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If you want a compact display for a bedside table or smaller space, the Echo Show 5 is enough. If you care more about video calling, stronger sound, smart-home hub features (Matter/Thread/Zigbee), and seeing more on your screen, the Echo Show 8 is the better buy.
Why this matters: the size, screen, camera, and hub support make a big difference in how you’ll use the smart display—whether it’s just for checking time/music or really integrating with your home and family video calls.
Amazon Echo Show 5 vs 8 3rd Generation: Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side look at key specs:
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Screen Size & Resolution | 8-inch, 1280×800 ✓ | 5.5-inch, 960×480 |
Camera | 13 MP centered + auto-framing ✓ | 2 MP, corner placement |
Mic Quality & Voice Recognition | Better mic array; stronger performance | Adequate, but less sensitive |
Smart Home Hub / Compatibility | Yes – built in | No |
Audio & Speakers | Dual 2″ speakers + bass radiator | Single smaller speaker |
Best Use Case | Kitchen, living room, video calls, central smart display | Bedside, office desk, secondary use |
Price |  | |
Amazon Echo Show 8 vs 5 3rd Generation: Product Comparisons
Design & Display
- Echo Show 8 has an 8-inch screen with 1280×800 resolution, giving a sharper, more useful display for video, recipes, smart home dashboards.
- Echo Show 5 has a 5.5-inch screen, resolution of 960×480. Smaller, more compact, which is great if space is tight.
In terms of design, the Show 8 is noticeably larger and heavier (depth & presence) than the Show 5. If you place it on a nightstand or small desk, the Show 5 may feel less obtrusive.
Camera, Mic & Smart Features
- Camera: Show 8 gets a 13MP centered camera with auto-framing and a physical shutter. Show 5 offers a 2MP camera (top corner) with shutter as well. For video calls, Show 8 is far superior.
- Microphones: Show 8 has more mics / better mic array. It does better in voice pick-up, especially from farther away. Show 5 has fewer, which may limit recognition in noisier or larger rooms.
Performance & Smart-Home Hub Capabilities
- Processing Power: Show 8 uses an octa-core SoC plus the AZ2 Neural Network Engine. Fast, responsive. Show 5 has a hexa-core processor (MediaTek MT 8169 B with AZ2 in some configurations), but less horsepower.
- Smart Home Hub Features: Show 8 (3rd gen) includes Zigbee + Matter + Thread Border Router capabilities for smart home devices. Show 5 does not include those hub features.
Audio & Other Usability
- Speakers: Show 8 has better audio: dual 2-inch neodymium drivers and a passive bass radiator. So, more full sound, better when listening to music or video. Show 5 has a single speaker (smaller) which is decent but less powerful.
- Price: Show 8 is more expensive vs Show 5. If budget is tight, Show 5 gives core functionality for much less.
Amazon Echo Show 5 vs 8: Pros and Cons
Device | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
• Higher resolution & larger screen — better for video calls, watching, smart home dashboards • Superior camera (13MP, auto-framing), more accurate mic setup • Smart-home hub (Zigbee / Thread / Matter) built-in • Better audio quality with dual speakers and passive bass radiator | • Larger size, takes more space • More expensive • Might be overkill if you only use it for alarms, music, or basic Alexa tasks | |
• Compact size, takes less room • Lower cost • Good for bedside, minimal everyday Alexa use • Privacy cover & basic camera + mic feature set holds up for simple uses | • Small screen, lower resolution • Weak camera / video call quality • Less powerful audio • No smart hub capabilities (no Matter / Thread / Zigbee) • May feel sluggish for more advanced tasks compared to Show 8 |
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| | |
Screen Size & Resolution | 8-inch, 1280×800 ✓ | 5.5-inch, 960×480 |
Camera | 13 MP centered + auto-framing ✓ | 2 MP, corner placement |
Mic Quality & Voice Recognition | Better mic array; stronger performance | Adequate, but less sensitive |
Smart Home Hub / Compatibility | Yes – built in | No |
Audio & Speakers | Dual 2″ speakers + bass radiator | Single smaller speaker |
Best Use Case | Kitchen, living room, video calls, central smart display | Bedside, office desk, secondary use |
Price | | |
Major Differences & Use-Case Examples
Here are what really separates them — what makes one better than the other in practice:
- Video calls / group chat → Echo Show 8 wins: sharp 13MP camera, better mic pickup, more screen space so more people fit in view.
- Smart home integration: If you plan to connect lots of smart devices, use Matter / Thread / Zigbee, Show 8 is future-proof. Show 5 is okay for basic control but lacks hub features.
- Space & placement: Bedside table, small desk? Go with Show 5. Countertops, kitchen, living room where you want to glance from distance: Show 8.
- Budget constraints: If spending under ~$100 is preferred, Show 5 gives many core features. But if you can stretch, the Show 8 delivers more value for advanced users.
FAQs
Q: Is the Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) good in dim or bright rooms?
A: Both have automatic brightness adjustments. The Show 8’s bigger display helps in bright rooms (easier to see), but its bezels are still noticeable. If the room gets bright glare, placement matters.
Q: Which lasts longer, the Echo Show 5 or Show 8?
A: In terms of hardware, Show 8 has more capability (camera, hub, better audio) so less likely to feel outdated sooner. But in basic usage, Show 5 should still work fine for many years for simple Alexa tasks.
Q: Do both devices work well for video doorbells / security cameras?
A: Yes, but Show 8 gives a noticeably better experience — sharper live feed, better image quality, more screen to see details. Show 5 works, but you might wish for a larger screen.
Q: If I already have smart bulbs, cameras, etc., is Show 8 worth upgrading?
A: Yes, especially if you want unified control (Matter / Thread / Zigbee) from one hub, and better visuals/calls. If your setup is minimal or you don’t use the display much, maybe less so.
Q: How is privacy handled?
A: Both have built-in camera shutters and mic-off buttons. Show 8 adds Visual ID (optional) for personalization. So you get comparable privacy features, with Show 8 offering some extras.
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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.