Among Amazon’s leading gadgets, including Kindles and Fire TVs, Echos are prominent. These multifunctional smart home devices handle a variety of tasks in nearly every space. With the launch of Alexa+, they now boast improved AI features. Whether you’re looking for a smart speaker, alarm clock, or a central hub for other smart gadgets, there’s an Echo that fits your needs. Amazon’s device selection continues to grow, and we’ve evaluated them to identify the top Echo devices for your smart home.
If you’re thinking about purchasing an Echo, you can avoid paying the full price. They often go on sale during occasions like Prime Day and Black Friday, making it beneficial to wait for the next sale.
New Echos in 2025
On September 30, 2025, Amazon unveiled a range of new Echo devices. We have yet to test the new Amazon Echo Dot Max or the revamped Echo Studio, but we will include them in this guide once testing is complete.
Changes to existing Echo devices in 2025
For existing Echo users or those intending to be, a major change took place in 2025 regarding user privacy. Amazon notified users through email that the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature will be discontinued as of March 28, 2025. Consequently, all requests will be processed through Amazon servers, and if the setting remains active post-change, you’ll forfeit access to the Voice ID feature. While Amazon reassures that all data requests are encrypted and secure, it means the company will have access to all that information.
What can an Echo smart speaker do?
All Echo devices leverage Amazon Alexa’s AI capabilities — it simply comes down to selecting the format you prefer. The Echo and Echo Dot act as smart speakers suitable for music, phone calls, calendar alerts, or news bulletins. Echo Show devices incorporate these audio functions plus vivid displays for video calls, entertainment streaming, or daily management, effectively serving as stationary, budget-friendly tablets.
Most Echo devices function as smart hubs within your home, but some can also be utilized on the go. Echo Auto offers hands-free Alexa capabilities in the car, while Echo Buds and Echo Frames are designed for portability.
What can Alexa+ do?
Alexa is to Amazon what Siri is to Apple, powering every Echo. Alexa+ is a new AI-enhanced version of Alexa launched in March 2025. Prime members receive Alexa+ at no extra charge, while non-subscribers must pay $19.99 monthly.
Alexa can respond to nearly any inquiry you have. You can listen to music, modify the volume, set alarms or timers, and much more. On Echo Show devices, you can also request recipes or answers while cooking. With Alexa+, the AI can participate in conversations.
Here’s a brief list of what Alexa+ can do:
– Deliver a summary of the day’s security footage
– Narrate stories for children
– Organize a date night
– Secure restaurant bookings
– Manage smart home technology from a single hub
– Access calendars and set reminders
– Respond to any inquiry
– Place phone calls (and video calls with an Echo Show)
– Provide the latest weather and news
– Follow cooking recipes
– Shop on Amazon
– Stream music (and video on an Echo Show)
– Play games
There are over 100,000 Alexa skills available through an Echo device, with additional skills added continuously.
Alexa becomes even more effective with compatible smart home technology. If you possess a smart thermostat or smart light bulbs that work with Alexa, you can establish routines via your Echo, such as turning on lights in a room or adjusting the thermostat prior to your arrival home.
If you’re prepared for an Alexa-enhanced home, check out the 10 best Amazon Echo devices of 2025.