If you kind of want to get in on the Alexa hype but also don't want to spend a ton of money up front, this deal for a $30 Amazon Echo is for you. The 1st-gen devices at Woot are listed as "Used" so may show some cosmetic wear, but they have been fully inspected by Amazon to ensure they are in full working order. They also have a 90-day Woot warranty.
You don't have to spend a fortune to get your smart home going. This $30 original Amazon Echo gives you access to all of Alexa's smarts and lets you make a start on smart home automation without breaking the bank.
While you can pick up a refurbished 1st-gen Echo Dot for $25 and get the same smarts, the speaker on the Dot is lacking in both volume and sound quality when compared to the full-size Echo. That extra $5 means you can also enjoy music and podcasts, and generally interact with it more easily. You can't argue with the 60,000 reviewers that gave the original Echo an average rating of 4.3 stars.
Amazon has already released a newer version of this smart speaker, but if you're just looking to dip your toe in the smart home waters, an older model may be the way to go. It gives you access to all of Alexa's great features, like the ability to answer questions, control smart home accessories, and more. If you already own a more modern Echo device, this would be a good compliment to it. Use the 1st-gen Echo in a kids room or bathroom or somewhere else you might want to access Alexa that's not in hearing range of the primary device. Maybe you won't use it to play music, but you can still order a pizza or turn off your lights from somewhere else in the house. The white model has already sold out, so don't sit on this one. Shipping is free for Prime members.
