The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) features a redesigned compact form factor with enhanced audio performance and a new faster processor. PCMag's Will Greenwald noted its improved voice clarity and deeper bass, while a YouTube reviewer highlighted the new microphone array and faster processing capabilities. However, the device lacks Netflix compatibility, and the power cable color doesn't match the device finish. This smart display is best suited for users seeking improved audio and processing performance without Netflix support.
Full review
Display and visual quality
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) features a 5.5-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 960x480 pixels, delivering 215ppi. This resolution is adequate for the device's intended use, particularly when viewed from an arm's length distance. Reviewers noted that the display quality is acceptable, though not spectacular, and sufficient for displaying photos, weather updates, and video content. The aspect ratio of 2:1 provides a suitable format for the limited video content typically consumed on such devices. The screen is surrounded by relatively slim bezels, contributing to a decent screen-to-body ratio that enhances the visual experience without overwhelming the compact form factor.
GadgetGuy.com.au observed that the 3rd Gen model maintains the same 960x480 resolution as its predecessor but features a redesigned frame that eliminates the thick bezel present in the 2nd Gen. This change results in a more upright screen angle and a sleeker profile. The display is described as bright and vibrant, suitable for various tasks including watching videos and displaying recipes or weather updates. While the resolution may not match that of larger smart displays, it is deemed sufficient for the device's size and intended use. The touchscreen is responsive, allowing for smooth interactions when navigating menus or tapping on icons.
Geekzone.co.nz noted that the 5.5-inch display is bright and vibrant, making it suitable for a variety of tasks from watching videos to displaying recipes or weather updates. The resolution, while not as high as some larger smart displays, is adequate for the size, offering clear and crisp visuals. The device's build quality feels robust and durable, ensuring it can withstand everyday use. The compact size makes it ideal for small spaces such as bedside tables, kitchen countertops, or office desks, without sacrificing visual clarity.
Audio performance
The audio quality of the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is a notable improvement over previous models, particularly when compared to the Echo Spot. The device features a single 1.7-inch speaker positioned on the sloped back of the unit, which delivers more bass and body than the previous models. According to GadgetGuy.com.au, the sound quality has been reengineered to provide better audio output, though it still falls short of the excellent speakers found in larger Echo Show models. The speaker is capable of getting louder and provides a more satisfying listening experience for music, podcasts, and video content.
PCMag's Will Greenwald noted that the built-in speaker delivers surprisingly rich and full sound for such a small device. The audio performance is described as impressive, providing a satisfying listening experience whether streaming music, listening to podcasts, or watching videos. However, the audio quality still isn't considered good, as is typical with Amazon's Echo devices in general. The single speaker is a significant upgrade over the Echo Spot's audio capabilities, but it remains a compromise compared to dedicated audio equipment.
AndroidPolice reported that while the audio quality is an upgrade over the Echo Spot, it still isn't particularly good, with the single speaker being a downgrade from the dual 10W drivers found on the larger Echo Show. The speaker is capable of getting louder and providing more bass, but the overall audio experience remains limited. The device does include an audio jack for connecting to external speakers, which is recommended for users seeking better sound quality.
Camera and privacy features
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) includes a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, which is used for video calling to other Echo devices or phones running the Alexa app. The camera quality is described as perfectly fine for its intended use, representing an improvement over the VGA camera on the Echo Spot. The 2MP camera is better suited to video chats than to home security. The physical privacy cover for the camera is a notable addition, providing a safer option compared to software-based camera disabling methods used in previous Echo devices.
GadgetGuy.com.au highlighted that the 2MP camera hasn't received a resolution bump with the new model, but the physical privacy cover is a welcome addition. The camera can be disabled using a physical slider, which also disables the microphone. Alternatively, users can mute the microphone while keeping the camera active. The device also includes a physical mute switch and two volume buttons, all positioned on the mesh body for easy access. The camera's functionality is limited to video calling and communication purposes, with no advanced features or high-resolution video capture.
Geekzone.co.nz emphasized that the camera is only used for video calling to other devices in the account, and the quality is sufficient for this purpose. The device includes a physical privacy cover for the camera, which is a first for an Echo device, providing a safer option than software-based camera disabling methods. The camera is described as a 2MP sensor, which is adequate for video calling and communication purposes, but not suitable for high-resolution photography or advanced video recording.
Smart home integration
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) integrates seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa ecosystem, allowing users to control smart home devices, set routines, and manage various home automation tasks. The device supports the new Matter standard, which is a significant upgrade for smart home compatibility. According to GadgetGuy.com.au, the device can interface with smart home devices that have their own smart hub, but does not include a built-in smart hub like some of the larger Echo Show devices. Users can create routines such as 'Good night' which turns off lights, sets lamps to specific levels, and turns off the TV, with another routine turning off the lamps at sunrise.
