Just unboxed the Echo Show 5 bundle, and first impressions? That charcoal finish looks sleek on my nightstand! The 5.5" screen is perfect for bedtime YouTube binges without overwhelming my space.

The sound upgrade is REAL - was shocked by the bass depth when playing Billie Eilish. My old Echo Dot sounds tinny in comparison. Pro tip: The Smart Plug included makes this bundle steal-worthy. I now voice-control my lamp while cozy in bed!

Privacy features get an A+ from me. That physical camera shutter gives peace of mind when changing clothes nearby. Though the 2MP camera won't replace your smartphone, video calls with grandma are crisp enough for her to still comment on my messy room.

Biggest surprise? The photo frame feature! Wakes up to vacation pics instead of a boring clock. Alexa's learning curve exists (still can't get her to understand my midnight pizza order attempts), but she nails routines like turning on lights + weather report during my a.m. scramble.

Wishlist: Brighter screen for sunny kitchens, and why doesn't the plug come in matching charcoal? Still, for under $100, this duo turned my apartment into a mini smart home overnight.