As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this post, I will give you the lowdown on the latest Echo Show 8 vs 5 smart displays from Amazon.
A Choice Between the 8” or 5” Echo Shows
Apparently, I’m in good company. According to Precedence Research, the global smart display market is expected to surpass $34.6 billion by 2032, with Amazon’s Echo line leading in adoption.
I’m a big fan of both of these displays, but there are definitely some distinct and important differences between Echo Show 8 vs 5. If you’re short on time and just want the cliff notes, here’s the quick summary:
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) features an 8-inch 1280×800 touchscreen, 13 MP camera, and stronger sound. The Show 5 (3rd Gen) has a 5.5-inch 960×480 display, 2 MP camera, improved bass, a faster AZ2 processor, and a more compact design ideal for desks, bedside tables, small spaces, or Alexa routines.
My Amazon Echo Show 8s are my go-to for video calls and music. The compact Show 5 fits smaller spaces where an Echo Dot once lived-great for quick routines, video chats, or casual content.
Let’s start with a comparison table of key specifications.
Echo Show 8 vs 5 Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the key specs in the Echo Show 8 vs 5.
Last update on 07/07/2025 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Echo Show 8 Mini Review
Best for Bedside Brilliance
Key Specs
- 8″ HD touchscreen (1280 × 800)
- 13 MP camera with auto-framing
- Dual 2″ speakers + bass radiator
- AZ2 Neural Edge processor
- Built-in Zigbee, Matter & Thread hub
I’ve had the Amazon Echo Show 8 on both of my bedside tables for a few years now-one 2nd Gen, one 3rd Gen. It’s my go-to Echo Show device for weather, routines, and quick video content while winding down for the night.
The size feels just right-larger than an Echo Dot, but still unobtrusive. I bought a third-party silver metal stand for each, and it makes them look far more refined than sitting flat on the table.
The new Echo Show 8 is snappier, sounds noticeably better, and the upgraded MP camera is a real step up for Zoom calls and Drop-In video chats. It also adds auto-framing (which digitally tracks and centers your face during video calls without moving the screen), and it works surprisingly well in everyday use.
This larger display has my strongest recommendation when comparing Echo Show 8 vs 5.
Pros
- Great screen size for bedside use
- Excellent camera and mic for Zoom calls
- Clear, full sound with decent bass
- Built-in smart home hub
- Strong value for the price
Cons
- No Fire TV built in
- No rotating display like the Echo Show 10
- Slightly bulky compared to the Show 5
🎥 My Video Review
Here’s is my video review of the Amazon Echo Show 8 that I published on my @TecTimmy YouTube channel:
Where to Buy
You can pick this up over at Amazon. Click on the green button below to check the latest sale price.
The Echo Show 8 remains my favorite Echo display and I have owned them all. Pair it with a metal stand to make it look and sound even cooler.
Echo Show 5 Mini Review
Best for Compact Spaces
Key Specs
- 5.5″ touchscreen (960 × 480)
- 2 MP camera with physical shutter
- 1.65″ speaker with enhanced bass
- AZ2 Neural Edge processor
- Compact design, fits almost anywhere
I’ve got my Echo Show 5 sitting on the top-left corner of my desk. It’s a small, smart display with just enough screen to glance at the weather, manage Alexa routines, and stream background video content. As the most compact Amazon Echo Show device, it blends in where larger screens would feel intrusive.
Third-party stands are also available if you want to raise the device and give it a more polished, elevated look.
The new Echo Show 5 is punchier than before, especially in sound, but let’s be clear: the audio coming out of this little speaker isn’t going to blow anyone away. If sound quality matters to you, in comparing Echo Show 8 vs 5, the Show 8 is a much better option. That said, the Show 5 is great for desks, smaller spaces, or as a secondary display where audio isn’t the priority.
Pros
- Affordable, space-saving design
- Better sound than previous models
- Faster AZ2 processor
- Perfect for desks, shelves, or nightstands
- Works well as a secondary smart display
Cons
- Sound quality is still tinny and lacks bass
- Low-resolution screen
- Basic 2 MP camera
- No auto-framing or smart home hub
🎥 My Video Review
Here’s my unboxing, setup and review of the Echo Show 5. I’ll get a video review comparing the Echo Show 8 vs 5 up soon as well, so please subscribe!
Where to Buy
You can pick this up over at Amazon. Click on the green button below to check the latest sale price.
This latest generation of Amazon's smallest Show smart display has better and is ideal for small spaces like s shelf or desk.
Quick Buyer’s Guide
At first glance, the Echo Show 8 vs 5 may look nearly identical-just scaled differently. But don’t be fooled by the similar wedge-shaped designs. When it comes to screen size, sound quality, camera hardware, and everyday usability, the differences between the Echo Show 8 vs 5 are more meaningful than they appear.
Let’s break it down.
Design
Both devices follow the same classic Amazon Echo Show silhouette: touchscreen on the front, angled back for stability on any flat surface. The Echo Show 5 is the smaller model, with a 5.5-inch 960×480 display. The Echo Show 8 ups the size to a larger 8-inch screen with a 1280×800 resolution—much better for photos, Alexa widgets, and smart home controls.
They’re available in Charcoal and Glacier White, with Deep Sea Blue as a third option for the Echo Show 8. In comparing Echo Show 8 vs 5, third-party stands make a big visual difference for both models and help with sound quality and screen positioning.
Video Quality
This is where the Echo Show 8 vs 5 difference becomes immediately clear. The Echo Show 8 offers a sharper, more immersive screen for video content, smart home camera feeds, and Alexa interfaces. The Echo Show 5 works fine for checking the weather or calendar, but the resolution and screen size limit its appeal for anything beyond quick glances.
Camera
In the camera department, the Echo Show 8 vs 5 matchup is no contest. The Show 8 (3rd Gen) includes a 13 MP camera with auto-framing-a great upgrade for Zoom calls, Drop-Ins, or even security check-ins. The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) still uses a basic 2 MP camera and doesn’t support auto-framing, which limits its usefulness in video chats.
Both devices do include a physical privacy shutter, so you can disable the camera manually whenever you like.
Audio
If you’re comparing the Echo Show 8 vs 5 for audio quality, the Echo Show 8 wins by a mile. With dual 2″ speakers and a passive bass radiator, it offers fuller, room-filling sound that works great for music, podcasts, and videos.
The Echo Show 5’s single 1.65″ speaker is improved over past generations, but it’s still best suited for alarms, timers, and Alexa’s voice-not immersive listening.
Final Verdict
If you’re choosing between the Echo Show 8 and Show 5, both are solid Alexa displays-but the Echo Show 8 delivers noticeably better sound, a larger screen, and a far more capable camera.
- Choose the Echo Show 8 if you want better audio, a sharper display, or plan to use it for video calls or streaming.
- Choose the Echo Show 5 if you need something compact and affordable for basic tasks in smaller spaces.
If budget allows, go with the Echo Show 8. It’s absolutely worth the upgrade.
Oh, and if you’re interested in getting a stand, check out that blog post I wrote about the best Echo Show stands for every model.
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.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.