Amazon echo 4th gen versus Amazon echo 5th gen.
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tony scanlon
Nov 26, 2023, 10:48:53 AM11/26/23
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"Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs. Echo Dot (4th Gen): Should you upgrade?
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Slightly different, yet nearly identical
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Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
More advanced features
Featuring a slightly larger front-firing driver, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) delivers more balanced bass, clear mids, and good depth at high volume. It also has a built-in accelerometer that detects tap gestures and a temperature sensor for user convenience, but it lacks a 3.5mm audio port.
Pros
Sounds a bit better than the previous model
Great tap gesture function
Stylish design
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen)
Similar but simpler
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) is a great smart speaker with decent sound quality and has a 3.5mm audio in/out that allows you to connect it to external audio devices. However, it doesn't sound as great when operating at maximum volume.
Pros
The sound quality could be better
Hard to find
Get the best out of Amazon Alexa with Echo Dot, a series of versatile smart speakers that will completely change how you interact with Alexa-compatible devices in your home.
The fifth and latest generation of Echo Dot smart speaker offers a few upgrades that give it a slight edge over the earlier version, the Echo Dot (4th Gen). However, the two models are still very similar, so you should compare and contrast the features, sound quality, and overall performance before upgrading.
Price, availability, and specs
Amazon's Echo Dot (5th Gen) is available on Amazon and Best Buy at $50. But you can also go for the Echo Dot with clock (5th Gen), which costs $10 more due to the addition of a digital display that shows time, song titles, temperature, and other readouts. You can get the Echo Dot fifth-gen in Glacier White, Deep Sea Blue, and Charcoal.
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) has since become scarce, but you can still find good refurbs in some stores, retailing at $50 or cheaper, in Twilight Blue, Charcoal, and Glacier White. And like the 5th Gen, the fourth-gen Echo Dot has a clock option (refurbished), costing $54.
As much as the 5th Gen and 4th Gen versions are similar, there are some differences in specs:
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen)
Dimensions 100 x 100 x 89mm 100 x 100 x 89mm
Weight 340g 328g
Clock No No
Integrations Amazon Alexa, Matter, Zigbee Amazon Alexa, Matter, Zigbee
Connectivity Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
Colors Charcoal, Deep Sea Blue, Glacier White Twilight Blue, Charcoal, Glacier White
Driver size 44mm 41mm
Microphone Three far field Yes
Microphone switch Yes Yes
Power source 15W power adapter Wired
Audio in/out No 3.5mm audio output
Controls Physical, voice assistant Physical, voice assistant
Design
Both speakers look almost identical.
The upper section of Echo Dot (4th Gen) and Echo Dot (5th Gen) is spherical, while the base is flat and sits nicely atop surfaces. Both smart speakers have dimensions of 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches and weigh almost the same, with the 4th Gen weighing 328g and the 5th Gen weighing 12g more.
On both smart speakers, the top section is covered in fabric, and the bottom is plastic. The two materials meet just a few inches from the base, creating a line that cuts across the sphere to give you a stylish smart speaker that you can place just about anywhere in your home.
They both have LED rings that change color based on the current mode — red means the mic is off, blue indicates Alexa is processing what it’s hearing, yellow tells you there is a new notification, green alerts you when there is an incoming call, orange means the speaker is in setup, and purple is Don't Disturb. There are volume up and down buttons on both Echo Dots and two more buttons (microphone and action) for quick customization.
One of the main differences between the 4th and 5th generation Echo Dot is that the latter has a slightly larger driver (1.73 inches) than the former (1.6 inches). Also, the Echo Dot Gen 4 has a 3.5mm Aux input and output port, while the fifth generation does not. This can be a problem if you intend to link other audio devices to the 5th Gen Dot.
Both devices deliver clear sound, but the fifth-generation model sounds a tiny bit better than the fourth-gen, thanks to its larger speaker driver. In addition, the 5th Gen delivers more balanced bass, richer mids, and quality highs. Even though both feature front-firing speakers, the Echo Dot (4th Gen) has more coverage at its highest volume but lacks the depth offered by the 5th generation at the same level.
