Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen) Review: More Than Just a Timekeeper

The Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen) represents Amazon’s latest iteration of their popular compact smart speaker. Building on the successful spherical design introduced with the 4th generation, this updated model brings subtle but meaningful improvements to the table. Is it worth upgrading or adding to your smart home devices? Let’s read the following Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen With Clock review and find out.

Device	Pros	Cons
Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen)	Enhanced LED display shows more than just timeConvenient tap gesture controlsImproved sound quality with a larger driverCompact, attractive spherical designRoom temperature sensorFunctions as eero Wi-Fi extenderEasy setup and integrationWide smart home compatibility	Bass response is limited Audio distorts at higher volumesMay not be worth upgrading from 4th geneero Wi-Fi extension only available in the USMore expensive than the non-clock variantThe clock feature may be unnecessary for some usersNot portable

Is the Echo Dot 5th Gen with Clock Worth Buying?

At $59.99, the Echo Dot 5th With Clock review concluded that the device represents good value for what it offers. The $10 premium over the standard Echo Dot is justified by the useful display functionality alone.

For new buyers entering the smart speaker market, it’s an excellent choice that balances functionality, size, and price. The Amazon Echo clock functionality adds genuine utility beyond what a displayless speaker provides.

For those upgrading, the decision is less clear-cut. If you own a 4th generation Echo Dot With a Clock, the improvements, while nice, might not justify the cost unless you specifically value the expanded display capabilities or temperature sensing.

If you’re choosing between the Echo Dot with clock and alternatives like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Mini, consider your priorities. The Echo Dot With Clock sits in a sweet spot. It’s more informative than basic speakers but more affordable than full smart displays.

Echo Dot with Clock First Impressions

The Echo Dot 5th generation with clock review helps you see that Amazon has continued using the spherical design first seen in the 4th generation model. This cute, orb-shaped speaker fits anywhere in your home without being an eyesore. At 3.9×3.5 inches, it’s roughly the size of a softball, making it perfect for nightstands, kitchen counters, or desks.

What immediately sets this model apart is the improved LED display peeking through the fabric grille. Rather than just showing the time like its predecessor, this version can display even more than just weather information. It’s like Amazon took the feedback “we want more information at a glance” and ran with it.

Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Echo Dot with clock review also mentions its thoughtful design choices. The sphere is diagonally split between fabric-covered top and plastic bottom sections. Four rubber buttons (action, mic mute, and volume controls) subtly protrude from the top, while a light ring at the base glows blue during Alexa interactions.

What’s striking is how the clock display remains hidden until activated, maintaining the clean aesthetic when not in use. When active, the 5×24 LED array provides clear, easily readable information without being distractingly bright. At night, the display automatically dims, making it perfect as a bedside companion.

As described in the Amazon Echo Dot clock review, the build quality feels solid despite being lighter than the previous model at 10.7 ounces. Amazon has managed to increase the speaker driver size to 1.73 inches (up from 1.6 inches) while reducing weight, a neat engineering feat.

Echo Dot 5th Gen with Clock Technical Specifications

Feature	Specifications
Dimensions	3.9 x 3.5 inches (spherical)
Weight	10.7 ounces
Colors	Glacier White, Cloud Blue
Speakers	1.73-inch front-firing speaker
Display	5×24 LED array
Controls	Physical buttons (action, mic mute, volume) and tap gestures
Connectivity	Dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth
Smart Home	Works with Alexa-compatible devices
Temperature Sensor	Yes (built-in)
Wi-Fi Extender	Yes (eero built-in, US only)
Power	Wired (no battery)
Audio Output	No 3.5mm jack
Price	$59.99

Enhanced Features: Not Just a Clock Anymore

The Echo Dot With Clock review highlights that Amazon has significantly improved the LED display functionality. While the previous version could only show the time and timers, this new model can display:

• Time (digital clock format)
• Weather information (temperature and conditions)
• Song titles and artist names during playback
• Timer and alarm information
• Simple symbols and scrolling text

This expanded functionality transforms it from a simple clock to a more informative display. While it’s not as versatile as a full smart display, it provides just enough information to be genuinely useful without overwhelming you. The addition of motion sensors enables tap gestures, allowing you to:

• Tap to snooze alarms
• Tap to pause/play music
• Tap to end calls
• Tap to stop ringing timers

These physical interactions complement voice controls nicely, especially when you don’t want to wake a sleeping partner by speaking aloud.

Alexa Intelligence and Ecosystem

As with all Echo devices, Alexa remains the brains of the operation. The Amazon Echo Dot 5th gen With Clock reviews consistently mention how the voice assistant has matured over the years. Alexa can now:

• Control thousands of compatible smart home products
• Answer questions and provide information
• Play music from multiple streaming services (Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more)
• Set alarms, timers, and reminders
• Make voice calls
• Create routines for automated actions
• Provide weather updates and news

The temperature sensor adds another dimension to smart home capabilities, allowing for temperature-based routines. For example, Alexa can automatically adjust your smart thermostat when the temperature in a specific room reaches a certain threshold.

Sound Quality: Small Speaker, Balanced Sound

No Echo Dot clock review would be complete without discussing audio performance. The 1.73-inch driver is slightly larger than the previous generation, providing moderately improved sound. While it won’t replace your dedicated stereo system, it delivers balanced audio for its size.

The speaker performs well with vocal-centric content like podcasts, audiobooks, and pop music. The mid-range is clear, making the dialogue easy to understand. High frequencies are present but not particularly detailed, while bass response is predictably limited in such a small enclosure.

According to an Amazon Echo Dot clock review, at higher volumes, bass-heavy tracks can cause distortion, a common limitation in compact speakers. For casual listening in bedrooms, kitchens, or offices, however, the sound quality is entirely satisfactory. If audio quality is your primary concern, you might want to consider stepping up to the full-sized Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Studio.

