This review is broken down into two parts. Part 1 is Short with some detail, while Part Two is more in-depth with more detail.
*** Part 1 ***
I’ve owned the original Gen 1 Echo Show 5 Smart Speaker since May 2019 and it remains my favorite Echo Smart Speaker. The Echo Show 5 is the perfect speaker for the Bedroom, Kitchen and Office. The 1.65”, 4 watt speaker sounds better than the Echo Dot while the 5.5” touch screen adds much more versatility than regular Echo Smart Speakers.
Gen 1 or Gen 2 What’s the Difference?
The Gen 1 and Gen 2 Echo Show 5 Video Speakers are virtually identical with the exception of three features.
1 - Upgraded Camera
The new Gen 2 Echo Show has a 2MP front facing camera instead of a 1MP camera on the Gen 1. The camera is better however if you want to use the Echo Show for Video Calls the New Echo Show 8, Gen 2 has a 13MP camera with auto framing. If the primary use for this speaker is video calls then the Echo Show 8 Gen 2 is the way to go.
2 - Remote Viewing - Security Camera
The second upgrade Amazon Added to the Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the ability to use the built in camera for home monitoring. The camera on the Show 5 Gen 2 can be used to monitor your home while you’re not at home. This feature is not available on Gen 1 Show Speakers.
3 - Sidewalk
The third feature Amazon added to Gen 2 Echo speakers is something called Amazon Sidewalk. Sidewalk is a low-powered mesh network that is designed to make smart devices work better when you are outside your home. While Sidewalk is a useful idea, I have disabled it due to privacy and security concerns. I Do Not recommend you use this feature.
There are some other minor changes to the new Echo Show 5 Gen 2 but in a nutshell the above three features are the main differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 Echo Show 5 Speakers.
The new Echo Show 5 Gen 2, looks the same, sounds the same and with the exception of the Remote Viewing Security Camera option, works the same.
If the security camera option is not really important to you then the Echo Show 5 Gen 1 is still and excellent speaker and you can buy it at a substantial discount till stock runs out.
*** Which Echo Speaker Should I Get Show 5 or Show 8? ***
The Echo Show 5 is the Best Smart Speaker to use as an Alarm Clock in the bedroom or compact Display speaker for the Kitchen or Office.
If you want a larger screen, have more room on the kitchen counter or office desk then the Show 8 would be a better choice.
If your primary purpose is going to be Video Calls or Streaming Video then the Echo Show 8 is a better choice.
*** PART 2 ***
The new Second Gen Echo Show 5 looks exactly the same as the previous first generation Echo show and is physically almost identical with a couple slight variations.
*** Looks ***
The layout of the controls on the top of the echo show is the same only the Camera privacy indicator is Square on the New Second Gen Echo Show 5 and was round on the first gen Show 5.
They removed the 3.5mm audio output jack on the Gen 2 Echo Show and added a micro USB port for service on the back. This means you can still output the sound from the Echo Show 5 to a Bluetooth speaker if you wish but the hardwired connection is gone. The micro USB port is used only for service.
The color of the Black Fabric on the back side of the new Gen 2 Echo show is a little darker or more saturated than the previous Gen 1. I would describe the Gen 3 Echo Show as black and the Gen 1 Echo show as charcoal.
••• Video Screen •••
There is no change to the screen resolution between the Echo Show 5 Gen 1 and Gen2.
While the screen resolution is only 960x480 the screen seems bigger, brighter and clearer than you’d think
*** Sound ***
The sound on the Echo Show 5 is decent for its size and fills up a room nicely if you keep the volume under 75%. Once you turn up the volume past the 3/4 mark the treble gets to be too prominent and the speaker gets out of balance.
If you want the Best Sounding Echo Speaker with a video screen I would recommend the Echo Show 8.
