Amazon Echo Show 5 review: how I run my home by voice, plus a MagSafe stand trick

This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.

Quick take

An Echo Show 5 in my kitchen runs most of my home by voice: TV, air conditioner, Roomba, curtains and lights, plus a morning routine. After trying Siri and Google Assistant as well, Alexa responded best for controlling appliances. And a small tip: an iPhone MagSafe stand makes a better Echo Show 5 stand than the dedicated one.

What I tested

Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) as my main Alexa device since summer 2024, in the kitchen
An Echo Dot I bought around 2018, in the bedroom
Voice control of a Panasonic TV, air conditioner, Roomba, motorized curtains and lights, including morning and night routines
Two ways to tilt the Echo Show 5: a dedicated stand and a MagSafe phone stand

What I found

The biggest everyday win is not hunting for the TV remote. Even as a backup to normal remotes, saying what you want removes small daily frustrations. My TV also supports Google Assistant, but Alexa reacted best of everything I tried, and it connects with a wide range of devices.

Routines are where it gets addictive: the air conditioner already on, curtains open and lights on when I get up, and a single good-night command in the evening. Start with whatever devices you have and add more over time.

The six-year-old Echo Dot still works fine. I use the call feature between the two devices to wake my kids in the bedroom while I am getting ready in the kitchen.

The MagSafe stand trick

The Echo Show 5 screen stands almost upright, which is hard to read on a low counter. The base of the Echo Show 5 stuck firmly to the magnetic plate of my MagSafe phone stand (I am not sure whether there is a magnet inside), so I can tilt it and swivel it to the right angle. Not every MagSafe stand works: on a charging stand with a limited tilt it leaned too far. Look for one with a wide angle range.

Who it is for

People who lose remotes, or who repeat the same appliance steps every morning and night
First-time smart speaker buyers who want a small screen for photos, video calls and quick info
Not for you if none of your appliances support Alexa, or if you mainly want video and music (a larger Echo Show 8, 10 or 15 suits that better; a screenless Echo Pop is enough for voice control alone)

Watch the video

The video is in Japanese. YouTube auto-translated captions may help. Useful timestamps: 0:23 the voice control demo, 4:07 the Echo Dot, 7:01 stands, 10:20 entry-level models.

Limitations

My setup depends on which appliances in my home are Alexa compatible, and Alexa features and supported devices vary by country. I use Alexa in Japanese. Models and colors sold on Amazon Japan may differ from your region.

Products

Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd generation): on Amazon Japan

Amazon Echo Spot (2024): on Amazon Japan

The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, color, current price and shipping availability in your region.

More reviews in English