The Amazon Echo Dot 5th generation has arrived, continuing to solidify its place as one of the most popular and affordable smart speakers on the market. With subtle design tweaks and significant internal upgrades, it remains a top choice for those entering the smart home world or looking to expand their existing setup with Alexa-powered devices. Whether you choose the standard Echo Dot or opt for the Echo Dot with Clock, this generation offers faster responses, improved sound quality, and new features like a temperature sensor.
In this detailed Amazon Echo Dot review, we’ll explore the design, features, sound performance, and how it compares to previous models. Plus, we’ll help you decide whether it’s worth upgrading if you already own an older version.
Amazon Echo Dot 5th Generation: Design and Setup
Visually, the Amazon Echo Dot 5th generation shares the same sleek, spherical design as its 4th-gen counterpart. It’s compact and minimalistic, with a fabric mesh covering most of the body and a plastic rear. Available in charcoal, blue, and white, the color options haven’t changed much, but the Echo Dot remains easy to place in various room settings.
One notable change is the removal of the 3.5mm audio jack, which might be a dealbreaker for some users who prefer to connect the device to external speakers without relying on Bluetooth. While this change might make the Echo Dot look sleeker, it limits connectivity options.
Setup is as easy as ever. Using the Alexa app, you can get the device up and running in just a few minutes. For those embedded in the Alexa ecosystem, it’s a breeze to integrate the Echo Dot into your existing smart home setup.
Key Design Features:
- Compact, spherical design (3.9 x 3.5 inches)
- Available in charcoal, blue, and white
- No 3.5mm audio jack (Bluetooth only for external connections)
- Easy, fast setup via the Alexa app
New Features in the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Generation
While the design hasn’t changed much, the Amazon Echo Dot 5th generation offers significant new features that enhance its functionality:
Temperature Sensor
One of the most practical additions is the built-in temperature sensor. This allows the Echo Dot to monitor the room’s temperature and integrate that data into Alexa Routines. For example, you can set up routines to automatically turn on the heater if the temperature drops below a certain point or activate air conditioning when it gets too warm. This feature eliminates the need for standalone temperature sensors, making it a valuable addition to any smart home.
Eero Wi-Fi Extender
If you use an Eero mesh Wi-Fi system, the Echo Dot 5th gen can now act as a Wi-Fi extender. It supports speeds up to 100Mbps and can connect up to 10 devices to each access point. This is a great feature for homes with Wi-Fi dead zones, although it’s worth noting that this functionality only works with Eero systems.
AZ2 Neural Edge Processor for Faster Responses
The Echo Dot 5th gen is powered by Amazon’s new AZ2 Neural Edge processor, which improves its ability to process requests locally instead of sending them to the cloud. This results in noticeably faster response times. Simple tasks like checking the weather or setting timers are completed almost instantly, making Alexa feel more responsive and efficient.
Tap Controls
Another neat upgrade is the tap-to-control functionality. Instead of using voice commands or buttons, you can now tap the top of the Echo Dot to pause music, snooze alarms, or stop timers. This is a subtle but practical improvement that enhances the user experience.
Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen Sound Performance: Bass Boost and Improvements
One of the most significant upgrades in the 5th generation Echo Dot is its improved sound quality, thanks to the larger 1.73-inch driver. Amazon claims the new driver doubles the bass performance compared to the previous model, and in testing, the difference is noticeable. The Echo Dot 5th gen delivers richer, more balanced sound, particularly at higher volumes.
While it’s still not on par with premium speakers like the Apple HomePod Mini, it’s a considerable improvement for a device in this price range. If you’re looking for a smart speaker that offers decent sound for everyday use without breaking the bank, the Amazon Echo Dot 5th generation fits the bill.
Sound Performance Highlights:
- 1.73-inch driver with improved bass
- Richer, fuller sound compared to 4th gen
- Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms
Amazon Echo Dot vs. Echo Dot with Clock: Which One Should You Choose?
The Amazon Echo Dot 5th generation is available in two versions: the standard model and the Echo Dot with Clock. The only difference between the two is the presence of an LED display on the front of the Clock model, which can show the time, alarms, and temperature.
While the Clock version is slightly more expensive, the price difference is minimal, and it’s often worth the extra investment—especially if you’re placing the Echo Dot on your bedside table or in your kitchen, where the LED display adds convenience.
We’d recommend the Echo Dot with Clock for most users, but you can’t go wrong with either model.
Should Amazon Combine the Two?
Given the small price difference and the flexibility to turn off the LED display via the Alexa app, it’s somewhat baffling that Amazon continues to offer two separate models. It would make sense to combine them into one, making the Echo Dot with Clock the standard option.
Pros and Cons of the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Generation
Pros:
- Improved Bass: The larger driver delivers better sound quality, especially in the bass range.
- Faster Alexa Responses: The AZ2 processor noticeably reduces response times for basic commands.
- Temperature Sensor: A handy feature for automating smart home routines.
- Tap Controls: Easier control with the tap-to-pause and tap-to-snooze features.
Cons:
- No 3.5mm Audio Jack: The removal of the audio jack limits external speaker connections to Bluetooth.
- Separate Models: It’s confusing why Amazon continues to sell separate models for the Clock feature.
Final Thoughts: Is the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Generation Worth It?
The Amazon Echo Dot 5th generation offers meaningful improvements over its predecessor, especially in sound quality and performance. For those new to the smart home world or looking to expand their Alexa ecosystem, it’s an excellent choice. The addition of a temperature sensor and the faster AZ2 processor make this version smarter and more responsive, while the sound upgrades ensure that it holds its own as a speaker.
Where to Buy the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Generation?
You can purchase the Amazon Echo Dot 5th generation on Amazon. Whether you go for the standard model or the Echo Dot with Clock, both versions are frequently discounted during sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday, making them an even better value.