That said, the 0.13-inch difference in driver size is just too small to create a big difference in sound quality between the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Echo Dot (4th Gen). Furthermore, most people think they sound almost the same. They both work best as Alexa's voice and give you quick access to your voice assistant, allowing for effective voice control of all devices in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem.
Always remember that playing Echo Dots at full volume can lead to sound distortion, so it's good to keep them under the ninetieth percentile or lower if possible. Besides, these speakers are small, so don't expect them to fill an entire room with quality sound.
Features, hardware, and performance
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) outshines the Echo Dot (4th Gen) in several areas with new features like the built-in accelerometer that allows you to control the speaker by simply tapping the top of the sphere. You can use the tap function to pause or resume music, snooze alarms, end calls, and more without needing to give voice commands to Alexa.
Additionally, the 5th Gen Echo Dot boasts a temperature sensor, which can come in handy when working with smart fans and thermostats. For example, you can program the speaker to turn the fan on/off or adjust the thermostat when the temperature drops or rises beyond a set limit. You can do this via the Amazon Alexa app, which has a neat and user-friendly interface. The Echo Dot (4th Gen) uses the same application but lacks the new sensors and functionalities.
Both models of Echo Dot can pair with Zigbee devices, which means you can control compatible gadgets without using a separate Zigbee hub. But that is not all: the Echo Dot fourth-gen and Echo Dot fifth-gen can both expand Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems, thereby improving network coverage within your home by about 1000ft. The original Echo Dot (4th Gen) didn't have extender capabilities, but it got the feature after a recent update.
While Echo Dots are a great addition to any Wi-Fi system operating below the max speed limit, both generations can only handle maximum Wi-Fi speeds of 100Mbps. If your router operates at higher speeds, the Echo Dots are likely to slow down the performance of your network. The other limitation is that Echo Dot extenders can only support up to ten connections. On the positive side, the Echo Dot 4th and 5th Gen speakers can work with devices compatible with the Matter smart home standard.
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) and Echo Dot (5th Gen) are good speakers for communicating with Amazon Alexa voice assistant and controlling all things Alexa-enabled. However, they are just not powerful enough if you are looking for room-filling quality sound. Instead, you can go for other options like the Amazon Echo Studio. It utilizes spatial audio processing technology and is Dolby Atmos-powered for an immersive listening experience.
That said, if you own an Echo Dot smart speaker older than 4th Gen, by all means, consider upgrading to the Echo Dot (5th Gen) because it delivers richer sound than earlier iterations and has more advanced features. If you are interested in any of the new features that the Echo Dot (5th Gen) offers, such as tap gesture functionality or built-in temperature sensors, you need to migrate to the latest generation. Just remember it has no 3.5mm audio output compared to the Echo Dot (4th Gen), so the only way you can link it to other speakers is through Bluetooth.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Top pick
More advanced features
Although the Echo Dot (5th Gen) is not so different from the 4th Gen, it delivers a more balanced sound with new cool features that offer value for money, making it worth the upgrade.
Now, if you have the Echo Dot (4th Gen), the decision to upgrade should not be based on sound quality since the fifth-generation Echo Dot doesn't sound so different. Although the 5th Gen model is a bit bassy and offers richer mids, you can still enjoy what the 4th Gen offers. You will still hear Alexa clearly and listen to a podcast or your favorite tunes without experiencing sound distortion (well, provided you don't blast it at maximum volume).
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen)
Still works fine
Similar but simpler
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) was once the king of Dots, but it will soon go into retirement with the 5th Gen taking over. Plus, finding it is difficult and doesn't sound as great as the latest model."
By
Slightly different, yet nearly identical
Readers like you help support Android Police. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
More advanced features
Featuring a slightly larger front-firing driver, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) delivers more balanced bass, clear mids, and good depth at high volume. It also has a built-in accelerometer that detects tap gestures and a temperature sensor for user convenience, but it lacks a 3.5mm audio port.
Pros
Sounds a bit better than the previous model
Great tap gesture function
Stylish design
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen)
Similar but simpler
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) is a great smart speaker with decent sound quality and has a 3.5mm audio in/out that allows you to connect it to external audio devices. However, it doesn't sound as great when operating at maximum volume.
Pros
The sound quality could be better
Hard to find
Get the best out of Amazon Alexa with Echo Dot, a series of versatile smart speakers that will completely change how you interact with Alexa-compatible devices in your home.
