10 Best Alexa Compatible Devices 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a compact smart display that excels in several areas, making it a versatile addition to any smart home. It features a 5.5-inch touch screen, which allows users to easily view news, weather, and stream music and shows from popular services like Amazon Music and Prime Video. The audio quality has been improved with deeper bass and clearer vocals, providing a richer listening experience for music and podcasts. Additionally, the built-in 2 MP camera supports video calls, which can be handy for staying connected with friends and family.

The Echo Show 5 also integrates seamlessly with various smart home devices, allowing users to control lights, thermostats, and view compatible cameras directly from the display. The device's microphone sensitivity ensures that Alexa can hear commands clearly, even from across the room. Portability is another strong point; its small size makes it easy to place in any room without taking up much space. Privacy features are robust, including a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter, giving users peace of mind about their data security.

However, the 5.5-inch display might be too small for some users who prefer a larger screen for watching videos or making video calls. Additionally, while the sound quality is improved, it may still not satisfy audiophiles looking for high-end audio performance. The Echo Show 5 is ideal for users looking for a compact, multifunctional smart display with solid smart home integration and strong privacy features, all at a reasonable price point.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model) delivers a robust combination of features that should appeal to a wide range of users. Its audio quality is impressive, thanks to room-filling spatial audio and two 2-inch full-range neodymium drivers with a passive bass radiator. This makes it suitable for enjoying music or watching content on platforms like Prime Video and Netflix. The 8-inch HD touchscreen also enhances the viewing experience with vibrant visuals. The 13 MP camera ensures high-quality video calling, and features like auto-framing and noise reduction make the calls more natural and clear. The built-in smart home hub is a major strength, supporting compatibility with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread without the need for additional hubs. This simplifies managing smart devices like cameras and lights, either through voice commands or the display.

Portability is a bit of a mixed bag. While the device is not extremely portable due to its size and weight (36.6 oz), it is still manageable for moving around different rooms in your home. The Echo Show 8 also boasts several privacy features, including a built-in camera shutter and the ability to mute microphones, which can be reassuring for users concerned about data privacy. However, the need for subscriptions to fully utilize some services like Netflix and Amazon Music may be a drawback for some. Additionally, while the device's sustainability features are commendable, it might not be a decisive factor for all buyers.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their smart home setup with a versatile and feature-rich device.