Review · Tech & gadgets
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) review
Amazon's small Alexa speaker with a 1.73-inch front-firing driver, motion and temperature sensors and eero built in.
By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 8, 2026
- Performance (40%)
- 6.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
- Value (35%)
- 8.6
The Echo Dot (5th Gen) is the entry point for Alexa, and it covers the basics of a voice speaker well. Amazon lists a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker, a three-microphone array and built-in motion and indoor temperature sensors that can trigger routines, so a light can turn on when someone walks in or a fan can start when the room warms. It plays Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and other services, or audio over Bluetooth, and can group with other Echo devices or a Fire TV. eero built in adds up to 1,000 sq. ft. of coverage to an eero network, and a tap on top snoozes alarms. The tradeoffs are clear in Amazon's own comparison: there is no built-in smart home hub, and audio has no room adaptation or lossless support. First released in 2022, it is the oldest design here. It suits bedrooms and desks, but music-first buyers should step up to the Echo Dot Max. We could not confirm its US price from our location.
Who it is for
Bedrooms, offices and first-time buyers who want Alexa voice control more than music sound.
Price
See vendor pricing (USD check pending).
US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.
Key features
- 1.73-inch front-firing speaker
- Routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors
- eero built in, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of coverage to an eero network
- Plays Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others, or Bluetooth audio
- Groups with other Echo devices or Fire TV for whole-home audio
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Smallest Echo on our list at 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.7 inches
- Strength: Tap to snooze alarms
- Strength: Mic off button
- Weakness: No built-in smart home hub, unlike the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio
- Weakness: Single driver with modest bass
- Weakness: US price could not be checked from our location
Key facts
- Voice assistant: Alexa, designed for Alexa+
- Speaker: 1.73 in front-firing
- Microphones: 3
- Smart home hub: No
- Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.7 in
Where it ranks
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is No. 8 in our Best Smart Speakers verdict.
Alternatives we scored
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