Best Alexa devices 2024

Whether you're in the market for a smart speaker or a pair of wireless earbuds, the best Alexa devices that money can buy are below. At full price, Amazon's hardware is a solid value, but with frequent sales like Prime Day and Black Friday, upgrading your home with Alexa-powered tech could be a no-brainer. We've researched, tested, and reviewed dozens of Amazon devices over the years, so you can trust that we know what we're talking about no matter what you're looking for.

If you want to see what else is available that works with Alexa, this list has everything from thermostats to tablets and mesh routers, so keep on scrolling to see how you can complete your smart home ecosystem.

Patrick
Patrick Farmer

Patrick is a no-nonsense deal hunter with over 10 years of experience in the eCommerce space. Whether you’re interested in a new wireless carrier, smart home device, or Android phone, Patrick combines hands-on research with practical shopping advice to get you the answers you need. 

At a glance

Best smart speaker

Amazon Echo 4th Gen

(Image credit: Android Central)
Best smart speaker

Specifications

Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 inches, 2.14 pounds
Colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue
Processor: AZ1 Neural Edge
Speakers: 3-inch woofer, dual front-firing 0.8-inch tweeters
Dolby Support: Dolby Processing
Amazon Music Support: HD (16-bit audio, average bitrate of 850 kbps
Room Calibration: Yes, automatically adapts to room size
Bluetooth: A2DP, AVRCP and BLE Mesh
Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 / 5 GHz)
Line in-out: 3.5 mm line in/out
Pair Multiple for Stereo Sound: Yes
Voice Assistant Support: Built-in Alexa
Mic on indicator: LED ring around the base
Smart home tech: Zigbee smart home hub, Sidewalk Bridge
Smart TV compatibility: Pairs with newest Fire TV devices for audio output
Low power mode: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
New spherical design
+
Better sound architecture and Zigbee home hub
+
Can pair with another Echo or Fire TV for stereo sound
+
Amazon brought back our favorite Twilight Blue color!

Reasons to avoid

-
No screen or video calling
-
Expensive compared to its smaller siblings

The original Amazon Echo that debuted in late 2014 gave us our first introduction to Alexa, and we've been hooked ever since. What started as a stark, black tube has evolved over three generations to a softer, gentler-looking Alexa vessel and has spawned an entire line of other Echo devices.

This "regular" Echo (4th Gen) is the best of the series yet. During our testing of the product, we found that it boasts an improved sound architecture over the first three generations, one that is borrowed from the more expensive Echo Studio, as well as the same Zigbee home hub integration of its larger cousin. As with several other Echo devices, you can connect two of these to create a stereo pairing or connect it with your Fire TV for enhanced audio to go with your visual content.

After our time with the Echo (4th Gen), we were convinced that it's the best Alexa speaker to buy if you want great sound but don't want to spend an arm and a leg, or if you really care about sound, go for the aforementioned Echo Studio. The Echo Dot and Echo Studio got some upgrades that Amazon announced at its Fall 2022 event. During our review of the new Echo Dot with Clock (5th gen), the changes were very welcomed and made the speaker a lower-cost alternative to the full-sized Echo.

Best smart screen

Amazon Echo Show 8 3rd Gen

(Image credit: Amazon)

2. Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)

Best smart screen

Specifications

Display: 8-inch with 1280x800 resolution
Processor: Octa-core SoC with Amazon AZ2 Neural network engine
Front Camera: 13MP
Speakers: 2 x 2-inches @ 10W per channel
Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.5 x 4.2 inches
Weight: 36.6 oz.
Privacy Controls: Built-in camera shutter and microphone mute button
Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acBluetooth A2DP
Colors: Glacier White and Charcoal

Reasons to buy

+
Great size for screen
+
Same 13MP video camera as on Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
+
Sleek design
+
Privacy-focused camera shutter and mute switch
+
Includes Spatial Audio support

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two color options

We reviewed the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) and loved it — it is now one of our favorite smart home devices of the past few years and is our current pick as the best Alexa device with a screen. And the new 3rd Gen model only improved upon the experience. It shares the design cues of the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) and borrows some of the best features from the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), like an all-new 13MP front-facing camera that can zoom and pan to keep you in the frame.

