The Amazon Echo Dot has long been one of the most popular entry points into the world of smart speakers, offering Alexa’s voice assistant in an affordable, space-saving package. The fifth-generation model (released in 2022) refines the formula with improved sound, better Wi-Fi capabilities, and a design that fits seamlessly into any room.
While it’s not a premium audio powerhouse, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) excels as a versatile smart home hub, bedside alarm, or casual music speaker. Here’s a detailed look at what it does well, where it falls short, and who should consider buying it.
Key Features & Improvements
1. Better Sound in a Small Package
Amazon claims the fifth-gen Echo Dot delivers "twice the bass" of its predecessor, thanks to a redesigned audio architecture with a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker4. In practice, this means clearer mids and slightly deeper lows, though it still struggles with heavy bass tracks at high volumes. For podcasts, news, and background music, it’s more than adequate—just don’t expect studio-quality sound.
2. Doubles as an Eero Wi-Fi Extender
One of the most useful upgrades is its ability to function as a mesh node for Eero Wi-Fi systems, extending coverage by up to 1,000 square feet and supporting speeds up to 100 Mbps49. If you already use Eero, this feature alone could justify the purchase.
3. Compact, Minimalist Design
The spherical shape (introduced in the 4th-gen model) remains, with fabric covering the upper half and a matte plastic base. It’s unobtrusive enough to blend into bookshelves, nightstands, or kitchen counters. The LED light ring at the bottom indicates Alexa’s status, and the top houses four physical buttons (volume up/down, mute, and action).
4. Alexa’s Ever-Expanding Skills
Alexa remains one of the most capable voice assistants, handling everything from setting timers and controlling smart home devices to reading audiobooks and answering trivia questions. It supports Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more, though YouTube Music still isn’t natively supported5.
5. Optional LED Clock Display
For an extra $10, the Echo Dot with Clock adds an LED display that shows the time, temperature, and timers—a worthwhile upgrade if you plan to use it as a bedside alarm17.
What We Like
✅ Affordable and frequently discounted – Often available for under $50, making it one of the cheapest ways to get Alexa in your home6.
✅ Compact and versatile – Fits in small spaces and works as a smart speaker, alarm, or Wi-Fi extender.
✅ Improved sound over previous models – Better bass and clarity for casual listening.
✅ Eero mesh support – A unique perk for Eero users needing better Wi-Fi coverage4.
✅ Alexa’s broad smart home compatibility – Works with thousands of third-party devices.
What We Don’t Like
❌ No 3.5mm audio jack (unlike older models) – You can’t easily connect it to external speakers7.
❌ Mediocre max volume – Distorts at higher levels, making it better suited for small rooms.
❌ Alexa app is clunky – Managing settings can be unintuitive1.
❌ No YouTube Music or advanced Google Assistant features – If you’re deep into Google’s ecosystem, a Nest Mini might be a better fit.
Who Should Buy It?
1. First-Time Smart Speaker Buyers
If you’re new to smart speakers and want an affordable way to try Alexa, the Echo Dot is a low-risk entry point.
2. Eero Mesh Wi-Fi Users
The built-in Wi-Fi extender functionality makes it a smart add-on for Eero households9.
3. Those Needing a Bedside or Kitchen Speaker
Its compact size and optional clock display make it ideal for alarms, timers, and light music.
4. Smart Home Beginners
Alexa supports a wide range of smart plugs, bulbs, and locks, making the Dot a useful hub for basic automation.
Alternatives to Consider
Google Nest Mini ($49)
Better for Google Assistant users
Superior voice recognition for general queries
Lacks Wi-Fi extender functionality
Echo Dot with Clock ($59.99)
Adds a useful LED display for time and alarms
Same sound and features as the standard Dot
Echo Pop ($17.99 on sale)
Even cheaper, but with weaker sound
Good for secondary rooms
Final Verdict: A Reliable, Budget-Friendly Smart Speaker
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a well-rounded smart speaker that does most things competently. The sound is decent for its size, Alexa remains highly functional, and the Eero mesh support is a standout feature for the right user. If you can find it on sale (which happens often), it’s an easy recommendation.
🔗 Buy the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) on Amazon SG
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, multi-functional smart speaker, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a solid choice—just temper your expectations for audiophile-grade sound. For those who prioritize music quality or prefer Google Assistant, alternatives like the Nest Mini or Echo Studio may be worth considering instead.
Would we buy it? Yes, especially on sale. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.