Echo Show 5 ADHD Review: A Creative’s Verdict on Amazon’s Smart Display

As a creative professional with a career spanning over 25 years in the fast-paced creative industry, my brain is a whirlwind of ideas, deadlines, and the ever-present hum of ADHD. It’s a constant battle to stay focused, organised, and on top of my game. So, when I heard the buzz about the Amazon Echo Show 5 and its potential to help people with ADHD, I was intrigued. Could this little smart display be the key to unlocking a more streamlined, focused, and creative life? I decided to put it to the test.

The Promise: Can the Echo Show 5 Tame the ADHD Brain?

On paper, the Echo Show 5 seems like a dream come true for the ADHD mind. It’s packed with features that promise to tackle our biggest challenges head-on. Available on Amazon for around £90

• Visual Reminders and Timers: Time blindness is a real struggle for many of us with ADHD. The Echo Show 5’s visual timers and reminders are a godsend. Being able to see the time counting down for a task, or getting a visual prompt for an upcoming appointment, is far more effective than a simple notification on my phone that I’ll inevitably dismiss and forget.
• Routines to Automate Your Day: The ability to create routines is where the Echo Show 5 really shines. I set up a “start my workday” routine that plays my focus playlist, tells me my appointments for the day, and sets a timer for my first block of deep work. It’s like having a personal assistant to get me on track when my executive function is failing me.
• A Central Hub for Your Thoughts: The constant stream of thoughts and ideas can be overwhelming. Being able to quickly add items to a to-do list or shopping list with a simple voice command is a game-changer. It gets the thought out of my head and into a safe place, freeing up mental bandwidth for more important tasks.
• Focus-Enhancing Features: The Echo Show 5 offers features like “Focus Time” which plays calming sounds to help you concentrate. While not a cure for distraction, it can certainly help to create a more conducive environment for deep work.

Amazon has even collaborated with the ADHD Foundation to highlight how Alexa can support those with ADHD, which is a promising step in the right direction.

The Reality: Distraction Machine or Productivity Tool?

While the Echo Show 5 has its strengths, it’s not without its flaws. For the easily distracted ADHD brain, the very thing that makes it appealing – the screen – can also be its biggest downfall.

• The Sluggish Interface: The Echo Show 5’s interface can be frustratingly slow. This can be a major roadblock when you’re trying to quickly add a reminder or check your schedule. The lag can be just enough to break your focus and send you down a rabbit hole of distraction.
• A Gateway to Distraction: While the screen is great for visual reminders, it’s also a portal to a world of distractions. It’s all too easy to get sidetracked by news headlines, video clips, or other notifications that pop up on the screen.
• Intrusive Ads: Many users have reported an increase in intrusive ads on the Echo Show 5. This is a major concern for anyone, but especially for those of us who are already battling for focus. The last thing I need is an ad for something I don’t need popping up when I’m trying to stay on task.

The Verdict: Is the Echo Show 5 a Good Investment for a Creative with ADHD?

So, what’s the final verdict? The Echo Show 5 is a bit of a mixed bag. It has the potential to be a powerful tool for managing ADHD, but it also has the potential to be a major source of distraction.

For me, the pros just about outweigh the cons. The routines and visual timers have been genuinely helpful in keeping me on track. However, I’ve had to be very intentional about how I use it, and I’ve had to disable many of the more distracting features.

If you’re considering the Echo Show 5, I’d say it’s worth a try, but be prepared to put in the work to make it work for you. You can see it on Amazon here

The Alternative: The Google Nest Hub

If the potential for distraction from the Echo Show 5 is a major concern for you, I’d recommend considering the Google Nest Hub as an alternative. Here’s why:

• A Cleaner, Faster Interface: The Google Nest Hub boasts a cleaner, more intuitive interface that’s much more responsive than the Echo Show 5’s. This makes it a much more seamless and less frustrating experience to use.
• Superior Voice Assistant: Google Assistant is widely regarded as being more intelligent and capable than Alexa. It’s better at understanding natural language, which means you can speak to it more conversationally.
• Seamless Integration with Google’s Ecosystem: If you already use Google Calendar, Keep, and other Google services to manage your life (as many of us with ADHD do), the Nest Hub is a no-brainer. The integration is seamless, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see your whole life organised on one central display.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best smart display for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. The Echo Show 5 can be a valuable tool for managing ADHD, but it’s not a magic bullet. The Google Nest Hub, with its cleaner interface and superior voice assistant, may be a better choice for those who are easily distracted. See our review of the Google Nest Hub here

I’d love to hear about your experiences with smart displays and ADHD. Please share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!