••• White Power Cord/Power Supply ??? •••
In 2021 Amazon only includes a white power supply with all their Echo devices regarding of color. This means BLACK, WHITE or Colored Echo devices all come with the same WHITE Colored power supply …. YUK! This is one change I wish Amazon didn’t make. I would prefer a Black coloured power supply and cable with Black devices and White power cord on white devices. The white power cord/transformer is not a deal breaker but If Amazon was going decide on one color for the power supply and cord I wish they would have selected BLACK rather than white. White discolours, gets dirty and yellows over time with UV exposure.
••• Performance •••
Inside the new Gen 2 Echo show uses the same MediaTek MT8163 processor as the Gen 1. The only hardware upgrade is the front facing camera.
*** Camera ***
The camera on the Gen 2 Show 5 has been upgraded from 1MP to 2MP. For Privacy Amazon built in a sliding camera lens cover which is easy to use and colour coded so you will know when the camera lens is open or closed. We keep the camera lens closed all the time unless we're making a video call. The Show 5 Supports Echo to Echo calling and Skype.
IMPORTANT CAMERA TIP: The New Echo Show 8 Gen 2 has a 13MP camera with point, tilt and zoom. If you are planning to use the Echo show 5 primarily for video calling then the Echo Show 8 is a Much Better Choice.
*** Security Camera - Remote Viewing ***
The biggest reason to upgrade to the new Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the ability to use the device as a security camera. While the camera doesn’t record, it does allow you to look in and monitor your home to help you verify if an alarm in your home is false or real.
The security camera feature can not be activated if the Echo Show 5 is in Do Not Disturb mode or if the camera cover is closed.
When the security camera feature is activated a message appears on the Screen of the Echo Show announcing that “A household member is viewing your camera”. There is a STOP Button on the screen which you can press to stop the security camera feed.
*** Important Camera Note ***
The camera on the Echo Show 5 is a fixed camera and unless you add a tilt stand stand or prop up the back the camera on the Echo Show 5 will point at the ceiling.
*** Other FEATURES ***
The Gen 2 Echo Show five supports all the same features as the previous Gen 1 Show 5 so you can use Alexa voice search and commands to control smart home devices, ask questions, weather, sports scores etc. You can stream music from Amazon, Apple, Audible, SiriusXM and Spotify. You can play video from Amazon Prime and Netflix but not Hulu.
For video calls the Gen 2 Echo 5 supports Amazon Drop from other Echo displays plus the Alexa app and Skype.
*** The Bottom Line - Conclusion ***
Amazon continues to improve and add functionality to all their Echo Show Video Smart Speakers. I heartily recommend both new Echo Show 5 and 8 Gen 2 Speakers.
The New Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the most affordable Video Smart Speaker and best suited as an alarm clock in the bedroom, kitchen or office.
The Echo Show 8 Gen 2 is Amazon’s Best Overall Smart Video Speaker and perfect for areas where you have more counter space. The camera in the Echo Show 8 Gen is much better and the screen is larger making it the perfect speaker for streaming video and video conference calls.
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Alexa makes it easy to stay in the loop
Make hands-free video calls to friends and family who have an Echo Show or the Alexa app. Make announcements to other compatible devices in your home and use Drop In as an intercom between rooms or with your favourite contacts.
 |
Simple to set up and use
using Echo Show 5.
weather, news, and more.
Every day is an earth day
You don't have to be an environmental scientist to make sustainable choices. We considered sustainability in the design of this Echo device. Here's how:
Device Materials
38% post-consumer recycled plastics
100% post-consumer recycled fabric
50% post-consumer recycled plastic in power adapter
Device Packaging
96% of this device’s packaging is made of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
Low Power Mode
To reduce its energy consumption, this device will enter Low Power Mode when it is idle.
