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In this article, I explore the differences between Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot: Amazon’s two littlest smart-speakers with screens.
Which Echo Marks the Spot?
I own both the Amazon Echo Show 5 (currently in the corner of my desk) and the Amazon Echo Spot (perched on the towel rack in my bathroom).
These Amazon Echo devices have become essential smart home devices in my daily routine—from quick video calls and checking song titles to managing other smart devices through my Echo Hub.
According to a recent report from The Business Research Company, global sales of smart speakers with screens jumped 32.4%, hitting $19 billion. But when comparing Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot, choosing the best smart speaker isn’t always easy.
While the Echo Show 5 boasts stronger audio quality and a larger screen ideal for Prime Day binge-watching, the Echo Spot still appeals to users who need great performance in small spaces.
In this post, I’ll break down these different devices to help you decide whether the Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot makes more sense for your home.
Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot Comparison Table
The following table compares key specifications of the Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot.
Last update on 07/11/2025 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Echo Show 5 Mini Review
Compact Smart Display with Alexa
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, Charcoal) sits perfectly on the corner of my desk. Its 5.5-inch touchscreen isn’t huge, but it’s big enough for quickly checking smart camera feeds, managing home appliances, or setting timers using simple voice commands.
Audio quality has significantly improved over the previous model, offering deeper bass and richer sound-perfect for playing Amazon Music across my multiroom setup. While it’s not ideal for lengthy video calls due to the smaller display, quick Alexa drop-ins and smart home features via the Alexa app make it highly convenient.
Pros
- Clear 5.5″ touchscreen display
- Better audio quality with deeper bass
- Built-in 2 MP camera with privacy shutter
- Volume controls and easy access to smart home features
- Often discounted heavily during Prime Day and Cyber Monday
Cons
- Screen a bit small for extended video calls
- No built-in Zigbee hub
Where to Buy
Amazon's smallest Echo Show display and is ideal for small spaces like a shelf or desk.
Video Review
If you want a closer look at the Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot, check out my unboxing video I did over at my @TecTimmy Youtube channel where I also cover how to set up the device.
Amazon Echo Spot Mini Review
Stylish Alexa Smart Clock
My black Echo Spot is perched on the towel rack in my bathroom-perfect for setting timers, checking weather, or quickly controlling home appliances using Alexa voice commands. The unique circular screen (2.5 inches, non-touchscreen) neatly displays song titles, timers, and alarms clearly. Although it doesn’t support video calls or have a built-in camera like other Alexa devices, it pairs easily with Echo Dot and Echo Pop for multiroom Amazon Music streaming.
Thanks to its compact size, stylish form factor, and different design from other Echo Show devices, it’s ideal for smaller rooms and home offices. This is the more stylish bedeside table option when comparing Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot, IMHO.
Pros
- Compact round design fits small spaces
- Clear display of timers, song titles, and basic info
- Seamlessly integrates with multiroom setups and Alexa app
- Great pricing deals, especially during Prime Day and Cyber Monday
Cons
- No built-in camera or video calling
- Limited functionality compared to Echo Show 5
- Lower audio quality with minimal bass
Where To Buy
Video Review
And here my unboxing and setup of the “all-new” Amazon Echo Spot 2nd Gen Alexa speaker:
FAQs
Here are some questions you might want to consider when comparing Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot.
1. Which is the Better Overall Speaker?
While the Echo Show 8 remains my favorite Amazon Alexa smart device, the Echo Show 5 (5th generation) is a solid compact option. Its small touchscreen display handles video feeds well but has limitations in sound quality and screen size compared to larger Echo Show devices, especially for smart home features.
2. Why Choose the Echo Spot Over the Echo Show 5?
The Echo Spot is a stylish smart alarm clock with a unique round design perfect for bedside tables. Though its sound quality is modest, it excels as a smart device for setting timers and simple Alexa commands, offering a different design and user experience than the newer Echo Show 5’s rectangular display.
3. How Do the Sound Qualities Compare?
The Echo Show 5 delivers richer bass and improved audio for Amazon Music and Alexa responses. The Echo Spot uses earlier-generation Echo speakers with thinner sound. Adding a stand can boost the Spot’s sound quality, helping it blend nicely in multiroom music setups alongside other Amazon Alexa devices in your home.
4. What Are the Key Design Differences betweem Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot?
Echo Show devices share a similar design language, but the Show 5 features a rectangular small touchscreen display with volume and mic buttons on the bottom half. The Echo Spot has a smaller circular screen without touchscreen functionality, making it more suited as a smart alarm clock in compact spaces like bedside tables.
5. Are There Pricing Differences Worth Considering?
In terms of pricing, the Echo Spot is often more expensive despite its older technology. The Echo Show 5, especially the 5th generation model, offers more smart home features and better sound at a lower cost. Both devices typically see deals during Prime Day and Cyber Monday sales.
6. Can the Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot Control Other Smart Devices?
Both smart devices let you control compatible smart home devices using Amazon Alexa. The Echo Show 5’s larger small touchscreen display offers easier access to video feeds and smart device settings. The Echo Spot’s compact design and voice commands work well for quick actions like setting timers and managing bedside table appliances.
Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot: Verdict
Both smart devices offer different designs suited for distinct needs. The Echo Show 5 features a bigger small touchscreen display with richer sound and a privacy camera shutter, while the Echo Spot shines as a stylish smart alarm clock perfect for bedside tables.
Here’s the final verdict when comparing Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot.
The Echo Show 5 delivers enhanced smart home features, ideal for desks and small touchscreen needs. The Echo Spot is a compact Alexa device that fits perfectly on a bedside table, balancing functionality with a unique design.
If you found this Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot comparison helpful, check out the in-depth comparison I wrote on Echo Show 8 vs 5 next. See you there!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
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