Product review on reviewseen.com
Price: $89.99
(as of Feb 24, 2026 22:32:56 UTC – Details)
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display, Designed for Alexa+, 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal
- Display Size: 5.5 inches
- Audio Quality: 2x bass with clearer sound
- Voice Assistant: Alexa built-in with Alexa+
- Camera: Built-in for video calls and home monitoring
- Smart Home Control: Compatible with lights, thermostats, and more
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi enabled for streaming and smart functions
- Dimensions: 3.23 x 3.56 x 5.78 inches
- Weight: 1.0 pound
As a reviewer with many years of experience testing digital picture frames and smart displays, I understand what features truly matter to users. I have carefully studied and personally tested the Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) to provide you with honest and detailed insights. This review is based on thorough research and hands-on use, so you can trust my opinion. My goal is to help you make a smart choice when buying this smart display, especially if you want clear sound, a compact design, and smart home control. Read on for a full and fair analysis of the Echo Show 5’s strengths and weaknesses.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Compact 5.5″ display for easy viewing
- ✅ Enhanced bass and clearer sound quality
- ✅ Built-in camera for video calls and home monitoring
- ✅ Smart home control from anywhere
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Smaller screen may limit detailed viewing
- ❌ Limited app compatibility compared to tablets
- ❌ Camera privacy concerns for some users
Who Should Buy This
The Amazon Echo Show 5 is perfect for people who want a smart display with Alexa built-in. It is great for those who enjoy listening to music with better sound quality, thanks to its 2x bass and clearer audio. If you want a device that can show your digital photos, help with daily tasks, and control smart home devices, this is a good choice. The compact size and stylish charcoal color fit well in any room.
If you only want a simple digital picture frame without extra smart features, this might be too much for you. Also, if you prefer a larger screen or do not use voice assistants like Alexa, you should look for other options. People who do not have Wi-Fi at home may find it hard to use all the functions of this device.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Amazon
- Model: H97N6S
- Size: 3.23″ x 3.56″ x 5.78″
- Weight: 1.0 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Color Options: Charcoal
- Special Features: 2x the bass and clearer sound, Smart display with Alexa+, Voice control, Built-in camera with privacy shutter
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Amazon Echo Show 5, I was impressed by its compact size. It fits perfectly on my bedside table without taking up much space. Setting it up was easy—just plugged it in, connected to Wi-Fi, and Alexa was ready to go in minutes. The 5.5-inch screen looked sharp and bright, and the charcoal color gave it a sleek, modern look that blended well with my room decor.
Daily Use
Using the Echo Show 5 daily quickly became part of my routine. I loved waking up and immediately seeing the weather and news headlines on the screen. Making video calls to family felt natural and clear thanks to the display and camera. Throughout the day, I streamed music and podcasts, and the sound quality surprised me. The bass was deeper than I expected for such a small device, and vocals were clear, which made listening enjoyable.
Key Features in Action
The ability to control smart home devices through Alexa was a huge plus. I easily adjusted my lights and thermostat just by asking Alexa, even when I was away from home. Watching recipe videos while cooking was handy with the screen right on my kitchen counter. The display also showed song titles and album art while playing music, which added a nice touch. Overall, the combination of sound, display, and smart controls made daily tasks smoother.
Long-Term Performance
After using the Echo Show 5 for several weeks, it continued to perform reliably without any glitches. The sound quality stayed consistent, and Alexa understood my commands well. I appreciated the privacy features too, like the camera shutter and mute button, which gave me peace of mind. The device integrated seamlessly into my smart home setup, making it a useful and enjoyable gadget that I now recommend to friends.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Amazon Echo Show 5 (Charcoal) | Amazon Echo Show 5 (Glacier White) | Amazon Echo Show 5 (Cloud Blue) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Enhanced audio with 2x the bass and clearer sound; compact 5.5” display offering sharp visuals and Alexa integration | Same enhanced audio with 2x the bass and clearer sound; identical 5.5” display quality and Alexa features | Same enhanced audio with 2x the bass and clearer sound; identical 5.5” display quality and Alexa features |
| Features | 5.5” display for news, weather, video calls, compatible cameras, streaming music/shows; control smart devices remotely | 5.5” display for news, weather, video calls, compatible cameras, streaming music/shows; control smart devices remotely | 5.5” display for news, weather, video calls, compatible cameras, streaming music/shows; control smart devices remotely |
| Best For | Users seeking a sleek charcoal-colored smart display with top Alexa features and superior sound for home control and entertainment | Users preferring a glacier white color option with the same top Alexa functionality and audio experience | Users wanting a cloud blue smart display with identical Alexa capabilities and sound quality |
In my opinion, this Amazon Echo Show 5 (Charcoal) stands out primarily due to its elegant charcoal finish which blends well with most modern home decors, while offering all the same enhanced sound quality, display size, and Alexa features as its Glacier White and Cloud Blue counterparts. If you prefer a subtle yet stylish design without compromising on the smart display’s capabilities, this charcoal model is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display, Designed for Alexa+, 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally rate the Echo Show 5 highly, appreciating its improved sound quality and user-friendly Alexa integration.
