Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) vs Amazon Echo Show 5: Battle of the Smart Assistants
When you think of bringing Alexa into your home, Amazon offers a range of smart devices that cater to different needs and preferences. Two popular contenders in this space are the spherical Echo Dot 4th generation and the screen-equipped Echo Show 5. If you’re caught at the crossroads between these two Alexa-powered devices, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive comparison of Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4th gen will help you decide which smart assistant deserves a spot in your smart home device ecosystem.
| Device | Pros | Cons |
| Echo Show 5 Review | Visual interface with touchscreenVideo call capabilityCan display weather, time, and photosCamera for security monitoringRecipe viewing in the kitchenSimilar audio quality to the Echo Dot | More expensiveLarger footprintPrivacy concerns with cameraScreen resolution is modestNot suitable for all locations |
| Echo Dot 4th Gen Review | Compact, spherical designBudget-friendlyExcellent voice assistant performanceBalanced mid-range audioSimple setupSmaller footprint | No visual interfaceLacks low bassThe sound profile can be dark/dullDoesn’t get very loudNo video capabilitiesLimited functionality compared to Show |
Design and Build Quality: Spheres vs Screens
The Echo Dot 4th generation vs Echo Show 5 comparison starts with design. The Echo Dot marks a significant departure from its hockey puck-shaped predecessors. Amazon decided to shake things up with a spherical design that’s about the size of a grapefruit. This rounded approach isn’t just for show; many audio experts believe spherical designs can deliver better sound dispersion.
Measuring 100 mm in height and width with a weight of 328g, the Echo Dot 4 vs Echo Show 5 review reveals the Dot sports a fabric-covered exterior available in several colors including Charcoal, Glacier White, and Twilight Blue. The iconic Alexa light ring has moved to the base of the device, creating a subtle glow that reflects nicely on surfaces.
In contrast, the Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4 comparison highlights the Show’s completely different approach with its wedge-shaped design featuring a 5.5-inch touchscreen smart display. With dimensions of 148mm width, 73mm depth, and 86mm height, it weighs slightly more at 410g. The display offers a resolution of 960×480 pixels, making it suitable for basic video viewing and information display.
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd generation) includes a 1MP camera for video calls and home monitoring, though this addition does raise some privacy considerations that the camera-less Dot doesn’t have to contend with.
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) is Amazon’s most popular smart speaker, featuring a spherical design and improved 1.6-inch front-firing speaker for better sound than older models. It supports Alexa for music, smart home control, alarms, and more. Unlike the Show 5, it lacks a screen but is more affordable (around $50). It works as a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi speaker and can pair with other Echo devices for multi-room audio. The 4th Gen also includes a temperature sensor and an AUX output for external speakers. Ideal for small rooms, offices, or as an entry-level Alexa device.
The Echo Show 5 is a compact smart display with a 5.5-inch touchscreen, ideal for smart home control, video calls (via Zoom or Alexa), and media playback. It features an improved 2MP camera with a physical shutter for privacy. The sound quality is decent for its size, and it supports Amazon Alexa for voice commands. You can stream shows, check weather, set reminders, and control smart devices. The 2023 model has a faster processor and better audio than previous versions. Its small size makes it perfect for bedside tables or kitchens. Price: Around $90.
Sound Quality: The Auditory Showdown
When comparing the Echo Dot 4th generation vs Echo Show 5 in terms of sound quality, there are several nuances to consider.
Echo Dot (4th Gen) Audio Performance
The Echo Dot 4 vs Show 5 audio comparison reveals the Dot contains a single 1.6-inch speaker driver that delivers surprisingly capable audio for its size. According to RTings, it offers a balanced mid-range that reproduces vocals and lead instruments clearly, though it can sound somewhat dark and veiled. Like many compact speakers, it struggles with low bass frequencies and doesn’t reach particularly high volume levels.
The good news is that the Amazon Alexa app provides bass and treble adjustments to help customize the sound to your liking, making the sound experience customizable.
