Amazon Echo Show 5 (2024) Review: Best Smart Display Under $100
Looking for an affordable smart display? The Amazon Echo Show 5 is the perfect entry point into smart home automation. At under $100, it packs impressive features that rival displays costing twice as much.
What Makes the Echo Show 5 Special?
🖥️ 5.5" Smart Display
- Compact size fits anywhere
- Perfect for bedside tables
- Photo frame when not in use
- Touch screen interface
🎤 Alexa Voice Control
Everything you'd expect from Alexa: - Voice commands for music, weather, news - Smart home control - Video calling - Timers and alarms - Recipes and cooking help
📹 Built-in Camera
- 2MP camera for video calls
- Physical camera shutter for privacy
- Works with Zoom, Skype
- Drop In feature for family communication
Echo Show 5 vs Echo Dot: Which Should You Buy?
Choose Echo Show 5 if: - ✅ You want to SEE information (weather, time, recipes) - ✅ Video calling is important - ✅ You need a bedside clock replacement - ✅ You want to display photos
Choose Echo Dot if: - ✅ You only need audio - ✅ Budget is tight ($50 vs $90) - ✅ Space is extremely limited
For most people, the Echo Show 5's screen is worth the extra $40.
Perfect Uses for Echo Show 5
Kitchen Counter
- Display recipes step-by-step
- Set multiple cooking timers
- Watch cooking videos
- Quick grocery list updates
Bedroom Nightstand
- Smart alarm clock with sunrise simulation
- Check weather before getting up
- Control smart lights with voice
- White noise for better sleep
Office Desk
- Calendar at a glance
- Video calls with colleagues
- Quick timers for productivity
- Display to-do lists
Kids Room
- Video call parents/grandparents
- Educational content
- Bedtime stories
- Homework timer
Key Features in Depth
Smart Home Hub
Control your devices: - Smart lights (Philips Hue, LIFX) - Smart plugs - Thermostats - Security cameras - Smart locks
Entertainment
- Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music
- Amazon Prime Video
- Netflix (audio only)
- YouTube videos
- Audiobooks
Routines & Automation
Create custom routines like: - "Good morning" - lights on, news briefing, coffee maker on - "Bedtime" - lights off, door locked, white noise on - "I'm leaving" - all lights off, thermostat adjusted
Echo Show 5 Specs
- Display: 5.5" touchscreen
- Resolution: 960 x 480
- Speakers: 1.65" full-range
- Camera: 2MP with shutter
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Ports: 3.5mm audio out, USB-C power
What's New in the 2024 Model?
Improvements over previous generations: - 📊 2x faster processor - 🔊 Improved speaker quality - 📹 Better camera in low light - 🎨 New color options - 🔋 Lower power consumption
Is the Echo Show 5 Worth It?
Absolutely. At $89.99 (often on sale for less), it's incredible value.
Pros: - ✅ Affordable price point - ✅ Compact size fits anywhere - ✅ Full Alexa functionality - ✅ Physical camera shutter - ✅ Great for smart home control - ✅ Excellent for video calls
Cons: - ❌ Smaller screen than Show 8/10 - ❌ Average speaker quality - ❌ Lower resolution display - ❌ No Zigbee hub built-in
For most users, these cons are minor. The Echo Show 5 does exactly what it needs to do at an unbeatable price.
Current Pricing & Deals
Regular price: $89.99 Sale price: Often $49.99 during Prime Day/Black Friday
Check Today's Echo Show 5 Price →
Pro tip: Sign up for Amazon Prime for exclusive early access to deals!
Echo Show 5 vs Competition
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) - $99
- Similar size and features
- Better YouTube integration
- No camera (privacy focused)
- Better sleep tracking
Lenovo Smart Display 7 - $89
- Google Assistant instead of Alexa
- Slightly larger screen
- Better speaker
- Less smart home compatibility
Winner: Echo Show 5 for most users due to Alexa ecosystem and price.
Accessories to Consider
- Adjustable Stand - Tilt for better viewing angles
- Smart Bulb Starter Kit - Control lights with voice
- Ring Video Doorbell - Answer door from Echo Show
- Smart Plug 4-Pack - Control lamps and appliances
Who Should Buy the Echo Show 5?
Perfect for: - ✅ First-time smart home buyers - ✅ Apartment dwellers with limited space - ✅ Parents wanting to check on kids - ✅ Anyone wanting an affordable smart display - ✅ Existing Alexa users expanding their ecosystem
Skip if: - ❌ You need high-quality speakers - ❌ You want a large display (get Echo Show 10) - ❌ You're invested in Google ecosystem - ❌ You don't use streaming services
Setup & Installation
Getting started takes less than 5 minutes: 1. Plug in Echo Show 5 2. Download Alexa app on phone 3. Connect to Wi-Fi 4. Sign in with Amazon account 5. Done!
Privacy Features
Amazon takes privacy seriously: - 🔒 Physical camera shutter - 🎤 Microphone mute button - 🗑️ Delete voice recordings anytime - 👁️ Control data sharing in settings
Final Verdict
Rating: 9/10
The Amazon Echo Show 5 is the best budget smart display available. It's not perfect - the screen could be sharper and speakers louder - but at this price point, it's exceptional value.
Whether you're new to smart homes or expanding your ecosystem, the Echo Show 5 delivers exactly what most people need without breaking the bank.
Get the Best Echo Show 5 Deal Today →
Last updated: January 29, 2026. Make your home smarter today!
