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Amazon has made a ton of smart home devices, but not only that, they are constantly upgrading them. So when it comes to Amazon Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot, which one is really the best for you?
If you want a smart display that can show info visually (weather, camera feeds, video calls) and better sound in a compact form, go with the Echo Show 5. If what you mostly need is voice control, music, alarms, and a more budget-friendly, low-visual device, the Echo Dot will likely cover your needs.
Amazon Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot: Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side summary:
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Display | 5.5-inch touchscreen display – full visual feedback and interaction. | None / minimal LEDs / small indicators (depending on version) |
Camera + Video | Yes – 2MP camera with shutter. | No |
Audio Quality | Stronger speaker, better bass, fuller sound. | Good for smaller rooms, voice; less bass / room-filling power. |
Size & Footprint | Larger, more visible; needs its spot. | Compact; easier to hide or integrate. |
Privacy Considerations | Show includes camera shutter; some visual notification; more parts to manage. | No camera; less visual exposure; simpler. |
Price |  | |
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Show 5: Product Comparisons
Design & Display vs No Display
- Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) has a 5.5-inch touchscreen display (960 × 480) so you can glance at things: weather, camera feeds, song info, timers, etc.
- Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022) doesn’t have a full screen. Some versions/display types show time/song titles via LEDs or minimal displays (LED clock or small indicators) but not full touch display functionality.
So, if you often want to see something, not just hear, the Show 5 gives you that visual layer.
Audio & Speaker Quality
- Show 5 (3rd Gen): Improved speaker with “deeper bass and clearer vocals” compared to previous Show 5 models. Better for listening to spoken things, music, etc.
- Echo Dot (5th Gen): Also improved audio over earlier Dots; for many uses (voice, background music) it sounds very good. But with no display and smaller driver, it won’t match the Show 5 for immersive visuals + audio.
Features & Smart Home / Camera & Privacy
- Show 5 includes a camera (2 MP) with a privacy shutter; you can do video calls, view compatible security cameras, etc.
- Dot has no camera (standard versions). It does voice, smart-home control, routines, sensors (motion or temperature depending on version) etc.
Size, Placement & Power
- Show 5 is physically larger and heavier: about 147 × 82 × 91 mm, ~456g. Needs to sit somewhere where you can see the screen.
- Dot is more compact (around 3.9 × 3.9 × 3.5 in; lighter). Easier to tuck away, less visual footprint.
Price / Value
- Show 5 (3rd Gen) is more expensive because of the display, camera, better speakers. It gives more features. Retail ~ US$ 89.99 in many regions.
- Dot (5th Gen) is cheaper. If you don’t need visuals or video calling, the Dot gives a lot of voice assistant and smart home functionality for less.
Amazon Echo Show 5 vs Amazon Echo Dot: Pros & Cons
Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023)
Pros:
- Visual display adds a lot: see info, song titles, timers, video feeds, etc.
- Camera + video call capability.
- Better speaker + improved sound for music, voice, media.
- More versatile as a hub/display device.
Cons:
- More expensive.
- Bigger size → more space required, more visible.
- Display might be more distracting (light, notifications, etc.), especially in bedrooms or low-light.
- Slightly more complicated; more things that can go wrong (screen, camera).
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022)
Pros:
- Lower cost.
- Compact, minimal design fits almost anywhere.
- Excellent for voice control, smart home commands, alarms.
- Less visual distraction; darker rooms/bedside might prefer it.
Cons:
- No full display; less “glanceable info”.
- No video calling or live video feed from cameras.
- Audio good but weaker vs Show for media that uses display too.
- If you often want visual feedback, may feel lacking.
Major Differences & Use-Case Examples
Here are what really separates them in everyday usage — situations where one performs strongly over the other:
Use Case | Where Show 5 shines | Where Dot is enough / better |
|---|---|---|
Bedside alarm + checking time/weather | Show 5 lets you see the info, camera view, possibly follow along with things visually. | Dot is sufficient for alarms + voice queries; less light in the room; simpler. |
Kitchen / visual tasks (recipes, timers, camera view) | Show 5 much more useful because you can see things – recipe steps, oven timers, who’s at the door. | Dot would require hearing instructions only; you might need your phone for visuals. |
Smart home control / voice-only tasks | Both can do voice control, but Show 5 gives more feedback visually. Dot is fine if you don’t need visual cues. | Dot performs well; simpler interactions; less moving parts. |
Video calls / monitoring | Show 5 has the camera; if you want to drop in, video call, see video from cameras, etc. | Not possible on standard Dot. |
Budget / minimalism | If budget allows, Show 5 gives more, but if visual isn’t critical, the extra cost might not feel worth it. | Dot gives lots of what many people want (Alexa, music, home control) for less. |
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| | |
Display | 5.5-inch touchscreen display – full visual feedback and interaction. | None / minimal LEDs / small indicators (depending on version) |
Camera + Video | Yes – 2MP camera with shutter. | No |
Audio Quality | Stronger speaker, better bass, fuller sound. | Good for smaller rooms, voice; less bass / room-filling power. |
Size & Footprint | Larger, more visible; needs its spot. | Compact; easier to hide or integrate. |
Privacy Considerations | Show includes camera shutter; some visual notification; more parts to manage. | No camera; less visual exposure; simpler. |
Price | | |
FAQs
Q: Can the Echo Show 5 stream video (Netflix, Prime Video, etc.)?
A: It supports certain streaming services; Prime Video etc. But note: some apps might have limited support; often you may use browsers or compatible apps.
Q: Will the Echo Dot show song/album info or weather visually?
A: Some versions of the Dot include small LED displays (for clock or simple indicators). But you won’t get a full touchscreen display, and it’s more limited.
Q: Which device has better voice recognition / microphone array?
A: Show 5 has multiple microphones (3-mic array) and performs well, especially when there’s ambient noise or you’re farther away. Dot also has good voice sensing, but because of size and fewer mics, it might not do quite as well in noisy or larger spaces.
Q: Which is better for a bedroom at night?
A: If you want minimal light and distractions, the Dot is likely better (no screen lighting, no video, less visual draw). If you like seeing a clock, maybe checking things visually, the Show 5 adds that utility but with more potential light/attention.
Q: Do both support smart home hub features (Matter, etc.)?
A: The Show 5 (3rd Gen) is a Matter controller. The Dot supports various smart home control via Alexa and routines, but doesn’t have a full display or camera. Some versions include temperature or motion sensors.
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About the Author
Written by HappyHomeNerd — your trusted guide for smart home reviews, troubleshooting, and everyday tech fixes. Visit HappyHomeNerd for more expert tips and product breakdowns. Whether it’s Amazon Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot or other smart home items, we have reviews for it!