As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
- Best budget: Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
- Best premium: Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen)
- Best for travel: Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
- Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) suits nightstands and compact spaces with a 5.5-inch display.
- Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the stronger all-around choice with an 8-inch HD screen and built-in smart-home hub.
- Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) adds a 10.1-inch screen that rotates to follow the viewer.
- Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) are wall-friendly choices with large Full HD displays.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) are the clearest Black Friday 2026 choices for shoppers deciding between a compact bedside display and a roomier smart screen. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify what separates each model, where the larger screen earns its space, and which alternatives fit different rooms.
The Best bet for a nightstand is Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen); the Easy recommendation for a kitchen counter or shared room is Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen). Our guide also covers Kids editions and larger Echo Show displays, so you can compare screen size, camera, smart-home features and intended use before choosing.
How We Picked
- Compared display size, resolution and placement needs.
- Reviewed camera and video-call specifications.
- Checked built-in smart-home hub features and compatibility.
- Considered owner feedback, family features and everyday convenience.
- Selected products for distinct rooms, budgets and household needs.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display size | Camera | Smart-home hub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) | Nightstands and small spaces | 5.5 inches | 2 MP | No |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | Kitchen counters and smart-home control | 8 inches | 13 MP | Zigbee, Matter and Thread |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) | Children’s rooms and family routines | 5.5 inches | 2 MP | No |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) | An 8-inch screen and video calls | 8 inches | 13 MP | No built-in hub |
| Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) | Video calls and flexible viewing | 10.1 inches | 13 MP | Zigbee |
| Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) | Wall-mounted family dashboards | 15.6 inches | 13 MP | No built-in hub |
| Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) | Large kitchens and shared viewing | 21 inches | 13 MP | No built-in hub |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the best compact smart display for nightstands and small counters, with a 5.5-inch screen that keeps clocks, timers and Alexa controls close at hand.
Best for: Nightstands and small spaces
- Display
- 5.5-inch, 960 x 480
- Camera
- 2 MP
- Speaker
- 1.7-inch full-range speaker
- Compact footprint
- Built-in camera shutter
- Useful bedside clock and alarm
- Smaller screen is less comfortable for video and recipes
- No built-in Zigbee smart-home hub
Is the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is a smart pick for shoppers who want Alexa, alarms and video calls in a small footprint. The 5.5-inch display fits a nightstand well, while the camera shutter adds a simple privacy control.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2 · Top pick
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the best all-around smart display for kitchens and shared spaces, pairing an 8-inch HD screen with a built-in smart-home hub.
Best for: Kitchen counters and smart-home control
- Display
- 8-inch HD, 1280 x 800
- Camera
- 13 MP
- Hub
- Zigbee, Matter and Thread
- Roomier HD display
- High-resolution camera with auto-framing
- Built-in smart-home hub
- Takes more counter space than Echo Show 5
- Not as immersive as the larger Echo Show models
Is the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) offers a useful balance of screen size, video-call quality and smart-home control. The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)'s 8-inch HD display is comfortable for recipes and shared viewing, and its built-in hub helps connect compatible devices.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen)
The Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) is the best compact Alexa display for a child’s room, with a 5.5-inch screen and kid-focused content controls.
Best for: Children’s rooms and family routines
- Display
- 5.5-inch, 960 x 480
- Camera
- 2 MP
- Guarantee
- 2-year worry-free guarantee
- Kid-focused Alexa experience
- Parental controls for content and use
- Compact size for a bedside table
- Small display limits shared viewing
- Some content features require a subscription
Is the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) is a good fit for families seeking a child-oriented Alexa screen for routines, music and age-appropriate content. The 5.5-inch display keeps the device compact, while parental controls support family-managed use.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is the best previous-generation 8-inch option for shoppers who prioritize a roomy HD display and video calls over the newest smart-home hub features.
Best for: An 8-inch screen at a simpler feature level
- Display
- 8-inch HD, 1280 x 800
- Camera
- 13 MP
- Audio
- Stereo speakers
- Large HD screen for video and recipes
- 13 MP camera for video calls
- Camera shutter for privacy
- Lacks the 3rd Gen built-in Zigbee, Matter and Thread hub
- Older design than the current Echo Show 8
Is the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) remains a practical choice for an 8-inch Alexa screen, video calls and kitchen tasks. Shoppers who need built-in Zigbee, Matter and Thread device connections should choose Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) instead.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is the best smart display for following video calls around a room, with a 10.1-inch screen mounted on a rotating base.
Best for: Video calls and flexible viewing
- Display
- 10.1-inch HD, 1280 x 800
- Camera
- 13 MP
- Smart-home hub
- Built-in Zigbee hub
- Screen rotates to follow the viewer
- Large display for calls and media
- Built-in Zigbee hub
- Rotating base needs open space
- Larger footprint than stationary displays
Is the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is worth considering for households that make frequent video calls or want a screen that turns toward them. The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)'s 10.1-inch display and rotating base suit open counters better than cramped nightstands.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen)
The Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) is the best wall-mounted family hub for kitchens, with a 15.6-inch Full HD display and Fire TV features.
Best for: Wall-mounted family calendars and media
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Camera
- 13 MP
- Entertainment
- Fire TV built in
- Large wall-friendly display
- Useful for calendars, widgets and streaming
- Camera supports video calls
- Needs wall space or a separate stand
- Less portable than small Echo Show models
Is the Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) suits households that want a shared family dashboard and streaming screen in one large display. The 15.6-inch Full HD panel is best for a kitchen wall or a counter with enough room.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen)
The Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) is the best extra-large Alexa display for a spacious kitchen, with a 21-inch Full HD screen for shared viewing and household dashboards.
