Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd 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 display 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.
A good bedside clock and kitchen helper, if you can live with the ads and lag
Reviewers like the Echo Show 5 as a compact bedside companion: the screen is bright, the sound is better than older models, and a physical shutter covers the camera. The recurring complaints are slow touch response, a weak camera, and ads, which TechSpot and Tom's Guide say have become more noticeable on Echo Show screens since 2025. Several reviewers also point out that the older model is similar, so a sale price matters.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want a small display for the nightstand, desk or kitchen
- use Alexa for alarms, timers and smart-home control
- like a photo frame and a camera shutter
Skip it if you…
- are bothered by ads on a device you paid for
- expect fast, snappy touch menus
- want a camera that is good enough for security monitoring
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) is Amazon's smallest smart display. It has a 5.5-inch 960 × 480 screen, a 2 MP camera with a privacy shutter, a 1.75-inch speaker, and works as a Matter bridge for smart-home devices. It is the newest model in the Show 5 line.
We looked at expert reviews and owner feedback, including the ad complaints from late 2025 and Alexa+ support.
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
| Display | 5.5-inch touchscreen, 960 × 480 |
|---|---|
| Camera | 2 MP with a slider that blocks it and cuts power |
| Speaker | 1.75-inch driver with improved bass over the 2nd gen |
| Smart home | Matter bridge (Wi-Fi), no Thread or Zigbee |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, no headphone jack |
What owners love
What owners complain about
How it holds up over time
Hardware reports are fairly quiet, so the main change over time is software. Owners mention more ads, slow menus, and occasional clock glitches. Alexa+ is available on this model with a Prime membership, according to Smart Home Compared. Many owners suggest waiting for a sale, since the value is best at a low price.
Tips from owners
- Use a Photo Frame routine or change the language setting to cut ads, as Tom's Guide suggests.
- Keep the camera shutter closed when you are not on a call.
- Place it with the back clear, since the speaker fires from the rear.
- Buy on sale if you can, as reviewers say the older generation is similar.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Compact display that suits a nightstand or counter
- Better sound than older Echo Show 5 models
- Privacy shutter for the camera
- Matter bridge for smart-home control
What owners complain about
- Touch screen can feel slow
- Ads appear on the screen and cannot be fully turned off
- Weak 2 MP camera
- Limited video streaming apps
Other options owners compare
These are the Alexa displays and speakers most often compared with the Echo Show 5.
| Model | Type | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) (this review) | 5.5-inch smart display | You want a small bedside display | See on Amazon |
| Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | 8-inch smart display | You want a larger screen and better sound | See on Amazon |
| Echo Spot (2024) | Speaker with small screen | You want a simple alarm clock | See on Amazon |
| Echo Dot Max | Larger speaker, no screen | You mostly care about sound | See on Amazon |
Want a compact Alexa display for the bedside?
Check current colors and deals on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the newest Echo Show 5?
Yes. The 3rd Gen (2023) is the newest in the Show 5 line, and Amazon calls it the newest model.
Does the Echo Show 5 have ads?
Yes, according to TechSpot and Tom's Guide, ads can appear on Echo Show screens, and there is no switch to disable them.
Is the camera good for security?
No. SlashGear and Expert Reviews describe the 2 MP camera as poor to middling.
Does it work with Alexa+?
Yes. Smart Home Compared says Alexa+ is supported with a Prime membership.
Save this review for later
Pin it, share it, or send it to someone who's shopping for one.
Sources we analyzed
- Expert Reviews: Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) review — specs, camera, streaming apps
- Trusted Reviews: Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) review — sound, bedside use, processor
- SlashGear: Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) review — sound and camera comparison
- TechSpot: Echo Show ads complaints — owner reaction to ads
- Tom's Guide: Echo Show full-screen ads — how to reduce ads
Figures reflect each source as of October 06, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.