Along with a new Echo Show 8, Amazon has updated it smaller Echo Show 5 smart display. It’s effectively the same smart clock radio as the previous model, with no significant changes to the screen or speaker, for the same $84.99. The camera sees a minor update, but it isn’t quite the same step up in image quality as you get with the new Echo Show 8. There's really no reason to upgrade if you own the original model, but for new users, the second-generation Echo Show 5 remains a handy, affordable smart display that's small enough to fit pretty much anywhere you need Alexa and a screen.It Looks Exactly the Same The second-gen Echo Show 5 is almost physically identical to the first one. It’s still effectively a miniature Echo Show 8, a vaguely Toblerone-shaped device with a triangular side profile that lets it sit with the screen tilted back slightly. It measures 3.4 by 5.8 by 2.9 inches (HWD), and is available in black, blue, or white. The 5.5-inch, 960-by-480-pixel touch screen is s...

The second-generation Amazon Echo Show 5 is nearly identical to the previous version, and remains a capable smart display for virtually anywhere in your home, particularly your nightstand.

Affordable; Small size for versatile placement; Useful Alexa features including smart home control and home monitoring

No significant upgrades from previous version; 3.5mm audio output has been removed

Amazon's smallest smart display is a great choice if you want a smart bedside device. Video calling is offered, but that essential privacy shield will offer assurance. But it's really Alexa and its myriad Skills that make this affordable connected device shine.

Great bedside device; All the skills of Alexa; Good sound for the size;

Touch response is slow; User interface isn't the best; Low resolution lacks future potential; Could dim better at night;

This tiny smart display is incredibly easy to use, especially if you already own other Alexa devices. Its 5.5inch screen is slightly too small to use in a kitchen, but for a bedroom or small office, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021) is perfect.

Alexa is always learning, Great for smart home control, Loads of smart features

No 3.5mm audio input, Small screen, Not that different to the 1st generation

“With barely any substantial upgrades, don't be surprised if you can't find a reason to buy this Alexa smart display.”

I love and use it everyday, very useful from the weather to lots of other things.

For the price, the Amazon Echo Show 5 is the best smart speaker out there. It’s not groundbreaking by any means — the camera is pretty lackluster and it’s a bit slow. But Alexa gets smarter all the time, the device is pretty well-designed, and it integrates pretty well with the rest of your smart...

Minor improvements make for just an average upgrade in this diminutive smart display

Better camera, Good speaker for size, Improved video calling, Home monitoring option, Privacy shutter

Sluggish touch screen, Hard of hearing, No audio jack, Not a good smart home controller

The only real reason to buy the new Echo Show 5 is if you fancy one of the new color schemes or want access to a (marginally) better built-in camera. The camera could be a worthy upgrade if you’re in and out of video calls all day long, but we didn’t notice a huge difference in the overall quality.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 take this smart technology and successfully compresses it into a very useful device!