Echo Show 5 vs 10
Elisabeth Christ
Updated September 2024
Smart displays have become the heart of the connected home, serving as the command center for everything from streaming media to managing smart devices. In this comparison, we’re putting two of Amazon’s most popular Echo Show models head-to-head: the Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) and the Echo Show 10. Both equipped with Alexa, they cater to different use cases and preferences, from compact utility to immersive, room-filling experiences. This article will break down their designs, features, and performance, helping you determine which device suits your lifestyle best.
Key Takeaways
While the Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) excels as an affordable, compact smart display with basic functionality, the Echo Show 10 raises the bar with its dynamic, motion-following display and superior audio quality. If you're looking for an immersive experience with advanced smart home integration and personalized features, the Echo Show 10 is the clear winner, but for budget-conscious users, the Echo Show 5 offers reliable, essential performance.
Amazon Echo Show 5
Minimalist Smart Display with Adequate Functionality
✓ 5.5-inch touchscreen display with 960 x 480 resolution
✓ Ambient light sensor
✓ 3-mic array
✓ 2MP camera
Amazon Echo Show 10
Smart Display with Automatic Spinning and Rotating Feature
✓ 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 touchscreen display
✓ 13-megapixel wide-angle camera
✓ 3 speaker drivers
✓ MediaTek 8183 and Amazon AZ1 Neural Edge processor
#1 Design & Price
Echo Show 5 vs 10
At first glance, the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 10 present two vastly different design philosophies. The Echo Show 5 (3rd gen), priced at $89, is compact, with its 5.5-inch touchscreen set into a Toblerone-shaped body. Its soft edges and unobtrusive size make it a perfect bedside or desk companion. Available in Charcoal, Glacier White, and Deep Sea Blue, it adds a subtle but stylish touch to any room. Its physical buttons for volume and a shutter for privacy are cleverly placed for convenience, while the ambient light sensor ensures that the screen brightness adjusts smoothly to the lighting conditions of your space.
On the other hand, the Echo Show 10, which comes in at $249.99, is a strikingly more dynamic device. Featuring a floating 10.1-inch touchscreen mounted on a motorized cylindrical base, it follows you as you move around the room, ensuring the display is always in your line of sight. Available in Dark Charcoal or Light Gray, this smart display stands tall and commands attention. The 13-megapixel wide-angle camera, hidden within the chunky bezel, isn’t just for video calls—it also powers the screen's rotational tracking. While this larger footprint may be overkill for small spaces, it’s perfect for kitchens or living rooms where multiple people might interact with the device.
#2 Features
Amazon Echo Show 5
When it comes to features, both devices offer robust smart display capabilities, but the Echo Show 10 undeniably leans into more advanced technologies. The Echo Show 5 comes equipped with a 2MP camera, perfect for casual video calls and security monitoring when paired with Alexa’s drop-in feature. Powered by MediaTek’s 8169 B chip, it’s snappy enough for its size, but its hardware limits it to basic tasks. Voice responses are clear, and the screen, while small, is bright and ideal for a quick glance at the weather, timers, or even a rotating selection of your favorite photos from Amazon Photos.
Amazon Echo Show 10
In contrast, the Echo Show 10 introduces a whole new level of interactivity. With its 13MP camera, the quality of video calls is elevated, and its facial recognition capabilities allow for Visual ID, personalizing the experience for each user in your household. Moreover, the built-in AZ2 Neural Network Engine ensures that the device processes requests and visual content efficiently, offering an experience that feels seamless. It’s also equipped with Amazon’s "Adaptive Content" feature, which tailors the information on the screen based on your proximity to the device. Whether you're glancing from across the room or interacting directly, the Echo Show 10 adapts in real-time to provide the most useful data.
#3 Performance
• Display & Widgets
Amazon Echo Show 5
The displays on both devices cater to their size and price points but are engineered for different levels of engagement. The Echo Show 5 sports a 5.5-inch screen with a modest 960 x 480 resolution. While not sharp by modern display standards, it works well for a device designed to give you quick visual information. The display is responsive enough, although minor lag can be noticed at times. Widgets such as calendars, weather, and reminders are easy to access, though limited in terms of customization.
Meanwhile, the Echo Show 10 flaunts a larger 10.1-inch HD display with a 1280 x 800 resolution. The larger screen is perfect for video consumption, providing a more immersive experience for streaming shows or displaying content. Thanks to the edge-to-edge glass design, it looks sleek and modern, allowing users to enjoy rich visuals from almost any angle. The Echo Show 10 also supports more advanced widgets and has the ability to adapt content on the screen based on proximity, giving you a personalized view that’s ideal for multitasking.
• Audio Quality
Amazon Echo Show 10
Audio performance is where the Echo Show 10 starts to significantly outshine its smaller sibling. The Echo Show 5 features a single 1.75-inch speaker, which is serviceable for casual listening but lacks the depth and range for serious music lovers. At higher volumes, the sound quality, especially the bass, diminishes noticeably, becoming thin and somewhat distorted.
In contrast, the Echo Show 10 packs a powerful audio punch with two 1-inch tweeters and a 3-inch woofer, all housed within its base. This combination produces room-filling sound with deeper bass and clearer highs, making it perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos. Although the sound leans toward being bass-heavy, the audio remains clean, even at higher volumes. The upward-facing speakers spread sound more evenly across the room, making it ideal for open spaces.
• Smart Home Integration
Amazon Echo Show 5
Both devices offer deep integration into Amazon's smart home ecosystem, but there are some significant distinctions. The Echo Show 5 serves as a basic hub, allowing users to control a variety of Alexa-compatible devices. It connects via dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but lacks the advanced smart home protocols such as Zigbee or Thread, limiting its utility in more complex smart home setups. Nonetheless, for users with a few smart plugs or lights, the Echo Show 5 functions perfectly as an easy-to-use control center.
On the other hand, the Echo Show 10 is a full-fledged smart home hub. With built-in Zigbee support and a Thread border router, it can manage a wider array of devices without needing additional hubs. Whether you’re setting up smart lights, locks, or security cameras, the Echo Show 10 offers robust support, making it an excellent choice for a more sophisticated smart home environment.
• Additional Unique Features
Amazon Echo Show 10
Each device comes with a set of unique features designed to enhance user experience. The Echo Show 5 offers a modest array of additional functionalities. Its ability to act as a digital photo frame is a nice touch, especially for users who upload images via Amazon Photos. While the speaker doesn’t excel at high volumes, it’s more than capable for casual use, and the device’s energy efficiency claims help position it as a sustainable option for the eco-conscious user.
The Echo Show 10, on the other hand, is packed with features that make it stand out. Beyond its ability to physically rotate to follow users around the room, it includes facial recognition, which personalizes the display for individual users. Additionally, it can listen for specific sounds like breaking glass or smoke alarms, adding an extra layer of security when you’re away from home. Its advanced widgets and new FAST Fire TV Channels enhance its entertainment capabilities, offering access to over 400 live channels.
Echo Show 5 vs 10
Final Thoughts
Echo Show 5 vs 10
Both the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 10 demonstrate Amazon’s commitment to enhancing smart home interaction, but they do so at very different scales. The Echo Show 5 is a capable, budget-friendly option for those seeking a straightforward display for smaller spaces. Meanwhile, the Echo Show 10 pushes the boundaries of what a smart display can be, with its rotating screen, improved audio, and extensive smart home capabilities. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities—be it compact functionality or a more immersive, interactive experience.
If you like to read more about Alexa Echo devices, check out our other relevant guides here:
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Echo Spot vs Echo Show 5
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
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Author
Elisabeth Christ
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