Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon.
2026 verdict
Step up a size and you get a lot more device: the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) wins this matchup with a larger 8-inch screen, a higher owner rating, and a full Zigbee/Thread/Matter hub that turns it into a genuine smart home controller.
The smaller Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) only bridges Matter, so it relies on separate hardware for Zigbee and Thread, but it stays the value pick, with a lower price and a compact 5.5-inch display that tucks onto a nightstand or desk. Both run Alexa, both have a camera with a physical off switch, and both come in several colors. Choose the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) if you want a bigger screen and a built-in hub, and the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) if you want the cheapest, most compact Alexa display.
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| Feature | Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) | Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $149.99 | Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) |
| Rating | 4.2 | 4.4 | Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) |
| Hub | Matter Bridge | Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge | Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) |
| Screen Size | 5.5" | 8" | Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth | Tie |
| Integrations | Alexa, Home Assistant | Alexa, Home Assistant | Tie |
| Screen | YES | YES | Tie |
| Sensors | Motion | Motion | Tie |
| Alerts | Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm | Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm | Tie |
| Voice Match | YES | YES | Tie |
- + Price: $99.99
- - Rating: 4.2 vs 4.4
- - Hub: Matter Bridge vs Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
Winner
$149.99
- + Rating: 4.4
- + Hub: Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
- + Screen Size: 8"
- - Price: $149.99 vs $99.99
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) or Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)?
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) wins overall, with a larger 8-inch screen, a higher owner rating, and a full Zigbee/Thread/Matter hub. The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the better buy only if you want the smallest, cheapest option.
What is the biggest difference between the Echo Show 8 and the Echo Show 5?
Screen size and hub reach. The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) has an 8-inch display and acts as a Zigbee coordinator and Thread border router, while the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) has a 5.5-inch screen and only bridges Matter.
Does the smaller Echo Show 5 work as a Zigbee hub?
No. The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) supports Matter bridging but is not a Zigbee coordinator or Thread border router, so those devices need a separate hub. The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) includes all three.
Is the Echo Show 5 still a good value?
Yes. The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) costs less and fits a nightstand or desk, and owners praise its clear screen and better-than-expected sound, making it a solid budget Alexa display if you do not need the built-in hub.
Who should buy the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
Buy the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) if you want a larger 8-inch display with spatial audio and a full Zigbee/Thread/Matter hub for a kitchen counter or shelf.
Who should buy the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)?
Buy the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) if you want an affordable, compact Alexa screen for a bedside table or desk and do not need a large display or built-in Zigbee and Thread hub.
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
AmazonEcho Dot (5th Gen)
$79.99
AmazonEcho (4th Gen)
$99.99
AmazonEcho Pop
$39.99
AmazonEcho Show 10 (3rd Gen)
$249.99
AmazonEcho Spot
$109.99
AmazonEcho Studio
$199.99
GoogleNest Audio
$119.99
AppleHomePod (2nd gen)
$369.99
AmazonEcho Show 8 (3rd Gen)
$149.99
AmazonEcho Show 15
$349.99
AmazonEcho Show 21
$499.99
GoogleNest Mini (2nd gen)
$98.00- Amazon
Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
$99.99 
GoogleNest Hub (2nd Gen)
$299.99
GoogleNest Hub Max
$547.88
GoogleHome Speaker
$99.99
AmazonEcho Hub
$179.99
Nabu CasaHome Assistant Voice
$59.00
AppleHomePod mini
$99.00
Air Quality MonitorsAmazonSmart Air Quality Monitor
4.2(5,529)$69.99
DisplaysAmazonEcho Hub
3.9(1,812)$179.99
DisplaysAmazonEcho Show 10 (3rd Gen)
4.5(50,675)$249.99
DisplaysAmazonEcho Show 11
4.3(7,877)$249.99
DisplaysAmazonEcho Show 15
4.4(6,355)$349.99
DisplaysAmazonEcho Show 21
4.4(6,355)$499.99
DisplaysAmazonEcho Show 5 (3rd Gen)
4.2(72,228)$99.99
DisplaysAmazonEcho Show 8 (2025)
4.3(7,877)$199.99
DisplaysAmazonEcho Show 8 (3rd Gen)
4.4(30,179)$149.99
PlugsAmazonSmart Plug
4.7(571,177)48% OFF$24.99$12.98
SpeakersAmazonEcho (4th Gen)
4.7(152,498)$99.99
SpeakersAmazonEcho Dot (5th Gen)
4.7(199,932)$79.99
SpeakersAmazonEcho Dot Max
4.4(5,186)$119.99
SpeakersAmazonEcho Pop
4.6(109)$39.99
SpeakersAmazonEcho Spot
4.5(45,813)$109.99
SpeakersAmazonEcho Studio (2025)
4.0(1,334)$219.99
SpeakersAmazonEcho Studio
4.5(41,948)$199.99
ThermostatsAmazonSmart Thermostat
4.3(134)4% OFF$121.98$117.14- Voice AssistantsAmazon
Echo (4th Gen)
4.7(152,498)$99.99 - Voice AssistantsAmazon
Echo Dot (5th Gen)
4.7(199,932)$79.99