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Both the Echo Show 5* and the Echo Show 8* score points with a variety of functions and a robust design. If you choose one of the models, you are making a long-term investment.
But before you make a decision, you should familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of each variant. Only then will you find a product that really suits you and your needs.
Is Echo Show 5 or Echo Show 8 the better choice?
Whether you are better off with Echo Show 5 or Echo Show 8 depends on your requirements. Both devices are great – but aim for different needs.
In this post, you will learn what makes Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 stand out. You will get a well-founded overview of the features of the individual models. This enables you to make a well-thought-out decision.
First of all, here are the most important technical properties:
| Echo Show 5 | Echo Show 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 148 mm x 86 mm x 73 mm | 200.4 mm x 135.9 mm x 99.1 mm |
| Weight | 410 g | 1037 g |
| Display | 5.5-inch touch screen | 8-inch touch screen |
| Camera | 1-MP camera | 1-MP camera |
| Camera Cover | Yes | Yes |
| WLAN | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | Integrated 42 mm full-range speakers. 3.5mm stereo audio output for external speakers | 52 mm neodymium speaker with a passive bass radiator |
Table of Contents
Echo Show 5
The Echo Show 5* is a smart speaker equipped with the Alexa voice function. Another characteristic of the device is the 5.5-inch display – hence the name of the model.
Measuring 148 x 86 x 73 millimeters and weighing 410 grams, the Echo Show 5 is a compact device.
The installation of the Echo Show 5 is very easy. Just plug it into a power outlet. Via Alexa, the on-screen dialog will finally complete the setup. You can choose the language, log in to your Amazon account and enter your WLAN password. You can also use the touchscreen for this purpose.
How to use Echo Show 5 will be explained to you in a video afterward. The model is controlled mainly by voice commands. But you also have the possibility to show control elements on the screen. This way you always remain flexible when operating the device.
Versatile entertainment
The Echo Show 5 is often used to play music. You can also have the text faded in on the display. This is especially interesting for you if you like to sing karaoke.
Furthermore, you can listen to the radio with this model. This option comes in handy if you use Echo Show 5 as an alarm clock. You no longer have to be woken up by an unpleasant sound, but you can listen to the music of your favorite radio station.
Many users also welcome daylight simulation. The display gets brighter and brighter when you wake up, so that in the end it is easier for you to wake up in the morning.
The appliance is also used in the kitchen. Here you have the possibility to display recipes. This makes it easy for you to cook the dishes step by step. At the same time, you can play music or messages while you are preparing your meals. So you are always up to date.
Additionally, the Echo Show 5 is equipped with a 1-MP camera. With this camera, you can take pictures that you can immediately upload to Amazon Photos. The display has a resolution of 960 x 480 pixels, with the screen brightness adapting to the environment. This allows you to see details on Echo Show 5 even in bright sunlight.
Enhance your device with skills
Users can functionally enhance Alexa with Echo Show 5. For this purpose, you can use skills from third parties. To add a specific option, you have to search in the smartphone app. The skills are clearly sorted and assigned to appropriate categories. You can add them by tapping with your finger.
The Echo Show 5 can also be used for making phone calls. Simply grant Alexa voice control access to your contacts. An interesting option in this context are the “Drop Ins”. So you can transfer voice and video messages to another speaker.
If you want to contact Echo Show 5 from your smartphone, you need the Alexa app. This is available for free.
Control your smart home devices
Of course, you can also control your smart home system with Echo Show 5. You even have your own, clearly arranged dashboard at your disposal. A disadvantage of this model is that it is not equipped with a Zigbee hub. You also need a working WLAN connection to access your smart home devices.
When it comes to power consumption, you don’t have to worry about Echo Show 5. It is between 3.4 and 4.5 watts while the display is running. If you switch off the screen, the device only consumes 1.8 watts.
Protect your privacy
The Echo Show 5 is also impressive in terms of privacy. For example, you can use a slider to hide the camera. By pressing another button, you can deactivate the camera and microphone. If a transmission into the cloud takes place, you will receive an optical signal.
Conversations are recorded by Alexa. However, you can track them on your smartphone and delete them at any time if necessary. This is also possible by voice command.
This is the price
In terms of the price-performance ratio, the Echo Show 5 performs very well. Despite the extensive functions, the cost of the device is only in the two-digit range. However, it is still worth comparing the prices of several dealers. In this way, you can save additional money.
Show Echo 5 – Advantages
In addition to the simple control and the large variety of possible uses, the compact dimensions prove to be a considerable advantage. This means that you can park the device almost anywhere and remain flexible in its use.
Echo Show 5 also has strengths when it comes to controlling smart home components. You can easily operate your system and add individual devices at any time. But you need a working WLAN to do so.
Another positive aspect is the price of the model. This is within the affordable range and is quite reasonable considering the multitude of functions.