The fifth and latest generation of Echo Dot smart speaker offers a few upgrades that give it a slight edge over the earlier version, the Echo Dot (4th Gen). However, the two models are still very similar, so you should compare and contrast the features, sound quality, and overall performance before upgrading.
Price, availability, and specs
Amazon's Echo Dot (5th Gen) is available on Amazon and Best Buy at $50. But you can also go for the Echo Dot with clock (5th Gen), which costs $10 more due to the addition of a digital display that shows time, song titles, temperature, and other readouts. You can get the Echo Dot fifth-gen in Glacier White, Deep Sea Blue, and Charcoal.
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) has since become scarce, but you can still find good refurbs in some stores, retailing at $50 or cheaper, in Twilight Blue, Charcoal, and Glacier White. And like the 5th Gen, the fourth-gen Echo Dot has a clock option (refurbished), costing $54.
As much as the 5th Gen and 4th Gen versions are similar, there are some differences in specs:
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen)
Dimensions 100 x 100 x 89mm 100 x 100 x 89mm
Weight 340g 328g
Clock No No
Integrations Amazon Alexa, Matter, Zigbee Amazon Alexa, Matter, Zigbee
Connectivity Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
Colors Charcoal, Deep Sea Blue, Glacier White Twilight Blue, Charcoal, Glacier White
Driver size 44mm 41mm
Microphone Three far field Yes
Microphone switch Yes Yes
Power source 15W power adapter Wired
Audio in/out No 3.5mm audio output
Controls Physical, voice assistant Physical, voice assistant
Design
Both speakers look almost identical.
The upper section of Echo Dot (4th Gen) and Echo Dot (5th Gen) is spherical, while the base is flat and sits nicely atop surfaces. Both smart speakers have dimensions of 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches and weigh almost the same, with the 4th Gen weighing 328g and the 5th Gen weighing 12g more.
On both smart speakers, the top section is covered in fabric, and the bottom is plastic. The two materials meet just a few inches from the base, creating a line that cuts across the sphere to give you a stylish smart speaker that you can place just about anywhere in your home.
They both have LED rings that change color based on the current mode — red means the mic is off, blue indicates Alexa is processing what it’s hearing, yellow tells you there is a new notification, green alerts you when there is an incoming call, orange means the speaker is in setup, and purple is Don't Disturb. There are volume up and down buttons on both Echo Dots and two more buttons (microphone and action) for quick customization.
One of the main differences between the 4th and 5th generation Echo Dot is that the latter has a slightly larger driver (1.73 inches) than the former (1.6 inches). Also, the Echo Dot Gen 4 has a 3.5mm Aux input and output port, while the fifth generation does not. This can be a problem if you intend to link other audio devices to the 5th Gen Dot.
Both devices deliver clear sound, but the fifth-generation model sounds a tiny bit better than the fourth-gen, thanks to its larger speaker driver. In addition, the 5th Gen delivers more balanced bass, richer mids, and quality highs. Even though both feature front-firing speakers, the Echo Dot (4th Gen) has more coverage at its highest volume but lacks the depth offered by the 5th generation at the same level.
That said, the 0.13-inch difference in driver size is just too small to create a big difference in sound quality between the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Echo Dot (4th Gen). Furthermore, most people think they sound almost the same. They both work best as Alexa's voice and give you quick access to your voice assistant, allowing for effective voice control of all devices in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem.
Always remember that playing Echo Dots at full volume can lead to sound distortion, so it's good to keep them under the ninetieth percentile or lower if possible. Besides, these speakers are small, so don't expect them to fill an entire room with quality sound.
Features, hardware, and performance
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) outshines the Echo Dot (4th Gen) in several areas with new features like the built-in accelerometer that allows you to control the speaker by simply tapping the top of the sphere. You can use the tap function to pause or resume music, snooze alarms, end calls, and more without needing to give voice commands to Alexa.
Additionally, the 5th Gen Echo Dot boasts a temperature sensor, which can come in handy when working with smart fans and thermostats. For example, you can program the speaker to turn the fan on/off or adjust the thermostat when the temperature drops or rises beyond a set limit. You can do this via the Amazon Alexa app, which has a neat and user-friendly interface. The Echo Dot (4th Gen) uses the same application but lacks the new sensors and functionalities.
