Hands-on With Amazon's Echo Show 5: A Competitive Challenger To Google's Smart Displays

3 min read Post on May 22, 2025

Hands-on with Amazon's Echo Show 5: A Competitive Challenger to Google's Smart Displays?

Amazon's Echo Show 5 has quietly become a powerhouse in the smart display market, offering a compelling alternative to Google's Nest Hub and other competitors. But does it truly stand up to the challenge? We spent a week putting the Echo Show 5 through its paces to find out. This in-depth review covers everything from its sleek design and user-friendly interface to its performance and smart home integration capabilities.

A Compact Design Packed with Features

The Echo Show 5's biggest draw is its compact size. At 5.5 inches, it's perfect for bedside tables, kitchen counters, or even a cramped office desk. Unlike some larger smart displays, it doesn't dominate the space, making it ideal for smaller homes or apartments. The 5.5-inch touchscreen is vibrant and responsive, although not as sharp as some higher-resolution models. The built-in speaker delivers surprisingly decent audio quality, adequate for casual listening or short video calls.

Seamless Alexa Integration: The Heart of the Experience

The Echo Show 5 shines with its seamless integration with Alexa. Setting up the device is a breeze, and controlling smart home devices, setting timers, making shopping lists, and playing music is intuitive and quick. Voice commands are reliably recognized, even in moderately noisy environments. This tight integration is a significant advantage over some competitors, offering a more streamlined and cohesive smart home experience. We tested its compatibility with various smart home brands – including Philips Hue, TP-Link Kasa, and Samsung SmartThings – and found the setup and control to be exceptionally smooth.

Smart Home Control and Beyond: Unlocking the Potential

Beyond basic smart home control, the Echo Show 5 offers a range of useful features. These include:

Video Calls: High-quality video calls using the built-in camera are a significant highlight, particularly for staying connected with family and friends. The camera features a handy privacy shutter for added security.
Recipe Display: Following recipes while cooking is made easier with the clear display and simple interface.
News and Weather Updates: Staying informed is simple with quick access to news headlines and weather forecasts.
Entertainment: Streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video are readily accessible, turning the Echo Show 5 into a compact entertainment hub.

Comparing to Google's Nest Hub: A Head-to-Head Look

The Google Nest Hub is a strong competitor, offering a similar range of features. However, the Echo Show 5 boasts a slightly more affordable price point and tighter integration with Amazon's ecosystem. While the Nest Hub might offer a slightly more polished visual interface for some users, the Echo Show 5’s ease of use and strong Alexa integration provide a compelling counterpoint. The choice ultimately depends on your existing smart home setup and personal preferences.

Final Verdict: A Smart Choice for Many

The Amazon Echo Show 5 delivers a compelling blend of affordability, functionality, and seamless integration within the Amazon ecosystem. While it might not match the highest-end smart displays in terms of screen resolution or audio quality, its compact design, user-friendly interface, and robust smart home capabilities make it a strong contender and a smart choice for many users. Its competitive price tag only sweetens the deal, solidifying its position as a worthy challenger to Google's smart display dominance. If you're looking for a versatile and affordable smart display, the Echo Show 5 is definitely worth considering.