Voice Assistants · Head to head

Amazon Echo (4th Gen) vs Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

Full Voice Assistants comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon.
2026 verdict
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Winner
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Last recorded priceSep 23, 2026$99.99

Currently unavailable on Amazon USA
See on Amazon USA
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is the stronger voice assistant here, earning a higher owner rating, adding a temperature sensor, and offering fuller smart home hub support with a Zigbee coordinator and Thread border router that the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) does not include. The Echo Show 5 fights back on things the sphere lacks: a compact 5.5-inch touchscreen, a camera, and a longer one-year warranty against the Echo's 90 days, plus a lower price that makes it an easy bedside display. Both are Alexa-only, both add motion sensing and a Matter bridge, and both keep the assistant in the cloud. Pick the 4th Gen Echo for a better-rated speaker that also runs Zigbee and Thread, and the Echo Show 5 if you want an affordable small screen for the nightstand.
vs
Deals by email

Voice Assistant prices change while you decide

We follow prices across the catalog and email you the best deals we find.

Smart home deals and news, straight to your inbox

Price drops, new releases and the smart home news worth knowing.

No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Please enter a valid email address.
Tick the box above to finish signing up.
We couldn't verify you're human. Please try again.
Too many attempts. Please try again in an hour.
Your subscription has been successful.
FeatureAmazon Echo (4th Gen)Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)Winner
Rating4.74.2Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Warranty90 days1 yearAmazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
HubZigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter BridgeMatter BridgeAmazon Echo (4th Gen)
ScreenNOYESAmazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
SensorsMotion, TemperatureMotionAmazon Echo (4th Gen)
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, BluetoothTie
IntegrationsAlexa, Home AssistantAlexa, Home AssistantTie
AlertsGlass breaking, Smoke/CO alarmGlass breaking, Smoke/CO alarmTie
Voice MatchYESYESTie
Winner
Amazon

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Prime exclusive deal

Last recorded priceSep 23, 2026$99.99

Currently unavailable on Amazon USA
See on Amazon USA
  • + Rating: 4.7
  • + Hub: Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
  • + Sensors: Motion, Temperature
  • - Warranty: 90 days vs 1 year
  • - Screen: NO vs YES

Price history compared

Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.

  • Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
  • Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Amazon Echo (4th Gen) or Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)?

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is better overall, with a higher owner rating, an added temperature sensor, and full Zigbee/Thread hub support. The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the pick if you want a screen and camera on a smaller budget.

What is the biggest difference between the Echo (4th Gen) and the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)?

Hub capability and display. The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is a full Zigbee coordinator and Thread border router but has no screen, while the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) adds a 5.5-inch touchscreen and camera but only bridges Matter and cannot control Zigbee or Thread directly.

Does the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) work as a Zigbee or Thread hub?

No. The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) works only as a Matter bridge and is not a Zigbee coordinator or Thread border router, so it needs a separate hub for those protocols. The Echo (4th Gen) handles all three.

Which one has a longer warranty and a screen?

The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) has a one-year warranty plus a 5.5-inch touchscreen and camera, while the Echo (4th Gen) has a 90-day warranty and no display, relying on voice and the Alexa app.

Who should buy the Amazon Echo (4th Gen)?

Buy the Echo (4th Gen) if you want a highly rated speaker that also runs your Zigbee, Thread, and Matter devices and you do not need a screen.

Who should buy the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)?

Buy the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) if you want an affordable small touchscreen and camera for a nightstand or kitchen counter, plus a longer one-year warranty.

Full comparison table

Compare all 19 Voice Assistants side by side

You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Voice Assistants in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.

  • 19 Voice Assistants
  • 49 specs compared
  • 45 filters
Open the full comparison
More Voice Assistants

Top Voice Assistants to compare next

19 voice assistant devices from Amazon, Google, Apple and Nabu Casa compared: assistants, built-in hubs, screens, privacy controls and prices.

All Voice Assistants
Amazon

More Amazon products

A sharper look at other Amazon products worth comparing.

Explore Amazon
Price alert

Get an email when the price drops

How much should it drop?

Cancel anytime from the email.

Independent · Not sponsoredBrands never pay for placement or rankings. Affiliate commissions never influence our comparisons.
© 2026 Smart Home Compared
Search