10 Best Echo Devices 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Echo Show 21 is an impressive 21-inch smart display that excels in bringing together entertainment, organization, and smart home control. One of its standout features is the large Full-HD display, which not only enhances video calls but also serves as a vibrant hub for family calendars, shopping lists, and more. The built-in Fire TV capabilities provide access to a wide array of streaming services, making it a great option for those who enjoy watching shows and movies in the kitchen or family room.

In terms of smart home integration, it performs well, allowing users to control various devices with voice commands or touches. This is especially useful for those looking to manage multiple smart gadgets from one central point. The device also boasts a decent camera with auto-framing for video calls and noise reduction technology, which enhance communication.

On the downside, while the Echo Show 21 does provide great sound quality with its dual woofers and tweeters, its bulkiness and weight (10.7 lbs) might limit its portability; it's not designed for frequent relocation. Privacy features are robust, including a physical camera shutter and microphone controls, which add peace of mind. Lastly, while it offers a wealth of features, the device's reliance on Wi-Fi and compatibility requirements can be a hurdle for those with less technical knowledge. As a smart home device, it is best suited for families looking to improve their home organization while enjoying multimedia content, but new users may need some time to familiarize themselves with its full capabilities.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a compact smart display that offers several useful features. It comes with a 5.5-inch display, which can be handy for viewing news, weather updates, making video calls, and streaming music or shows. The device boasts improved sound quality with deeper bass and clearer vocals, making it a good choice for media consumption in small to medium-sized rooms.

Additionally, it integrates well with smart home devices, allowing you to control lights, thermostats, and other compatible devices, even when you're not at home. The built-in 2 MP camera can be used for video calling and checking in on your home or pets, adding an extra layer of convenience and security. Privacy is a key focus with multiple controls, such as a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter, ensuring your personal information remains protected.

Portability is another strong point due to its small size and light weight, making it easy to move around the house. However, the screen size might be too small for those who prefer larger displays for viewing content. While the device supports various accessibility features, the 2 MP camera resolution might not provide the best quality for video calls. Some smart home integration features may require subscriptions or additional fees. The Echo Show 5 is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile, compact smart display with good sound quality and strong privacy features.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is a compact smart display that offers a nice balance of features for anyone looking to add a smart assistant with a screen to their home. Its 5.5-inch touchscreen is just the right size to glance at news, weather, or control smart devices without taking up too much space. The sound quality has improved with twice the bass and clearer vocals compared to previous versions, making music and podcasts enjoyable, though the small 1.75-inch speaker may not satisfy those wanting deep, room-filling audio.

Alexa’s voice assistant is fully capable, handling everything from controlling compatible smart home gadgets like lights and thermostats to making video calls using the built-in 2MP camera, which also comes with a privacy shutter for peace of mind. The device supports common smart home standards including WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, and the newer Matter protocol, which means it should work smoothly with a wide range of other smart devices. Portability is limited since it requires constant power and is not battery-operated, but its small size makes it easy to move around. Privacy features are thoughtfully designed, including a physical camera shutter, mic-off button, and the ability to review and delete voice recordings, addressing common concerns about smart home device security.

It also includes helpful accessibility options for users who may need extra support. While the display is smaller than larger Echo Show models, it’s suitable for personal use or small spaces like a bedside table or kitchen counter. If you want a smart display with a clear screen, decent sound, and strong privacy controls without a bulky footprint, the Echo Show 5 fits well. For those seeking superior audio or a larger display for watching videos, bigger models are worth considering. This device is great for users wanting a compact, versatile smart display to complement their smart home setup.