Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022)

Convenient tap gestures ; Well-balanced sound ; Can serve as an Eero mesh network node

No 3.5mm jack ; Limited frequency range

The fifth-generation Amazon Echo Dot adds tap gestures and mesh networking, but is otherwise nearly identical to the previous version.

Exactly the same hardware as the grown-up Dot ; Colorful “Owl” and “Dragon” designs ; Two-year (rather than 90-day) warranty ; A year of steeply discounted Amazon Kids+ access

Kids+ content can be hit or miss ; TV shows and movies on Kids+ require a Fire Tablet or Echo Show

The Echo Dot Kids gives you a year’s worth of access to the massive Amazon Kids+ library for a fraction of the cost, while offering the same hardware and features as the superlative Echo Dot.

On the topic of price, I might recommend shelling out $10 more for the Echo Dot with Clock version, especially if you plan to use the Alexa speaker in a spot where having the time at a glance offers convenience. Otherwise, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)...

The Amazon Echo Dot with Clock is traditionally useful, letting you see the time at a glance and waking you up like a regular ‘ol alarm clock. But it also lets you play music and interact with Alexa, while working behind-the-scenes to improve your...

Better sound quality than last year's model ; New LED display features are helpful ; Can expand your Wi-Fi coverage ; The new tap controls bring added convenience ; The built-in temperature sensor can be used for smart home automations

It lacks the 3.5mm audio jack ; Only available in two light colors

Amazon continues to find ways to make its smallest smart speaker an even better value by improving existing features and sound quality and including new ones, like added functionality to the LED display and eero compatibility. The limited color choices...

Improved audio ; Looks great ; Improved tap controls

No 3.5mm audio output

An audio upgrade on the previous model, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th generation) is now a capable music speaker, as well as a great smart speaker for smart home control and general enquiries. Overall, this is the best value smart speaker you can buy,...

Excellent guarantee ; Funky new designs ; Improved audio

3.5mm audio jack has been removed

Available in cute finishes with an improved guarantee and a year’s subscription to Kids+, the Amazon Echo Dot Kids (5th generation) is well worth the extra tenner over the standard Echo Dot. Amazon’s parental controls are brilliant, offering fine,...

Improved audio ; Better tap controls ; Display shows more information

3.5mm audio jack has been removed

With better audio and a smarter display than the original, the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th generation) is an overall improvement and the best choice if you want a smart alarm clock. I love the new tap controls, although it would be better if there...

Impressively expansive sound ; Great Alexa integration ; Pleasing, understated aesthetic

Sound distortion at the higher ranges

The 5th Generation of Amazon’s affordable smart speaker may be small and sweet, but it’s more than capable of punching above its weight