Echo Dot 5th Gen with Clock Model History

Generation	Release Year	Key Improvements	Design
1st Gen Echo Dot	2016	Basic Alexa functionality, 3.5mm output	Hockey Puck
2nd Gen Echo Dot	2017	Improved voice recognition, fabric sides	Hockey Puck
3rd Gen Echo Dot	2018	Better sound, fabric cover	Hockey Puck
4th Gen Echo Dot with Clock	2020	LED clock, spherical design	Spherical
5th Gen Echo Dot with Clock	2022	Enhanced display, tap controls, temperature sensor	Spherical

Echo Dot 5th Gen with Clock vs Google Nest Audio & HomePod Mini

When it comes to compact smart speakers, the Echo Dot With Clock stands out with its informative display, something the Google Nest Audio and HomePod Mini lack. While Apple’s offering provides better sound quality, it comes at nearly twice the price and limits you to the Apple ecosystem. The Amazon Echo Dot With Clock 4th Gen review showed similar advantages over competitors, but the 5th generation widens the gap with its expanded display capabilities and sensor additions.

Feature	Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen)	Google Nest Mini	Apple HomePod Mini	Echo Dot Kids
Price	$59.99	$49.99	$99	$59.99
Design	Sphere with display	Disc	Sphere	Sphere with character designs
Voice Assistant	Alexa	Google Assistant	Siri	Alexa (kid-friendly)
Display	LED time/info	None	None	None
Sound Quality	Balanced, limited bass	Adequate, less bass	Superior, richer	Same as the standard Echo Dot
Smart Home	Extensive compatibility	Google ecosystem	Apple HomeKit	Extensive compatibility
Special Features	Temperature sensor, tap controls	Wall mountable	Intercom, Thread support	Parental controls, kid content

Echo Dot 5th Gen with Clock Setup and Daily Use

According to the Amazon Echo Dot Clock review, setting up this device is remarkably straightforward. The Alexa app guides you through the process, which typically takes less than five minutes. Once connected to your Wi-Fi, the Echo Dot With Clock immediately becomes useful.

In day-to-day use, the device shines as a bedroom companion. The Alexa alarm clock functionality is superb; set alarms with voice commands, then tap to snooze when morning comes. The automatically dimming display ensures it won’t disrupt your sleep.

In the kitchen, it serves as a handy timer, recipe reader, and music player. The display shows your countdown times clearly, and the temperature sensor could potentially alert you when the kitchen gets too hot from cooking.

For living rooms or offices, it functions as a convenient smart home control center, allowing you to adjust lights, thermostats, and other connected devices with simple voice commands.

Echo Dot with Clock and Smart Home Integration

The Echo Dot 5th gen with clock review demonstrates how this tiny speaker can become the heart of your smart home. Supporting thousands of compatible devices, from smart bulbs and plugs to thermostats and security cameras, the Echo Dot With Clock serves as an excellent control hub.

The device supports routines, which allow you to control multiple devices with a single command. Say “Alexa, good morning,” and watch as your lights turn on, the coffee maker starts brewing, and news briefing plays, all automatically.

If you have an eero mesh Wi-Fi system, the Echo Dot’s integrated eero capability can expand your network range by up to 1,000 square feet, enhancing the smart speaker’s utility beyond its standard features.

Users’ Reviews on Echo Dot 5th Gen with Clock

The Echo Dot with clock reviews from actual users have been predominantly positive. Customers frequently praise:

✔️The improved display functionality, especially for checking time and weather at a glance

✔️The compact, attractive design that fits anywhere

✔️The simple setup process

✔️The balanced sound quality relative to its size

✔️The responsive tap controls

Some common criticisms include:

✖️Occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues

✖️The removal of the 3.5mm audio jack

✖️Limited improvement in sound quality over previous generations

✖️Alexa sometimes misinterpreting commands in noisy environments

One user summarized it well in the Echo Dot 4th gen with clock review: “Perfect bedside companion-clear display, good sound for its size, and Alexa’s always there when I need her. The tap-to-snooze feature alone was worth the upgrade.”

Using The Echo Dot 5th Gen as an Alarm Clock

The Echo Dot alarm clock review aspect deserves special attention, as many users purchase this specifically as a bedside companion. The experience of using Echo Show as alarm clock differs, as this compact device lacks a screen but excels as a pure alarm clock.

The Echo Dot Clock display automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light, ensuring it’s readable during the day but not blinding at night. Alarm tones range from standard beeps to gentle nature sounds or your favorite music.

Voice commands like “Alexa, set an alarm for 7 AM” or “Alexa, snooze” make it intuitive to use, while the physical tap-to-snooze function is perfect for those groggy mornings when forming words seems impossible.

Echo Dot 5th Gen with Clock Display Capabilities

The Echo Dot With Clock display capabilities have been expanded significantly in this generation. The Dot with Clock 4th generation review noted the simple time display, but the 5th generation adds more functionality as we mentioned in the section where the features were described above.

The Echo Dot clock display isn’t as comprehensive as a full smart display, but it provides just enough information at a glance without overwhelming you or consuming too much power.

Conclusion

The Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen) builds thoughtfully on its predecessor, offering meaningful upgrades that enhance its utility without reinventing the wheel. The improved display capabilities, temperature sensing, and tap controls make this compact sphere more than just a voice-activated speaker. It’s a versatile smart home companion that punches above its weight class. While not revolutionary, according to the Amazon Echo Dot With Clock review, it’s a refined product that knows exactly what it needs to be: small, smart, and surprisingly capable.