Is the Echo Show 5 too small for video calls?

For most people, the Echo Show 5 is too small for comfortable, regular video calls, though it can work fine for quick, casual check-ins.

At 5.5 inches, the screen is quite small, so calls can feel cramped compared with larger smart displays and even many phones. That means:

• Harder to see details: Reading body language or facial expressions is difficult unless you’re very close to the device.
• Not ideal for group calls: Multiple people on the screen can look tiny.
• More limited call comfort: It’s better as a compact helper than as a main video-calling screen.

Bottom line: if video calls are a main use case, a larger display like the Echo Show 8 is generally the better choice because the bigger screen is easier to follow during conversations. The Echo Show 5 is better suited to a bedside or desk setup than as a primary video-calling device.