Compare Echo Show devices
| Price | From: $69.99 | From: $169.99 | From: $329.99 | From: $369.98 |
| Ratings | (11,586) | (6,379) | (1,655) | (1,247) |
| Alexa built in |
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| Fire TV built in |
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| Screen | 5.5” with 960 x 480 resolution | 8.0” with 1280 x 800 resolution | 10.1” with 1280 x 800 resolution | 15.6” with 1920 x 1080 resolution |
| Motion |
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| Speakers | 1 x 1.7” | 2 x 2.0” | 2 x 1.0” tweeters + 3.0” woofer | 2 x 1.6“ |
| Camera | 2 MP | 13 MP with auto-framing | 13 MP with auto-framing | 5 MP |
| Visual ID personalization | Coming soon | Coming soon |
|
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| Built-in Zigbee smart home hub |
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| Wall mountable |
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| Camera controls | Built-in camera shutter and microphone/camera off button | Built-in camera shutter and microphone/camera off button | Built-in camera shutter and microphone/camera off button | Built-in camera shutter and microphone/camera off button |
| Dimensions | 5.8”W x 3.4”H x 2.9”D | 7.9”W x 5.4”H x 3.9”D | 9.9”W x 9”H x 6.7”D | 15.8”W x 9.9”H x 1.4”D |
Technical details
Echo Show 5
|
Size |
148mm x 86mm x 73mm (5.8” x 3.4” x 2.9”) |
|
Weight |
410 grams (14.5 oz) Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process |
|
Display |
5.5” touch screen |
|
Camera |
2 MP camera with built-in shutter (Photo quality/size may vary) |
|
WiFi connectivity |
Dual-band wifi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks. |
|
Bluetooth connectivity |
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Show 5 or from Echo Show 5 to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected mobile devices. Hands-free voice control is not supported for Mac OS X devices. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes are not supported. |
|
Smart Home Device Compatibility |
WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, and Matter |
|
Audio |
Full range 1.65” built-in speaker. |
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System requirements |
Echo Show 5 comes ready to connect to your WiFi. The Alexa app is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices and also accessible via your web browser. View supported operating systems. Certain skills and services are subject to change or withdrawal at any time, may not be available in all areas and languages, and may require separate subscriptions. |
|
Setup technology |
Amazon WiFi simple setup enables customers to connect smart devices to their WiFi network in a few easy steps. WiFi simple setup is another way Alexa is always getting smarter. Learn more about frustration-free setup. |
|
Processor |
MediaTek MT 8163 |
|
Accessibility features |
To enable features that personalize Alexa to your abilities, go to Settings → Accessibility. |
|
Warranty and Service |
1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranty available for Canada customers sold separately. Use of Echo Show 5 is subject to these terms. |
|
Included in the Box |
Echo Show 5, glacier white power adapter (15W)/cable (4.9 ft.) and quick start guide. |
|
Generation |
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) - 2021 release |
|
Privacy Features |
Wake word technology, streaming indicators, microphone/camera off button, built-in camera shutter, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings, and more. Visit the Alexa Privacy Hub to explore how Alexa and Echo devices are designed to protect your privacy. |
|
Language |
Alexa speaks both English and French. Not all skills are supported in both English and French. Please refer to the skills store here for more information. |
|
Recommended device footprint |
Echo Show 5 device is 5.8”W x 2.9”D. Recommended footprint: 6”W x 4”D. |
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Reviews with images
The Best Compact Echo Video Speaker now with Remote Viewing
