Best Budget Smart Speaker

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Review

4.7(254,321)
Updated January 14, 2026
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

Our Verdict

The Echo Dot 5th Gen is the perfect starter Alexa device — cheap enough to buy for every room, smart enough to justify it.

4.7
4.7/5

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Best value smart speaker available
  • Improved audio vs previous gen
  • Built-in temperature sensor
  • Motion detection
  • Perfect for whole-home Alexa coverage

Cons

  • Small speaker for music listening
  • No smart home hub built in
  • Best features require Amazon ecosystem

In-Depth Review

The Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen is the world's best-selling smart speaker for good reason: it's a brilliant $49 smart home starter. Alexa voice control for music, timers, weather, news, and smart home devices all work flawlessly. The 5th Gen adds improved audio (1.73" speaker — noticeably better than the 4th Gen), a built-in temperature sensor, and improved motion detection. It's not meant to fill a room with music — it's a voice control node. Buy one for every room, or give one to anyone starting their smart home journey.

Specifications

Audio1.73" front-firing speaker
ConnectivityWi-Fi 4 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2
SensorsTemperature sensor, motion detection
ColorsCharcoal, Glacier White, Deep Sea Blue, Lavender
Dimensions3.9" × 3.9" × 3.5"
Power15W adapter
Check Price on Amazon$49

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