Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) – now $59.99 – is one of those little gadgets that ends up doing a lot more than you expect. If you want a simple way to bring voice control and a small screen into your home, this is an easy entry point that does not take up much space. The 5.5-inch display lets you see the time, weather, and headlines at a glance, which makes it handy on a nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk. You can ask it for the forecast before you get dressed, check the traffic while you drink your coffee, or see quick news briefings without picking up your phone.
You also get the bonus of video and smart home features without paying for a bigger device. You can make video calls to friends and family, which is nice if you want to stay in touch hands-free while you cook or work. If you have compatible smart cameras or a video doorbell, you can pull up the live view on the screen just by asking. That means you can see who is at the door or check another room in your home without walking over or digging out your phone. For music and shows, you can stream from popular services, so you can play a playlist while you cook, listen to a podcast while you get ready for bed, or watch a quick show while you’re eating lunch.
Where the Echo Show 5 really fits into your day is with alarms, timers, and routines. As a bedside clock, you can use your voice to set alarms, ask for a morning update, or play sleep sounds at night. You can set a routine so that when you say “good morning,” the device can turn on your lights if you have smart bulbs, read you the weather, and start a news update. At night, you can have a “good night” routine that turns off lights, locks compatible smart locks, and plays calming music or white noise. The touch screen makes it easy to swipe and tap if you do not feel like talking to it, and you can glance over and see the time without squinting at a tiny display.
At $59.99, this is a good pick if you have been curious about smart displays but do not want something large or pricey. You get a compact device that fits almost anywhere, gives you quick info when you need it, and helps you stay organized with timers and reminders. If you already use other Echo or smart home products, this plugs right into what you have and adds a screen on top of the voice control you are used to. If you are just starting out, it is an easy first step that can sit quietly on a table and still end up becoming the little gadget you talk to all the time.
