$39.99 – $99.99
Compact 5.5" smart display with Alexa, Matter controller, and video calling
Want Matter controller on budget
Affordable Matter controller when on sale ($40-60)
Need compact smart display
5.5-inch screen fits anywhere without taking much space
Deep in Alexa ecosystem
Excellent Alexa integration with visual feedback
Want bedside smart alarm clock
Perfect size for nightstand with clock face and gradual wake alarms
Use Google Home or Apple HomeKit
Alexa-only ecosystem - no Google or Siri
Need Home Assistant integration
No native HA integration - 3rd gen cannot be jailbroken like 1st gen
Want high quality video watching
Low 960x480 resolution not great for video content
Need Zigbee or Thread hub
No Zigbee or Thread - get Echo Show 8 or 10 instead
Touchscreen presses sometimes go unregistered - menus awkward to navigate
Android Police review960x480 display resolution too low for video streaming
Tech Advisor review2MP camera quality described as 'early 2000s flip phone' level
Nextpit reviewLow resolution display
commonCause: Same 960x480 resolution from 2nd gen not upgraded
Poor camera quality
commonCause: Only 2MP camera for video calls
Expecting to use as Home Assistant dashboard
No native HA integration, 3rd gen cant be jailbroken
Tip: Use 1st gen Echo Show 5 or tablet for HA dashboard
Expecting Zigbee or Thread hub capability
Echo Show 5 only has WiFi Matter - no Zigbee/Thread
Tip: Get Echo Show 8 or Echo (4th gen) for Zigbee hub
All Alexa functionality, voice processing, smart home control
Basic alarm clock, photo frame (cached)
Voice recordings, usage patterns, camera if enabled
Matter controller (WiFi only). Dual-band WiFi. Bluetooth. 1.75-inch speaker with improved bass. Works as intercom with other Echo devices.
No Zigbee. No Thread. 960x480 display. 2MP camera only. Alexa-only ecosystem. No Netflix.
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
If: Need Zigbee hub or larger display
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
If: Use Google ecosystem
Apple HomePod Mini + iPad
If: Use Apple HomeKit
Want bedside Alexa smart clock
Perfect compact display for nightstand
Buying on sale under $50
Great value at sale prices
Need Home Assistant dashboard
No HA integration - use tablet instead
The Echo Show 5 has a 2MP camera, which reviewers describe as poor quality. Its adequate for basic video calls but not recommended if video quality matters.
Source: Nextpit reviewNo, the Echo Show 5 does not have a Netflix app. You can watch Prime Video, and access YouTube through the browser, but Netflix is not supported.
Source: Tech Advisor reviewSome users report 'cant find Amazon account' error during setup
Amazon reviewsNo Netflix app
occasionalCause: Amazon hasnt added Netflix support
Alexa-only
commonCause: Amazon ecosystem lock-in
Buying for video streaming
Low resolution makes video watching poor experience
Tip: Use for alarm clock and quick glances, not video
Full Amazon cloud dependency. Camera shutter and mic-off button for privacy.
Want high quality video calls
2MP camera is poor - get Echo Show 8 or 10
No native integration. The 1st gen could be jailbroken to run HA dashboard, but 3rd gen cannot be hacked this way. You can use Alexa skills to trigger HA routines indirectly.
Source: HowToGeekNo, the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) does not have a built-in Zigbee hub. If you need Zigbee, get the Echo Show 8 or Echo (4th Gen) which include Zigbee hubs.
Source: Amazon specificationsYes, the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is a Matter controller for Matter-over-WiFi devices. However, it does NOT have Thread or Zigbee, so it cant control Thread-based Matter devices directly.
Source: Amazon specifications