of mind when privacy is a concern.

Performance & Real-World Use

Performance-wise, the Echo Show 5 (newest model) impresses for its size. The audio is noticeably improved from older Echo Show 5 versions, with twice the bass and clearer sound that makes music, podcasts, and video calls more enjoyable. Alexa responds quickly to voice commands, whether you’re asking for weather updates, controlling smart home devices, or setting reminders.

The screen is sharp enough for browsing recipes, watching brief video clips, or viewing security camera feeds. The new Early Access program also means you get to try out new Alexa features before they’re widely released, which is a nice bonus for tech enthusiasts.

Video calling through Alexa is smooth, and the 2MP camera with privacy shutter offers a decent quality image for casual chats. The device also doubles as a bedside companion with features like an alarm clock, sleep sounds, and customizable clock faces.

Pricing & Value

Priced competitively within the smart display market, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) offers excellent value for those seeking a mid-range smart display. It’s more affordable than larger Echo Show models while still delivering solid audio and a responsive screen.

This product is best suited for users who want a compact device for their bedroom, kitchen, or office that can handle daily Alexa tasks, entertainment, and smart home controls. If you’re after premium sound or a larger display for watching videos, you might want to consider bigger Echo Show variants. But for most casual users, this strikes a perfect balance of features, size, and price.

Pros

• Compact and stylish design fits easily in small spaces
• Improved audio with 2x bass and clearer sound
• Bright, responsive 5.5-inch touchscreen
• Early Access to new Alexa features
• Privacy-focused with camera shutter and mic off button
• Strong Alexa integration for smart home control and entertainment

Cons

• Screen size may feel small for some video content
• Camera quality is adequate but not exceptional
• Sound, while improved, isn’t equivalent to larger Echo Show models
• Limited physical controls—mostly voice and touchscreen

Final Verdict

If you want a smart display that’s compact, affordable, and packed with useful features, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a solid pick. It works beautifully as a bedside assistant, kitchen helper, or small office companion, giving you Alexa’s power with a neat touchscreen and better sound than before.

Buy this product if you want a versatile smart display that doesn’t dominate your space but still delivers great daily performance and smart home control. Skip it if you need a bigger screen or top-tier audio for immersive video watching or music listening.

Overall, the Echo Show 5 (newest model) hits a sweet spot in price and function, making it a worthwhile addition to many homes.