Why We Upgraded to the Amazon Echo Show 5
Replacing Our 7-Year-Old Echo Show
Our old Echo Show 2nd generation had been part of our kitchen routine for over seven years. It still worked, but technology moves fast, and we started noticing the newer models had improved sound, better screens, and more features.
Quick Overview
🚀 Our Score
👍 Pros
- Simple voice command response
- Excellent reminder and list management
- Improved sound quality
- Cleaner graphics and display
- Fits easily into daily routines
👎 Cons
- Still exploring full capabilities
- Requires Wi-Fi connection
🛠️ Flexibility & Setup
🔥 Quality & Reliability
🧠 Ease of Use
💰 Budget
⭐ Ideal For
Hands-free reminders, quick questions, and household organization
🚫 Not Ideal For
Extreme situations… like skydiving, shark bait, or photographing unicorns.
📍 Available from
❣️ Tested in our home by Chris & Candy:
Rather than wait for the old one to fail completely, Chris suggested it was simply time for an upgrade. That led us to the Amazon Echo Show 5. Since we already relied on the earlier model daily, we wanted to see how the newest version would fit into our routine.
So we bought it ourselves on February 14th and started testing it immediately in the same place our previous one lived — right on the kitchen counter.
Real-World Testing in Our Kitchen
Setup Was Surprisingly Simple
The Echo Show 5 sits on our kitchen countertop and gets used every single day. Setup was surprisingly easy. We simply plugged it in, and because we already had an Amazon account connected to our older Echo, it handled most of the setup automatically. Within minutes it was ready to go.
Both Chris and Candy use it constantly throughout the day. It helps with reminders, adding items to grocery lists, setting timers while cooking, and answering quick questions like weather updates or random facts that pop into conversation.
Small Improvements That Make a Difference
Over the last few weeks of testing, the biggest differences we noticed compared to our older model are the sound quality and screen clarity. The audio feels fuller and clearer, and the display graphics look cleaner.
Voice commands are recognized quickly, and it consistently follows instructions accurately. We are still exploring all of its capabilities, but even during this early testing phase it has already blended naturally into our routine.
What Stood Out Compared to Our Previous Echo
Reliable Voice Command Response
One of the strongest features so far is how accurately the Echo Show responds to voice commands. Whether we ask it to add items to a grocery list, set reminders, or answer questions, it usually executes the task exactly as requested.
For Chris especially, reminders have replaced sticky notes entirely. It also keeps multiple lists organized — groceries, hardware store items, and simple daily tasks.
Still Learning Everything It Can Do
So far we have not run into any real limitations. The biggest thing to know is that this device can do a lot, so there is a bit of a learning period while discovering all the features. Compared to the Echo Show 2nd generation we used for years, the newer model feels noticeably more advanced simply because of updated technology.
We have tested several smart home devices in this category before, and newer versions like this often improve quietly in ways that only show up after daily use.
Final Thoughts After Our First Weeks Using It
A Smart Upgrade That Fits Everyday Life
After using the Echo Show 5 daily, our early verdict is very positive. It places everyday information and small tasks right at your voice’s fingertips.
For households that like simple organization tools, reminders, and quick answers without pulling out a phone, this type of smart assistant can quietly become part of daily life.
We would absolutely buy it again — in fact, we already purchased another one for a different room. If someone is already using an older Echo device, this feels like a natural upgrade. If it is your first smart display, it is an easy place to start.
Every product featured on Chris & Candy is purchased with our own money and tested inside our real daily routines. The Echo Show 5 is currently part of our kitchen and master bedroom setup where we use it every day for reminders, lists, and quick questions.
We continue testing products over time and update reviews when we learn something new. Nothing here is sponsored, and if a product changes or performs differently over the long term, we update our experience so the information stays honest and useful.

