Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo (4th Gen): Which is Better?
By Linus Tan
Updated April 2023
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Amazon Echo (4th Gen) are two popular smart home speakers from Amazon that can greatly automate your life.
In this review, we compare the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) in terms of price, design and specs, sound, and software. Our goal is to determine which smart home speaker is better suited for your needs.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Design & Specs
#3 Sound & Software
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Big Sound with a Small Size
✓ 1.73" front-firing speaker
✓ Alexa built-in
✓ Budget-friendly
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Premium Sound with Alexa
✓ 3.0" neodymium woofer
✓ Dual front-firing 0.8" tweeters
✓ Alexa built-in
#1 Price
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) comes from its basic range and is listed at an affordable US$49, while the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) its premium range and is slightly more expensive at US$99.
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) naturally offers better hardware specs due to its higher price tag. However, if budget is a concern and you don't want to spend too much on a smart home speaker, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is definitely the more wallet-friendly option.
It's worth noting that the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) has an alternative "Clock" version. This version features a front-lit display that shows time, temperature, and more. This is one of the key differences between the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), which lacks a display. The "Clock" version will cost you $10 more than the original at US$59.
#2 Design & Specs
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Side-by-side, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Amazon Echo (4th Gen) look the same, the only difference being that the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is about 50% larger in size compared to the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen). For reference, the Echo (4th Gen) comes out to 5.7” x 5.7” x 5.2” (144 x 144 x 133 mm) while the Echo Dot (5th Gen) measures 3.9” x 3.9” x 3.5” (100mm x 100mm x 89 mm).
Both models have a round shape and a flat base, making it easy to place them on most surfaces. Their small profiles mean they won't be too obtrusive in most spaces. The control buttons, which include a general action button, volume control, and a "Mic Off" button that lets you easily disable the microphone and enable privacy mode, are situated at the top of the speaker. The light ring at the bottom of the speaker adds a touch of personality and glows when you interact with it.
#3 Sound & Software
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
One key difference between the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is their speaker build. The Echo Dot (5th Gen) comes with a 1.73" front-firing speaker, which features improved speaker quality over its predecessor that delivers clearer vocals and deeper bass for a rich vibrant sound. On the other hand, the Echo (4th Gen) essentially has a larger and better-sounding speaker. It is engineered with a 3.0" neodymium woofer and dual front-firing 0.8" tweeters. So if sound quality is crucial for you when selecting a smart home speaker, you can consider investing more in the Echo (4th Gen).
Both the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Amazon Echo (4th Gen) come equipped with Alexa, a voice assistant developed by Amazon that can answer questions, control your smart home devices, play music, and more. Alexa can also integrate with other Amazon services, such as Kindle and Amazon Music. Amazon's smart home ecosystem is extensive, so you may prefer these speakers if you are already fully integrated into their platform.
Amazon Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Final Thoughts
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Regarding the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), it really boils down to budget and audio quality.
If you don't want to invest a lot in home automation, go for the newer and more budget-friendly Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen). However, if sound quality is important to you, invest a little more and get the Amazon Echo (4th Gen).
If you like to read more on smart home speakers, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Smart Home Speakers
Apple Homepod Mini vs Sonos One (Gen 2)
Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Google Nest Mini
Apple HomePod Mini Review
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Review
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs HomePod Mini
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Pop
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