- Making the Most of Your Smart Home: Common Use Cases - March 28, 2023
- Eco Mode at Night: Maximizing Nest’s Energy Savings - March 20, 2023
- Connecting & Controlling Smart Home Devices: A Guide - March 18, 2023
Disclosure: Links marked with * are Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases if you decide to make a purchase through these links – at no cost for you!
Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa is enjoying increasing popularity. Like no other, the nice voice from the loudspeaker knows how to simplify the life of its users. Like any cloud service, Alexa needs the right hardware. But Amazon would not be Amazon if the appropriate hardware was not provided by the tech giant itself. Several voice assistant models are currently available on the market under the name “Echo”.
To bring some transparency into the confusion, we will explain the differences, advantages and disadvantages between the most popular models for entering the Alexa world. In the following article, we will take a closer look at the Echo Show 5* and Echo Dot* models, introduce the advantages and disadvantages and put the hardware in the context of your everyday life.
Here is a table of their technical properties:
| Echo Show 5 | Echo Dot | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 148 mm x 86 mm x 73 mm | 100 x 100 x 89 mm |
| Weight | 410 g | 328 g |
| Display | 5.5-inch touch screen (140 mm) | None |
| WLAN | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | Integrated 42 mm full-range speakers. 3.5mm stereo audio output for external speakers | 41 mm speakers; 3.5 mm stereo audio output for external speakers |
Check Price:
Check Price:
Table of Contents
The Similarities of all Amazon Echo Models
Before we take a detailed look at the differences, advantages and disadvantages of the Echo Show 5 and Echo Dot models in detail, let’s look at the similarities, because at the core, every Echo model has:
- Voice Assistant Alexa
- Cloud-based software
Since Alexa is present on every echo, she also reacts identically on every model. This includes all voice commands that you give her, for example, to control lights and the power outlet or to play music, as well as all questions that you can ask Alexa.
So if you only value the functionality of the enchanting voice assistant, you are also well advised to use the models of the basic version. Special Echo Skills, i.e. all apps that have been specially developed for the Echo models, also run on all Echo versions. The integrated Bluetooth module, which ensures the connection to other devices, is also installed on all Echo devices.
What the basic models of the Echo series lack, however, are the possibilities offered by the ZigBee hub functions.
Sample Alexa skills for each echo model:
- Alexa supports concerned parents – Alexa gives parents the opportunity to block skills that are not suitable for children. Under Settings, Account Settings and the item “Skills for Children”, content for children can be individually blocked or released.
- Alexa prevents unwanted voice purchases – Alexa supports its users in the context of unwanted voice purchases. Voice purchases that are not wanted can be prevented with the right settings. This function can be turned off or secured by a voice code in the Settings, Account Settings and the “Voice shopping” section. Voice purchases can be secured with a voice code. A voice code can be stored to prevent accidental voice purchases or to prevent other household members from placing orders via voice command. Before a purchase can be completed via voice command, Alexa will ask for the code.
- Set Alexa’s timer volume – The timer is one of the most used Alexa functions. Whether used as an egg timer or for cooking pasta, Alexa will let you know when the time runs out. Often this happens so loudly that the neighbors know immediately when the food is on the table. In the app’s settings, the volume can be adjusted in the productivity and timer areas. In the “More and Timer” section, you can select the device in the first step and adjust the volume in the second step.
- Change Alexa’s wake-up tones – Dictating Alexa’s wake-up time is one of the most frequently used echo functions, just like the timer function. Alexa is very reliable in this area and wakes up mercilessly. One of the standard tones, which is preset to wake you up, is very fast on the alarm clock. Many echo users are not aware of the possibility to change the alarm tone. Similar to the timer volume the alarm tone can be set and changed via app. Being woken up in the morning by Alexa with your favorite sound does not have to be a pipe dream.
- Alexa, please do not disturb – Alexa is a very loyal and always attentive companion. But in some situations she is simply too affectionate, not to say annoying. In this case, you can put Alexa in her place. The “Please do not disturb function” proves to be very practical in these moments. Simply switch to the device overview in the Alexa app and activate the option “Please do not disturb” for the desired speaker. The action can be activated indefinitely or at fixed times. Alarm clocks and timers are not affected by this setting.
- Alexa Smart Home Skills – The Alexa app allows you to access installed skills via your device. If an Echo device has been replaced or disposed of due to age, all installed skills can be retrieved and viewed in the Alexa app. They can also be uninstalled or deactivated via the app. Under the menu item “My Smart Home Skills” you can find the skills that are enabled for each device.
The Echo-Dot in Detail
Check Price:
The Echo-Dot* model is a convincing, affordable entry model into the world of Alexa. According to its price, one looks for special features in the Echo-Dot but unfortunately in vain. A simple loudspeaker plays music in “radio quality”. The 4th generation model sounds a bit better than its predecessor. Nevertheless, one should not expect a great sound miracle.
