Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this speaker in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of expert reviews and owner reports, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
Still the best-value smart speaker for everyday tasks
For timers, weather, music in the kitchen and controlling smart plugs and lights, the Echo Dot is hard to beat for the price, and its sound is better than its size suggests. The frustration in 2026 is software: Amazon has been moving Echo owners to Alexa+, and some users complain about slower replies and missing features. You can switch back, and the hardware itself is solid.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want a cheap smart speaker for a kitchen, bedroom or office
- use Alexa for timers, reminders, weather and smart-home control
- want better sound than older Dots
Skip it if you…
- want room-filling music with deep bass
- are unhappy with Amazon's Alexa+ changes
- prefer Google or Apple smart-home systems
The Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022) is Amazon's small spherical smart speaker. It has a 44 mm speaker, a built-in temperature sensor, and tap controls on top. It works as a smart-home hub for Alexa-compatible devices.
We looked at sound testing and owner feedback, including how the 2026 Alexa+ rollout changed the experience.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Speaker | 44 mm front-firing driver |
|---|---|
| Size | About 10 × 10 × 9 cm, 340 g |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (plugs into the wall) |
| Extras | Temperature sensor, tap-to-snooze. No 3.5 mm audio jack. |
What owners love
What owners complain about
How it holds up over time
The hardware is reliable, and Echo Dots commonly last for years. What changes over time is the software. Amazon's move to Alexa+ is the biggest shift in years. You can return to classic Alexa by saying "Alexa, exit Alexa+," according to TechRadar.
Tips from owners
- Pair it with a Bluetooth speaker if you want bigger sound.
- Check your privacy settings in the Alexa app.
- Say "Alexa, exit Alexa+" if you prefer the classic assistant.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Great sound for its size and price
- Easy smart-home hub
- Solid, premium-feeling build
- Built-in temperature sensor
What owners complain about
- Limited bass and distortion at full volume
- Alexa+ rollout frustrated some owners
- Ads and upsells in Alexa
Other options owners compare
If you want more sound or a screen, these are the usual step-ups.
| Model | Type | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Dot (5th Gen) (this review) | Compact speaker | You want the cheapest useful Alexa speaker | See on Amazon |
| Echo Dot Max | Larger speaker | You want much more bass and Alexa+ features | See on Amazon |
| Echo Spot (2024) | Speaker with small screen | You want a bedside clock and alarm | See on Amazon |
Want an affordable smart speaker for every room?
Check current colors and bundle deals on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Echo Dot 5th Gen support Alexa+?
Amazon has been rolling Alexa+ out to Echo devices. TechRadar reports you can switch back with "Alexa, exit Alexa+."
Is the sound good enough for music?
It's good for its size, but bass is limited. For room-filling sound, look at the Echo Dot Max or pair a Bluetooth speaker.
Does it have a clock?
This model doesn't. There's a separate Echo Dot with Clock version.
Can it control my lights?
Yes, with Alexa-compatible smart bulbs, plugs and switches.
Sources we analyzed
- What Hi-Fi: Echo Dot (5th Gen) review — sound testing and specs
- TechRadar: Alexa+ upgrade complaints — owner reaction to Alexa+
- BGR: Echo devices worth buying in 2026 — Echo Dot Max comparison
Figures reflect each source as of September 29, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.