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Amazon’s Echo devices have evolved and multiplied over the years, and the latest generation of Alexa-powered smart speakers from the tech giant are the best and most powerful yet.
With new designs, built-in watch faces, large displays, and faster guts, there are a host of different devices to meet your needs.
Whether you’re looking for an Echo in the kitchen to help you through tough cooking times, a more powerful device for playing music, or a home for Alexa by your bed, there’s an Echo for everyone.
We’ve put together everything you need to know below to help you easily choose the best Amazon Echo for your needs.
What is the difference between Alexa and Echo?
Often mixed up or used interchangeably, Alexa and Echo are actually two different things.
Alexa is the name of Amazon’s smart assistant and is the equivalent of Apple’s Siri. Echo, on the other hand, is the name given to all the physical Amazon-made devices that Alexa lives on, so to speak.
To put it another way, Echo devices are the lamps and Alexa is the genius that lives within them.
Is there a monthly charge for Alexa?
There’s no monthly charge for Alexa, which means you can take full advantage of its feature-packed abilities that include anything from setting timers or alarms to checking the weather, turning off lights, requesting sports scores, and much, much more.
Certain features, like controlling the heat, seeing who’s at the door, or controlling the light bulbs, will obviously require additional hardware purchases, but all will clearly indicate whether or not they are Alexa-compatible.
Is music free on Alexa?
If you have music stored on a device like your phone, you can stream music to an Echo for free via Bluetooth.
However, if you are an avid music listener, you will most likely want to pay for a music subscription service like Spotify or Amazon Music Unlimited, if you are not already doing so.
Amazon Prime members have Prime Music included in their subscription, which offers around two million songs.
It’s not a bad amount by any means, but it’s still a far cry from the 35-40 million songs that Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited offer.
Will Amazon Echo devices be cheaper on Black Friday?
Amazon’s Black Friday show runs from November 20-30, and as usual, it’s the best time of year to invest in an Echo.
More significantly, Amazon has already bungled a slew of discounts on its range of Echo devices, including the recently launched Echo (4th gen) and Echo Dot (4th gen), which see price drops of up to £ 30.
For the best Amazon Black Friday deals, check out our guide.
Everything you need to know about …
Amazon Echo (4th generation)
Amazon has updated the Echo for 2020 and those new changes are in addition to its most accomplished smart speaker yet.
Back with a lower soundscape and overall more accomplished, this model does a much better job of jumping genre while also offering the products for podcasts and spoken word audiobooks.
It has also taken a positive turn towards sustainability, using recycled materials in both its design and packaging.
With support for all the major music streaming services and smart home devices, the Amazon Echo remains a top-tier storage filler.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation)
The new Echo Dot has a futuristic spherical shape that is ideal to match your living room décor without taking up too much space. Despite its smaller size, it offers clear voices and a balanced base for a smooth and enjoyable listening experience.
If you fancy checking the time at a glance, you might want to consider spending £ 10 more for the version with a built-in digital clock display as well.
Amazon Echo Show 8
If you’re a fan of watching YouTube recipes in the kitchen, or just want a bigger screen for desktop videos in general, then the Echo Show 8 has you covered, thanks to its large 8-inch HD screen, with built-in speakers. tear.
If that wasn’t enough, it also has a camera for video calling, allowing you to catch up with other compatible Echo device owners without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
Amazon Echo Studio
Echo Studio is an ideal choice for music fans.
What it lacks in the display department is more than made up for by its powerful innards, which boast a total of five speakers for punchy bass, dynamic midrange, and crisp highs, with Dolby Atmos technology included for good measure.
Pair it with a Fire TV Cube or Fire Stick 4K, and you can also use it to watch movies.
Amazon Echo Flex
If you already have a few Echo devices and you just want to make a room smarter without adding another speaker, then the Echo Flex is a smart little device that does just that.
Essentially a smart plug with Alexa powers, it will allow you to ask Alexa questions, set timers, control your lights, and more.
It can also be connected to any normal speaker with a 3.5mm headphone jack, for bigger sound.