If you still have a certain demand on the sound, you can couple two echo dots together to generate a reasonably sonorous stereo sound. The coupling of two dots does not replace the classic stereo system. If the focus is on music, the coupling with an external speaker is appropriate. For connecting, a 3.5 mm jack (audio output) is also available in addition to the coupling via Bluetooth.
As an entry-level model, the Echo Dot is more suitable for users who initially only want to take advantage of Alexa’s features and skills. The 3rd generation Dot also features a fabric cover, which is available in several colors. The models of the 3rd Generation Dot also convince with their integrated watch. The built-in LED display shows timer, temperature and time. Interesting: The brightness of the display adapts to the environment. Which also makes the device interesting as a bedside alarm clock. However, the Echo Dot with the integrated clock are available for a small extra charge*.
Check Price:
The Echo Dot model is often confused with the Echo model. In contrast to the Echo Dot, the Echo model has a much better loudspeaker. This is ideal for listening to music. It convinces by its 76mm woofer and its 20mm double tweeter. The sound technology runs in Dolby digital.
The 4th generation Echo Dot convinces with its very smart and rather spherical design. In its functionality, however, the model is similar to the 3rd generation. What the 3rd and 4th generation Echo Dots lack is the popular ZigBee hub function. Various smart home devices can still be controlled by voice via Alexa.
The Echo Show 5 in Detail
Check Price:
The model Amazon Echo Show 5* convinces by its display with video function. Compact and reasonably priced, this model features the universally popular video function, which is otherwise only found in the much more sophisticated Echo models.
Echo Show 5 from Amazon convinces with its 5.5-inch display and thus offers a wonderful entry into the world of Alexas with a screen. Compact in design, the model Echo Show 5 can be placed on the bedside table or desk. Its integrated snooze function can be used both when getting up and at the end of the day. The integrated camera can be used for video telephony, for example.
The camera is practically integrated above the display and can also be covered mechanically by a flap. The Echo Show 5 convinces with two microphones. So Alexa listens to the given commands with two open ears. This is much less than with other models, but it does not affect the quality. What the Echo Show 5 is missing is the ZigBee-Hub function. Smart Home devices can still be controlled by voice using Alexa.
Alexa’s functionality in Echo Dot and Echo Show 5
Amazon’s Echo models always work when Alexa can permanently listen in as a voice assistant. In addition, Alexa always needs a connection to the Internet. Although Alexa constantly watches for the assigned activation word, she permanently listens in. If the set activation word sounds, all voice commands are loaded onto the Amazon servers. There they are evaluated. The system is responsible for this being the only way to find answers to questions or perform desired actions.
Amazon hides for the fact that the analysis of seized audio signals takes place only starting from the activation word and everyday conversations are not recorded or stored. Nevertheless, the criticism regarding privacy is great. On the one hand, the privacy policy is very long and on the other hand, it is formulated in an unclear manner in some places.
For this reason, it is very important that every future user is aware of the fact that his or her private data may be processed for profit before purchasing. Here the practical benefit should be weighed up.
Related Post:
Making a Smart Home with Alexa 👉 [Basics & Tutorial]
What does the ZigBee Function Do?
The ZigBee function is a protocol that controls the exchange of data between multiple smart home devices. Some Echo models are equipped with the ZigBee function, but not Amazon Echo Dot and Amazon Echo Show 5, all of which have the ZigBee function and are able to communicate directly with other smart devices such as plugs, lamps, or many other smart home devices.
If the ZigBee function is missing, the communication runs over a so-called bridge or the base station. This bridge or base station then mediates between the Amazon Echo device and the power outlet or lamp. ZigBee compatible devices are for example Philips-Hue lamps* or different smart plugs.
Check Price:
As intelligent living becomes more and more important, the Echo Dot and Echo Show 5 models are suitable for beginners but offer plenty of room to move upwards. The networking of consumer electronics and household appliances is unstoppable.
Conclusion Amazon Echo Dot vs. Echo Show 5
Which Echo loudspeaker is the best one always depends on your own needs and demands. The Smart Speaker Echo Dot* and Echo Show 5* show significant differences in sound. However, these can only be compared to a limited extent, because while the focus of the Echo Dot is clearly on the basic functions, the Echo Show 5 model convinces with its display.
The choice of the appropriate echo model for one’s own needs is always based on one’s own requirements. Also, the intended use plays an important role in the choice of the right echo device. The Echo Smart Speaker Dots of the 3rd generation are characterized by their handy design and affordable price. The 4th generation Smart Speaker Dot is somewhat different, with its spherical design and integrated LED clock timer function, and is slightly more expensive than the previous version. In contrast to the Dot models, the Show 5 Series Echo Smart Speakers are much smaller, comparatively inexpensive and equipped with a display.
The right equipment must fit the individual way of living and working, fulfill the intended purpose and also meet personal needs.
Check Price:
Check Price:
Related Post:
What the Echo Show 5 can do Features, Skills & Guide
Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
Disclosure: This website is the property of Martin Lütkemeyer and is operated by Martin Lütkemeyer. Martin Lütkemeyer is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to enable Web sites to earn advertising revenue through advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links marked with * are affiliate links.