Amazon's Alexa voice assistant technology is no longer limited to Echo smart speakers. Alexa can now be found in a diverse range of first and third-party devices like Fire TVs, smart headphones, appliances, cars, and much more.
In this comprehensive guide, I outline all the different hardware options that come with built-in Alexa support, from Amazon's lineup of Echo speakers to Alexa integrations in the latest headphones, smart home gadgets, and automotive tech.
Whether you want a standalone Alexa speaker for your kitchen or Alexa voice control in your vehicle, I will cover the key features and capabilities of Alexa for the various Alexa devices that are available today.
Introduction to Alexa Devices
Alexa is Amazon's pioneering cloud-based conversational AI assistant available across thousands of devices and platforms through voice interaction.
Alexa logoThe key defining feature of an Alexa device is the ability to interact with and access the Alexa assistant hands-free using only your voice (no physical control needed).
There are a variety of different devices that have Alexa built-in, from Amazon's own Echo smart speakers to third-party devices like headphones, TVs, appliances, and more.
Let's take a look at the main categories of Alexa devices available.
What Alexa Devices are there?
The Echo line of smart speakers are Amazon's flagship Alexa-enabled devices. Here are the main Echo models:
Echo Dot
| The Echo Dot is Amazon's mini smart speaker. It's compact, affordable, and delivers good sound quality from its 1.6-inch speaker. You can stream music, ask Alexa questions, control smart home devices, and more. |  |
Echo
| The standard Echo smart speaker features improved sound performance over the Echo Dot with its 2.5-inch woofer and 0.8-inch tweeter. It has a fabric exterior design and comes in different colors. |  |
Echo Show
| The Echo Show line adds a visual display to the Alexa speaker. The touchscreen allows you to watch videos, view photos, make video calls and more. Some models also include a camera. |  |
Echo Studio
| The Echo Studio is Amazon's high-end smart speaker, designed for audio enthusiasts. It delivers 3D audio with Dolby Atmos technology and adapts to the acoustics of your space. |  |
Echo Flex
| The tiny Echo Flex plugs directly into a standard electrical outlet. It enables Alexa in places like hallways or bathrooms where you may not have space for a full smart speaker. |  |
Echo Sub
| The Echo Sub is a 100W subwoofer made to complement an existing Echo speaker. Add it to products like the Echo or Echo Studio for more powerful bass performance. |  |
Echo Pop
| The Echo Pop is a compact, spherical mini smart speaker designed for portable, convenient use with Alexa in fun environments. It packs in basic Echo features at an accessible price point. |  |
Fire TV Devices with Alexa
Amazon's Fire TV products add the Alexa assistant directly to your television. Options include:
Fire TV Stick
The Fire TV Stick plugs into your TV's HDMI port and streams movies, shows, and more in up to 1080p quality. You can control it completely with your voice using the Alexa Voice Remote.
Fire TV Stick 4K
Like the regular Fire Stick, but supports 4K ultra HD streaming. It also includes TV controls and Alexa integration on the remote.
Fire TV Cube
The Fire TV Cube combines the functionality of a Fire TV Stick 4K with the hands-free Alexa controls of an Echo speaker. You can ask Alexa to turn on/off the TV and control playback.
Fire TV Edition Smart TVs
These are regular smart TVs from brands like Toshiba and Insignia that have Fire TV and Alexa voice control functionality built-in. No need for an external streaming device.
What third-party Alexa Devices are there?
In addition to Amazon's own hardware, many third-party electronics now integrate Alexa voice control.
Some examples include:
Headphones
Popular headphones from Bose, Jabra, and others now feature Alexa support. You can access music, information, and other features completely hands-free.
Speakers
Speakers from companies like Sonos, Polk, and Anker include full Alexa capabilities for voice control of music playback and smart home automation.
Appliances
Major appliance brands like LG, Whirlpool, and GE are launching refrigerators, ovens, washers, dryers, and more with Alexa integration.
Cars
Many automakers now offer Alexa in vehicles. Use voice commands to play music, get directions, control your smart home, and more while you drive.
Which Alexa devices are best for home?
Here are some of the best Alexa devices for home use:
Echo Dot - The small and affordable Echo Dot is great for adding Alexa to any room in your home. Its compact size makes it easy to place in bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, etc.
Echo Show - The Echo Show's screen adds another dimension for watching videos, viewing photos, video calling, and visualizing information. The 5" and 8" models are handy for kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms.
Echo Studio - Audiophiles will appreciate the Echo Studio's powerful 3D audio and adaptive sound. It's ideal for home theater setups or primary music-listening spots.
Echo Flex - The tiny Echo Flex easily brings Alexa to cramped spaces with no power outlet access. Bathrooms, garages, and hallways are good use cases.
Echo Sub - Add bass punch to music playback by pairing the Echo Sub woofer with an Echo, Echo Plus, or Echo Studio. Great for home theater or music rooms.
Fire TV Cube - The Fire TV Cube conveniently combines Fire TV's video streaming with hands-free Alexa voice controls. Use it as your living room's media hub.
What is the difference between Alexa and Echo?
The main differences between Alexa and Echo are:
Alexa is the name of Amazon's virtual assistant technology that allows for voice control and voice-based interactions. Echo refers to Amazon's line of smart speakers that have Alexa built-in.
Alexa is the software, while Echo devices are the hardware that Alexa runs on. Alexa can be found on other devices beyond Echo speakers.
Alexa requires internet connectivity and access to Amazon's cloud servers to function. Echo devices have Alexa built-in locally so you can use voice commands without an internet connection.
Alexa gets smarter over time as Amazon adds more skills, abilities and updates the AI behind it. Echo devices leverage these Alexa upgrades, but the hardware itself does not change.
You can speak to Alexa using the wake word on any Echo device or other Alexa-enabled product. But Alexa does not have a physical form, it is a disembodied software assistant.
Alexa is capable of having intelligent conversations and can perform thousands of voice-commanded skills and actions. Echo speakers are mainly a medium to access these Alexa abilities.
In summary, Alexa is the brain behind Amazon's voice platform while Echo refers to the smart speaker hardware series designed to provide access to Alexa in your home or office. Alexa is the assistant, Echo products are the conduit.
How many types of Alexa devices are there?
There are 5 main types of Alexa-enabled devices:
Echo Devices - Amazon's own smart speakers and displays like Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Studio etc.
Fire TV Devices - Amazon's Fire TV streaming devices and Fire TV Edition smart TVs.
Alexa Built-In Devices - Third-party products with Alexa integration like headphones, speakers, wearables, appliances, vehicles etc.
Alexa Enabled Mobile Devices - Phones, tablets, wearables, and PCs that have access to Alexa through apps and skills.
DIY Alexa Devices - Alexa products created by hobbyists using platforms like Raspberry Pi and Arduino.
Within each category there are multiple different models and variations:
Echo category has over 10 models like Echo Dot, Echo Studio, Echo Auto etc.
Fire TV has 4 main models - Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube etc.
Hundreds of different third-party Alexa Built-in products from many brands.
Alexa app works across thousands of different iOS and Android mobile devices.
Numerous DIY options depending on how hobbyists choose to build.
So in total, there are likely over a thousand different Alexa-enabled devices when considering all the hardware, software, and DIY methods for accessing Alexa. The options continue to grow as Alexa gets integrated into more and more products.
Conclusion
As you can see, Alexa is making its way into a diverse range of devices beyond Amazon's own Echo speakers.
With Alexa built-in to headphones, appliances, cars, and more, Amazon's assistant is poised to become truly ubiquitous.
Whether you want Alexa on your nightstand, in your living room, or on the go, there are now a multitude of options at various price points.