On its 8-inch screen, this Echo Show boasts the same HD resolution as the larger Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen). It also features the privacy-focused controls that debuted on the first Echo Show 5, including a physical camera shutter and mute switch. Unfortunately, the Echo Show devices are still only available in Charcoal or Glacier White, not in the fun Twilight Blue or PRODUCT (RED) colors seen in the recent Echo and Dot speakers, but we think the design still looks nice.

The Echo Show 8 (3rd) is a great device for managing your smart home devices, watching videos, or even Amazon Prime content. Plus, this model adds spatial audio support for an even more immersive listening experience with compatible source content. This also helps improve the quality of audio with video calls. All-in-all, we love this device for managing our smart home life with Alexa!

Best value smart speaker

Amazon Echo Pop review

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
Best value smart speaker

Specifications

Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.3 x 3.6 inches, 6.9 oz
Colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, Lavender Bloom, Midnight Teal, Disney Princess, Marvel's Avengers
Speakers: 1.95-inch front-firing speaker
Bluetooth: A2DP, and AVRCP
Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 / 5 GHz)
Line in-out: None
Pair Multiple for Stereo Sound: Yes
Voice Assistant Support: Built-in Alexa
Mic on indicator: LED on top
Smart home tech: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, and Matter

Reasons to buy

+
The cheapest Echo speaker
+
Unique and compact design
+
Works with Matter and as an eero extender

Reasons to avoid

-
Missing some features Echo Dot has
-
No action button to summon Alexa
-
Sound isn't powerful enough for large rooms

If you like the ease-of-use of the Amazon's Echo speakers but don't have the space or budget for another full-size speaker, the Amazon Echo Pop can be a great choice. This smart speaker is compact with only a 1.95-inch front-firing speaker, but can still deliver plenty of sound for a smaller room, like a bedroom. On the top, there's a button to switch off the microphone as well as volume up and down buttons. There's no button to summon Alexa on this model, so you'll have to use your voice.

Compared to the pricier Echo Dot, you give up a couple of nice-to-haves like the 3.5mm headphone jack, motion detector, and temperature sensor which can be used with your smart home tech. As a simple and compact smart speaker thought, the Echo Pop still delivers with good microphones and even smart home support with Matter and Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh. If you've got an eero Mesh system, or are thinking about building one, the Echo Pop can even function as a mesh node, further expanding your Wi-Fi coverage.

Last but not least, the Echo Pop comes in a range of colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, Lavender Bloom, Midnight Teal. You can even get a Disney Princess or Marvel's Avengers themed model for the kids. No matter the room or decor, you can likely find an Echo Pop that can fit in.

Best alarm clock

Amazon Echo Spot 2024

(Image credit: Amazon)

4. Amazon Echo Spot (2024)

Best alarm clock

Specifications

Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.1 x 4.4 inches
Colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue
Speakers: 1.73-inch front-firing speaker
Bluetooth: A2DP, and AVRCP
Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 / 5 GHz)
Display: 2.83-inch 320x240
Pair Multiple for Stereo Sound: Yes
Voice Assistant Support: Built-in Alexa
Mic on indicator: LED on top
Smart home tech: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, and Matter

Reasons to buy

+
Cheaper than previous generations
+
Excellent bedside alarm clock
+
Control Alexa devices

Reasons to avoid

-
No camera for video calls
-
Smaller screen
-
Audio is weaker than Echo Pop

With the Echo Show device offering a large tablet-like display and the standard Echo focusing mostly on audio, the Echo Spot fits right between the two with a small display and a compact design. Its size places it between the Echo Dot and the Echo, though the speaker setup is much more similar to the Dot. That is to say, it should sound good enough for a small room for Alexa, podcasts, and even some low music.

On the front of the device, there is a 2.83-inch display that can show you the date and time, shortcuts for Alexa devices, album art for music, and even incoming calls. These all sound like features from the Echo Show line, but with the smaller display and the lack of a camera, the Echo Spot is a more focused device with no video calling. Some may appreciate the lack of cameras as the Spot is designed to be used bedside, as well as the physical microphone off button.

