A Compact Smart Hub That Finally Sounds Good
The new Echo Show 5 is the bedside or desktop smart display that finally brings respectable audio to a tiny package.
Amazon’s latest Echo Show 5 aims to be the perfect compact smart hub, blending a 5.5” screen with surprisingly capable sound. It’s designed for anyone wanting a visual Alexa interface for quick updates, video calls, and smart home control without dedicating a lot of space.
- Sound Quality is a Real Upgrade The ‘2x the bass’ claim is noticeable; music and podcasts are much clearer and have more depth than on previous small Echo devices.
- The Perfect Bedside Companion Its compact 5.5″ screen is ideal for at-a-glance info like weather and alarms without being overwhelmingly bright at night.
- Practical Privacy Features The physical camera shutter and mic/camera off button are easy to use and offer genuine peace of mind, not just a software setting.
- A Responsive Control Hub It’s more than a speaker; controlling compatible thermostats, lights, and cameras via voice or the touchscreen is responsive and intuitive.
Enjoy twice the bass and clearer vocals for your music and shows. The compact 5.5” display lets you see news, make video calls, and check your smart home at a glance.
| Display Size | 5.5" touchscreen |
| Camera | 2 MP with built-in shutter |
| Audio | Upgraded full-range speaker with deeper bass |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa |
| Privacy Controls | Mic/Camera off button, built-in camera shutter |
| Fabric Material | 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn |
| Metal Material | 100% recycled aluminum |
| Photo Display | Amazon Photos slideshow, unlimited storage for Prime members |
- Significantly improved audio with deeper bass makes music and podcasts enjoyable.
- Physical camera shutter and a dedicated mute button provide tangible privacy controls.
- Compact size is perfect for nightstands, desks, or crowded kitchen counters.
- The idle photo display feature turns it into a personal digital picture frame.
- Responsive touchscreen for quick smart home device control.
- Sustainable design using recycled fabric and aluminum.
- The 5.5-inch screen is too small for comfortably watching long-form video like movies.
- The 2 MP camera is only adequate for video calls and offers basic image quality.
- On-screen interface can feel sluggish compared to a modern smartphone.
Choosing the right Smart Display
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Screen Size and QualityHighThe display is the core of the visual experience. Its size dictates where it fits best in your home and how comfortable it is for viewing.Look forA size appropriate for your space (5-7" for bedside, 8-10"+ for kitchen) with good resolution and viewing angles.AvoidLow-resolution screens that look pixelated or are too dim to be seen clearly from a distance.
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Audio PerformanceHighA smart display is also a smart speaker, used for everything from assistant responses to music playback.Look forClear vocals for assistants and calls, and enough bass to make music sound full without being muddy.AvoidTinny, distorted sound that makes listening to music or podcasts a chore.
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Smart Home IntegrationHighIts ability to act as a central hub for your other connected devices is a primary function.Look forBroad compatibility with major smart home brands (lights, thermostats, cameras) and a responsive interface for control.AvoidClosed ecosystems that limit which device brands you can connect and control.
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Privacy ControlsMediumIf the device has a camera and microphone, the ability to disable them is crucial for peace of mind.Look forPhysical camera shutters and dedicated microphone mute buttons that are separate from software controls.AvoidDevices with no physical privacy controls, relying solely on software settings that can be confusing.
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EcosystemHighThe voice assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant) determines the device's capabilities and app support.Look forAn ecosystem that aligns with services you already use (e.g., Amazon Music/Prime, Spotify, Apple Music).AvoidLocking yourself into an ecosystem that doesn't support your preferred music, video, or calendar services.
Common questions
Is the new Echo Show 5's sound really that much better?
Yes, the difference from previous generations is noticeable. The claim of ‘2x the bass’ translates to a richer, fuller sound profile. Vocals in podcasts and lyrics in music are clearer, making it a much more capable device for casual listening in a small room.
Can I watch Netflix or YouTube on the Echo Show 5?
You can stream content from services like Prime Video and others that have Alexa skills. While you can access YouTube via the built-in Silk browser, there isn’t a native app, and Netflix is not officially supported for direct playback on the Show 5.
How does the photo display feature work?
When the device is idle, it can display a rotating slideshow of your photos by linking to your Amazon Photos account. If you’re a Prime member, you get unlimited cloud photo storage. You can also invite friends and family to share photos directly to your screen.
Is the 2 MP camera good enough for video calls?
The 2 MP camera is functional for its intended purpose. It’s perfectly adequate for making video calls to friends and family using the Alexa app or other Echo screen devices. While the quality is basic, it’s clear enough for casual conversations and the ‘Drop In’ home monitoring feature.
The latest Echo Show 5 nails its role as a compact smart hub. The audio improvements are significant, making it a great music player for its size, and the practical privacy controls are a welcome feature. While the screen is too small for serious video watching, it’s a top-tier choice for a bedside or desk assistant.
- Impressive audio quality for its size, with deep bass and clear vocals.
- Physical camera shutter and mic-off button provide guaranteed privacy.
- Perfectly sized for nightstands and desks to serve as a clock, photo frame, and control hub.
For anyone seeking a small-footprint smart display, the newest Echo Show 5 is an easy recommendation, especially for a nightstand or home office desk. The combination of a much-improved speaker, a vibrant display for at-a-glance info, and robust privacy controls makes it a clear winner in the compact category.