You can set up and use an Echo Show 5 without Amazon Prime or another paid plan. It still provides Alexa’s everyday functions, compatible smart-home controls, widgets, and photo display. Paid media catalogs and some connected services have separate requirements, so what works depends on the specific service and your country.
Does an Echo Show 5 need Prime to work?
No. Amazon’s setup guide for the Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) lists the device, an Amazon account, and Wi-Fi—not Prime—as setup requirements. Alexa requests are handled through Amazon’s cloud, so an internet connection is needed for the normal Alexa experience. Amazon’s Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) setup guide explains the setup requirements.
Amazon Staff member Nick also stated in an older forum response that Prime is not required to use and operate the Echo Show 5, while noting that Prime Video may not be available without membership. That distinction is useful, but it does not establish the current terms for every streaming service or Alexa feature. Read the Amazon forum response.
What can you use without paying?
Everyday Alexa requests
You can ask Alexa questions, check the weather, hear news, get sports scores, and use other standard Alexa functions. The device can also handle alarms and routines. Amazon’s overview of Echo capabilities describes examples including calls, weather, news, sports scores, visual content, and compatible camera feeds. See Amazon’s Echo device capabilities overview.
#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.
Compatible smart-home controls
You can use Alexa to control compatible smart-home devices and access related controls on the screen. The devices and services you connect may have their own requirements; compatibility and account terms depend on the product or provider.
Widgets and on-screen information
Echo Show 5 supports widgets, which can provide quick access to items such as Calendar and Reminders, Smart Home, Shopping List, Music, Notifications, games, sounds, news, and weather. Availability and the exact menu can vary by software version. Amazon’s Alexa Widgets help page lists widget options and supported devices.
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.
Photos on the screen
You can set up photo display on an Echo Show without treating Prime as a requirement for the screen to show photos. Amazon says all customers receive 5 GB of free Amazon Photos storage for photos and videos; Prime members and Alexa+ standalone subscribers have a separate storage allowance in select countries. The Echo Show’s ability to display photos is distinct from how much cloud storage your account includes. Amazon Photos storage details and photo display setup for Echo devices with a screen explain the options.
What changes for music and video?
Music may be free, but the catalog is limited
In the United States, Amazon says customers without Prime or Amazon Music Unlimited can listen to an ad-supported selection of playlists and stations on compatible Alexa-enabled devices. This is not a promise of unrestricted, on-demand playback of any song. Catalog access, ads, and available plans vary. Check Amazon Music’s FAQs.
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.
Prime Video and other streaming services have their own terms
Prime Video is a clear example of a service that may require a membership for access. Other streaming providers, Alexa skills, and connected services can require their own account, paid plan, or availability in your region. Having an Echo Show 5—or Prime—does not automatically grant access to every service’s full catalog.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What “no subscription” means in practice
- No Prime: You can still set up and use the Echo Show 5 for Alexa and compatible device functions.
- No paid media plan: Some free or ad-supported content may be available, but paid catalogs and on-demand access can be restricted.
- No provider account: A connected service may not work until you sign in or meet that provider’s requirements.
- Cloud photo storage: Photo display is a device feature; the amount of online storage depends on your Amazon Photos plan and location.
For exact generation-specific setup details, Amazon’s cited guide covers the 3rd Generation. Other Echo Show 5 generations may have different menus, and service terms and availability can change by country and over time.
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.