Echo Show 5 Audio Experience
The Alexa Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4 audio comparison shows the Show features a marginally larger 1.65-inch speaker, which delivers comparable audio performance to its spherical cousin. The sound quality between these devices is quite similar, with both offering decent clarity for spoken word content like podcasts and news.
For those curious about Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4th gen sound quality, neither device will replace the dedicated best wireless speakers, but both perform admirably for casual listening and voice interactions with Alexa.
Smart Features: Beyond the Basics
Both devices excel as smart home devices, but their capabilities differ in important ways.
Shared Smart Features
Both the Echo Show 5 vs Dot 4 devices offer:
- Built-in Alexa voice assistant
- Smart home device control
- Music streaming capabilities
- Weather updates and news briefings
- Alarm and timer functionality
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) connectivity
- One-year warranty
Echo Show 5’s Additional Features
The Alexa Echo Dot 4 vs Echo Show 5 comparison reveals the Show’s advantages is in its screen-enabled features:
- Visual display of weather, time, calendars, and to-do lists
- The capabilities of video calling
- Photo frame functionality
- Video streaming from compatible services
- Visual recipe instructions for kitchen use
- Camera for home monitoring
- Touch interface for navigation
Use Cases: Which Device Works Where?
Choosing between the Echo Show 5 or Echo Dot 4 often comes down to where and how you plan to use your device.
| Perfect Scenarios for Echo Dot (4th Gen) | Ideal Settings for Echo Show 5 |
| Bedrooms where a screen’s light might be disruptiveChildren’s rooms where you might prefer no screenOffice spaces for quick voice commandsSecondary rooms where basic Alexa functionality is sufficientSpaces where privacy concerns make a camera-free device preferable | Kitchens where recipe viewing is helpfulNightstands as a smart alarm clock with displayEntryways for checking the weather before leavingHome offices for video call with Echo Show 10 capabilities on a smaller scaleLiving spaces where photo display adds aesthetic value |
comparing the Amazon Echo Dot 4 vs Echo Show 5, one reviewer mentioned, “If you have a room for your kids, I will suggest getting the Echo Dot because it doesn’t have a screen and you don’t have to be worried about what your kids should watch in their room.”
Users’ Review: What People Say
According to users’ reviews on different platforms such as Reddit and YouTube, you can see what they say about each product:
| Echo Dot 4th Generation | ✅ Compact design with clear voice recognition (4.5) ❌ Limited bass and lower volume output (3.5) |
| Echo Show 5 | ✅ Versatile smart display with video call capability (4.7) ❌ Modest screen resolution and privacy concerns due to camera (3.8) |
Technical Specifications: The Nitty-Gritty Details
Let’s break down the technical aspects of both devices in this comprehensive comparison table:
| Features | Echo Dot (4th Gen) | Echo Show 5 |
| Dimensions | 100 x 100 x 89 | 148 x 73 x 86 mm |
| Weight | 328g | 410g |
| Volume | 890 cm³ | 929.14 cm³ |
| Speakers | 1 x 1.6″ | 1 x 1.65″ |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20000Hz | 20Hz – 20000Hz |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | Not Applicable | 1MP |
| Display | None | 5.5″ touchscreen, 960 x 480 px |
| Color Options | Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue | Various options including Cloud Blue |
| Power Supply | Wired (needs outlet) | Wired (needs outlet) |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa | Alexa |
| Release Date | September 24, 2020 | |
| Rating | 4.7 | 4.3 |
| Price | 74.99 $ | 89.99 $ |
Value Proposition: Bang for Your Buck
The Echo Dot 4th gen vs Echo Show 5 price comparison shows the Dot typically comes at a lower price point than the Show, making it the more budget-friendly option. The question becomes whether the added visual functionality of the Show justifies its higher cost.
If you’re primarily looking for the most affordable entry point into the Alexa ecosystem and maximum privacy, then the Amazon Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4 comparison suggests the Dot. It offers excellent value and might be “the perfect fit for your pocket and your pad,” as smart home enthusiasts might say.
But if smart display functionality matters to you then the additional cost of the Echo Show 5 2nd generation vs Echo Dot 4th generation becomes easier to justify. It’s not just about having a screen, it’s about how that screen transforms your interaction with the device.
