Amazon Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Spot: Which Smart Display Reigns Supreme in 2024?

Amazon’s Echo lineup offers a range of smart speakers with visual interfaces, but the Echo show 5 (3rd Gen) and the Echo Spot (2024) occupy a similar price bracket, making the choice between them less obvious. The Echo show devices provide versatile control over connected apps and devices, but is the newer Echo Spot a better fit for your needs?

This in-depth comparison dives into the nuances of each device, exploring their design, features, and audio capabilities to help you determine which Amazon Echo best suits your smart home setup.

Price and Availability

As of October 2024, the Amazon Echo Spot is priced at $79.99, while the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) retails for $89.99. Both are available in various colors and can be purchased directly from amazon and other major retailers.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for discounts, especially during major sales events like Amazon Prime Day, where Echo devices are often heavily discounted.

Design and Build

The Echo Show 5 features a traditional smart display design with a rectangular 5.5-inch screen (960 x 480 resolution) dominating the front. Its dimensions (147 x 91 x 82mm) make it suitable for bedside tables, desks, or kitchen counters.

The echo Spot sports a unique, rounded design, resembling a larger Echo Pop. It measures 113 x 103 x 111mm, making it slightly narrower but taller and deeper than the echo show 5.Despite the different shapes,both devices occupy a similar footprint.

Did You No? The Echo Show 5 includes a physical camera shutter for enhanced privacy, a feature not present on the Echo Spot.

Features and Functionality

Both devices share core functionalities, including voice-controlled weather forecasts, smart device management with on-screen touch controls, and music playback with track controls. Though, the Echo Show 5’s higher resolution screen enables more detailed visual information. Such as, when searching for local restaurants, the Echo Show 5 displays results on-screen, while the Echo Spot only reads out the listings, similar to a standard Echo Dot.

At night, both devices automatically dim their screens to display a subtle clock. Alarms can be set on both, and snoozing is achieved by tapping the top of the device.

The Echo Show 5’s built-in webcam allows for video calls, a feature absent on the Echo Spot. While the Echo Show 5 includes a physical camera shutter for privacy, the Echo Spot might be preferred by users who prioritize absolute privacy.

Audio Performance

The Echo Show 5 features a 1.75-inch speaker, while the Echo Spot has a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker. Audio quality is comparable between the two,with decent bass and adequate maximum volume. However, both devices exhibit harshness at higher frequencies and lack detailed audio reproduction.

Speech quality is excellent on both,making them suitable for talk radio,Alexa responses,and podcasts. For casual music listening, they suffice, but audiophiles may prefer the Echo Show 8 (3rd Generation) or the echo (4th Generation) for superior audio performance.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which Smart Display is Right for You?

The Echo Spot serves as a stylish smart clock with the added benefit of a touchscreen display. Though, the Echo Show 5 offers more features for a slightly higher price, including a better screen and improved integration with Ring doorbells. This makes the Echo Show 5 the better choice for most users.

If a display is not a priority, the Echo Dot (5th Generation) offers similar sound quality at a lower price point.

What features are most important to you in a smart display? Would you prefer the privacy of no camera, or the added functionality of video calls?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered professional advice. always consult with a qualified expert for specific needs.

Share your thoughts! Which smart display do you prefer, and why? Leave a comment below!