Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8 comes down to space and budget. Pick the Echo Show 5 for a small, affordable display by your bed or on a tight counter. Pick the newly redesigned Echo Show 8 if you want a bigger screen, room-filling sound and built-in smart home control.
Both run Alexa and look alike at first glance, so it’s easy to get confused. Below I explain the real differences in plain language so you can decide in a few minutes.
Quick Picks
Ideal for compact areas and limited finances
A compact display that fits on a nightstand or a crowded kitchen counter.
Best for most homes
A bigger screen, fuller sound, a sharper camera and a built-in smart home hub.
Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8 at a Glance
Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8 at a Glance
| Feature | Echo Show 5 | Echo Show 8 (new) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.5 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Sound | Good for its small size, with deeper bass than before | Room-filling sound with a wider feel and stronger bass |
| Camera | 2 MP camera with a physical shutter | Centered, auto-framing camera with zoom |
| Smart home control | Controls compatible devices like lights and thermostats | Built-in smart home hub, plus sensors that can start routines |
| Best for | Bedside, small counters, tight budgets | Kitchens, living rooms, family use |
| Space needed | Very little | A bit more room |
Screen Size: Small and Simple or Big and Easy to Readeading
The Echo Show 5 features a 5.5-inch display. . It’s perfect for glancing at the time, news, weather or song titles, but it can feel small if you’re following a recipe or watching a show from a few feet away.
The redesigned Echo Show 8 has a larger 8.7-inch touchscreen, with more viewing area than the previous Echo Show 8. Text, photos and recipes are easier to see from across the room, which really helps in a kitchen or living room.
Sound Quality: Echo Show 8 Wins, but the Show 5 Is Decent
The Echo Show 5 sounds better than its size suggests, with deeper bass and clearer voices than older versions. For podcasts, news, timers and background music, it does the job.
The Echo Show 8 goes further. Its spatial audio fills the room, vocals are crisper and the bass is stronger. If you play music or watch shows while you cook or relax, you’ll notice the difference.
Camera and Video Calls
Both devices have a mic/camera off button, so you can switch the camera and microphone off for privacy. The Echo Show 5 also has a built-in camera shutter feature.
The Echo Show 5’s 2 MP camera is good for quick video calls with family, and you can use it to drop in on your home when you’re out.
The Echo Show 8 takes calls up a level. The camera keeps you centered in the frame as you move and can zoom in, so calls look more natural.
Smart Home Control: A Big Reason why Choose the Echo Show 8
Both devices let you control compatible lights, thermostats, and other smart home gear using voice commands or the touchscreen, whether you’re home or away. Each can stream live camera feeds, with the Echo Show 5 also displaying views from compatible video doorbells.
Unlike its counterpart, the new Echo Show 8 includes a built-in smart home hub. In simple terms, it can connect to many smart devices without a separate hub. It also has sensors that can start routines when you walk into a room or when the temperature changes. If you plan to add more smart devices over time, this is a strong reason to spend a little more.
If you want to start small, see our picks for the best smart plugs for Alexa
What’s the Same on Both
- Alexa voice control for your smart home
- Timers, alarms, reminders and recipes
- Music, shows and podcasts from popular apps
- A photo slideshow when the screen is idle
- Privacy controls, including the camera and mic button
Who Should Buy the Echo Show 5?
Choose the Echo Show 5 if:
- You want it in the bedroom as a smart alarm clock
- You have a small kitchen counter or desk
- You want the lowest-cost Echo Show
- You like the idea of a device made with recycled materials (the fabric and aluminum are made from recycled content, according to Amazon)
Who Should Buy the Echo Show 8?
Choose the Echo Show 8 if:
- You want it in the kitchen or living room
- You make a lot of video calls
- You care about better sound
- You plan to add more smart devices and prefer a built-in hub.
My Pick: Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8
If you have the budget, I’d go with the Echo Show 8. The bigger screen, fuller sound and built-in hub make it more useful day to day and a better long-term choice.
If space or budget is tight, the Echo Show 5 still handles the basics well, from alarms and weather to music and quick video calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Echo Show 8 worth the extra money?
For most people, yes. The larger screen, better sound, auto-framing camera and built-in smart home hub add up, especially in shared rooms.
Does the Echo Show 5 support video calling feature?
Yes, the Echo Show 5 supports video calls. Thanks to its built-in 2 MP camera, you can reach anyone using the Alexa app or another screen-enabled Echo device.
Does the Echo Show 5 control smart home devices?
Yes, it can control compatible devices such as lights and thermostats. The new Echo Show 8 adds a built-in smart home hub on top of that.
Which Echo Show is the best fit for your kitchen?
The Echo Show 8. The bigger display makes it easier to follow from across the room, while the upgraded audio delivers clearer sound for music and recipe videos.
Which one is better for a bedroom?
The Echo Show 5. It’s compact and works well as a bedside clock and alarm.
Final Thoughts
Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8 really depends on where you’ll put it. A small bedside spot and a small budget: Echo Show 5. A shared room, a growing smart home and everyday use: Echo Show 8.
Already own an Echo Show and having a problem with it? See our Echo Show 5 not responding to voice commands guide.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Product details and prices can change, so always check the Amazon listing before buying.
More Read: Best Alexa Smart Home Devices for Beginners in 2026