Integration with Smart Home Ecosystem
Both devices excel as central hubs for your smart home devices, allowing you to control compatible lights, thermostats, cameras, and more through Alexa.
The Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4 shows the additional benefit of being able to show feeds from compatible best home security cameras directly on its screen, providing visual confirmation of who’s at your door or what’s happening around your property.
For those invested in the broader Amazon Echo family, both devices can complement larger speakers like the standard Amazon Echo, Echo Show 8, or Echo Show 10 in a multi-room setup. The Echo Show 15 provides an even larger display for those wanting a wall-mounted option.
Privacy Considerations: Keeping Things Confidential
In our increasingly connected world, privacy concerns are paramount when choosing the best smart home devices.
The Amazon Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4 privacy comparison shows the Dot offers a simpler privacy equation—without a camera or screen, there’s less potential for visual privacy issues. Both devices include a microphone mute button for when you want to ensure Alexa isn’t listening.
The Echo Dot 4th gen vs Echo Show 5 privacy analysis shows the Show includes a physical camera shutter for additional privacy when the camera isn’t needed, addressing some of the concerns about having a camera-equipped device in personal spaces.
Is Echo Show 5 Better for You or Echo Dot 4th Gen?
Deciding between the Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
| Choose the Echo Dot 4th generation if | Opt for the Echo Show 5 if |
| You’re primarily interested in audio interactions with AlexaBudget is a key considerationYou prefer a more compact deviceScreen-free operation is preferred (especially for bedrooms or children’s rooms)Privacy concerns make a camera-less device more appealing | Visual information display is important to youYou want video calling capabilities similar to the second-generation Echo Show but in a smaller packagePhoto display functionality appeals to youKitchen use for recipes is a priorityYou value being able to see security camera feedsThe touch interface provides additional convenience |
As the saying goes, “Different strokes for different folks”—both devices offer excellent entry points into the Alexa ecosystem but cater to different use cases and preferences.
Conclusion: Smart Assistants for Smart Consumers
The choice between the Echo Dot 4 vs Echo Show 5 isn’t about which device is objectively better—it’s about which one better suits you.
Whichever you choose, both devices offer a gateway to the convenience of Alexa and the broader ecosystem of smart home devices that can make daily life just a little bit easier and more connected.
The beauty of Amazon’s approach is that these devices aren’t mutually exclusive. Many households might benefit from having both types deployed strategically throughout different rooms, creating a comprehensive network of Alexa access points tailored to each space’s specific needs.
Whether you’re Team Dot or Team Show in the Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot 4 debate, you’re getting a capable, well-designed device that continues to improve through regular software updates, ensuring your smart assistant keeps getting smarter over time.
What’s the main difference between Echo Dot (4th Gen) and Echo Show 5?
The biggest difference is the display.
The Echo Dot is a smart speaker only, while the Echo Show 5 comes with a 5.5-inch touchscreen, allowing for visual content like video calls, weather forecasts, and smart camera feeds. If you want visuals, go for the Show 5.
Which has better sound quality: Echo Dot or Echo Show 5?
Echo Dot (4th Gen) generally has slightly better sound.
It features a front-firing 1.6” speaker with decent bass for its size. While the Echo Show 5 offers okay audio, it’s more focused on being a display assistant than a music device.
Can I watch videos on both devices?
Only on the Echo Show 5.
It supports streaming from services like Amazon Prime Video, and you can also view YouTube via the built-in browser. The Echo Dot doesn’t have a screen, so it’s audio-only.
Which is better for video calls?
Echo Show 5 is the clear winner.
It includes a built-in camera (2 MP on newer models), making it capable of video calls through Alexa. The Echo Dot doesn’t support video calling at all.
Which one is better for a bedroom or nightstand?
Both are good, but for different reasons:
Echo Dot (4th Gen) is perfect if you want a minimalist speaker with good sound for music or alarms.
Echo Show 5 is ideal if you want a smart clock, visual display, and even camera feed or routine controls right on your nightstand.
