Alexa, Amazon’s helpful virtual assistant, is found in all Amazon Echo devices. To access and buy Amazon Alexa, an Amazon Echo will usually have to be bought first. Alexa is also available on other products like the Amazon Fire TV. The Echo devices range in speaker quality, usability, and price. While Amazon Echo has been praised as the best smart speaker, Amazon Alexa can sometimes be heard better through external speakers. For instance, the Echo Dot is designed to hook into external speakers for better sound quality however this will cost a bit more money. The cheapest device, the Echo Dot, can currently be purchased through Amazon’s website for $50, while the most expensive, the Echo Show, is available for $230. The prices on these devices have ranged greatly depending on the time purchased and if they are bought in bulk. The devices also do not necessarily have to be purchased through Amazon.com, which can greatly reduce the price.
How To Buy Amazon Alexa
Amazon has opened up Alexa to third-party companies to be used in their products. For example, BMW will be integrating Alexa into their vehicles starting in mid-2018 to allow drivers to make calls and play music hands-free. But those interested in utilizing Alexa do not need to buy a fancy car to access the assistant. The easiest way to buy Amazon Alexa is to purchase an Amazon Echo device. Because Alexa was specifically designed for the Echo device, the assistant can perform all tasks through an Amazon Echo, including making calls, playing music, and integrating items into lists.
Best Price For Amazon Alexa
People looking to buy Amazon Alexa will likely want to do some research online and in stores. The prices through Amazon.com fluctuate from time to time, although they are difficult to predict. In 2017, the lowest prices of all-time were reported in June around Father’s Day ($100 for a 1st generation Echo). However, later in the year, Amazon released the 2nd generation Echo and listed it for $80 on Black Friday. Refurbished 1st generation Echo devices are available, but are not sold through Amazon. The cheapest way to buy Amazon Alexa is through the Echo Dot, currently listed at $50. At its lowest, it was listed for $30 on Amazon.com on Black Friday.
Current Lowest Alexa Prices
Since Black Friday has passed, the lowest prices can be found on sites other than Amazon.com. One site in particular, BlinQ, sells restocked items for a lower price. An Amazon Echo device can be purchased for $85 in “like new” condition, and the Echo Dot is available for $42 in brand new condition. Traversing second hand sites like Ebay comes with risks, however there are some certified second-hand sellers on these sites.
Some devices, like the Echo Dot, are cheaper and more useful if bought in bulk. For people in larger or multi-story homes, Alexa may not be able to hear commands without an additional device present. Spreading out the devices increases Alexa’s ability to play music or check in on the baby without having to yell. On Amazon.com, purchasing two Echo Dots will save users $10, and three Echo devices saves $50. The devices also make great gifts for birthdays or holidays.
Free Alexa
Utilizing Amazon’s Alexa without an external device, whether Echo, TV, or car, is not yet possible. Logging into the app or the Alexa website (https://alexa.amazon.com) is possible with an Amazon account. However, you can only get as far as agreeing to terms and then selecting which Echo device you are trying to set up. It would be great if Alexa was there to help via the webpage or app. Owners of a computer with Windows 10 will soon be able to use Alexa alongside the existing Window’s assistant Cortana. Starting in Spring 2018, Alexa will be able to help Window’s owners navigate their computers and perform other tasks. The best news is that the app will be free for Windows owners.
