Find out more about how we test Amazon Echo speakers
All Amazon Echo speakers are capable of the same core actions, as they’re powered by Alexa in the cloud. It’s how they deliver the results that count, and that’s what we test.
We speak to all smart speakers in a variety of locations and with differing amounts of background noise, to see how well the microphones work.
To test audio quality, we put all of our speakers through the same playlist, listening to how they sound with different genres. We test at different sound levels, too, so we can see how sound quality changes as the volume goes up.
For smart displays, we test using video from Netflix and Prime Video, plus we make video calls to see what the webcam is capable of.
All smart speakers ar connected to a range of smart devices, and we test the ability to control them with voice or, in the case of the Show devices, on-screen controls
When it comes to all things smart home, arguably the most ideal place to start is with picking up one of Amazon’s now iconic digital assistant-infused smart speakers. To know which one is best suited for your needs, here’s our breakdown of the best Amazon Echo devices currently available.
From smart bulbs to smart plugs and even the occasional Wi-Fi connected kettle, there’s a ton of home appliances you can buy nowadays that can add a whole new level of convenience to your daily routine. As great as these devices are however, we’d argue that the only way to really get the most out of them is by bringing one of the best smart speakers into the mix, most of which fall under the Amazon Echo brand.
By having an Echo to hand, you can control these aforementioned appliances simply by using the power of your voice. Finding the light a bit too intense as you settle into bed with a good book? Ask Alexa to dim your bedroom light to a level that’s right for you. If you’re working in the height of summer and need a bit of cooling down, just ask Alexa to turn on the smart plug that’s connected to your desk fan. It’s that easy.
Of course, while the Echo brand started out as a smart speaker, the devices have evolved over time and now there are several out there that also contain a display. These Echo devices offer all of that same functionality, except you can now interact with your connected appliances via a touchscreen, and there’s even the ability to stream video over services like Netflix and Prime Video.
It’s worth mentioning that while Amazon Echos are well worth having year-round, they do tend to see some enormous discounts around Black Friday and Amazon’s annual summertime sale, Prime Day, so keep an eye on the shopping widgets throughout this page (and our sitewide deals coverage) to pounce on available offers.
If you’re also looking to bolster the amount of devices connected to your smart home ecosystem, you should definitely check out our other round-ups of the best smart thermostats, best video doorbells and the best outdoor security cameras