While this device supports dual-band WI-Fi with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, this is not an eero-compatible device, so it won’t be expanding your eero mesh. It does, however, support the setup and management of Matter devices and supports Bluetooth low-energy mesh. While the Echo Dot with Clock is a solid low-cost bedside option, the extra touchscreen controls with the 2024 Echo Spot make it a nice upgrade.

Best add on speaker

Amazon Echo Sub

(Image credit: Android Central)

5. Echo Sub speaker

Best add-on speaker

Specifications

Dimensions: 8.0 x 8.3 inches
Weight: 9.3 pounds
Audio: 4L sealed chamber with 6-inch (152 mm) downward-firing woofer, 100W Class D amplifier
Low Frequency Response: 30Hz (-6dB)
Crossover Frequency: 50 Hz - 200 Hz adaptive low-pass filter
Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz)

Reasons to buy

+
Significantly improves low-end audio
+
Connects wirelessly
+
Works in a 2.1 configuration

Reasons to avoid

-
Can't work as a standalone speaker
-
Only pairs with second-generation devices and newer

While the Amazon Echo speakers have improved overall sound throughout the years, one area that still lacks is the low-end audio spectrum. That's to be expected when using something like an Echo Dot, which sounds pretty good given the size of the speaker, but even on the larger Echo devices, the bass is still not a standout feature. This is where the Echo Sub comes into play.

This wireless subwoofer produces 100W of bass from a 6-inch downward-firing speaker. Though the Echo Sub cannot be used as a standalone speaker, it's easily paired with up to two of the same Echo devices — nearly all options are second-generation and newer. Adding the subwoofer to your Echo speakers is easy and is done so wirelessly.

By connecting the Echo Sub with two other Echo speakers, like the standard Echo, you get a great 2.1 channel audio configuration. You can pick up the Echo Sub on its own if you already have some Echo devices to pair it with. If not, Amazon offers speaker bundles to get you started. So, if you enjoy the audio from your Echo speakers now, just imagine how good they'll sound once you fill out more of the soundstage with some bass from the Echo Sub.

Best streaming stick

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) review

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
Best streaming stick

Specifications

SoC: Quad-core 2.0 GHz, 2GB RAM
Storage: 16 GB internal
Network/Wi-Fi: 100Mbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 and Bluetooth Low Energy
Voice support: Amazon Alexa via Voice Remote
Ports: HDMI 2.1 output with ARC input support, micro-USB for power only
Audio support: HDMI audio passthrough of Dolby-encoded audio (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Atmos).
HDR: HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
Output resolution supported: 2160p, 1080p and 720p up to 60 fps

Reasons to buy

+
Full 4K quality support with HDR
+
Comes with Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced
+
Access to Dolby Atmos Audio
+
Fast Wi-fi 6E connection

Reasons to avoid

-
Too many ads
-
No external storage support
-
Still uses microUSB

Amazon offers several paths to its Fire TV experience, from the best Fire TV Edition TVs made by Insignia and Toshiba to the set-top Fire TV Cube. But none of those options are as popular or affordable as the best Fire TV Sticks. If you've got a 4K TV with software that struggles to keep up, a Fire TV Stick 4K Max could be a great upgrade.

Yes, you can opt for the cheaper $20 Fire TV Stick Lite that gives you 90% of what the other sticks do at a fraction of the price. You still get access to full HD video and even Dolby Atmos Audio (via HDMI pass-through), and you get a handy Alexa Voice Remote to control your viewing experience and smart home. That being said, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has a lot of improvements in terms of video quality with 4K HDR support as well as in performance with a faster SoC and more memory.

This 2023 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the most loaded model with features like the Ambient Experience, so you can turn your TV into a piece of art of display for photos when you aren't watching. It offers smooth 4K streaming for video as well as 1080p streaming for Luna games when you pair with with an Amazon Luna controller. The Enhanced Voice Remote that comes with this model has upgrades like voice control, a recent button, and dedicated channels for surfing live TV, too.

