Echo Dot vs Echo Pop vs Echo Show 5 vs Echo Spot: which Alexa device should you get?
By EmbroidHub Editorial Team · Updated · How we compare
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Amazon's compact Echo devices answer questions, play music, set timers and control smart plugs and lights with your voice. They are also among the most discounted products during Amazon sales. The main choice is whether you want a screen.
Quick picks
- Best small speaker: Echo Dot (5th Gen)Check price on Amazon
- Cheapest Alexa speaker: Echo PopCheck price on Amazon
- Kitchen and video calls: Echo Show 5Check price on Amazon
- Smart alarm clock: Echo SpotCheck price on Amazon
Side-by-side comparison
| Product | Best for | Price tier | Screen | Camera | Sound | Best room | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Dot (5th Gen) | Best small speaker | Budget | No | No | Good for its size | Any room | See on Amazon |
| Echo Pop | Cheapest Alexa speaker | Budget | No | No | Basic | Small rooms, dorms | See on Amazon |
| Echo Show 5 | Kitchen and video calls | Budget | 5.5 in | Yes, with shutter | Good | Kitchen, nightstand | See on Amazon |
| Echo Spot | Smart alarm clock | Budget | Small round display | No | Good | Bedroom | See on Amazon |
#1 · Best small speaker · Budget
Echo Dot (5th Gen)
The best-sounding small Echo, with clearer vocals and deeper bass than older Dots, a built-in temperature sensor for routines and tap-to-snooze on top.
What we like
- Best sound of the small Echos
- Temperature sensor
- Frequent deals
Keep in mind
- No screen
- Screen
- No
- Camera
- No
- Sound
- Good for its size
- Best room
- Any room
#2 · Cheapest Alexa speaker · Budget
Echo Pop
A compact half-sphere speaker in fun colors, made for small spaces like a dorm, office or kid's room. Sound is a step below the Dot but plenty for voice and casual music.
What we like
- Lowest price
- Compact and colorful
Keep in mind
- Weaker sound than Echo Dot
- No screen
- Screen
- No
- Camera
- No
- Sound
- Basic
- Best room
- Small rooms, dorms
#3 · Kitchen and video calls · Budget
Echo Show 5
A 5.5-inch smart display that shows the time, weather, recipes, timers and your Ring or Blink doorbell. A small camera with a privacy shutter handles video calls.
What we like
- Screen for timers, recipes and doorbell video
- Video calls
- Camera shutter for privacy
Keep in mind
- Small screen for watching video
- Screen
- 5.5 in
- Camera
- Yes, with shutter
- Sound
- Good
- Best room
- Kitchen, nightstand
#4 · Smart alarm clock · Budget
Echo Spot
A round smart alarm clock with a small screen for the time, weather and song titles, and no camera, which many people prefer in a bedroom.
What we like
- Great alarm clock
- No camera
- Better sound than Echo Pop
Keep in mind
- Small screen, no video
- Screen
- Small round display
- Camera
- No
- Sound
- Good
- Best room
- Bedroom
Do you need a screen?
If you mainly use voice and music, a speaker is enough. A screen is worth it in the kitchen (timers, recipes, shopping list) or if you have a Ring or Blink doorbell, because you can see who is at the door.
Our verdict
The Echo Dot is the best small speaker, the Echo Pop is the cheapest way to get Alexa, the Echo Show 5 is the best for the kitchen, and the Echo Spot is the best bedside clock.
Frequently asked questions
Does Alexa need a subscription?
No. Echo devices work without a subscription. Some music services and Alexa+ features may need one, and Prime members get Alexa+ included.
Can Echo devices control smart plugs and lights?
Yes. They work with thousands of smart home devices, like Kasa smart plugs and Govee lights, through the Alexa app.
Specs and features come from the manufacturers and can change between versions. Prices change often on Amazon, so check the current price and the exact model before you buy.
