Choose the Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) if you want a screen for video calls, compatible smart-home camera views, and other visual tasks. Choose the Echo Spot (2024 Release) if you mainly want a compact bedside device for audio, timers, and wake-up music. The deciding factor is whether you will use the screen as more than a clock.
Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Spot: What’s the difference?
These are different kinds of Alexa display. Amazon presents the Show 5 as a small smart display for viewing information and video, while the Spot is aimed at bedside audio and alarms. The comparison here is specifically between the Show 5 (3rd Generation) and the Spot (2024 Release), not the original Echo Spot from 2017. Amazon lists the generations separately in its Echo device identification guide.
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| Feature | Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) | Echo Spot (2024 Release) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 5.5 inches, according to Amazon’s Echo buying guide. | 2.83 inches with 320 × 240 resolution, according to TechRadar’s review of the 2024 model. |
| Camera and calls | Amazon lists a 2 MP camera and video calling. | Amazon’s description focuses on audio, timers, and wake-up music; video calling is not established for this model. |
| Best fit | Visual information, video calls, and compatible smart-home camera viewing. | Bedside audio, timers, and waking to music. |
Is Echo Show 5 better than Echo Spot?
The Show 5 is the more capable choice for screen-based tasks. Its larger display and camera suit video calls, and Amazon also lists viewing compatible smart-home cameras among its uses. If you expect to read or check visual information on the device, or want to make video calls, the Show 5 is the stronger fit.
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That does not make it the better buy for everyone. If your main goal is a compact bedside clock and speaker, the Spot’s smaller screen and audio-first role may be all you need. Amazon describes the Spot as a device for audio, timers, and waking with music: “Ask Alexa to play audio, set a timer, or wake you up with music.” That description is on Amazon’s device-identification page; the model compared here is the 2024 Release.
#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.
Can Echo Spot make video calls?
Amazon’s available product description for the Echo Spot centers on audio, timers, and wake-up music, and does not establish video calling for the 2024 model. Don’t choose it expecting the Show 5’s camera-based calling features. For video calls, Amazon lists a 2 MP camera and video calling for the Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) in its buying guide.
Which Echo is better for a bedside alarm clock?
The Spot is the more specifically bedside-oriented option: Amazon describes it for timers and waking to music, and its compact screen makes it a natural fit when you want a clock-like device with Alexa audio. The Show 5 can also sit on a bedside table, but its larger screen and camera are most worthwhile if you will use those additional functions.
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.
Check the generation and power adapter
Echo Spot names can refer to different devices. Confirm the listing says Echo Spot (2024 Release); the original 2017 Spot is a separate generation, and its design or capabilities should not be assumed to apply to the current model.
Both devices are powered by an AC adapter, not described here as battery-powered. Amazon’s safety information says to use the adapter included with each device and cautions that third-party accessories may affect performance and, in limited circumstances, warranty coverage. If you need a replacement, verify compatibility with the exact device generation rather than choosing a generic adapter. See Amazon’s Echo Show 5 Safety and Compliance and Echo Spot Safety & Compliance pages.
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.
Does either device offer better value?
A price-based winner cannot be named without current listings for your country and purchase date. Compare the price of the exact generations available where you live, then weigh it against the features you will use: the Show 5’s camera and larger display, or the Spot’s compact bedside focus.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about sustainability?
Amazon’s US-only sustainability fact sheet for the Echo Spot (2024 Release), updated May 2024, reports 48 kg CO2e in total life-cycle emissions and 36% recycled materials. Amazon says those figures apply to that release and exclude bundled accessories and devices. They are published figures for the Spot, not a like-for-like comparison proving that one of these two models is environmentally preferable. The fact sheet is available as Amazon’s Echo Spot 2024 Release Product Sustainability Fact Sheet.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charge your smartphone, earbuds, and more using the accessible 7.5 W USB-C charging port.
- Easily tilt your Echo Show 5 forward or backward to improve your viewing angle.
- Quick and secure magnetic attachment.
- Color matched with Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen).
- Made with 44% recycled materials.
Rank #4
- Like-New Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device. Like-New Amazon devices may be packaged in generic Amazon-branded boxes.
- 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.
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.
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