Best wireless earbuds

Amazon Echo Buds (2023)

(Image credit: Amazon)

7. Echo Buds (3rd Gen)

Best wireless earbuds

Specifications

Earbuds Dimensions: 33.9 x 19.1 x 17.7 mm
Earbuds Weight: 5.0 grams (without ear tip or wing tip)
Case Dimensions: 23.4 x 51 x 51 mm
Case Weight: 36 grams
Wifi or data connection: Echo Buds use a wifi or mobile data connection and the Alexa app for connectivity and other features.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 Hands-Free Profile (HFP)
Processors: Qualcomm S5
Speakers: 12 mm dynamic driver
Microphones: 2 mics + 1 Voice Accelerometer per earbud
IPX rating (water resistance): IPX2 (earbuds only)
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, touch, hall (case)

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable truly wireless earbuds
+
Great hands-free Alexa support
+
Wireless charging case available
+
Can map Google Assistant or Siri to touch controls

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery on buds could be better
-
EQ settings are somewhat limited
-
No ANC

It seems like every technology company has its own version of wireless earbuds these days. However, if you want a pair of buds that give you seamless hands-free access to Alexa, the best option is the Amazon Echo Buds.

In addition to easy Alexa access (which works well, by the way), the Echo Buds just sound good. They don't feature active noise cancellation (ANC), but they do boast a semi in-ear design that helps reduce outdoor noise. They also include the latest Bluetooth 5.2 standard, multi-point connectivity, and an up to 20-hour battery when using the included charging case. They are sweat-resistant and come in black or Glacier white.

We reviewed the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) review, also a good option to consider, and they improved on the minor flaws of the first-generation in virtually every way. For example, they come with an available wireless charging case, which can charge via USB-C cable (as does the 3rd gen model), and the buds are lighter, more comfortable, and sound better than ever. The 3rd gen buds improve on all those factors as well, with a more lightweight design, bigger drivers, 2 mic with voice detection, and customizable tap controls.

Best car device

Amazon Echo Auto in car

(Image credit: Amazon)
Best car device

Specifications

Dimensions: Mic: 2.05 x 0.91 x 0.6 inches; Speaker: 2.24 x 1.38 x 0.55 inches
Weight: 2.15 ounces
Mounting Options: Adhesive
Audio: 5 mic system
Processor: Mediatek MT7697H; Intel SueCreek DSP

Reasons to buy

+
Great for noisy cars
+
Retrofits older vehicles
+
Sleek, compact design
+
Seamless Alexa connection

Reasons to avoid

-
Mic and speaker components are separate
-
Vent mount costs extra

Despite an initially-lukewarm reception, the Amazon Echo Auto (2022) finally provides enough features and thoughtful design choices to make it the best choice for enabling Alexa hands-free controls from the comfort of your vehicle. The device has certainly seen some ups and downs over the years, but the 2022 model is a pure refinement of everything that past generations did well, while leaving behind the few areas where the device needed improvement.

The Echo Auto’s minimalist design fits discreetly in your car, but you’ll still enjoy the benefits of the Alexa device’s internal 5-mic system. This means that you can use simple voice commands to make calls, control the music, and adjust your smart home settings remotely, even when you’re driving on the noisy highway or setting the A/C to full blast. If you want a little privacy, the Echo Auto has a microphone off button that completely disconnects the mics, plus you can view or delete past voice recordings to your heart’s content.

Best gaming device

Amazon Luna controller

(Image credit: Android Central)

9. Amazon Luna Wireless Controller

Best gaming device

Specifications

Dimensions: 156.4 x 107.6 x 58.5 mm
Weight: 235.5 grams without batteries, 281.5 grams with batteries
Color: Black
Wifi connectivity: Cloud Direct gameplay on Luna Controller supports dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks
Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0
USB-C port: For wired gameplay on Windows PC and Mac using USB-C cable (sold separately)
Inputs: 12 buttons: home, action, menu, microphone, X, Y, A, B, LT, LB, RT, RB, one direction pad: up, down, left, right, two thumbsticks: left and right (offset)
Haptics: Vibration motors for tactile feedback during gameplay
Display: LED to display controller connectivity status, low battery indicator, and software updates
Audio: 3.5 mm stereo audio output for headset
Alexa: Press and ask Alexa to launch games and more on Fire TV
Compatability: Works on compatible Windows PC, Mac, Fire TV, Fire Tablet, iPhone, iPad, and select Android phone via Cloud Direct. Does not work with gaming consoles.

