Voice Assistants

The best smart displays

A smart display adds a screen to your voice hub — handy for glancing at camera feeds, video calls, and timers. It sits on a shelf, so there's nothing to install.

Best smart displays

#1
Amazon Echo Show 5 smart display
Representative photo · confirm exact model on Amazon
Best overall

Amazon Echo Show 5

Amazon

A compact smart display adds a screen for camera feeds, video calls, and visual timers, with a physical camera shutter for privacy — all from a shelf, no install.

Best for
A nightstand or kitchen hub that shows camera feeds and does video calls.
Skip if
Anyone who only needs audio control — the Dot is cheaper.
Watch out
Has a camera/mic; use the shutter and mic-off when wanted. Confirm the generation.

Check Amazon for current price. Ratings and availability change. Verify on Amazon.

Check price on Amazon
#2
Amazon Echo Dot 5th generation smart speaker
Representative photo · confirm exact model on Amazon
Best value

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

Amazon

The cheapest way into a voice-controlled smart home — it just plugs in and controls plugs, bulbs, and cameras hands-free, then unplugs when you move.

Best for
A first smart-home hub and voice control on a budget.
Skip if
Those who prefer a screen (get the Show) or the Google/Apple ecosystem.
Watch out
Voice assistants are always-listening by design; review privacy settings. Confirm the generation you're ordering.

Check Amazon for current price. Ratings and availability change. Verify on Amazon.

Check price on Amazon

Key buying criteria

  • Screen size. Compact for a nightstand; larger for the kitchen.
  • Camera shutter. A physical shutter protects privacy.
  • Camera-feed support. Confirm it shows your cameras.

What to check on Amazon before buying

  • Screen size.
  • Camera shutter.
  • Camera-feed compatibility.
  • Generation.

Setup and usage tips

  • Put it where you glance. Nightstand or kitchen counter.
  • Pin a camera view. For quick front-door checks.
  • Use the shutter. Cover the camera when idle.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Ignoring the camera. Use the shutter/mic-off when not needed.
  • Wrong ecosystem. Match it to your devices.
  • Oversizing. The compact Show 5 suits most rooms.

How we choose

  • We start from the buyer's actual problem, not the highest commission.
  • We prioritize products with a long track record and broad availability.
  • We call out who a product is wrong for, not just who it is right for.
  • We tell you exactly what to verify on Amazon before you buy.

We only earn if you buy through our links, and it never changes the price you pay or what we recommend.

Final recommendation

The Echo Show 5 is the right-sized display for a rental — big enough for camera feeds and calls, small enough for a nightstand. Add an Echo Dot elsewhere for audio-only control.

Buying guideThe best smart speakers for rentersGuideThe renter-friendly smart home guide

Editorial guide last updated 2026-07-02. Product details require manual verification on Amazon before purchase.