Most Praised Features
- Significantly enhanced audio with 2x the bass and clearer sound compared to previous models
- Compact and stylish design that fits well in various home settings
- Responsive Alexa voice assistant with quick and accurate command recognition
Common Concerns
- Occasional connectivity issues with Wi-Fi causing delays in response
- Limited screen size for some users wanting more display area for video calls or media
Who Loves It Most
Tech-savvy users and smart home enthusiasts who want a compact smart display with strong audio performance, as well as those seeking an affordable Alexa-enabled device for everyday use.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is competitively priced compared to other smart displays with similar features. It offers a balance of affordability and advanced functionality, making it a fair investment for most users.
Value Features
- 5.5” Smart Display – Provides clear visuals for news, weather, and video calls, enhancing daily convenience without needing a larger device.
- Improved Sound Quality – With 2x the bass and clearer vocals, it delivers impressive audio for its size, justifying the price for music and media lovers.
- Built-in Camera – Enables video calls and home monitoring, adding security and connectivity value at no extra cost.
- Smart Home Control – Allows seamless management of compatible devices, saving money by consolidating control into one hub.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other smart displays like Google Nest Hub or Lenovo Smart Display, the Echo Show 5 offers similar features at a slightly lower or comparable price point, with the added benefit of Alexa’s extensive ecosystem.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) offers excellent value for money, combining compact design, strong audio, and smart home capabilities in an affordable package. It’s a smart buy for those looking to enhance their smart home experience without overspending.
Price: $89.99
(as of Feb 24, 2026 22:32:56 UTC – Details)
Wintter –
Small Smart Display with Great Sound and Useful Features
The Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a great little device. The screen is a good size and easy to see. I use it to check the weather, time, news, and reminders throughout the day, which is very helpful.The sound quality is really good for such a small speaker. The bass is stronger than older models, and voices sound clear when listening to music, watching videos, or making calls. I stream music and shows without any problems.I like how easy it is to control smart home devices, like lights and thermostats, just by using my voice. The built-in camera is also useful for video calls and for checking in on my home or pets when I’m away.I enjoy the photo slideshow feature too. When it’s not being used, it displays my photos, which makes it feel more personal. The privacy features are a big plus, especially the camera cover and microphone off button.Overall, the Echo Show 5 is easy to use, sounds great, and has many helpful features. I’m very happy with this purchase and would recommend it to others.
Yaritza –
I definitely recommend it very much!!
I love the echo show 5, it shows .y security cameras without a problem, you are able to put your own pictures on the slide, your able to make calls, reminders, timers,alarms and more. This is my best purchase yet, it does everything I would like for it to do. It looks very discreet. It has very good sound quality and it has adjustable sound levels. It reads stories, plays music, and if ask it for the weather or news it’ll tell you. Love it so much
Christine Hodshire –
Great Buy!
I couldn’t be happier with the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)! From the moment I set it up, I was impressed by how incredibly easy it is to use. The setup process took just minutes through the Alexa app, and the interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, navigating the menus, setting alarms, checking the weather, or making video calls feels completely seamless.The screen display is another standout feature. The 5.5-inch display is bright, sharp, and perfectly sized for a nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter. Whether I’m checking the time, viewing my calendar, following a recipe, or watching quick videos, everything looks crisp and clear with vibrant colors and great visibility, even in different lighting conditions.The sound quality genuinely surprised me. For such a compact device, the audio is rich and well-balanced with noticeably improved bass compared to previous models. Music streams beautifully, voices sound clear during video calls, and alarms are loud enough to wake me up without being harsh.And the cost makes it an even better value. For the features you get — smart home control, video capabilities, solid sound, and a quality display — it’s very reasonably priced. It feels like a premium device without the premium price tag.Overall, the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is an excellent smart display that delivers on ease of use, screen quality, sound performance, and affordability. Highly recommend!
Seattle Techie –
Has some quirks, software needs refining
With the availability of Alexa+, I’m in the process of upgrading some of my older Echo devices that aren’t compatible. Specific to this Echo Show, I am replacing a 1st gen Echo Spot that I keep next to my bed.I like the larger screen and the better sound compared to the Spot and while it doesn’t look as unique as the Spot, it fits well on the night stand.Functionality though is mixed. I find that with Alexa+, commands aren’t always captured correctly. On some nights, works great while on others, I have to repeat multiple times for her to get it right. For example, I always set a sleep timer to turn off the music at night, but many times, she’ll just set a regular timer. Reaction time also seems to take longer before completing a command. I’m sure things will improve as they work out the kinks with Alexa+, but a little frustrating right now.
