Amazon Echo Show 21 vs Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

Amazon Echo Show 21 wins with its higher owner rating, complete Zigbee, Thread and Matter hub radios and enormous Full HD screen with Fire TV. Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the tiny, affordable bedside alternative with Matter bridging only.

Everything about scale. The Show 21 mounts on a wall as a household TV and command center readable across the room. The Show 5 sits on a nightstand as an alarm clock and mini controller. Price, size and hub capability all differ by category, not degree.

The Amazon Echo Show 21, with a Zigbee coordinator, Thread border router and Matter bridge. The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) has no Zigbee or Thread radios and only bridges Matter devices.

Yes, both include cameras with physical privacy shutters and mic-off switches. The Show 21's camera serves proper video calls on the big screen; the Show 5's is basic but fine for quick check-ins.

Choose Amazon Echo Show 21 for a large kitchen or common room where one wall screen should stream, organize the family and run the smart home, and consider a soundbar for movie nights.

Choose Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) for a bedroom, desk or dorm: cheap, compact, good sound for its size and handy Alexa control, accepting laggy menus and no Zigbee or Thread.