Best for: Large kitchens and shared viewing
- Display
- 21-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Camera
- 13 MP
- Entertainment
- Fire TV built in
- Largest display in this guide
- Room for family widgets and media
- Camera supports video calls
- Requires substantial wall or counter space
- Over-sized for bedside use
Is the Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) is a strong choice for shoppers who want a large shared screen for calendars, video calls and entertainment. The Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen)'s 21-inch Full HD display works best in a spacious kitchen or family room.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Amazon Echo Show 5 or Amazon Echo Show 8?
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the better all-around choice, while Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the better fit for a nightstand or a small counter. The 8-inch HD display gives recipes, video calls and shared viewing more room than the 5.5-inch screen.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) remains a capable Alexa device for alarms, timers, music and quick questions. Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) adds a 13 MP camera and built-in Zigbee, Matter and Thread hub support, making it more useful for compatible smart-home devices. Choose by room first: compact bedroom setup points to Echo Show 5; everyday kitchen use points to Echo Show 8.
What is the main difference between Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8?
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) has an 8-inch HD screen and 13 MP camera, while Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) has a 5.5-inch screen and 2 MP camera. The screen-size difference is the most noticeable factor for recipes, calls and viewing from across a room.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) also includes a Zigbee, Matter and Thread smart-home hub. Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) focuses on compact everyday Alexa functions rather than direct device-hub support. Both offer voice controls, video calls, timers and smart-home control through compatible Alexa devices.
Which Echo Show is best for a bedroom or nightstand?
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the best Echo Show for most nightstands because its 5.5-inch display delivers alarms, clocks and Alexa controls without taking much space. The smaller screen is also easy to view at bedside distance.
Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) is the family-focused alternative for a child’s room, with kid-oriented features and parental controls. Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is a better bedroom pick when video calls, a larger screen or smart-home hub functions matter more than footprint. Check the position of power outlets and the viewing angle before settling on a bedside location.
Which Echo Show is best for a kitchen?
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is the best kitchen choice for most homes, with an 8-inch HD display for recipes and an integrated hub for compatible smart-home devices. The size makes on-screen instructions easier to read than on the 5.5-inch Echo Show 5.
Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) is a better fit for a kitchen wall when a shared calendar, widgets and Fire TV are priorities. Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) offers an even larger 21-inch screen for spacious kitchens. Measure the counter or wall area first, and confirm that the display has a nearby power source.
Is Echo Show 8 worth choosing over Echo Show 5?
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is worth choosing over Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) when a larger screen, stronger video-call camera or built-in smart-home hub will be used regularly. Those features make the larger model more versatile in kitchens and shared spaces.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) remains the straightforward pick for a bedside clock, occasional calls or a compact Alexa screen. The right choice depends on placement and use rather than screen size alone. Shoppers comparing Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) should note that the newer 3rd Gen model adds built-in Zigbee, Matter and Thread hub features.
Buying Guide
Match the screen to the room
Choose Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) for a nightstand or tight counter. Pick Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) for recipes and everyday shared use. Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) need wall space or a broad surface.
Check camera needs
Amazon Echo Show 5 models have a 2 MP camera; the Echo Show 8 models and larger displays in this guide have 13 MP cameras. Prioritize the higher-resolution option when video calls are a frequent part of household routines.
Consider smart-home compatibility
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) has Zigbee, Matter and Thread hub support, and Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) has a Zigbee hub. Confirm that your smart devices use compatible standards before treating a display as a hub replacement.
Decide whether Kids features matter
Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) adds child-focused content options and parental controls to a compact display. Review family settings and any subscription needs before choosing it for a child’s room.
Measure before choosing a large display
Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) suit roomy kitchens and shared viewing. Measure the mounting area, viewing distance and power access before choosing either large-screen model.
FAQ
Is Echo Show 5 or Echo Show 8 better for Black Friday 2026?
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is better for most kitchens and shared rooms because its 8-inch HD screen and smart-home hub offer greater versatility. Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is better for nightstands and shoppers who want a compact Alexa display.
What size screen does Amazon Echo Show 5 have?
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) has a 5.5-inch display with 960 x 480 resolution. The compact screen suits clocks, alarms, timers and quick Alexa tasks. Shoppers who want more room for recipes and video calls should compare Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen).
Does Amazon Echo Show 8 have a built-in smart-home hub?
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) has a built-in hub with Zigbee, Matter and Thread support for compatible smart-home devices. Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) does not include that built-in hub, so compare the generation as well as the screen size.
Which Echo Show is best for video calls?
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen), Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) each have a 13 MP camera. Amazon Echo Show 10 adds a rotating screen for calls around a room.
Is Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids different from Amazon Echo Show 5?
Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids (3rd Gen) shares the compact 5.5-inch display and 2 MP camera format of Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen), while adding kid-focused content features, parental controls and a 2-year worry-free guarantee. Families should review subscription requirements for specific content.
Which Echo Show is best for a large kitchen?
Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) is a strong large-kitchen choice for wall-mounted calendars, widgets and Fire TV. Amazon Echo Show 21 (1st Gen) provides an even larger 21-inch screen for spacious rooms. Measure the available wall or counter area before choosing.