Geekzone.co.nz noted that the Echo Show 5 can be part of a larger home automation project, integrating with systems like Hue smart lights, Ring and Blink cameras, and Amazon Fire TV stick connected to Alexa. Users can issue voice commands such as 'Alexa, turn off bedroom lights' or create full routines with multiple steps. The device also supports receiving motion alerts from cameras and watching live feeds by saying 'Alexa, show my driveway' or 'Alexa, show my front door'. This allows users to communicate with whoever is in front of the cameras using the Echo Show 5 audio.
PCMag's Will Greenwald emphasized that the Echo Show 5 is powered by Amazon's Alexa voice assistant technology, which is quick to respond to voice commands and queries. The virtual assistant is at your service, ready to answer questions, control smart home devices, set reminders, and much more. The assistant is activated when you say 'Alexa' and follow with a command. Users can change the trigger word to one of a set of pre-determined words, including Computer, Echo or even Ziggy. The device supports multiple profiles associated with the Alexa account, allowing different members of the family to be recognized by voice or video.
User interface and software experience
The user interface of the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is described as intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through different features and settings. According to GadgetGuy.com.au, the device has a menu redesign that makes it more user-friendly, though it doesn't introduce any groundbreaking new features compared to the 2nd Gen model. The homescreen shows the clock face, which can be customized with various options, including personal photos as backgrounds.
The homescreen can also be set to cycle through other information, such as reminders, upcoming events, notifications, and trending topics. The interface allows users to access brightness adjustment, do not disturb mode, settings, and the Home button by swiping down on the display. A menu can be accessed by swiping from the right edge on the homescreen, providing access to communication, smart home devices, recently played music, Prime Video content, alarms, and routines.
AndroidPolice noted that the software and UI experience on the Echo Show 5 is still sluggish, despite the improved processor. The menus are described as still being slow, which is a notable drawback. The device supports communication features such as video calls, voice calls, Drop In, voice messages, and Announce. The Smart Home option lists all the smart home devices on the network, and the Music option shows recently played music using voice, though it's not particularly useful as users cannot play content using the touchscreen and must use voice commands.
Design and build quality
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) features a minimalist and modern design with a fabric-covered back, maintaining the familiar look of its predecessors while incorporating aesthetic enhancements. According to GadgetGuy.com.au, the device has undergone a slimline redesign, eliminating the thick frame around the screen present in the 2nd Gen model. The new design features a smaller bezel around the screen and a mesh body that starts tapering off straight away, resulting in a more upright screen angle and a sleeker profile. The buttons are positioned on the mesh body, slightly further apart and easier to distinguish with fingers.
Geekzone.co.nz described the build quality as robust and durable, ensuring the device can withstand everyday use. The compact size makes it ideal for small spaces such as bedside tables, kitchen countertops, or office desks. The device's design is described as sleek and modern, with a fabric-covered back that contributes to its minimalist aesthetic. The physical privacy cover for the camera is a notable design feature that provides a safer option than software-based camera disabling methods.
PCMag's Will Greenwald noted that the Echo Show 5 retains the familiar design of its predecessors but with a few aesthetic enhancements. The 5.5-inch display is surrounded by relatively slim bezels, providing a decent screen-to-body ratio. The compact size makes it a perfect fit for small spaces, such as bedside tables, kitchen countertops, or office desks. Despite its small footprint, the build quality feels robust and durable, ensuring that it can withstand everyday use.
Entertainment and streaming capabilities
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) offers access to various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube. According to GadgetGuy.com.au, users can watch their favorite shows, movies, and video clips directly on the device. The device can also function as a digital photo frame, showcasing favorite memories when not in active use. For entertainment purposes, the device provides access to various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube. Users can watch their favorite shows, movies, and video clips directly on the device.
The device offers access to Prime Video, though the screen is a tad small for watching shows. Users can play or scroll through content from here, which the reviewer desperately wishes was also an option for music. The device does not have an official YouTube app, though users can access YouTube through the Amazon Silk or Mozilla Firefox browsers pre-installed on the device. This is not quite the same experience as having a dedicated YouTube app.
AndroidPolice reported that the Echo Show 5 supports various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube. The device can be used as a digital photo frame, showcasing favorite memories when not in active use. The device also supports music and podcast streaming services like Spotify, TuneIn, or IHeartRadio.
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 nighttime viewing
- +Includes additional microphone for improved responsiveness
Watch-outs
- −Netflix is not currently compatible with this model
- −Power adapter cable is white, not matching the device color
How it compares
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is more compact than the Echo Show 15 and offers improved processing power and audio, but lacks Netflix compatibility, unlike the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) which has a larger display and better camera features.
Rating sources
“The Amazon Echo Show 5 3rd Generation is a compact and versatile smart display that brings together the power of voice assistance, entertainment and smart home control into one sleek device.”
Our 3.9 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