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Push-button Alexa access
+
Low latency

Reasons to avoid

-
Cannot use as a TV remote
-
Ergonomics are not as good as Xbox or other console controllers

During our hands-on with Luna, we found that Amazon's new cloud gaming service, which has had a relatively quiet initial launch, is something to definitely check out. It can be played across various devices, from PCs and Macs to the best Android phones, to Amazon's own Fire TV devices. However, it cannot be used with other gaming consoles like the PS5 or Xbox, and is strange that the controller can't act as a TV remote.

Naturally, Amazon was keen to introduce its own Luna controller, which at first glance looks like many of the more popular gaming console controllers out there. Regardless of the style, it is one of the more comfortable controllers that we've reviewed. Aside from working seamlessly with the Luna service with particularly low latency, what makes this controller special is that you can use Alexa at the press of a button when playing on Fire TV. You can also ask the voice assistant to launch your favorite game titles, control smart home devices like lighting, or answer questions and trivia.

Best security camera

Ring Stick Up Cam

(Image credit: Android Central)
Best security camera

Specifications

Dimensions: 2.36 x 2.36 x 3.82 inches
Video: 1080p HD, Live View, Night Vision
Field of view: 130° diagonal, 110° horizontal, 57° vertical
Audio: Two-way talk with noise cancellation
Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection @ 2.4 GHz
Operating conditions: -5°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C), Weather Resistant
Available colors: White, Black
Motion Activated Alerts :

Reasons to buy

+
Can be used indoors and outdoors
+
Available in wired or battery versions
+
Makes a great video doorbell
+
Comes with night vision
+
A lot of control over how you use it

Reasons to avoid

-
Wired version may require professional installation
-
Subscription required to access recordings
-
Almost twice the price of Ring's indoor-only model

Before Amazon purchased Ring several years ago, the Ring video doorbells, cameras, and lights worked well with Alexa. Now that the company is a legitimate part of the Amazon ecosystem, we found while reviewing the camera that the integration is better than ever. If you're looking to pick up a smart camera (or multiple cameras) to protect and monitor your property, you can't go wrong with the Ring Stick Up Cam.

The Stick Up Cam was updated in late 2019 and had several configurations to choose from. You can get a wired or battery-powered version, and whichever option you pick can be converted to the other after the fact. The cam can be used indoors or outdoors and is easy to install either way. It's also available in two colors: a standard white and a striking black.

Most home security cameras offer a subscription plan to access and store video recordings, and with Ring, this is no different. While being one of the more reasonably-priced plans in the home security market, it is still an additional expense that you'll need to consider. Also, if all you want is an indoor camera, Ring offers a version that only works inside, but that is almost half the price of the Stick Up Cam. Whichever version you go with you will be getting one of the best wireless security cameras and you can easily ask Alexa to show you your camera feed on your Echo Show, Fire Tablet, or Fire TV device so that you'll always be connected to your smart home.

Best smart thermostat

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

(Image credit: Chris Wedel/Android Central)
Best smart thermostat

Specifications

Dimensions: ‎4.09 x 2.9 x 4.09 inches
Weight: ‎1.37 pounds
Display: 4 in. full-color LCD touchscreen
Colors: Black front, white backing
Sensors: Temperature, Humidity, Occupancy (Radar), Proximity (Radar)
Compatibility: Works with most 24VAC HVAC equipment, including conventional furnaces and air conditioners (2H/2C), heat pumps (2H/2C + 2 stage AUX heat), boilers, and PTACs or fan coil units with up to three fan speeds. One wire accessory support for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators (HRV/ERV)
HVAC accessory support: Control a one-wire HVAC accessory device like a humidifier, dehumidifier, or ventilator.Note: Self-powered accessories will require an additional 24V isolation relay.
Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz, 802.11 a/n/ac @ 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0