This review is broken down into two parts. Part 1 is Short with some detail, while Part Two is more in-depth with more detail.*** Part 1 ***I’ve owned the original Gen 1 Echo Show 5 Smart Speaker since May 2019 and it remains my favorite Echo Smart Speaker. The Echo Show 5 is the perfect speaker for the Bedroom, Kitchen and Office. The 1.65”, 4 watt speaker sounds better than the Echo Dot while the 5.5” touch screen adds much more versatility than regular Echo Smart Speakers.Gen 1 or Gen 2 What’s the Difference?The Gen 1 and Gen 2 Echo Show 5 Video Speakers are virtually identical with the exception of three features.1 - Upgraded CameraThe new Gen 2 Echo Show has a 2MP front facing camera instead of a 1MP camera on the Gen 1. The camera is better however if you want to use the Echo Show for Video Calls the New Echo Show 8, Gen 2 has a 13MP camera with auto framing. If the primary use for this speaker is video calls then the Echo Show 8 Gen 2 is the way to go.2 - Remote Viewing - Security CameraThe second upgrade Amazon Added to the Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the ability to use the built in camera for home monitoring. The camera on the Show 5 Gen 2 can be used to monitor your home while you’re not at home. This feature is not available on Gen 1 Show Speakers.3 - SidewalkThe third feature Amazon added to Gen 2 Echo speakers is something called Amazon Sidewalk. Sidewalk is a low-powered mesh network that is designed to make smart devices work better when you are outside your home. While Sidewalk is a useful idea, I have disabled it due to privacy and security concerns. I Do Not recommend you use this feature.There are some other minor changes to the new Echo Show 5 Gen 2 but in a nutshell the above three features are the main differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 Echo Show 5 Speakers.The new Echo Show 5 Gen 2, looks the same, sounds the same and with the exception of the Remote Viewing Security Camera option, works the same.If the security camera option is not really important to you then the Echo Show 5 Gen 1 is still and excellent speaker and you can buy it at a substantial discount till stock runs out.*** Which Echo Speaker Should I Get Show 5 or Show 8? ***The Echo Show 5 is the Best Smart Speaker to use as an Alarm Clock in the bedroom or compact Display speaker for the Kitchen or Office.If you want a larger screen, have more room on the kitchen counter or office desk then the Show 8 would be a better choice.If your primary purpose is going to be Video Calls or Streaming Video then the Echo Show 8 is a better choice.*** PART 2 ***The new Second Gen Echo Show 5 looks exactly the same as the previous first generation Echo show and is physically almost identical with a couple slight variations.*** Looks ***The layout of the controls on the top of the echo show is the same only the Camera privacy indicator is Square on the New Second Gen Echo Show 5 and was round on the first gen Show 5.They removed the 3.5mm audio output jack on the Gen 2 Echo Show and added a micro USB port for service on the back. This means you can still output the sound from the Echo Show 5 to a Bluetooth speaker if you wish but the hardwired connection is gone. The micro USB port is used only for service.The color of the Black Fabric on the back side of the new Gen 2 Echo show is a little darker or more saturated than the previous Gen 1. I would describe the Gen 3 Echo Show as black and the Gen 1 Echo show as charcoal.••• Video Screen •••There is no change to the screen resolution between the Echo Show 5 Gen 1 and Gen2.While the screen resolution is only 960x480 the screen seems bigger, brighter and clearer than you’d think*** Sound ***The sound on the Echo Show 5 is decent for its size and fills up a room nicely if you keep the volume under 75%. Once you turn up the volume past the 3/4 mark the treble gets to be too prominent and the speaker gets out of balance.If you want the Best Sounding Echo Speaker with a video screen I would recommend the Echo Show 8.••• White Power Cord/Power Supply ??? •••In 2021 Amazon only includes a white power supply with all their Echo devices regarding of color. This means BLACK, WHITE or Colored Echo devices all come with the same WHITE Colored power supply …. YUK! This is one change I wish Amazon didn’t make. I would prefer a Black coloured power supply and cable with Black devices and White power cord on white devices. The white power cord/transformer is not a deal breaker but If Amazon was going decide on one color for the power supply and cord I wish they would have selected BLACK rather than white. White discolours, gets dirty and yellows over time with UV exposure.••• Performance •••Inside the new Gen 2 Echo show uses the same MediaTek MT8163 processor as the Gen 1. The only hardware upgrade is the front facing camera.