Show Echo 5 – Disadvantages
When it comes to sound performance, you have to make some compromises when listening to music – because the integrated loudspeaker does not provide enough power to create a room-filling sound. Also, the product does not have a ZigBee Hub. This is a disadvantage, especially if you use the device primarily to control the smart home system.
The power cable is only 1.5 meters long. This proves to be somewhat short for some locations. Therefore, it is best to think about where to place the Echo Show 5 in advance.
Echo Show 8
Unlike the Echo Show 5, the Echo Show 8* has an 8-inch diameter display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. It allows videos and details to be seen even better.
Furthermore, the device is equipped with two loudspeakers, which bring it to an output of 10 watts. Two microphones have been installed on the top side. Next to them, you will find a button to adjust the volume and a switch to deactivate the microphone.
The device also has a 1-megapixel camera with which photos can be taken. In terms of basic equipment, the Echo Show 8 is very similar to the smaller version.
A simple, fast setup
Also with this model, the setup is easy. This is done directly on the display of Echo Show 8, which is usually controlled by Alexa. But you also have the possibility to call up all functions on the screen. You can also use the display to show photos, appointments and movies.
Enjoy rich sounds and solid entertainment
The Echo Show 8 allows the integration of well-known music streaming services – to be mentioned here are Spotify, Apple Music, web radio tuning and Amazon Music. For the latter, you need a prime subscription at Amazon. You also have the possibility to play music from your smartphone on the Echo Show via Bluetooth.
The performance of the speakers is solid, but – just like the Echo Show 5 – not comparable to the sound of a stereo system. The option of connecting the device to such a system or simply to larger speakers proves to be practical. A cable with a 3.5-millimeter jack is available for this purpose.
The Echo Show 8 is especially popular in the kitchen. There it replaces the kitchen radio, where you can ask Alexa for recipes. You will then receive instructions with pictures that are shown on the display. You can imitate them step by step. You can expand your repertoire of recipes with Alexa Skills. Just add them via your smartphone app.
Protection for your privacy
Echo Show 8 also leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to protecting your data. You can cover the camera with a button and at the same time turn off the microphone. Recorded calls can be deleted via the app.
This is the price
When it comes to cost, the Echo Show 8 is slightly more expensive than the smaller model. In this case, you have to expect expenses in the three-digit range. But because of the higher screen resolution and the slightly improved sound quality, the costs are quite reasonable.
Echo Show 8 – Advantages
The biggest advantages of the Echo Show 8 are the comparatively large display with the improved resolution. The sound performance is also impressive – in both respects the Echo Show 5 does not score as well.
Furthermore, you can use the device in many ways and, if necessary, connect it to a stereo system or powerful speakers. All you need is the connection cable.
The Echo Show 8 is versatile but proves to be a good choice especially for the kitchen. There you can display recipes and implement them step by step. At the same time, you have the possibility to listen to music.
Echo Show 8 – Disadvantages
Compared to the Echo Show 5 this model is a little more expensive. However, if good sound performance and high resolution are important to you, you should consider purchasing that product.
Even Echo Show 8 cannot keep up with a stereo system. But here you have the advantage of being able to connect it to a powerful speaker via a cable.
You will not find the ZigBee Hub in that model. You can still use it to control smart home systems.
Related Questions
Which device is the right one?
Whether you choose the Echo Show 5* or the Echo Show 8* is up to you. With the larger model, you’ll enjoy a higher resolution and improved sound quality. It is recommended if you use the device frequently for entertainment.
If you use the Echo Show primarily for displaying recipes and as an alarm clock, the smaller version will be sufficient. In this case, you also save the higher purchase costs.
Is it possible to use the Echo Show for entertainment as well?
Yes, you can use the device to play music or communicate with Alexa. You have the possibility to ask the system questions to get interesting information. However, when it comes to sound quality, the device is not comparable to a high-quality stereo system. So you have to make some concessions when it comes to sound.
Are Echo Show devices robust?
Both Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 are high-quality products. They are characterized by detailed processing. So you can be sure that you are making a long-term investment when you buy them.
What does the number behind the product name refer to?
The number does not indicate the version of the device – it only refers to the size of the display. So if you choose the Echo Show 8, you will get a model with an 8-inch screen. The same equation applies to Echo Show 5.
Conclusion – Versatile, Robust devices
Both the Echo Show 5* and the Echo Show 8* are characterized by high durability. This is due to the detailed workmanship. Furthermore, the devices can be used in many different ways. You can use them to control your smart home system, for entertainment or as a cooking aid.
Echo Show 8 offers you improved performance in terms of screen diameter, resolution and sound quality. But you also have to pay a higher price for this. The final choice depends on the intended use. If you use Echo Show primarily for smart home control and as a support in the kitchen, the smaller version is better.
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.
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