Amazon Echo Dot Max vs Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

The Echo Dot Max is the better speaker and the better smart home controller. It has a two-way driver setup with a separate tweeter and woofer, reaches lower in the bass, and adds a built-in hub plus presence, light and temperature sensing. The standard Echo Dot is smaller, lighter, has a 3.5 mm jack, and has far more owner ratings behind it. Buy the Dot Max for a main room where sound and automation matter. Buy the Dot for a bedside table or a second room where you want Alexa cheaply and simply.

• Choose the Echo Dot Max if you want the fullest sound from an Echo Dot and want lights, locks and routines to run without a separate hub.
• Choose the Echo Dot if you want a small, light Alexa speaker for a nightstand or desk and may want to plug in headphones or powered speakers.