Both models of Echo Dot can pair with Zigbee devices, which means you can control compatible gadgets without using a separate Zigbee hub. But that is not all: the Echo Dot fourth-gen and Echo Dot fifth-gen can both expand Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems, thereby improving network coverage within your home by about 1000ft. The original Echo Dot (4th Gen) didn't have extender capabilities, but it got the feature after a recent update.
While Echo Dots are a great addition to any Wi-Fi system operating below the max speed limit, both generations can only handle maximum Wi-Fi speeds of 100Mbps. If your router operates at higher speeds, the Echo Dots are likely to slow down the performance of your network. The other limitation is that Echo Dot extenders can only support up to ten connections. On the positive side, the Echo Dot 4th and 5th Gen speakers can work with devices compatible with the Matter smart home standard.
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) and Echo Dot (5th Gen) are good speakers for communicating with Amazon Alexa voice assistant and controlling all things Alexa-enabled. However, they are just not powerful enough if you are looking for room-filling quality sound. Instead, you can go for other options like the Amazon Echo Studio. It utilizes spatial audio processing technology and is Dolby Atmos-powered for an immersive listening experience.
That said, if you own an Echo Dot smart speaker older than 4th Gen, by all means, consider upgrading to the Echo Dot (5th Gen) because it delivers richer sound than earlier iterations and has more advanced features. If you are interested in any of the new features that the Echo Dot (5th Gen) offers, such as tap gesture functionality or built-in temperature sensors, you need to migrate to the latest generation. Just remember it has no 3.5mm audio output compared to the Echo Dot (4th Gen), so the only way you can link it to other speakers is through Bluetooth.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Top pick
More advanced features
Although the Echo Dot (5th Gen) is not so different from the 4th Gen, it delivers a more balanced sound with new cool features that offer value for money, making it worth the upgrade.
Now, if you have the Echo Dot (4th Gen), the decision to upgrade should not be based on sound quality since the fifth-generation Echo Dot doesn't sound so different. Although the 5th Gen model is a bit bassy and offers richer mids, you can still enjoy what the 4th Gen offers. You will still hear Alexa clearly and listen to a podcast or your favorite tunes without experiencing sound distortion (well, provided you don't blast it at maximum volume).
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen)
Still works fine
Similar but simpler
The Echo Dot (4th Gen) was once the king of Dots, but it will soon go into retirement with the 5th Gen taking over. Plus, finding it is difficult and doesn't sound as great as the latest model."
Dominique Farrell
Nov 26, 2023, 11:39:31 AM11/26/23
to vibi...@googlegroups.com
Thanks for this Flor. Very interesting! I have the fifth generation and fourth previously and I do notice a better sound, and definitely from the third which I also had. I love the feature of the temperature sensor and like to know how warm my bedroom is, and I like that there’s no other port on it.
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Dominique Farrell
Nov 26, 2023, 11:40:41 AM11/26/23
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Oh sorry Tony for calling you Flor! I only noticed after sending!
From: vibi...@googlegroups.com <vibi...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of tony scanlon
Sent: 26 November 2023 3:49 pm
To: vibi...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [vibistro] Amazon echo 4th gen versus Amazon echo 5th gen.
"Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs. Echo Dot (4th Gen): Should you upgrade?
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Emma May
Nov 26, 2023, 11:49:31 AM11/26/23
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The 5 is b bigger and has more base to it love emma
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Dominique Farrell
Nov 26, 2023, 11:53:52 AM11/26/23
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I actually think that it’s smaller, neater and lighter than the fourth.
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tony scanlon
Nov 26, 2023, 11:55:37 AM11/26/23
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Not to worry Dominique we probably look alike from a distance.
Glad you enjoyed the article.
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Tony Sweeney
Nov 26, 2023, 12:22:22 PM11/26/23
to 'Emma May' via VIBISTRO
Emma I don't like the modern Echos precisely for that fact that
they have more bass.
I have the one going back almost from the start with little bass
and I just love it especially for speech radio.
Yes there is an app but the adjustments aren't always sufficient
IMHO.
Anyway each to their own \i guess.
Tony
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