All-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) | Smart display with 2x the bass and clearer sound | Charcoal

Small spaces rarely have room for a speaker, a clock, a photo frame and a way to check the front door, so those functions end up scattered across several devices or a phone that has to be picked up first. The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) in Charcoal gathers them into one compact unit with a 5.5 inch screen, sized to sit on a nightstand or kitchen counter. Alexa handles alarms, timers, calendars, weather and smart home routines by voice, and controls compatible lights and thermostats from home or away. Audio has been retuned for deeper bass and cleaner vocals across Amazon Music, Spotify, Prime Video and similar services. The 2 MP camera supports video calls and check-ins, with a physical shutter and a mic and camera off button. Idle time can run a photo slideshow instead of a blank screen.

Worth noting: this is a fixed display with no battery, so it needs a permanent outlet. Video calling requires the other person to have the Alexa app or a screened Echo device.

Setting it up takes only a few minutes: plug it in, follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to an Amazon account. From there, the display can be personalised through the settings menu, where you can adjust the brightness schedule so the screen dims at night without going fully dark, useful as a low-key nightlight. If you use it in a bedroom, the Sunrise Alarm gradually brightens a warm colour on screen before the alarm sounds, which is a gentler alternative to a sharp audio alert. In a kitchen, mounting it with the optional stand accessory can free up counter space while keeping the screen at a comfortable angle.

When comparing this against larger Echo Show models, the key trade-off is footprint versus screen real estate. The 5.5 inch display is readable for quick glances at a recipe step or a weather forecast but is not well suited to extended video watching. The fixed power cable means the placement decision is essentially permanent once you tuck the cord away, so it is worth measuring the outlet distance before settling on a spot. It suits someone who wants ambient smart home control in a small room rather than a primary media screen.