If you love the idea of transforming your home and filling it with clever Alexa-connected gizmos and don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
Creating a smart home that’s right for you is easier than you think, with everything from basic things like setting alarms and timers to more complex commands like changing temperatures and controlling lights for your daily tasks. It can make your job much easier. Via smart home gadgets.
To get started, you need a speaker that can talk to your Assistant and the best Alexa devices like smart plugs, light bulbs, and security cameras. We’ve rounded up our top picks below, but if you’re looking for the best Alexa device on a budget, we have another roundup for you.
Here’s our rundown of the best Alexa devices of 2023, at a glance:
We know the world of smart tech can be a little daunting, so we’ve rounded up the best options from Amazon’s family of smart speakers. A great gadget that works with Alexa. Use your voice to dim the lights to set the mood for movie night, activate the smart alarm system, or tell the robot vacuum to clean your floors.
Related: Amazon Alexa vs Google Home
How the GH Tech Team Tests Alexa Devices
On our tech team, we all have smart devices around our homes. As new products come out, we add them to our setup and use them your way. Includes expert recommendations from research.
The best Alexa smart speakers for most people
amazon.co.jp
amazon echo dot
best alexa speaker for bedroom
amazon.co.jp
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock
Best Alexa Speakers With Smart Hubs
amazon.co.jp
Amazon Echo (4th generation)
Best Budget Alexa Smart Display
amazon.co.jp
Amazon Echo Show 5 2021 (2nd generation)
Best Alexa smart display for most people
amazon.co.jp
Amazon Echo Show 8 2021 (2nd generation)
The best Alexa-enabled video doorbells
amazon.co.jp
ring video doorbell 3
£159.99
£134.99 (16% off)
Best Alexa-Enabled Indoor Security Cameras
amazon.co.jp
Ring Indoor Cam by Amazon
The best Alexa-enabled smart alarm system
amazon.co.jp
Yale IA-320 Sync Smart Home Alarm
Best Alexa Compatible Smart Thermostats
Argos
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)
Best Alexa Compatible Smart Lights
amazon.co.jp
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Wireless Lighting LED Starter Kit
Best Alexa-Enabled Outdoor Security Cameras
amazon.co.jp
Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Outdoor
The best Alexa-enabled robot vacuums
amazon.co.jp
Eufy RoboVac 30C Robot Vacuum Cleaner
The best Alexa smart displays
amazon.co.jp
amazon echo show 15
The best Alexa smart speakers for music
Amazon
amazon.co.jp
amazon echo studio
£189.99
£159.99 (16% off)
The best Alexa-enabled smart plugs
amazon.co.jp
TP-Link Kasa Mini Smart Plug
Best Alexa Compatible Streaming Devices
amazon.co.jp
Amazon Fire TV Cube
The best Alexa-enabled smart locks
amazon.co.jp
Torn Secure Ursion Nuki
What is the Amazon Echo Show?
Unlike the standard Echo model, which focuses on voice feedback for Alexa requests, the “Show” variant can also display information. This could be something as simple as an upcoming weather forecast, a timer or recipe video, checking your video doorbell or security camera, or joining a Zoom call from your kitchen counter. The Amazon Echo Show model comes in three screen sizes: 5 inches, 8 inches, and 15 inches, and we’ve covered the main differences between each version in our summary.
Is there a monthly fee for Amazon Echo?
There is no monthly fee for Alexa or use of the Amazon Echo smart speaker. However, it may be worth paying for a compatible subscription service such as Amazon Prime that extends the Echo’s functionality. This allows you to listen to Amazon Music ad-free and watch Prime Video on Show devices.
Is Alexa Always Listening?
The voice assistant only listens to certain sound waves for the “wake phrase” which is set to “Alexa” by default. You can also change the phrase to “Amazon”, “Echo”, or “Computer”. This is invaluable if you live with someone called Alexa. The Echo speaker only listens for wake phrases so it can respond to queries. Amazon says employees are listening to anonymized recordings, but you can opt out of this within the app. You have to choose which to use for improvement.
When researching Amazon’s voice assistants, you’ll often see the term “Alexa skill,” but it all refers to apps that extend what you can do when connected to your Echo speaker. Want to listen to music on Spotify? We have the skills for that. Do you also need to connect your Philips Hue lights or Blink security cameras? You’ll need to enable the relevant skills in your smartphone’s Alexa app or Amazon site.
Simon Cox
Simon Cocks is Hearst UK’s Technology eCommerce Editor, specializing in the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment technology, headphones, speakers and smartphones.
