The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) is a compact, mains-powered Alexa display for a bedside table or desk. Its 5.5-inch touchscreen, 2 MP camera, physical camera shutter and Alexa features cover glanceable information, compatible camera feeds, calls and casual media playback. Its small footprint is the point; a non-HD screen and one small speaker make it a less convincing choice for watching video or filling a room with sound.
This assessment is based on published specifications and Amazon’s descriptions, not hands-on testing. Whether the Show 5 is worth buying depends mainly on whether you value a small display more than a larger screen, stronger audio or a higher-resolution camera.
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Is the Echo Show 5 worth it?
It can be worth it if you want Alexa and a small screen within easy reach on a desk or bedside table. You can use voice or touch to check information, manage everyday tasks, control compatible smart-home devices, view supported camera feeds, make calls and play media. The 5.5-inch screen and compact body suit quick interactions better than extended video viewing.
Look elsewhere if your priority is a large or HD screen, room-filling sound, a higher-quality video-call camera or a built-in smart-home hub. Amazon and Ring list a 2 MP camera and one full-range 1.75-inch speaker; TechRadar describes the screen as non-HD and the Show 5 as lacking a built-in hub. Those are meaningful constraints, not just spec-sheet differences.
#1 Best Overall
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
What can you do with an Echo Show 5?
Amazon lists these uses for the Show 5. Availability can vary by region, and some services may require subscriptions.
- See everyday information: Use Alexa for calendars, timers, reminders and lists, or glance at information on the screen.
- Control compatible smart-home devices: Ask Alexa or use touch controls to manage supported devices.
- Check compatible cameras and doorbells: View supported security-camera and video-doorbell feeds on the display.
- Call or check in: Make video calls to supported Echo devices or the Alexa app. Amazon also lists Drop In for home monitoring.
- Play media: Listen to music or watch video, including Prime Video where available.
These capabilities do not make the Show 5 a general-purpose tablet: it is designed around Alexa and its supported services, and its small non-HD display is best suited to brief viewing.
Does Echo Show 5 have a camera shutter?
Yes. Amazon lists a 2 MP front-facing camera with a built-in physical shutter. The device also has a microphone-control button. These let you block the camera and disable the microphones using device controls; the shutter does not, by itself, describe or prevent other data handling.
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Rank #2
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Amazon’s setup guidance says a blue light appears while Alexa is listening and processing a request in Amazon’s cloud. It also says users can review or delete voice history. These controls and history options provide ways to manage use and recordings, but they are not a guarantee that no data is processed.
Setup and accessibility
What you need to get started
Setup requires the Echo Show 5 and included power adapter, an Amazon account and Wi-Fi. Follow the on-screen steps to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi and sign in to your account. The listed power adapter is 22W.
Accessibility features
Amazon lists Tap to Alexa, captioning, screen magnification and VoiceView among the accessibility features available on Echo devices with screens. Check regional availability and device settings for the options you need.
Rank #3
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8
The practical distinction is compactness versus a larger viewing and listening experience. The available published comparison supports the broad tradeoffs below, but does not establish current, model-by-model specifications for every Echo Show 8 generation. Check the listing for the exact model and region before buying.
| What to compare | Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) | Echo Show 8 and other larger Show models |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | Compact; Ring lists 5.8 × 3.6 × 3.2 inches and 16.1 oz. Actual size and weight may vary. | Larger than the Show 5; exact dimensions depend on model. (TechRadar comparison) |
| Screen | 5.5-inch touchscreen; described as non-HD. (Amazon/Ring listing; TechRadar comparison) | Larger displays; exact size and resolution depend on model. (TechRadar comparison) |
| Camera | 2 MP front-facing camera with built-in shutter. | Some larger models offer higher-resolution cameras; check the specific model. (TechRadar comparison) |
| Speaker | One full-range 1.75-inch speaker. | Speaker configuration and audio capabilities depend on model; the comparison establishes a larger-model advantage, not a single specification for all versions. |
| Smart-home hub | No built-in hub, according to TechRadar. | Some larger models include integrated smart-home hubs; confirm support and requirements for the model you are considering. (TechRadar comparison) |
Choose the Show 5 when the device needs to fit a limited space and its screen is mainly for quick information, controls and camera checks. Prefer a larger Show when screen area or audio matters more, or when a particular model’s camera or hub features meet a specific need.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Published specifications and claims
Amazon and Ring identify this model as the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release). Ring’s published specification lists dimensions of 5.8 × 3.6 × 3.2 inches (147 × 91 × 82 mm), weight of 16.1 oz (456 g), a 5.5-inch touchscreen, a 2 MP camera with built-in shutter, a full-range 1.75-inch speaker, a MediaTek MT 8169 B processor, dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth A2DP and a 22W adapter in the box. These are published specifications; actual size and weight may vary.
Rank #4
- This bundle contains Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) and Adjustable Stand with USB-C Charging Port.
- ALEXA CAN SHOW YOU MORE – Set alarms and timers, sleep soundly with a relaxing playlist, start your morning with a smart home routine, see your calendar or weather clearly - all with your voice.
- SMALL SIZE, BIGGER SOUND – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- SEE MORE WITH THE BUILT-IN CAMERA – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
Amazon describes the device as having an AZ2 Neural Edge processor and improved microphone array. In its 29 July 2025 India launch announcement, Amazon said the speaker delivers double the bass and clearer vocals than the previous generation. That is Amazon’s comparison, not an independent listening measurement.
Price and availability
Price depends on region, date, stock and promotion. Amazon India’s 29 July 2025 announcement gave INR 10,999 as a discounted launch price; that is historical India-specific pricing, not a current price. Check the local listing for the current price, available colours and exact generation before purchasing.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