Reasons to buy

+
Alexa and Siri are built-in
+
Can work as an Alexa node
+
Faster processor than the previous generation
+
Far-field voice recognition
+
Separate room sensor included

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey
-
Room sensors can cost extra

While the best smart thermostat list is not as extensive as other smart products, some heavy hitters exist in this space. One of our favorite smart thermostats, and the best with Alexa, is the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with Voice Control.  Not only do you get smart features like a touch display and the ability to create schedules and routines with ease, but you get Alexa and Siri built-in. Of course, there's nothing cooler than seeing Alexa's blue LEDs light up on that black circle on your wall whenever you make a request. It reminds us of HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey (only not as creepy).

Having that built-in Alexa integration helps control the ecobee, but it's also useful in managing your smart home in general. For example, perhaps your thermostat is in a place where you can't put an Echo (a hallway) or where you may not want one (an office or dining room). Well, this device has you covered! Plus, with the new radar sensor, we found in our testing that the thermostat does a better job knowing when people are home and when they aren't.

This ecobee also comes paired with a smart sensor to help you better manage the temperature in rooms that may not have the same exposure as the base unit, and you can purchase additional sensors to put around your home. The company claims that its smart sensors and intelligent thermostat can help you reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 23% per year, so while this thermostat is pricey, it's cost-effective.

Best mesh router

Eero

(Image credit: Eero)
Best mesh router

Specifications

Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.8 x 2.4 inches
Coverage: Covers up to 5,000 square feet
Supported speeds: Up to 500 Mbps.
Wi-Fi connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 dual-band concurrent 2:2 (802.11ax)
Wired connectivity: Two auto-sensing gigabit Ethernet ports for WAN and/or LAN connectivity
Speed rating: AX1800
Smart home connectivity: Works with Alexa, Amazon Frustration Free Setup, 802.15.4 radio (Zigbee, Thread), Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0.
Network security and services: rofiles, WPA3 (eero Labs feature), WPA2, TLS v1.2+, VPN passthrough, IPv6, NAT, UPnP, port forwarding, DHCP, static IP, and cloud connectivity

Reasons to buy

+
Great app with easy setup
+
Up to 5,000 square feet of coverage with up to 500 Mbps speeds
+
Family profiles and system reports
+
Built-in Zigbee smart home hub
+
Eero Secure benefits

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one open Ethernet port on the base router
-
Requires a subscription for some advanced features

The latest offerings from Eero feature welcome enhancements to make them faster and more secure and are among the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers around. They also include a built-in Zigbee smart home hub to help connect your disparate smart home devices. Eero also announced a Pro version of its Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that you might want to consider if you need even faster coverage, but for most, the standard setup should be more than sufficient.

I recently purchased this Eero mesh three-pack because I experienced several dead or low-bandwidth spots in my 2,300-square-foot home, even with fiber internet. Connecting the Eero base unit to my fiber box was super easy, and in minutes I had the other units set up around the home. Now, I'm getting better Wi-Fi speeds than I ever did before (over 900 Mbps), and I have virtually no issues or complaints from family members who are working or watching Netflix.

Eero devices already allow you to monitor and control device usage, test your network, and share your Wi-Fi password. Still, you can subscribe to Eero Secure or Eero Secure+ if you are so inclined. These plans offer additional security and network monitoring features and include add-ons for 1Password, encrypt.me, and Malwarebytes (in the plus version). The integration with Alexa enables Eero owners to control different aspects of their home network, including opening and closing guest networks and providing threat scans and ad-blocking. The Eero units are available individually or in multi-packs.

Best smart doorbell

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus mounted next to a wooden door

(Image credit: Ring)

13. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus

Best smart doorbell

Specifications

Video quality: 1536p
Power: Battery
Two-way talk: Yes
Field of view: 150 degrees horizontal/vertical

Reasons to buy

+
HD quality video
+
Can power with a battery or wired connection
+
Uses infrared night vision
+
Captures head-to-toe video

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires subscription to access recordings
-
No Pre-Roll video

We're back with yet another Ring product as they just work so well with Alexa. We've picked the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus as the best doorbell that works with Alexa. It's regularly available for just under $100, and you can get a further discount if you buy it as a combo along with the Stick Up Cam Battery from the company's website.