*** Camera ***The camera on the Gen 2 Show 5 has been upgraded from 1MP to 2MP. For Privacy Amazon built in a sliding camera lens cover which is easy to use and colour coded so you will know when the camera lens is open or closed. We keep the camera lens closed all the time unless we're making a video call. The Show 5 Supports Echo to Echo calling and Skype.IMPORTANT CAMERA TIP: The New Echo Show 8 Gen 2 has a 13MP camera with point, tilt and zoom. If you are planning to use the Echo show 5 primarily for video calling then the Echo Show 8 is a Much Better Choice.*** Security Camera - Remote Viewing ***The biggest reason to upgrade to the new Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the ability to use the device as a security camera. While the camera doesn’t record, it does allow you to look in and monitor your home to help you verify if an alarm in your home is false or real.The security camera feature can not be activated if the Echo Show 5 is in Do Not Disturb mode or if the camera cover is closed.When the security camera feature is activated a message appears on the Screen of the Echo Show announcing that “A household member is viewing your camera”. There is a STOP Button on the screen which you can press to stop the security camera feed.*** Important Camera Note ***The camera on the Echo Show 5 is a fixed camera and unless you add a tilt stand stand or prop up the back the camera on the Echo Show 5 will point at the ceiling.*** Other FEATURES ***The Gen 2 Echo Show five supports all the same features as the previous Gen 1 Show 5 so you can use Alexa voice search and commands to control smart home devices, ask questions, weather, sports scores etc. You can stream music from Amazon, Apple, Audible, SiriusXM and Spotify. You can play video from Amazon Prime and Netflix but not Hulu.For video calls the Gen 2 Echo 5 supports Amazon Drop from other Echo displays plus the Alexa app and Skype.*** The Bottom Line - Conclusion ***Amazon continues to improve and add functionality to all their Echo Show Video Smart Speakers. I heartily recommend both new Echo Show 5 and 8 Gen 2 Speakers.The New Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the most affordable Video Smart Speaker and best suited as an alarm clock in the bedroom, kitchen or office.The Echo Show 8 Gen 2 is Amazon’s Best Overall Smart Video Speaker and perfect for areas where you have more counter space. The camera in the Echo Show 8 Gen is much better and the screen is larger making it the perfect speaker for streaming video and video conference calls.
Top reviews from Canada
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Reviewed in Canada on June 16, 2021
*** Part 1 ***
I’ve owned the original Gen 1 Echo Show 5 Smart Speaker since May 2019 and it remains my favorite Echo Smart Speaker. The Echo Show 5 is the perfect speaker for the Bedroom, Kitchen and Office. The 1.65”, 4 watt speaker sounds better than the Echo Dot while the 5.5” touch screen adds much more versatility than regular Echo Smart Speakers.
Gen 1 or Gen 2 What’s the Difference?
The Gen 1 and Gen 2 Echo Show 5 Video Speakers are virtually identical with the exception of three features.
1 - Upgraded Camera
The new Gen 2 Echo Show has a 2MP front facing camera instead of a 1MP camera on the Gen 1. The camera is better however if you want to use the Echo Show for Video Calls the New Echo Show 8, Gen 2 has a 13MP camera with auto framing. If the primary use for this speaker is video calls then the Echo Show 8 Gen 2 is the way to go.
2 - Remote Viewing - Security Camera
The second upgrade Amazon Added to the Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the ability to use the built in camera for home monitoring. The camera on the Show 5 Gen 2 can be used to monitor your home while you’re not at home. This feature is not available on Gen 1 Show Speakers.
3 - Sidewalk
The third feature Amazon added to Gen 2 Echo speakers is something called Amazon Sidewalk. Sidewalk is a low-powered mesh network that is designed to make smart devices work better when you are outside your home. While Sidewalk is a useful idea, I have disabled it due to privacy and security concerns. I Do Not recommend you use this feature.
There are some other minor changes to the new Echo Show 5 Gen 2 but in a nutshell the above three features are the main differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 Echo Show 5 Speakers.
The new Echo Show 5 Gen 2, looks the same, sounds the same and with the exception of the Remote Viewing Security Camera option, works the same.
If the security camera option is not really important to you then the Echo Show 5 Gen 1 is still and excellent speaker and you can buy it at a substantial discount till stock runs out.
