Connected speakers and digital assistants are slowly creeping into our households: some people are saying this AI thing could be a big deal someday. Amazon clearly believes so, having unleashed the Echo range of speakers, powered by its digital assistant, Alexa.
A competitor to Google Home, the Amazon Echo is growing in popularity thanks to frequent, headline-grabbing updates, regular sales and, recently, a push into Europe. But what are the best Amazon Echo and Echo Dot accessories? Below we’ve laid out the top products across a range of categories.
Best Amazon Echo smart bulbs
The Philip Hues A19 white: $69.99 (includes two bulbs and hub)
The Philip Hues light bulb starter kit is one of the best Amazon Echo accessories you can buy, especially if you haven’t yet purchased any other smart bulbs. It comes with a hub and a pair of bulbs for $69.99 — a great deal considering a single bulb can set you back as much as 50 bucks.
The Philip Hues low-energy bulbs can be controlled with Amazon Alexa or with the dedicated app, where you can set timers, alarms or adjust dimming settings. Better yet, the hub supports up to 50 lights, meaning you can grow your collection to control your whole house with them.
The bulbs are available in colored versions and in other packs without the hub, should you already own one.
Best Amazon Echo smart plug
TP-Link HS110: $39.95
Smart Plugs are another great addition to your Amazon Echo, allowing you to remotely take control of any of your electronics devices.
The TP-Link HS110 smart plug is, essentially, a way to remotely turn your stuff on and off, but you can use them in conjunction with Amazon Echo to set up voice actions like “Alexa, turn on the TV,” or schedules with the use of a separate app (you can even monitor energy usage).
It takes a little while to link to the Amazon Echo, but it works over Wi-Fi, meaning you don’t need a separate hub. At $39.95, there are cheaper smart plugs available, but you’re paying for the Alexa integration and reliability.
WeMo also has a popular competitor to the TP-Link HS110 , which might be worth a look, but there’s really not much between them.
Best Amazon Echo smart hub
Samsung Smart Things Hub: $79.99
The smart hub is the brain is your connected home operation, but it’s an investment. The Samsung’s SmartThings Hub costs $79.99 on its own, without accessories, and as we’ve already seen, you can already get Echo-compatible products sans hub.
That said, Samsung is going big on AI and smart products which will inevitably integrate with its smart hub, meaning its range of possibilities is only going to grow.
Currently, the SmartThings’s hub lets you connect smart sensors, lights, locks, cameras, and more to monitor and automate your home. It features a dedicated Android app and can be used with Alexa, and it works with products from many manufacturers including Bose, Honeywell, First Alert and others.
Note that the Philip Hues bulbs mentioned earlier can also be connected to Samsung’s SmartThings hub if you want to buy them separately.
Best Amazon Echo Smart Thermostat
Nest 3rd generation learning thermostat: $249
Nest is probably the best-known provider of home thermostats — and it also provides the best. The original Nest launched in 2011 and it’s since been through a couple of iterations: the current third generation is its most advanced product yet.
One of the coolest things about Nest is its algorithms which, after a couple of weeks or so, can learn your personal preferences. Say, for example, you always turn on your heating on at 7 AM, the Nest will identify this habit to put it into practice later.
The Nest also has a proximity sensor and will light up to show you the temperature, time or even weather information when you walk by.
It’s the smartest smart thermostat currently on the market and it features seamless Amazon Echo integration. Visit the online compatibility checker to make sure it’s going to work in your household before investing.
Best Amazon Echo smart lock
August 2nd generation smart lock: $229
You can probably guess the big caveat with echo-compatible smart locks? Bingo: Alexa can’t actually lock or unlock doors.
Having a locking system that can be bypassed just by anyone within range of your Echo would be nuts, so instead the range of functionality that smart locks include for Alexa is extremely narrow.
That said, the second generation smart lock from August, a great product in its own right, has Alexa-integration — you can simply ask it if the doors are locked or unlocked. I guess it beats leaving your seat.
Best Amazon Echo case
Fintie Protective Case for Amazon Echo: $12.99
There aren’t many good cases out there for securing your Amazon Echo against falls, but if you just want to make it look a little fancier, you should check out the fantastic styles from Fintie.
These cases only add little in the way of shock absorption, but they may reduce scratches, and the open design means your Echo can still sing loud and clear. Find the Echo Dot version here.
What is your favorite addition to the Amazon Echo? Let us know in the comments.
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