Echo Show 5

I recently purchased the All-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) and I must say it has been a great addition to my bedside table. This compact smart touchscreen device brings Alexa to life and offers a wide range of features for smart home control and more.

One of the highlights is the ability to set alarms and timers, play relaxing playlists, and even start my day with an Alexa routine that turns on compatible lights. All of this can be done with just my voice, making it incredibly convenient.

Despite its small size, the Echo Show 5 delivers impressive sound quality. I can easily stream my favorite music, shows, and podcasts from popular platforms like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video. The deeper bass and clearer vocals enhance the listening experience. The 5.5" display is also a nice touch, allowing me to view shows, song titles, and other information at a glance.

Another fantastic feature is the smart home control capability. I can effortlessly manage compatible devices like lights and thermostats, even when I'm away from home. It adds an extra layer of convenience and control to my daily routine.

The built-in camera is a useful addition as well. I can check in on my family, pets, and other areas of my home with ease. Whether I'm out or just want to view my front door from the Echo Show 5, the built-in camera ensures peace of mind. Additionally, the device allows for video calling with friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device with a screen, keeping me connected even when we're physically apart.

Privacy is a significant concern, and I appreciate the multiple layers of privacy controls built into the Echo Show 5. It includes a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera cover, ensuring that I have control over my privacy.

Setting up the Echo Show 5 was a breeze, and its compact size and sleek design make it a perfect fit for my bedside table. However, I have noticed a few minor issues. Occasionally, it doesn't respond to my commands, especially when I want to stop playing a radio station. I have to switch it off and then back on to resolve the issue. Furthermore, while watching Prime videos, the volume sometimes goes quiet, and then Alexa's voice becomes excessively loud when the video finishes.

One limitation I've noticed is that the Echo Show 5 only supports Prime Video, YouTube, and Bing, and doesn't offer support for Netflix. This may be a downside for those who enjoy watching Netflix on their devices.

Considering the price difference compared to other Echo devices, I questioned whether the screen was worth the extra cost. I purchased it primarily as a bedside alarm clock, but during a recent power outage, the alarm failed to go off, and I almost ended up late for work. This incident made me question the reliability of the device in such situations.

However, despite these minor drawbacks, I believe the All-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) is a solid device. Its sleek design, high-quality display, improved sound, and numerous features make it a top-quality choice. The device offers great value for those who appreciate the extra functionality provided by a screen. However, if improved sound is not a priority, the cheaper Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) could be a viable alternative, as the differences between the two are minimal.

As someone who already owns other Alexa devices, I can confidently say that devices with screens provide numerous additional benefits. The Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) is on par with the existing devices in terms of performance and offers several exciting new features.

Overall, I highly recommend the All-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) for anyone looking to enhance their smart home experience. While the price could be more competitive, it's a reliable and versatile device that is sure to be a valuable addition to your daily routine