*** Which Echo Speaker Should I Get Show 5 or Show 8? ***
The Echo Show 5 is the Best Smart Speaker to use as an Alarm Clock in the bedroom or compact Display speaker for the Kitchen or Office.
If you want a larger screen, have more room on the kitchen counter or office desk then the Show 8 would be a better choice.
If your primary purpose is going to be Video Calls or Streaming Video then the Echo Show 8 is a better choice.
*** PART 2 ***
The new Second Gen Echo Show 5 looks exactly the same as the previous first generation Echo show and is physically almost identical with a couple slight variations.
*** Looks ***
The layout of the controls on the top of the echo show is the same only the Camera privacy indicator is Square on the New Second Gen Echo Show 5 and was round on the first gen Show 5.
They removed the 3.5mm audio output jack on the Gen 2 Echo Show and added a micro USB port for service on the back. This means you can still output the sound from the Echo Show 5 to a Bluetooth speaker if you wish but the hardwired connection is gone. The micro USB port is used only for service.
The color of the Black Fabric on the back side of the new Gen 2 Echo show is a little darker or more saturated than the previous Gen 1. I would describe the Gen 3 Echo Show as black and the Gen 1 Echo show as charcoal.
••• Video Screen •••
There is no change to the screen resolution between the Echo Show 5 Gen 1 and Gen2.
While the screen resolution is only 960x480 the screen seems bigger, brighter and clearer than you’d think
*** Sound ***
The sound on the Echo Show 5 is decent for its size and fills up a room nicely if you keep the volume under 75%. Once you turn up the volume past the 3/4 mark the treble gets to be too prominent and the speaker gets out of balance.
If you want the Best Sounding Echo Speaker with a video screen I would recommend the Echo Show 8.
••• White Power Cord/Power Supply ??? •••
In 2021 Amazon only includes a white power supply with all their Echo devices regarding of color. This means BLACK, WHITE or Colored Echo devices all come with the same WHITE Colored power supply …. YUK! This is one change I wish Amazon didn’t make. I would prefer a Black coloured power supply and cable with Black devices and White power cord on white devices. The white power cord/transformer is not a deal breaker but If Amazon was going decide on one color for the power supply and cord I wish they would have selected BLACK rather than white. White discolours, gets dirty and yellows over time with UV exposure.
••• Performance •••
Inside the new Gen 2 Echo show uses the same MediaTek MT8163 processor as the Gen 1. The only hardware upgrade is the front facing camera.
*** Camera ***
The camera on the Gen 2 Show 5 has been upgraded from 1MP to 2MP. For Privacy Amazon built in a sliding camera lens cover which is easy to use and colour coded so you will know when the camera lens is open or closed. We keep the camera lens closed all the time unless we're making a video call. The Show 5 Supports Echo to Echo calling and Skype.
IMPORTANT CAMERA TIP: The New Echo Show 8 Gen 2 has a 13MP camera with point, tilt and zoom. If you are planning to use the Echo show 5 primarily for video calling then the Echo Show 8 is a Much Better Choice.
*** Security Camera - Remote Viewing ***
The biggest reason to upgrade to the new Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the ability to use the device as a security camera. While the camera doesn’t record, it does allow you to look in and monitor your home to help you verify if an alarm in your home is false or real.
The security camera feature can not be activated if the Echo Show 5 is in Do Not Disturb mode or if the camera cover is closed.
When the security camera feature is activated a message appears on the Screen of the Echo Show announcing that “A household member is viewing your camera”. There is a STOP Button on the screen which you can press to stop the security camera feed.
*** Important Camera Note ***
The camera on the Echo Show 5 is a fixed camera and unless you add a tilt stand stand or prop up the back the camera on the Echo Show 5 will point at the ceiling.
*** Other FEATURES ***
The Gen 2 Echo Show five supports all the same features as the previous Gen 1 Show 5 so you can use Alexa voice search and commands to control smart home devices, ask questions, weather, sports scores etc. You can stream music from Amazon, Apple, Audible, SiriusXM and Spotify. You can play video from Amazon Prime and Netflix but not Hulu.
