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In this article, I compare Amazon’s latest Echo Dot 5th Gen vs 4th Gen, its predecessor.
If you are short on time and just want to learn the key differences between the two, here they are:
While both speakers have Alexa built-in, Echo Dot 4 has a 1.6″ speaker and 3.5mm audio output compared to Echo Dot 5’s improved 1.73″ speaker with better bass and no audio jack. The 5th Gen Echo Dot also has a built-in Eero Wi-Fi extender plus temperature and motion sensors for smart home routines. The main distinction between the two is that the Echo Dot 5 sounds better.
There are other additional differences that I will go into in more depth below to help you decide which little Amazon orb is best for you.
Echo Dot 5th Gen vs 4th Gen
Smart speakers are all the rage and for good reasons. These smart devices offer numerous advantages that make life a little easier and more enjoyable.
In addition to playing your favorite songs, they also let you set timers, create shopping and to-do lists, check the weather, update you about sports scores, give you the latest news, and much more.
I am a big fan of the Amazon smart home ecosystem, and at least count I have no less than 10 Echos in my little apartment here.
Apparently, I am in good company. According to Statista, the number of smart speaker shipments is expected to surpass 200 million annually by 2024. This makes my 10 Echo devices seem like less of a big deal. LOL.
I own every generation of the Echo Dot, and now with the new Amazon Trade-In Program, they make it easy to cash in your old Echos for the new ones.
So when Amazon announced its release of the new Echo Dot 5th Gen, I did a bunch of research to see how it measured up again the 4th Gen to see if I wanted to trade up to the latest model. Then, of course, I went ahead and ordered one. LOL.
So how does the Echo Dot 5th Gen vs 4th Gen measure up?
Let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison of key features.
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Dot 5 vs 4: Tech Specs Comparison
Following is a side-by-side comparison to highlight the tech specs between the Echo Dot 5th Gen vs 4th Gen.
Last update on 02/21/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Echo Dot 5th Gen Explained
Echo Dot 5th Gen is the latest installment in the Echo Dot series, launched by Amazon at its recent annual fall event.
These fifth-generation Dot speakers have caused a bit of a buzz thanks to their new smart home features and better sound quality. While the 5th Gen sports an identical look to the 4th generation model, the audio architecture of these speakers is more souped-up. Amazon claims the sound is two times better than the previous model.
The 5th Gen Alexa-powered speakers use Amazon’s AZ2 neural edge processor. They also have some new controls such as tap gestures, motion and temperature sensors, and an upgraded LED display which provides a brighter and higher resolution. In addition to a clock, additional info can be displayed on the LED readout, such as the title and artist of a song playing.
The new Echo 5 Dots can help facilitate smart home routines. For example, you can have a light turn on when motion is detected, or you can have Alexa automatically turn up the thermostat if the temperature drops.
In addition to the Glacier White color that can be had with a digital clock, the fifth-generation Dots are also available in Charcoal and Deep Sea Blue. There are also two new kid-specific designs (Dragon and Owl) with the 5th Gen Echo Dot Kids edition.
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Pros
Cons
- OUR BEST-SOUNDING ECHO DOT YET – Enjoy an improved audio experience compared to any previous Echo Dot with Alexa for clearer vocals, deeper bass and vibrant sound in any room.
Video Review
Echo Dot 4th Gen Explained
You don’t have to follow the Echo Series up close to know that it has undergone major changes since its inception. From its hockey-puck-like, cylindrical iteration to a sleek sphere, these smart speakers have survived the test of time and remain among the most popular Amazon devices.
Released in 2020, the 4th-gen speakers measure 5.7 inches wide and 5.2 inches tall and are available in White, Blue, and Black.
Both the 4th Gen and 5th Gen speakers sit on a flat base, surrounded by a LED ring light that activates every time you adjust the volume, enable or disable the microphone, or give other voice commands.
The controls are pretty simple as well. With just four physical buttons covering all the basic functions, from adjusting or muting volume to silencing an alarm, Echo Dot is straightforward to use.