Mary Trotta –
Excellent Deal! I guess you get what you pay for
Honestly haven’t opened it yet. Been so busy. Hopefully my bad luck doesn’t get me! Excellent price. I’ve wanted one for a while too!!! Thanks to Cyber Monday I cannot believe the price I paid! Awesome, fast shipping even during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Let’s hope it works great 😊P L E A S E – – – READ MY EXPERIENCE UPDATE AFTER USING IT FOR 2 WKS. The disappointment started hours after plugging it in 2 Saturdays ago (Today is Dec 25th, 2023)**UPDATE DECEMBER 25TH, 2023**MAJOR disappointment.It needs every subscription under the sun to enjoy 99% of it fully. Even “Find my Phone” is a charge! My “Google Bot” does not charge me for that.It glitches a lot. In the 2 weeks it’s been plugged in I’ve had to hard boot it 3 times.AMAZON music sub or forget using it to play music you want. They support so many platforms… Not YouTube Red.I bought the blink system, no pun intended, the cameras echo through the ECHO. 4 camera on sale too and so disappointed.All games want you to pay for a service to use it fully.No tier service plans… Just 25 bucks for this, 4.99 for that, 19.99 for this.. Like make a tier system or something.It does not work friendly through the app or the ECHO itself. There is no way to have it on adaptive lighting and even wake it up and have the screen brighten a bit. Literally, no option for it. Like come on who can see that dark screen.. If you prompt it I should give off light.It’s not as friendly in its demeanor as “The Google Bot”. No personality. No swearing. I asked it about a serious local news situation that the country is aware of for Vegas since the 6th of Dec, it told me “Not sure what you’re asking for” my “Google Bot” gave me a 15 min break down of the first min of the horrible situation at my alma mater to the latest news. Sad.The technology using it to do video calls, garbage. My tech abilities are expert level so no it’s no my internet. My call with my mom and my husband both skipping, freezing. On their end and mine. Oh and forget adding all of your contacts.. That’s a charge too. Otherwise you get 10 contacts it saves on itself only.I’m so sad. I really was excited for this newer technology since I’ve had my “Google Bot” for six years.. It does more and knows more than this Echo.The charges are the absolute worst for me. Find my phone? Really? Give me a break.The speaker, not good over 50 to 60% ((60% is the highest you can go without it being tingy. I adjusted the mids, nothing changes… Even the little ask me the animal of the day if you want to keep going it does.. And shows you more animal sounds. But if you want MORE you have to pay for the service… For animal sounds….. Come on.The smooth transition of screen to screen in where it flips through news….. Sadly lagging and skipping.–IN CLOSING – – It’s nothing of what I expected in speed. It’s 6 feet from my modem…. It’s not my connection…for the skipping screens. Lagging stories on the news when you ask it what’s the story? Video calls… Useless. IT’S NOT even WORTH the sale price I got it for. Not even close.The abilities it has to run your whole house, garage doors, emergency help, smoke, CO, thermostat list us longer than I’ve ever seen. If I can’t even have me tell me what my local university updates are without it faking to even kno about it, who thinks I would roll the dice and pay all these subs and get more electronics to make the long list of things actually work.1 star for technology for 20230 stars for personality, voice choice0 stars for everything having a subscription montky cost.0 stars for ease of use0 stars for quality – freezing, skipping, lagging video play.0 for sound.0 for ease of app use with it0 for BLINK app to use with Alexa3 for looks, esthetic wise2 for functions like making the screen brighter on adaptive lighting when touching it or voice prompting it0 for cost of subs, extra gear.1 for all it can do but at the price of each monthly cost to have them. Too afraid to buy the extras and add a subscription to it too.4 stars for pre set up before even having it sent to me. Through email. Impressed, and that was the last time I was.0 for more free options for even things like voices of Alexa, diff prompt names for Alexa, are all words I’d use every day but Ziggy do I went with that and still certain words I say pick it up and listen.Overall average score for me (above stars) 2 stars all around.Sincerely – – – – -Disappointed in Prime/Amazon/Amazon’s Customer Service.***UPDATE: December 31, 2023***Glitches every day. I have to reboot it at least once a day. It gets stuck in broken half screen is black, loops. There is a glitch that happens every day after I do a routine in the afternoon and gets stuck doing this weird clock I don’t normally see.I’m calling Customer Service and getting a replacement. If that too is garbage, it’s being returned and I want a refund.
Gordon Sabean –
This home assistant is excellent. You can use it for a variety of applications. It makes a great hub for Alexa approved security products. I however returned it because they had one paired with a Blink camera which was a better value. Regardless I highly recommend it.
shabnam –
Alexa is now our family member 🥰after one year i write my review here.iam really happy with my purchase.
Amazon Customer –
It does what it advertises. I’m very happy with the product.!😁
Amazon Customer –
Upgraded from a regular echo to this in kitchen. Love it, especially having visual reminders of any timers set, being able to watch movies etc. only downside is no Netflix.
Pillsbury Dough Boy –
The stand is a no brainer as it allows the screen to be easily seen especially in the dark.