Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Review – Smart Display & Alexa Hub
Comprehensive review of the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) – features, benefits, performance, pros & cons. Is it right for you? | Smart Displays, Alexa, Home Automation
Introduction
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) isn’t just another smart speaker; it’s a compact powerhouse designed to simplify your daily routines and bring entertainment directly to your countertop. In a world overflowing with complicated smart devices, the Echo Show 5 addresses a common problem: the need for a convenient, accessible hub that manages your smart home, delivers information, and provides entertainment – all without overwhelming you with complexity. It’s about effortlessly integrating technology into your life, offering a balance of functionality and simplicity.
Overview
This latest iteration of the Echo Show 5 reimagines the smart display experience. Featuring a crisp 5.5-inch display, improved audio quality with deeper bass, and a refined design crafted with recycled materials, it seamlessly blends into any room while offering a surprising amount of functionality. Unlike larger smart displays, its small footprint makes it ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, or desks. Designed for users who value a smart home ecosystem, love staying connected, and appreciate a stylish, sustainable device, the Echo Show 5 serves as a central control point for your digital life.
Features
Enhanced Alexa Voice Control: The Echo Show 5 remains firmly rooted in the Alexa ecosystem, offering unparalleled voice control. This isn’t just about setting timers; Alexa can show you alarms, calendars, weather updates, and even your sleep scores, all displayed clearly on the vibrant screen. The advantage is instant access to information – no more fumbling with your phone. The benefit? A more organized and efficient day, hands-free.
Personalized Photo Display: When not actively in use, the Echo Show 5 can display a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos from Amazon Photos. The advantage is a personalized touch and a constant reminder of cherished memories. The benefit is transforming your smart display into a digital photo frame, adding warmth and character to your space.
Built-in Camera for Video Calls & Security: The integrated 2MP camera lets you make video calls to other Alexa-enabled devices or the Alexa app, perfect for connecting with family and friends. Moreover, its drop-in functionality allows you to instantly connect to other Echo devices in your home or view your front door via compatible video doorbells. The advantage is staying connected and adding a layer of home security. The benefit is peace of mind and the ability to easily check in on loved ones and your property.
Enhanced Privacy Features: Amazon prioritizes user privacy, and the Echo Show 5 includes a physical camera shutter and a microphone-off button for added control. The advantage is complete control over your privacy. The benefit is peace of mind knowing that you can easily disable the camera and microphone when not in use.
Immersive Audio Experience: Amazon has significantly improved the audio quality on the 3rd generation, delivering noticeably richer bass and clearer vocals compared to previous models. This makes it perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. The advantage is a surprisingly powerful sound from a compact device. The benefit is enjoying your favorite media with a fuller, more satisfying sound, without needing external speakers.
Improved Display Quality: The 5.5-inch display boasts enhanced brightness and clarity, making it easy to read text, view photos, and watch videos. The advantage is a more enjoyable visual experience. The benefit is crisp, vibrant visuals, even in well-lit rooms.
Smart Home Hub & Control: Manage your compatible smart home devices—lights, thermostats, door locks—with simple voice commands. The advantage is centralized control, accessible from anywhere in your home. The benefit is unparalleled convenience and energy savings, allowing you to adjust your home environment effortlessly.
Sustainable Design: Amazon is committed to sustainability, and the Echo Show 5 reflects that with its design. The fabric is crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn, and the aluminum components are made from 100% recycled aluminum. 99% of the packaging is made from wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources. The advantage is reducing environmental impact. The benefit is supporting a company that prioritizes sustainability.
Benefits
Enhanced Entertainment Experience: Enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and videos with improved audio quality and a clear display, creating an immersive entertainment hub in any room.
Effortless Smart Home Management: Control your lights, thermostats, and other smart devices with simple voice commands, simplifying your daily routines and saving energy.
Stylish & Sustainable Design: Add a touch of style to your home with a device crafted from recycled materials, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Make video calls to family and friends, or use the drop-in feature to check in on them easily.
Personalized Information & Reminders: Stay organized and informed with visual reminders, calendar appointments, weather updates, and more, all displayed clearly on the screen.
Usages
Perfect for Nightstands: The compact size and clear display make it ideal for use as a bedside alarm clock and smart assistant.
Kitchen Companion: Stay connected, entertained, and organized while cooking with hands-free access to recipes, music, and news.
Smart Home Command Center: Centralize control of your smart home devices in a convenient, accessible location.
Remote Work Assistant: Manage your calendar, set reminders, and stay connected during remote work hours.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and stylish design
- Improved audio quality with deeper bass
- Enhanced Alexa voice control
- Built-in camera for video calls and security
- Privacy controls (camera shutter, microphone off button)
- Sustainable design with recycled materials
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Audio might not satisfy audiophiles
- Relies heavily on internet connectivity
- Limited functionality compared to larger smart displays
- Camera resolution is adequate but not exceptional
- Amazon Music unavailable in certain regions
FAQs
What is the range of the microphone?: The microphone has a wide-ranging pickup, allowing it to hear your commands from across the room.
How easy is it to set up?: Setup is incredibly simple. Just plug in the device, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on-screen instructions or use the Alexa app.
Is the camera secure?: Yes. The Echo Show 5 includes a physical camera shutter and a microphone-off button for complete privacy control. Amazon doesn’t sell your personal information.
Does the Echo Show 5 require a subscription?: Alexa functionality is free. However, some features like streaming video content may require subscriptions to services like Prime Video or Spotify.
What music services are compatible?: The Echo Show 5 supports popular music services like Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more (availability may vary by region).
Product Specifications
| Power Adapter | EU Power Adaptor |
| Processor | Quad-Core |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| Materials | Recycled Polyester Fabric, Recycled Aluminum |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 5.3” x 3.8” x 2.9” |
| Camera | 2MP |
| Audio | 2.1 Channel |
| Weight | 14.3 ounces |
| Display | 5.5” |
| Resolution | 1280 x 720 |
Ratings
| Design | 4.5 |
| Smart Features | 4.2 |
| Performance | 4.3 |
| Usability | 4.4 |
| Sound Quality | 4.1 |
Recommendation
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a smart display to their home or upgrade from an older model. Its compact size, improved audio, and enhanced Alexa integration make it a versatile and convenient device for a wide range of users. This is especially well-suited for those new to the smart home ecosystem or those who prefer a more subtle, less intrusive device than larger smart displays.
If you’re seeking a user-friendly smart home hub that seamlessly blends into your living space, the Echo Show 5 is a fantastic investment. It’s a winner for families, students, and anyone who appreciates the convenience of voice-controlled technology combined with an attractive and sustainable design.
Conclusion
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) delivers a compelling combination of functionality, style, and sustainability. While it may not be a replacement for a full-fledged entertainment system, its improved audio, enhanced Alexa integration, and compact design make it a valuable addition to any home. It’s a smart, accessible, and stylish device that simplifies your daily routines and brings a touch of modern convenience to your life. If you’re looking for a smart display that seamlessly integrates into your home, the Echo Show 5 is a smart choice.