Compared to the new 5th Gen, the sound system of the Echo Dot 4th Gen is subpar. Comprising a middling frequency response accuracy, these speakers can struggle to reproduce the details in the treble range and other low-bass sounds This is the most compelling reason to update a 4th Gen Dot to a 5th Gen Dot, in my opinion.
Pros
Cons
- Meet Echo Dot — Echo Dot (4th generation) connects to Alexa, a cloud-based voice service, to play music, set timers and alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more.
Video Review
Similarities & Differences
Here is a rundown of the similarities and differences between the Echo Dot 5th Gen vs 4th Gen.
Similarities
Differences
Pro Tip: If you want to get an amazing deal on either of these wait until Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day. The fifth-gen Echo Dot was on sale a a huge discount over the holidays this year.
Design
As mentioned above, visually, there is not much difference between the 5th Gen vs 4th Gen Echo speakers. This is because the new model of this esoteric orb has identical dimensions as the previous version. However, you will notice that the Echo Dot 4 is a bit on the heavier side.
While both these spheres have an Alexa light ring and four control buttons, the back of both is quite different. The 4th gen has a power connection and 3.5mm audio output incorporated at the back, while the newer model has only the power connection.
Otherwise, both speakers come in the same color range, Glacier White and Charcoal, and feature the same clock. Though, the newer versions offer a more detailed digital display with the clock over previous generations.
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Audio Quality
Okay, so this is where things get serious. Amazon has made a point to promote their 5th generation products’ sound quality by referring to them as their “best-sounding speakers so far.” And let me tell you, they mean it.
With a 1.73-inch built-in speaker, the 5th-gen Echo Dot promises a more robust sound with double the bass and half the distortion.
Moreover, unlike the original standard Dolby audio, the 5th gen model uses lossless high-definition Dolby Atmos audio support and a slightly larger driver to produce better-quality sound. I love how these speakers sound when paired with my larger speaker (Echo Studio and Echo) as part of my multiroom music setup. I am constantly switching up my music services with a mix of Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Pandora.
Alexa Support and Other Features
Amazon takes pride in its smart assistance products, and these devices are no different. Both Echo Dot speakers come with everything Alexa on board, so you get all of the benefits the voice assistant can bring. This includes Alexa routines, playing your favorite song titles.
But, when comparing other features, the 5th Gen Dot has the upper hand. It has motion detectors and temperature sensors to help create automatic routines for comfortable living. While its built-in Eero network adds up to 1000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage, resulting in faster buffer-free streaming of HD videos and music.
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Setup
Setup has always been easy with my Alexa devices, which is the case with these Dots. The setup process for both generations of Dot speakers is a few steps long and a piece of cake. Alexa will now automatically connect to your wi-fi network which is a piece of cake.
All you have to do is pull your device out of the box, charge it up, and connect it to your phone through the Alexa app. And Alas! You are all set to stream music on your speakers. If you need to reset the device for any reason, press and hold the Action button on the top of the device.
What’s in the Box?
Here is a quick overview of the box contents for the Echo Dot 5th generation vs. the Echo Dot 4th generation.
Last update on 02/21/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to take an even closer look, here’s a link to a video I did unboxing three generations of the Echo Dot (including 4th and 5th Gen).
Echo Dot 5th Gen vs 4th Gen: Which Should You Buy
When comparing the Echo Dot 5th Gen vs 4th Gen, the differences in the appearance of these speakers are minor.
However, the fifth-generation Echo Dot takes first prize IMHO, with its better speakers and new sensors over the fourth-generation Echo Dot. I haven’t experienced “twice as much bass” but both speakers sound great when paired with my other speakers. If you are keen on having a speaker with better audio quality, the Echo Dot 5-Gen is a great way to up your speaker game.
However, if you want something cheaper, the 4th-gen Echo Dot could save you some dough and is still a capable little Alexa speaker.
What do you think of the two new Dots? Are the new features with the newest Echo Dot worth the upgrade in your view? Please leave me a comment below and let me know.