The setup is very simple and doesn't require any wiring since it's powered by batteries (although wiring is an option). It can capture HD+ (1440x1440 resolution) quality video for better clarity, and the wide angle lens allows you to view the whole person from head to toe. It has motion detection and will send you an alert if it detects movement. There's also a live-view two way talking feature which lets you converse with a visitor in real-time, via the app on your phone.

Some features are locked behind a paywall, but the subcription is fairly low at $4.99 a month, per device. These premium features include the ability to store the captured footage in the cloud for 180 days, customize alerts based on where the package is left on your doorstep, and a photo preview to see what exactly triggered the alert without needing to open the Ring app.

Best smart lock

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

(Image credit: Android Central)
Best smart lock

Specifications

Dimensions: 72mm diameter, 46mm depth
Works with existing deadbolts: Yes, single cylinder only
Wi-Fi: Yes, 802.11 n dual-band

Reasons to buy

+
Built-in Wi-Fi
+
Control it with the August app
+
Auto-lock and auto-unlock
+
Track unlock activity

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky interior design
-
Expensive

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is one of the most popular smart locks in the market, and our top pick for the best smart locks overall. This fourth generation model features built-in Wi-Fi so it can be controlled directly via the August phone app, and it can be upgraded with August's Keypad Touch bundle if you wish to add a fingerprint sensor. It has remote access with auto lock and unlock when you leave your home or approach the door.

Even though it's still fairly large, there has been a considerable reduction in size compared to the previous model, as we noted in our review. The beauty of the August Wi-Fi smart lock is that it lets you keep your existing deadbolt and key, while offering the advanced security that we've come to expect from smart locks. Its deceptively simple design is also a joy to use. In addition to the security aspect, we loved the app design and remote biometric security that's on offer. The app didn't play nice we reviewed it on a Pixel phone, but that should have changed now with subsequent updates.

How to choose

There are dozens of devices with Alexa built-in, and literally, thousands that work with the smart voice assistant. We've done our best to comb through all the options to share our favorites with you so that you can make the best purchase decisions when it comes to setting up your smart home with Alexa, whether that is a small and mighty smart speaker like the Echo Dot or the big-screen experience of the Echo Show 15 — there's something for everyone.

If you don't have an Echo already, we recommend starting with the Echo (4th Gen), as it offers an outstanding balance of sound, functionality, and affordability. You can use it to control other smart home and Alexa-compatible devices with just your voice and can pair two of them together to get a stereo sound system or connect them to your Fire TV for an even better Disney+ binging session. If you really want to save a few bucks but still want a great experience, be sure to check out the new Echo Dot (5th gen).

Now you know our favorite Alexa devices, so hop online now and pick some of these gadgets up for your household! We've put together an explainer breaking down how we test and evaluate smart home devices to give you a better idea of what goes into choosing devices for this list.

FAQ

What are Alexa devices?

These are devices where the brands have partnered with Amazon to put its digital voice assistant, Alexa, on their product. As part of the agreement, companies that wish to utilize Alexa must meet a specific set of standards by Amazon.

What devices are similar to Alexa?

Other popular digital voice assistants that offer similar features to Amazon Alexa are the Google Assistant from Google, and Siri from Apple. Each of these options are available on different types of products; from smartphones to speakers, and smartwatches to headphones.

How do Alexa devices work?

Alexa devices operate in different ways depending on the product type. Items like smart speakers generally allow users to interact via voice commands, and smart displays also allow for interaction through the touchscreen. Other devices could have physical buttons or remotes for control too.

Where can you buy Alexa devices?

Alexa devices are sold Globally through physical stores such as Best Buy, and online at retailers like B&H or Newegg and of course, Amazon.

How does Alexa connect to smart devices?

Alexa connects to smart devices through approved service partnerships with those brands. For example, Philips Hue smart lights can connect with your Amazon Alexa account as a shared service so you can control their lights via voice, the Alexa app, or through the Philips Hue app.

Patrick Farmer
eCommerce Editor

After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

With contributions from