Amazon’s Echo products rank among the most sought-after in its collection, alongside Kindles and Fire TVs. These adaptable **smart home** devices can function as speakers, alarm clocks, or control centers for other smart gadgets, making them beneficial in almost any space. With Amazon persistently broadening its offerings, we’ve evaluated the newest models to identify the finest Echo devices for your residence.
### Alexa+ Introduces AI Enhancements to Echo Devices
Amazon has recently unveiled **Alexa+**, a new version of its voice assistant enhanced with AI. This update will be accessible to Prime members across all Echo devices, increasing their capabilities. Alexa+ is scheduled to debut in March 2025, with initial access being prioritized for Echo Show devices. While Prime subscribers will have Alexa+ as part of their membership, non-subscribers will need to pay $19.99 monthly.
### When to Purchase an Echo Device
If you’re thinking about getting an Echo, you can avoid paying full price. These devices often go on sale during prominent shopping occasions like **Prime Day** and **Black Friday**. Last Prime Day, discounts were as much as 58% on models such as the **Echo Pop, Echo Dot, and Echo Spot**. If saving is a concern, it’s advisable to wait for the next significant sale.
## What Can an Echo Smart Speaker Accomplish?
All **Echo devices** utilize Amazon Alexa’s **AI functionalities**, but they are offered in various formats.
– **Echo and Echo Dot**: Smart speakers that play music, conduct phone calls, set reminders, and provide news updates.
– **Echo Show**: Features a display for video calls, streaming, and organizing daily activities—basically a stationary, cost-effective tablet.
– **Echo Auto**: Introduces hands-free Alexa capabilities to your vehicle.
– **Echo Buds and Echo Frames**: Portable Alexa-integrated devices for use on the go.
Most Echo devices additionally act as smart home hubs, enabling you to manage other connected gadgets.
## What Capabilities Does Alexa+ Provide?
Alexa is Amazon’s counterpart to Apple’s Siri, but **Alexa+** elevates the experience with enhanced AI functionalities. Rather than merely reacting to commands, Alexa+ can engage in dialogues and assist with more intricate tasks.
Here are some capabilities of Alexa+:
– Summarize daily security footage
– Read bedtime stories to children
– Organize a date night and make restaurant bookings
– Control smart home devices from a central interface
– Set reminders and oversee calendars
– Provide answers to general knowledge inquiries
– Facilitate phone and video calls
– Deliver weather updates and news
– Follow cooking instructions
– Shop via Amazon
– Stream music and videos
– Engage in gaming
With **over 100,000 Alexa skills**, Echo devices continue to advance, providing more ways to incorporate smart technology into your everyday routine.
If you’re prepared to enhance your home with Alexa, take a look at our compilation of the **10 best Amazon Echo devices of 2025**.