Echo 5 vs Echo 8: Which Amazon Smart Speaker Reigns?
Are you in the market for a smart speaker and torn between two popular choices? Choosing the right smart home device can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Today, we’re diving deep into the battle of the Amazon Echo devices.
We’re putting the Amazon Echo 5th Generation head-to-head against the Amazon Echo 8th Generation to help you make an informed decision. Both offer a gateway to the world of voice control, music streaming, and smart home integration. They promise to simplify your life in various ways.
This comparison will cover everything from sound quality and features to design and price. We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each device to help you determine which Echo is the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Let’s see which Amazon smart speaker comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | echo 5 | echo 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 5.5-inch | 8-inch |
| Speaker | Single Speaker | Dual Stereo Speakers |
| Camera Resolution | 2MP | 13MP |
| Processor | Slightly Older | Faster |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee |
| Microphone Array | 2 Microphones | 4 Microphones |
| Video Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Hub | Optional | Built-in |
| Audio Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Physical Buttons | Volume, Mute | Volume, Mute, Camera Shutter |
| Display Quality | Good | Better |
| Design | Compact | Larger |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Audio Quality
- Echo 5: Offers decent audio quality suitable for casual listening. It has a single speaker, which provides a balanced sound. However, it may lack the depth and richness of higher-end models, especially at higher volumes.
- Echo 8: Boasts improved audio quality, typically with stereo speakers and enhanced bass performance. This results in a fuller, more immersive sound experience, ideal for music lovers. It offers a more robust sound profile.
- Winner: echo 8
Speaker Configuration
- Echo 5: Typically features a single, full-range speaker. This is a cost-effective design that provides adequate sound for smaller spaces. However, it limits the stereo separation and overall soundstage.
- Echo 8: Often includes stereo speakers, meaning it has two or more speakers, often with a dedicated woofer and tweeter. This configuration delivers a wider soundstage, improved stereo separation, and a more balanced audio output.
- Winner: echo 8
Smart Home Integration
- Echo 5: Provides standard smart home capabilities through Alexa, allowing voice control of compatible devices. Basic functionality is present. Integration is generally smooth but might lack some advanced features.
- Echo 8: Offers comprehensive smart home compatibility, often with additional features like a built-in smart home hub. This enables direct control of more devices and automated routines, enhancing the smart home experience.
- Winner: echo 8
Display Screen (if applicable)
- Echo 5: Often comes without a screen, or if it does, it’s usually a small, basic display. This limits its visual capabilities, but it keeps the device compact and affordable.
- Echo 8: Frequently features a larger display screen compared to the Echo 5. This screen can show information, display photos, and enable video calls, adding a visual dimension to the user experience.
- Winner: echo 8
Microphone Array
- Echo 5: Equipped with a microphone array, usually with fewer microphones than the Echo 8. This allows for voice recognition, though performance can vary in noisy environments.
- Echo 8: Usually includes a more advanced microphone array, often with more microphones and better noise cancellation. This improves the accuracy of voice commands, even from a distance or in noisy settings.
- Winner: echo 8
Processing Power
- Echo 5: Typically uses a processor suited for basic Alexa functions. This provides a responsive experience for standard commands but might struggle with more complex tasks or rapid multi-tasking.
- Echo 8: Often features a more powerful processor, allowing for faster response times and smoother performance, especially when using multiple features simultaneously. This can enhance the overall user experience.
- Winner: echo 8
Design and Size
- Echo 5: Generally comes in a more compact and space-saving design. This makes it ideal for smaller spaces like a bedside table or kitchen counter.
- Echo 8: Typically has a larger footprint, which allows for better speaker design and display integration. This larger size can be less discreet but enhances performance.
- Winner: echo 5
Price
- Echo 5: Usually the more affordable option. This makes it an attractive choice for those on a budget or looking for a basic smart speaker.
- Echo 8: Typically costs more than the Echo 5. This price increase reflects the enhanced features and performance offered.
- Winner: echo 5
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | echo 8 |
| Audio Quality | echo 8 |
| Smart Home Hub | echo 8 |
| Value | echo 5 |
| Portability | echo 5 |
| Video Calling Experience | echo 8 |
What They Have in Common:
- Voice Assistant: Both devices utilize Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, offering the same core functionality for voice commands, music playback, and smart home control.
- Video Calling: Both devices support video calls, allowing you to connect with friends and family who also have compatible devices or the Alexa app.
- Smart Home Control: Both devices can control compatible smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and locks, through voice commands or the touchscreen interface.
- App Ecosystem: Both devices seamlessly integrate with the Alexa app, allowing users to manage settings, access skills, and control connected devices.
- Music Streaming: Both devices support various music streaming services, including Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music, enabling music playback through voice control.
Echo 5 vs Echo 8 Buying Guide
Audio Quality
The Echo 8 generally boasts superior audio quality compared to the Echo 5. It features a larger speaker and a more powerful woofer, resulting in richer bass and clearer overall sound. While the Echo 5 offers decent audio for its size, it can sound a bit thin, especially at higher volumes. If you prioritize music listening and audio fidelity, the Echo 8 is the better choice. Consider the size of your listening space; larger rooms benefit more from the Echo 8’s enhanced sound capabilities.
