Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display, Designed for Alexa+, 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a compact Alexa smart display with a 5.5-inch screen, built-in camera, streaming support, smart-home controls, video calling, and photo-display features. The Charcoal version is reviewed here.
Overview
Echo Show 5 combines Alexa voice assistance with a 5.5-inch display for viewing news, weather, song titles, shows, compatible cameras, and photos. It is designed for Alexa+ and is available in Charcoal, Cloud Blue, and Glacier White.
Amazon describes updated audio with deeper bass and clearer vocals. The device can stream music, podcasts, and shows from supported services including Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video.
Related reading: Amazon Echo Show 5 Smart Display Alexa Charcoal.
Key Features
The display supports video calls with people using the Alexa app or an Echo device with a screen. Its built-in 2 MP camera can also be used to check in on a home, family, or pets, and to view compatible video doorbells.
Compatible lights and thermostats can be controlled through the device, including while away from home. Other supported Alexa devices in the home can receive announcements.
When inactive, Echo Show 5 can show a rotating photo slideshow. Family and friends can be invited to share photos to the device.
Related reading: Amazon Echo Pop Newest Model Review.
Real-World Performance
Customer feedback is mixed. Some customers report that the device works well for music, camera viewing, and everyday Alexa tasks, while others cite delays, voice-response issues, and inconsistent functionality.
Sound quality also receives mixed feedback: some customers describe it positively, while others report difficulty with audio quality or with the device hearing voice commands. Reviews frequently raise concerns about responsiveness, freezing, crashes, and general reliability.
Related reading: Amazon Kindle 16gb Newest Model Matcha.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The screen offers at-a-glance information alongside voice control, and the device can connect with compatible smart-home equipment and cameras. Video calling and household announcements expand its role beyond a basic speaker.
The supplied information does not specify routine maintenance requirements. For privacy, the device includes a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter. It also supports viewing end-to-end encrypted Ring video.
Pros and Trade-Offs
Notable features include the 5.5-inch display, smart-home controls, camera viewing, video calling, photo sharing, streaming support, and physical privacy controls. Amazon also states that the fabric uses 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn, the aluminum uses 100% recycled aluminum, and the packaging is 100% recyclable.
The compact display may suit at-a-glance tasks, but it provides less viewing area than a larger smart display. Reported customer experiences also indicate that performance and sound consistency can vary, with responsiveness and reliability being recurring concerns.
Who This Product Is For
Echo Show 5 is suited to people who want an Alexa-enabled display for news, weather, music, video calls, photo slideshows, compatible camera feeds, and connected-home controls in a compact format.
It may be especially relevant for Alexa households that use compatible lights, thermostats, video doorbells, or other Echo devices. Those prioritizing consistently fast responses or dependable day-to-day performance should consider the mixed customer reports around responsiveness and reliability.