For video calls the Gen 2 Echo 5 supports Amazon Drop from other Echo displays plus the Alexa app and Skype.
*** The Bottom Line - Conclusion ***
Amazon continues to improve and add functionality to all their Echo Show Video Smart Speakers. I heartily recommend both new Echo Show 5 and 8 Gen 2 Speakers.
The New Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the most affordable Video Smart Speaker and best suited as an alarm clock in the bedroom, kitchen or office.
The Echo Show 8 Gen 2 is Amazon’s Best Overall Smart Video Speaker and perfect for areas where you have more counter space. The camera in the Echo Show 8 Gen is much better and the screen is larger making it the perfect speaker for streaming video and video conference calls.
Colour Name: CharcoalConfiguration: Device onlyVerified Purchase
The Best Compact Echo Video Speaker now with Remote Viewing
Reviewed in Canada on June 16, 2021
This review is broken down into two parts. Part 1 is Short with some detail, while Part Two is more in-depth with more detail.Reviewed in Canada on June 16, 2021
*** Part 1 ***
I’ve owned the original Gen 1 Echo Show 5 Smart Speaker since May 2019 and it remains my favorite Echo Smart Speaker. The Echo Show 5 is the perfect speaker for the Bedroom, Kitchen and Office. The 1.65”, 4 watt speaker sounds better than the Echo Dot while the 5.5” touch screen adds much more versatility than regular Echo Smart Speakers.
Gen 1 or Gen 2 What’s the Difference?
The Gen 1 and Gen 2 Echo Show 5 Video Speakers are virtually identical with the exception of three features.
1 - Upgraded Camera
The new Gen 2 Echo Show has a 2MP front facing camera instead of a 1MP camera on the Gen 1. The camera is better however if you want to use the Echo Show for Video Calls the New Echo Show 8, Gen 2 has a 13MP camera with auto framing. If the primary use for this speaker is video calls then the Echo Show 8 Gen 2 is the way to go.
2 - Remote Viewing - Security Camera
The second upgrade Amazon Added to the Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the ability to use the built in camera for home monitoring. The camera on the Show 5 Gen 2 can be used to monitor your home while you’re not at home. This feature is not available on Gen 1 Show Speakers.
3 - Sidewalk
The third feature Amazon added to Gen 2 Echo speakers is something called Amazon Sidewalk. Sidewalk is a low-powered mesh network that is designed to make smart devices work better when you are outside your home. While Sidewalk is a useful idea, I have disabled it due to privacy and security concerns. I Do Not recommend you use this feature.
There are some other minor changes to the new Echo Show 5 Gen 2 but in a nutshell the above three features are the main differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 Echo Show 5 Speakers.
The new Echo Show 5 Gen 2, looks the same, sounds the same and with the exception of the Remote Viewing Security Camera option, works the same.
If the security camera option is not really important to you then the Echo Show 5 Gen 1 is still and excellent speaker and you can buy it at a substantial discount till stock runs out.
*** Which Echo Speaker Should I Get Show 5 or Show 8? ***
The Echo Show 5 is the Best Smart Speaker to use as an Alarm Clock in the bedroom or compact Display speaker for the Kitchen or Office.
If you want a larger screen, have more room on the kitchen counter or office desk then the Show 8 would be a better choice.
If your primary purpose is going to be Video Calls or Streaming Video then the Echo Show 8 is a better choice.
*** PART 2 ***
The new Second Gen Echo Show 5 looks exactly the same as the previous first generation Echo show and is physically almost identical with a couple slight variations.
*** Looks ***
The layout of the controls on the top of the echo show is the same only the Camera privacy indicator is Square on the New Second Gen Echo Show 5 and was round on the first gen Show 5.
