.webp&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_2kWg5hrfgWN4cxjqY4KycRYnbk6H)
$22.99 – $49.99
Compact smart speaker with improved audio quality, built-in temperature sensor, and Alexa voice assistant.
You want improved bass over previous gen
44% more bass than 4th gen. Better sound for small to medium rooms. Improved audio.
You want a bedside/desk speaker with clock
Clock version shows time, temperature, timers. Compact size perfect for nightstand or desk.
You use Amazon/Alexa ecosystem
Full Alexa integration. Controls Ring, Blink, Fire TV. Best for Amazon smart home users.
You want affordable entry to smart home
Around $50 (often on sale for $25-30). Best value Alexa device. Great starting point for smart home.
You want room-filling audio quality
Sound weak for big rooms. Limited soundstage. Get Echo (4th Gen) or better for larger spaces.
You need 3.5mm audio jack
No 3.5mm headphone jack on 5th Gen. Previous gens had it. Cannot connect wired speakers.
You prefer Google Assistant
Alexa-only. Google Assistant handles some queries better. Consider Nest Mini for Google.
Sound is weak for big rooms. Limited soundstage. Best for small to medium spaces.
SoundGuys ReviewWiFi drops occasionally. 10% of setup mentions report issues with non-Matter devices.
User Reviews3.5mm headphone jack removed in 5th Gen. Cannot connect external wired speakers.
Product ChangeAmazon Sidewalk opt-out process frustrates users. Network sharing enabled by default.
User ComplaintsSound quality insufficient for large rooms
commonCause: Small speaker driver. Designed for personal/small space use.
Removed 3.5mm audio jack
commonCause: Hardware design change. Use Bluetooth for external speakers instead.
Occasional WiFi connectivity drops
occasionalCause: WiFi congestion or distance from router. May need WiFi optimization.
Motion detection only works at 6 feet
occasionalCause: Ultrasound sensor limitation. For proximity features only.
Amazon Sidewalk privacy concerns
occasionalCause: Shares small bandwidth with neighbors. Must opt-out manually.
Expecting to connect wired speakers via 3.5mm
No audio jack. Cannot connect wired external speakers.
Tip: Use Bluetooth for external speakers. Or get older Echo with aux jack.
Placing in large room expecting full sound
Sound too weak for large spaces. Limited volume.
Tip: Use for small to medium rooms. Get Echo (4th Gen) for larger spaces.
Not disabling Amazon Sidewalk
Shares network bandwidth with neighbors by default.
Tip: Go to Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk > Disable.
All Alexa processing happens in cloud. Voice data sent to Amazon.
Very limited. Timers/alarms may work. No voice commands offline.
Voice recordings, usage data, smart home commands. Amazon cloud.
Amazon Sidewalk shares network. Voice recordings stored. Can review/delete in app.
1.73-inch speaker. Ultrasound motion sensing. Matter/Thread support. Bluetooth. Temperature sensor.
No 3.5mm jack. Weak for large rooms. 6ft motion range. Sidewalk on by default.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
If: Want better sound quality
Google Nest Mini
If: Prefer Google Assistant
Apple HomePod Mini
If: Need HomeKit and Siri
You want cheapest Alexa entry point
Best value at $25-50. Perfect for bedrooms, offices, kitchens. 4.4/5 stars from 10K+ reviews.
You need room-filling sound quality
Too weak for large rooms. Get Echo (4th Gen) or larger speaker.
You need 3.5mm aux output
No audio jack on 5th Gen. Get older Echo or use Bluetooth.
You already have Amazon ecosystem
Perfect addition. Controls Ring, Blink, Fire TV. Great for expanding Alexa.
Echo is larger with much better sound. Dot is compact and affordable. Same Alexa features.
Source: ComparisonYes. Matter and Thread support for connecting modern smart home devices.
Source: Product SpecsNetwork sharing with neighbors for device connectivity. Enabled by default. Can be disabled in settings.
Source: Amazon FAQ44% more bass than 4th Gen. Good for small rooms. Weak for large spaces.
Source: TechRadar ReviewNo. The 5th Gen removed the 3.5mm jack. Use Bluetooth for external speakers.
Source: Product Specs