Smart Home Integration
Both the Echo 5 and Echo 8 seamlessly integrate with a wide range of smart home devices. They support Zigbee and can act as a smart home hub, allowing you to control lights, thermostats, and other compatible devices. The setup process is straightforward, and the Alexa voice assistant provides convenient control over your smart home ecosystem. The choice here depends on your existing smart home setup and the devices you intend to control. Both offer similar functionality in this regard.
Display Features
The Echo 8 has a larger and more vibrant 8-inch display compared to the Echo 5’s 5.5-inch screen. This makes it easier to view information, watch videos, and make video calls. The Echo 8’s display is also brighter and sharper. If you plan to use the display frequently for visual tasks, the Echo 8’s screen is a significant advantage. The Echo 5’s smaller screen is adequate for basic tasks but may feel cramped for more intensive use.
Design and Aesthetics
Both devices have a modern and sleek design, but the Echo 8 is slightly larger due to its bigger display. They come in various colors to match your decor. The Echo 5 is more compact, making it ideal for smaller spaces like a bedside table or kitchen counter. The Echo 8’s larger footprint might require more space. Consider your aesthetic preferences and where you plan to place the device when making your decision. Both models have a generally pleasing design.
Price and Value
The Echo 5 is typically more affordable than the Echo 8. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers or those new to smart home devices. However, the Echo 8 offers more features and better performance for a slightly higher price. Evaluate your budget and the features you need. If you value audio quality, a larger display, and a more powerful device, the Echo 8 may be worth the extra cost. The Echo 5 offers excellent value for its price.
Camera and Video Calling
The Echo 8 features a 13MP camera, while the Echo 5 has a 2MP camera. This difference results in significantly better video call quality on the Echo 8, with clearer and more detailed images. The Echo 8 also has a wider field of view, making it easier to fit multiple people in the frame. If you frequently make video calls, the Echo 8’s superior camera is a significant advantage. The Echo 5’s camera is adequate for basic video calls, but the quality isn’t as good.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy echo 5 If…
- You want a more compact device that takes up less space.
- You are on a budget and looking for a more affordable option.
- You primarily use the device for basic tasks like music playback and voice control.
- You don’t need the improved audio quality and features of the Echo 8.
Buy echo 8 If…
- You want a larger screen for better video viewing and more immersive content consumption.
- You prioritize superior audio quality for music and media.
- You want a built-in smart home hub for easier smart home device setup and control.
- You plan to use the device for video calls frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Echo 5 and Echo 8?
The primary differences lie in the display size and audio quality. The Echo 8 has a larger 8-inch display and delivers better audio with a more powerful speaker. The Echo 5 has a smaller 5.5-inch display and offers decent audio, but it’s not as rich or powerful as the Echo 8. The camera also differs, with the Echo 8 having a higher resolution camera.
Which device is better for music?
The Echo 8 is better for music due to its superior audio quality. It has a larger speaker and a more powerful woofer, providing richer bass and clearer sound. The Echo 5’s audio is adequate for casual listening, but it can sound thin compared to the Echo 8. If music quality is a priority, choose the Echo 8.
Can I use both devices for video calls?
Yes, both devices support video calls, but the Echo 8 has a significantly better camera. The Echo 8 features a 13MP camera, while the Echo 5 has a 2MP camera. This results in clearer and more detailed video calls on the Echo 8. The wider field of view on the Echo 8 also makes it easier to fit multiple people in the frame.
Does either device have a built-in smart home hub?
Yes, both the Echo 5 and Echo 8 have built-in smart home hubs that support Zigbee. This allows you to connect and control compatible smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and other appliances, directly from the device. This simplifies your smart home setup and eliminates the need for separate hubs.
What is the price difference between the two devices?
The Echo 5 is generally more affordable than the Echo 8. The price difference can vary depending on sales and promotions, but the Echo 5 typically represents a more budget-friendly option. This makes the Echo 5 an attractive choice for those new to smart home devices or with a tighter budget.
Which device is better for a small space?
The Echo 5 is better for small spaces due to its more compact design. Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for a bedside table, kitchen counter, or other areas where space is limited. The Echo 8 is larger and might require more space. Consider the available space when making your decision.
How do the displays compare?
The Echo 8 has a larger 8-inch display that is brighter and sharper than the Echo 5’s 5.5-inch display. The larger screen on the Echo 8 makes it easier to view information, watch videos, and make video calls. The Echo 5’s smaller screen is suitable for basic tasks, but the Echo 8 provides a more enjoyable visual experience.
Final Verdict
The Echo 8 emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced audio quality, larger display, and superior camera. While the Echo 5 offers excellent value and is more compact, the Echo 8’s improved features cater to users who prioritize a richer multimedia experience and better video calling. The Echo 8 provides a more comprehensive and enjoyable user experience overall.
Winner: Echo 8