Amazon Echo (4th Gen) vs Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is the better all-rounder because it works as a full smart home hub, with a Zigbee coordinator, Thread border router and Matter bridge built in. The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) only acts as a Matter bridge, so it leans on other hubs for Zigbee and Thread devices. Both use Alexa, include a temperature sensor and a mic-off switch, so the hub is the deciding factor.

Hub capability. The Echo (4th Gen) can directly connect Zigbee and Thread devices and also bridge Matter, letting it replace a separate hub. The Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a Matter bridge only. The Echo (4th Gen) is also larger with fuller sound and a 3.5mm line-in that the Dot drops.

Yes. Both the Echo (4th Gen) and the Echo Dot (5th Gen) have a built-in temperature sensor and motion sensing, so you can ask Alexa the room temperature or use presence in routines on either one.

Buyers who want their speaker to double as a smart home hub for Zigbee and Thread devices, who prefer fuller sound in a living room or kitchen, or who need the 3.5mm line-in. It is the pick when hub duty and audio matter more than size or price.

Buyers who want the cheapest, most compact Alexa speaker for a bedroom or small room and do not need a built-in Zigbee or Thread hub. It still adds a temperature sensor, Matter bridge and a mic-off switch, covering the essentials at a lower price and smaller footprint.