The latest Echo Dot Kids offers the same overall shape as before but loads of new tech inside. It gained a larger speaker, a tap-to-control feature, new dragon and owl designs, and more. The 5th gen smart speaker is a solid but unnecessary upgrade.
For
- Fun Owl and Dragon designs
- Better sound quality than previous models
- Built-in temperature sensor for smart home routines
- Can expand your Wi-Fi coverage up to 1000sqft
- Amazon Kids+ brings fantastic parental controls and kid-appropriate content
Against
- The "Hey, Disney" feature still isn't ready
- Missing character-specific responses at launchSome Amazon Kids+ experiences are underwhelming without a display
Amazon's Echo Dot Kids (2020, 4th gen) was the first in the line to gain the spherical design. This also ushered in the tiger and panda designs. A great speaker for kids, even if it lacks some of the more advanced features.
For
- Vast system of kids content and skills
- Wide compatibility with peripheral devices
- Loud enough for a bedroom or playroom
- Cuter designs
Against
- Only four music services supported by Kids+
- AC power adapter instead of USB-C
Now on the 5th version of its smart speaker for kids, Amazon continues to find new ways to make these devices an enticing prospect for families. While the new Amazon Echo Dot Kids (2022) isn't featuring any experiences not found on the Echo Dot Kids (2020) model, it does offer some impressive upgrades. Let's go over those changes and whether they are worth upgrading from a 4th gen model or if you should stick with it.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids (2022, 5th gen) vs. Echo Dot Kids (2020, 4th gen): All-around great speakers for kids
Right away, you can see that both the 2020 and 2022 models are quite cute. These speakers are Amazon's first time putting characters on their kid-focused smart speakers. Previously there were some pattern options but not the fun designs we now have. Aside from being the cutest options, they are also just flat-out some of the best smart speakers for kids.
No, it isn't just because of how they look but because of the fantastic Amazon Kids+ software that keeps them safe for kids. I'll give a brief explainer of what you get with the software, but we have a helpful guide for a full breakdown. At its core, Amazon Kids+ is two things — a curated library of over 20,000 kid-specific games, apps, books, and videos, and it's full of parental controls.
While the Amazon Echo Dot Kids (2022) and 2020 models offer the same Amazon Kids+ software, the hardware differences can alter how it is enjoyed.
When you buy any Amazon Kids device, it comes with a free year of service. After the first year, the service is $7.99/mo for non-Prime members and $4.99 for those that are. If you choose to pay annually, it is $79/yr or $48/yr. But the service isn't locked to a single device. So, if you purchase an Amazon Echo Dot Kids speaker, the subscription that comes with it can be used on a Fire TV or Fire tablet, like the new Fire HD 8 Kids Pro.
Along with gaining access to a massive library of content for kids of all ages, parents also get a suite of excellent parental controls. You can set when the speaker responds to commands, volume levels, what content is accessible, and more. These don't change whether you have the 4th or 5th gen Echo Dot Kids device.
As for the hardware, these two speakers have the same overall size, the same buttons, and a light ring on the bottom. But the actual speaker inside is slightly larger on the Echo Dot Kids (2022), and I could notice the improved sound during my review of it. As noted in the review of the Echo Dot Kids (2020) model, it was a big jump in sound quality from the 3rd gen, but not as big going from 4th to 5th.
Amazon also brought many of the new hardware improvements from the new Echo Dot with Clock (2022). This includes a temperature sensor that not only lets you see the temperature of the room the speaker is in via the Alexa app but it can also act as a trigger for smart home automation.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Echo Dot Kids (5th Gen) | Echo Dot Kids (4th Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches | 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 10.7 OZ | 12 oz |
| Processor | AZ2 Neural Edge | AZ1 Neural Edge |
| Speaker | 1.73-inch speaker | 1.6-inch speaker |
| 3.5mm port | 🚫 | ✔️ |
| Bluetooth | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz) |
| Buttons | Volume up and down, Mic off, Action button | Volume up and down, Mic off, Action button |
| Pair for stereo sound | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Light ring | Runs along base of speaker | Runs along base of speaker |
| Colors | Dragon, Owl | Tiger, Panda |
| Retail cost | $60 | $60 |
| Compatible with eero routers | ✔️ | 🚫 |
| Built-in temperature sensor | ✔️ | 🚫 |
| Tap-to-control | ✔️ | 🚫 |
| Amazon Kids+ | 1 year included free and two-year worry-free warranty | 1 year included free and two-year worry-free warranty |
Speaking of home connectivity, Amazon also enabled the new Echo Dot Kids (2022) to act as a Wi-Fi extender for the excellent eero mesh routers. When using this feature, the speaker can help expand your Wi-Fi coverage by up to 1000sqft.
The tap-to-control option is a new feature you and your child will appreciate in the new smart speaker. The familiar physical buttons from the Echo Dot Kids (2020) model are still present, but now you can also simply tap the speaker's top to pause a song, stop a timer, snooze an alarm, and more. For some kids, it can be difficult to remember what phrase is necessary to control some speaker functions, but bopping the speaker can come naturally.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids (2022, 5th gen) vs. Echo Dot Kids (2020, 4th gen): Should you upgrade?
The answer isn't as clear as some may think. If you already own an Echo Dot Kids (2020) but aren't interested in smart home automation or plan to use an eero mesh router, then you probably don't need to upgrade. However, any Echo Dot Kids prior to the 2020 model is worth the upgrade.
Improvements in the Amazon Echo Dot Kids (2022) are tangible and can offer an improved experience for the whole family. Better sound, easy touch controls, expanded smart home features, and more, are meaningful. So if you are in the market for a new smart speaker for the entire family, then the newest speakers are definitely the way to go.
Bringing the same shape from the 4th gen speaker, the latest model also gained new characters, improved sound, new sensors, and of course, still has the wonderful Amazon Kids+ in tow.
The Amazon Echo Dot Kids (4th gen, 2020) was a big improvement over the prior generation with a new design, fun characters, and better sound. Plus, it still has access to the fantastic Amazon Kids+
