Amazon Echo Show 5, (2nd Gen )
)
For the entire family
If you are looking for a smart display to fit into a child’s bedroom, or for use as a nightstand or desk for older children, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) is an option. It adds the advantage of a screen to your smart speaker experience. Although it is less expensive than the Kids edition, it offers the same smart display experience in a different finish and without the need for a subscription to kids content.
ForAffordableMultiple color optionsOption for Amazon Kids+AgainstOnly 2 MP cameraNot very big for displaying photos
Great for young kids
If you’re looking for a device that your child can use only, the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids Edition comes with a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which will help you save money over time. The super-cool Chameleon fabric will be a hit with kids.
The Amazon Kids+ subscriptionStands with a cool, affordable color option.
If you are looking for a small smart display to use with your child, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) or the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids versions might be worth a look. They are smaller than other smart displays such as the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation), but still offer the benefits of a screen. This model can be used as an alarm clock and nightstand, and for video calling friends and family. It also has the ability to display visual search results and footage from compatible smart security cameras. The person using the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) or Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids
will determine which model you choose.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) vs. Echo Show 5 Children: Nearly identical hardware
Why Android Central is trusted
Our experts spend hours comparing and testing products and services to help you choose the best. Learn more about our testing process.
(Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central)
After running down the spec comparison, it’s simple to see that the two tablets are the same, but for a few minor differences. The finish is first, then the Amazon Kids+ subscription and some other features for kids with the Echo Show 5 Kids. But let’s delve deeper.
Swipe to scroll horizontallyAmazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)Amazon Echo Show 5 KidsScreen Size5.5 inches5.5 inchesScreen Resolution960x480960x480ProcessorMediaTek MT8163MediaTek MT8163ConnectivityDual-Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth A2DPDual-Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth A2DPCameras2MP2MPSpeakerFull-Range 1. 65-InchFull-Range 1. 65-InchColorsCharcoal, Deep Sea Blue, Glacier WhiteChameleon Green FabricComes WithPower Adapter, 4-Foot CablePower Adapter, 4-Foot Cable, Welcome Worksheet for KidsPrivacyMic On/Off Button, Built-in Camera ShutterMic On/Off Button, Built-in Camera ShutterAccess to Amazon KidsYesYesAccess to Amazon Kids+Yes, With SubscriptionIncludedDimensions5.8 x 3.4 x 2.9 inches (148 x 86 x 73mm)5.8 x 3.4 x 2.9 inches (148 x 86 x 73mm) Weight |14.5 oz. (410 g) | 14.5 oz. (410 g)Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) vs. Echo Show 5 Kids: What’s different?
(Image credit: Amazon)
A couple of key things set the Amazon Echo Show (2nd Gen) apart from the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids. First, the look. The Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) is available in three elegant colors – Charcoal and Deep Sea Blue – but the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids has a single fabric wrapped finish that appeals to children. This bold, bright Chameleon color will give your child’s room and desk some personality. It looks great! Amazon will replace your device for free, with a 2-year guarantee. This is a great deal for parents with children who are more likely to have accidents.
Aside from the design, there are two options for Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids. One bundle includes a stand that raises the device a bit to provide a better viewing experience. The other bundle comes with an Echo Glow light that is perfect for your bedside table or dresser. You can purchase both the stand (which also fits the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) and the Amazon Glow separately.
The main difference between the two smart displays is the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids’ one-year subscription for Amazon Kids+.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) vs. Echo Show 5 Kids: Amazon Kids
(Image credit: Amazon)
Both tablets offer access to the basic Amazon Kids parental controls, which allow you to set controls so your kids will only receive age-appropriate responses and be able to access age-appropriate content. Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids includes many parental controls. You can filter inappropriate or explicit content and block shopping so that a box of toys doesn’t suddenly appear at your door. You can also set timers to make sure your children don’t get too much screen time, such as after bedtime or when they shouldn’t. However, the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids includes a 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription that allows for unlimited access to tons more kid-friendly content than just controlling access to all the content on the internet. Most of this curated content, including more than 15,000 videos, audiobooks, games, music stations, educational materials, and Audible books, is geared toward younger kids ages 7 and under and ideally anywhere from 4 to 6 years old. Remember that the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) comes with a free one-month trial of Amazon Kids+. This allows you to test it out if necessary. If you like it and decide to sign up, you will pay more for the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) and Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids.
Once you sign up, your Amazon Kids+ subscription will automatically renew for a small monthly fee. You can cancel your Amazon Kids+ subscription at any time via the Amazon Parent Dashboard, or by contacting Amazon customer service. After the trial period of the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) ends, you must cancel actively.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) vs. Echo Show 5 Kids: What you can do with both
(Image credit: Amazon)
Beyond access to kids’ content, you can do everything with both the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) and Echo Show 5 Kids that you would expect to be able to do with a smart display. You can hear or read the news, stream music from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify (with an appropriate account or subscription), as well as watch movies and TV shows from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video (again, a subscription required), video call friends and family, and manage compatible smart devices within the home. You can allow children to video call only certain people, such as grandparents, cousins or close friends.
Despite having a 5.5-inch display and a 2MP camera, these devices aren’t ideal for creating the most immersive visual experiences. Most smartphones these days are larger than this. Both smart displays can be used as an upgrade to your nightstand alarm clock or for use on the desk while you do homework, draw, play, or other activities. You can also display photos from Amazon Photos and Facebook as slideshows when you’re not actively using the device. They act as miniature digital photo frames.
They both connect via dual band Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so that you can stream music from your phone. They are compact and easy to move from one room to the other.
The Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) and Echo Show 5 Kids (Echo Show 5 Kids) work with Alexa voice assistance. You can ask Alexa to give you the weather or answer a question. You can even have the display tell your child (or yourself)! You can even tell your child a joke when you need it. You can control almost everything by speaking, including setting an alarm or timer and even playing your favorite music playlist.
(Image credit: Amazon)
You might be concerned about security, but you’ll be pleased to know that both have a built-in shutter for the camera so you can cover it whenever you desire. You can also turn the mic off or on when the child isn’t home.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) vs. Echo Show 5 Children: Which one do you prefer?
(Image credit: Amazon)
If the idea is to place this smart display on a young child’s nightstand or desk and allow them to use it to watch educational videos, read books, play interactive games during downtime, and play music in their own room, when it comes down to the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) vs. the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids, the latter is the better option. For those little fingers that are prone to slippage, the design and feel of the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) will suit them. Amazon Kids+ will save you money, as it offers a variety of entertainment content that will keep children in school for years. They’ll also love the special Welcome Worksheet.
But, if your child is older than 8+ or you wish to use it as an alarm clock, consider the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) instead. Even though the price difference is small, you will still be paying for a subscription that you won’t use. If you don’t cancel your subscription within the first year, you will be charged for the next month. You can still give this gift to a teenager or tween, but you will need to retain some parental control. The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) has all the basic features including the ability to filter and block content and limit time. If you are unsure if your child will like Amazon Kids+, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) offers a free trial of one month. You’ll pay a little more if you keep it up. The fee is still very small.
Amazon Echo Show 5, (2nd Gen )
)
Cute bedside smart display
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) is a smart, stylish display that can be used in a bedroom or for older children aged 8+. This is the ideal high-tech alarm system replacement for older children and adults. It also has basic parental controls that allow you to set time limits and filter access.
A kid’s smart display
Call It: “My first smart screen display.” The adorable Echo Show 5 Kids comes in a funky fabric that kids will love. It also has a worry-free guarantee that parents are sure to appreciate. Amazon Kids+ is included for a year, giving you access to lots of educational and entertainment content.