They removed the 3.5mm audio output jack on the Gen 2 Echo Show and added a micro USB port for service on the back. This means you can still output the sound from the Echo Show 5 to a Bluetooth speaker if you wish but the hardwired connection is gone. The micro USB port is used only for service.
The color of the Black Fabric on the back side of the new Gen 2 Echo show is a little darker or more saturated than the previous Gen 1. I would describe the Gen 3 Echo Show as black and the Gen 1 Echo show as charcoal.
••• Video Screen •••
There is no change to the screen resolution between the Echo Show 5 Gen 1 and Gen2.
While the screen resolution is only 960x480 the screen seems bigger, brighter and clearer than you’d think
*** Sound ***
The sound on the Echo Show 5 is decent for its size and fills up a room nicely if you keep the volume under 75%. Once you turn up the volume past the 3/4 mark the treble gets to be too prominent and the speaker gets out of balance.
If you want the Best Sounding Echo Speaker with a video screen I would recommend the Echo Show 8.
••• White Power Cord/Power Supply ??? •••
In 2021 Amazon only includes a white power supply with all their Echo devices regarding of color. This means BLACK, WHITE or Colored Echo devices all come with the same WHITE Colored power supply …. YUK! This is one change I wish Amazon didn’t make. I would prefer a Black coloured power supply and cable with Black devices and White power cord on white devices. The white power cord/transformer is not a deal breaker but If Amazon was going decide on one color for the power supply and cord I wish they would have selected BLACK rather than white. White discolours, gets dirty and yellows over time with UV exposure.
••• Performance •••
Inside the new Gen 2 Echo show uses the same MediaTek MT8163 processor as the Gen 1. The only hardware upgrade is the front facing camera.
*** Camera ***
The camera on the Gen 2 Show 5 has been upgraded from 1MP to 2MP. For Privacy Amazon built in a sliding camera lens cover which is easy to use and colour coded so you will know when the camera lens is open or closed. We keep the camera lens closed all the time unless we're making a video call. The Show 5 Supports Echo to Echo calling and Skype.
IMPORTANT CAMERA TIP: The New Echo Show 8 Gen 2 has a 13MP camera with point, tilt and zoom. If you are planning to use the Echo show 5 primarily for video calling then the Echo Show 8 is a Much Better Choice.
*** Security Camera - Remote Viewing ***
The biggest reason to upgrade to the new Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the ability to use the device as a security camera. While the camera doesn’t record, it does allow you to look in and monitor your home to help you verify if an alarm in your home is false or real.
The security camera feature can not be activated if the Echo Show 5 is in Do Not Disturb mode or if the camera cover is closed.
When the security camera feature is activated a message appears on the Screen of the Echo Show announcing that “A household member is viewing your camera”. There is a STOP Button on the screen which you can press to stop the security camera feed.
*** Important Camera Note ***
The camera on the Echo Show 5 is a fixed camera and unless you add a tilt stand stand or prop up the back the camera on the Echo Show 5 will point at the ceiling.
*** Other FEATURES ***
The Gen 2 Echo Show five supports all the same features as the previous Gen 1 Show 5 so you can use Alexa voice search and commands to control smart home devices, ask questions, weather, sports scores etc. You can stream music from Amazon, Apple, Audible, SiriusXM and Spotify. You can play video from Amazon Prime and Netflix but not Hulu.
For video calls the Gen 2 Echo 5 supports Amazon Drop from other Echo displays plus the Alexa app and Skype.
*** The Bottom Line - Conclusion ***
Amazon continues to improve and add functionality to all their Echo Show Video Smart Speakers. I heartily recommend both new Echo Show 5 and 8 Gen 2 Speakers.
The New Echo Show 5 Gen 2 is the most affordable Video Smart Speaker and best suited as an alarm clock in the bedroom, kitchen or office.
The Echo Show 8 Gen 2 is Amazon’s Best Overall Smart Video Speaker and perfect for areas where you have more counter space. The camera in the Echo Show 8 Gen is much better and the screen is larger making it the perfect speaker for streaming video and video conference calls.
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