We compared two Alexa devices at different points in Amazon's Echo range: the compact Echo Dot speaker and the Echo Show 5 smart display and alarm clock.
What we looked at
Sound, display and camera, smart home features, extras such as eero and photo slideshows, privacy controls, and price.
The verdict
If you want an affordable, compact Alexa speaker for music, timers and smart-home control, the Echo Dot is the value pick, with eero built-in. If you'd rather pay more for a 5.5 inch screen, a 2MP camera for video calls and a video doorbell view, the Echo Show 5 is the more capable option, with a camera cover and mic/camera off button.
The cheaper, audio-only Alexa speaker with smart home control and eero built-in, but no screen or camera.
A 5.5 inch display and 2MP camera for calls, cameras and photos, but it costs more and adds a camera to the room.
Echo Dot (Newest Gen) Bluetooth Smart Speaker (Charcoal) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a compact Bluetooth and Wi-Fi smart speaker with Alexa, with big vibrant sound, clearer vocals and richer bass, smart home control and eero built-in.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Echo Show 5 on these listings
- Listing says improved audio with clearer vocals and richer bass
- Plays music, audiobooks and podcasts over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth from services including Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple Music
- Controls compatible smart home devices, with routines based on temperature
- Can sync with other compatible Echo devices, pair with Fire TV and act as an eero Wi-Fi extender
Worth knowing
- No screen or camera, unlike the Echo Show 5
- Audio-only, so no video calls or visual answers
Best for
- Buyers who want an affordable, compact Alexa speaker
- Music, timers and smart-home voice control without a screen
- Anyone who wants an Echo that doubles as an eero Wi-Fi extender
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a display, video calling or a camera
- Buyers who want to see weather, photos or a video doorbell at a glance
Echo Show 5 (Newest Gen) Smart Display and Alarm Clock (Charcoal) — Best With Screen
Intended for: Marketed as a smart display and alarm clock with a 5.5 inch screen, clearer sound, a 2MP camera for video calls and drop-ins, smart home control and a camera cover.
What we liked
- 5.5 inch display for news, weather, music, programmes and compatible cameras
- 2MP built-in camera for video calls and dropping in on your home
- View a front door through a compatible video doorbell
- Photo slideshow background using Amazon Photos
- Mic and camera off button plus a built-in camera cover
Worth knowing
- Costs more than the Echo Dot on these listings
- Includes a camera, which not everyone wants in a room
Best for
- Buyers who want a screen for weather, calls, cameras and photos
- People who want a bedside smart display and alarm clock
- Anyone who wants to check a video doorbell
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants an audio-only speaker with no camera
