If you are in the market for a smart speaker, you probably have asked yourself, “How much does Alexa cost?” Whether you’re considering the Amazon Echo, the Fire Stick, or a third-party smart speaker, it’s important to know what you’re getting for your money. Plus, with a bit of research, you can find out what other smart speakers are available for less.
Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo is an internet-enabled smart speaker that has voice recognition capabilities. It can answer questions and play music. You don’t have to subscribe to any premium services to use Alexa.
If you don’t have an Amazon account, you can still use Alexa by using the free Alexa app on your smartphone. This includes music streaming from Pandora, iHeart, Spotify, and many others. There are also third-party services that work with Alexa, such as Domino’s.
Amazon also offers an optional subscription service, called Amazon Prime, for $7.99 per month. With Prime, you get access to exclusive Alexa voice deals and faster shipping. Additionally, you can enjoy video streaming and productivity features.
When it comes to music, you can purchase Amazon Music Unlimited, which has over 75 million songs. However, some music services don’t work with the Echo devices. For example, you won’t be able to stream music from iTunes with the Echo Dot.
Another option is to buy the Sonos One. While this smart speaker is slightly more expensive than the Echo, it’s also a very good product.
Regardless of which type of Echo you choose, the speaker can be hooked up to a Bluetooth-enabled speaker for better sound quality. Most speakers come with a 3.5 mm line-out port, which means you can connect an alternative Alexa-compatible speaker to any bluetooth speaker.
The Amazon Echo was introduced to the market three years ago. It’s a smart speaker that can answer questions, play music, and provide news. Today, it’s much more powerful.
In addition to its ability to answer questions, it can listen to non-verbal cues in your home and identify the people in it. All you need is a wake word to activate the device.
The Echo also has a built-in Zigbee hub, which makes it easy to control more smart devices in your home. Several smart home devices support the Zigbee protocol, including lights, plugs, and other appliances.
The Amazon Echo is one of the best digital assistants on the market today. Unlike Siri on the iPhone, you don’t have to pay for a premium service to use Alexa. Besides music, you can use the Alexa app to order groceries, book a car, and more.
Amazon Fire Stick
If you have an Amazon Fire TV stick, you will be able to access Alexa. This smart assistant is capable of controlling other devices in your home. You can ask her to launch a movie, adjust the volume, or control a Ring doorbell. The device itself is inexpensive, but you will need to pay for a subscription to access the various streaming services that it supports.
One of the first things you will need to do is sign up for an account. After you have done that, you can start downloading apps. Some examples are YouTube, IMDb, and Pluto TV. These are free apps, while Pandora and Hulu require a subscription fee.
Another app you may want to try is Spotify. Although the subscription fee is a bit high, you can get 2-million songs without commercials.
Aside from apps, you can also record content from popular TV networks like NBC, ABC, and PBS. However, you will need a reliable WiFi connection.
Finally, you will need to plug the device into your TV’s HDMI port. Depending on your television’s specs, you can also use the USB port to power the device.
When you have everything set up, you can start enjoying your favorite shows in no time. For example, you can record a show from NBC, set it up to play, and then stream the rest of the season to your television.
The Amazon Fire Stick is a fantastic way to bring your favorite movies and TV shows to your television. With access to thousands of channels, hundreds of apps, and the Alexa voice assistant, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment in minutes.
With its ability to connect to a number of smart home devices, you can make your TV even smarter. It is available in a variety of models, including Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Stick Lite. All are available in either 4K or HD, and are compatible with Dolby Atmos sound.
You can pick up the Amazon Fire TV stick in stores such as Best Buy, Staples, and Target. You can also order one online from the Amazon website.
Third-party smart speakers
Alexa is a digital assistant developed by Amazon. It is available for a range of devices, including the Echo, Sonos One, and Google Home Max. The most popular is the Echo, but there are other smart home devices that also utilize Alexa.
To use Alexa you’ll need a compatible smart speaker, and an Alexa-enabled smartphone. Alexa is free to download and use. However, there are a range of additional services, like Audible, that require a subscription.
Amazon also offers a range of third-party products. These include the Echo Dot and Echo Show. They are both inexpensive and simple to set up. Both speakers support voice commands, and are good for background music.
Some of the more expensive models also offer display capabilities. For example, the Echo Show is a smart speaker with an integrated screen. This means you can control the device, check your security cameras, or make video calls. If you want a more affordable speaker, the Echo Dot is a solid choice.
Another option is the Google Nest Mini. The updated model has a wall-mounting option, and offers better sound quality. Plus, it supports Dolby Atmos, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use.
Amazon also has a range of proprietary smart speakers. These include the Echo, Echo Show, and Sonos One. Each is a bit different in terms of design, performance, and features. You’ll have to decide which of these fits your needs best.
In addition to the Alexa-powered speakers, you can also buy a TV set-top box. Depending on the type, you can pay anywhere from $20 to more than $100. Of course, it’s not always a good idea to mix a third-party product with a smart speaker. Research the compatibility of your chosen devices before deciding.
Other notable smart speakers include the UE Megablast, which costs around $200 and has impressive sound quality. Not only is the speaker portable and waterproof, but it also boasts an expertly engineered audio system.
There are also some great deals on Amazon’s own Alexa-enabled devices. For example, the latest Echo Dot with Clock costs $10 less than the previous model.
Alexa Guard Plus security upgrade
If you already own an Alexa-enabled speaker, or you’re planning to get one, you may want to consider buying the Amazon Alexa Guard Plus security upgrade. This new service can help you deter intruders and connect you with emergency services.
Amazon Alexa Guard Plus works with a variety of home security products, including Blink cameras and Ring alarm systems. It also uses machine learning to identify sounds like window shattering. As a result, Alexa can play a warning sound to deter potential intruders.
The Guard Plus subscription costs $4.99 a month. However, a free trial of Guard Plus is available. You can sign up for the service in the Alexa app.
In addition to the Alexa Emergency Helpline, the Guard Plus subscription includes other premium features. These include a 24-hour helpline, a smart alert system, and the ability to call response agents.
In addition to listening for and playing sounds to deter intruders, Guard Plus also alerts users when smoke or carbon monoxide alarms are triggered. It can also trigger lights and locks, and link to a home’s emergency services.
The Amazon Alexa Guard Plus subscription is available to customers in the U.S. Currently, Alexa Guard supports Scout, ADT, and Ring alarm systems. Eventually, it will support Resideo and Wyze home monitoring systems.
The service can be integrated with other smart devices, such as door sensors and motion detectors. When paired with a compatible camera, it can emit a siren sound to scare away potential intruders.
The Emergency Helpline is a separate service that only works for Guard Plus subscribers. To use the service, you must have an Alexa phone number. Unfortunately, it will not work when your internet is down or you are experiencing an outage. Luckily, the helpline can be accessed via the Alexa app.
Although Amazon’s Emergency Helpline is not a 911 service, you can request police or fire assistance, or request medical assistance from an Alexa-trained agent. But to do so, you must have a verified Alexa phone number.
While the Amazon Alexa Guard Plus service doesn’t have all the features of DIY home security systems, it offers a reliable way to supplement your existing alarm system. And it can give you peace of mind while you’re away.