While Alexa is one of the more affordable home assistants, smart homes are not the cheapest pastime. The intelligent virtual AI assistant built into Amazon’s Echo devices, various third-party smart speakers, and the Amazon Alexa app is known simply as Alexa or simply as Alexa.
So how much does Alexa cost? Alexa is accessible for free via the Alexa mobile app, an Amazon Echo, or other smart speakers that costs $40 or more. There are typically no ongoing monthly fees. Continue reading if you’re curious to learn more about Alexa.
How Much Does An Alexa Cost?
Utilizing one of Amazon’s Echo speakers, a third-party smart speaker, or the Alexa smartphone app are the three main ways to use Alexa. Here’s a summary and an overview of how much it costs to use Alexa for each option:
Using Amazon’s Range Of Smart Speakers
Using one of Amazon’s Echo smart speakers is one of the most popular ways to interact with Alexa. On the more basic end, the Amazon Echo range consists of the following models that you can control with your voice:
- Echo Dot
- Echo
- Echo Plus
- Echo Studio
The Echo Dot costs around $40, making it a very affordable way to bring Alexa’s potent AI technology into your home. In contrast, the Echo Studio costs around $200 and provides significantly better sound quality.
As can be seen in the image below, Amazon has also created the Echo Show, a smart speaker with an integrated display useful for visual feedback like song lyrics, videos, or weather widgets. The basic features of Alexa on any Echo smart speaker are free to use on a monthly basis, it should be noted.
With the exception of premium services like Amazon Prime, Amazon Music Unlimited, or Spotify Premium, the only cost is the initial cost of the speaker itself. After that, Alexa will be free to use moving forward.
Using A Third-party Smart Speaker
There are now many third-party products with Alexa built-in, so it is no longer limited to smart speakers with the Amazon name.
For instance, depending on the model you select, the Sonos One, which is arguably one of the best smart speakers available, can seamlessly integrate with Alexa and costs up to $180.
But for about $200, the Ultimate Ears Megablast portable smart speaker might be just what you’re looking for if you want something with more power. The Megablast, a new addition to Ultimate Ears’ wide selection of high-end Bluetooth speakers, boasts a stylish design and expertly crafted sound technology.
The Audio Pro Addon C5A, another well-liked wireless speaker, can produce clear, dynamic sound throughout the entire room, and it costs about $300.
Using Alexa Via The Smartphone App
To use Alexa, you don’t require an Amazon Echo or another smart speaker from a different company. Installing the Amazon Alexa app on your iPhone or Android smartphone is an entirely free alternative.
You can use the Alexa app to access all of the features available on an Echo or other smart speaker, including the ability to create lists, play music, and manage smart home appliances.
The same voice commands can be given to Alexa through your smart speaker, with the added benefit of being able to scroll through your lists, read all of your reminders at once, and quickly change your daily schedule while doing so visually.
Amazon recently created the Alexa Hands-Free feature, enabling voice-activated access to Alexa from a compatible smartphone device by saying the wake word. When the feature is turned on in the Alexa app settings, your phone will respond whenever you say “Alexa,” enabling hands-free access to all of Alexa’s features.
The only drawback is that your phone must be unlocked in order to use the Alexa Hands-Free feature, making it technically not 100% hands-free and something to keep in mind when choosing what device you’ll need to use Alexa to its fullest potential.
Is There A Monthly Fee To Use Alexa?
No monthly fee is required to use Alexa. Install it on your smartphone for free, sign in with your free Amazon account, and use the online app.
On smart speakers, which I will discuss next, Alexa is even free to use. The following are the features of your Amazon Alexa app that you can use for free. Remember that Alexa is constantly updating and adding new free features, which makes it even more impressive and enjoyable to use.
- List organizer: Simply name the items you want to add to your to-do list, and Alexa will take care of the rest.
- Notifications: I particularly like this. Your Amazon packages are tracked by Alexa, which also alerts you when they are about to arrive.
- Smart home gadgets: All of your home’s gadgets can be controlled by voice command. Therefore, just ask Alexa to make a coffee the next time you need one.
- Weather Updates: Now that there are weather updates, bad weather cannot ruin your day. Before leaving the house, ask Alexa to provide the weather forecast. This will enable you to be ready at all times.
- Question and Answer: Alexa will provide you with all the information you need, whether you need to know conversions while cooking, the solution to a mathematical problem, or the latest in celebrity gossip.
- Radio and Podcasts: You can enjoy listening to your favorite programs on Alexa via radio and podcasts.
- News Updates: Before you leave in the morning, Alexa will update you on all the latest news.
How Much Does Alexa Cost Including Devices?
It costs one time only to purchase an Alexa-connected device. No recurring monthly payments are necessary. You can use Alexa on your smartphone in addition to having an Alexa device, so having one is entirely optional.
It’s incredibly convenient to use the app with an Alexa device. It turns into the hub of your smart home, where voice commands are translated into actions. Take a look at the gadgets that you can connect to Alexa.
Echo Speaker
The most popular Alexa products are Amazon’s Echo smart speakers. The Echo Dot (4th generation) is known for outstanding voice quality. It’s ideal for your nightstand and has an LED clock display. It is the most affordable Alexa device and is sold on Amazon for around $40.
Here, the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) merits mention. Its smart HD display measures 10.1 inches. You can enjoy making video calls to your loved ones with the 13 MP camera. You should spend about $250 on this device, and it is well worth it.
As a result, Echo speakers come in a variety of price ranges and feature sets. The price range is $25 to $250. The features get more precise as the price goes up. Your living room’s primary controller can be an Echo Show device. Because Echo Dot devices are so inexpensive, you can use them in the kitchen and bedrooms.
Third-party Alexa Devices
If you want better audio and video quality, you can choose other brands besides Amazon Echo. My preferred model is the Sonos One (Gen 2). It produces a sound that is incredibly clear. For $555, you can purchase two smart speakers so you can play stereo music in two rooms, or even simultaneously.
The Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST works best outdoors, like in your backyard. The rechargeable battery allows for a battery backup of 18 hours. It is weatherproof and has fantastic sound quality.
Alternatively, for a less expensive option, you can connect Echo to any Bluetooth speaker. Most Echo speakers, including the affordable Echo dots, have a 3.5 mm line-out jack.
Does Alexa Require An Amazon Prime Account To Be Used?
Alexa can be used without an Amazon Prime membership. Despite the fact that having an Amazon Prime membership multiplies Alexa’s advantages by thousands. The subscription costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually. Following are the benefits you would get from this subscription:
- Access to Amazon Music
- Access to Amazon Prime Videos
- Exclusive Alexa voice deals
- 2 free audiobooks from Audible
- Prime Gaming
- Prime reading
- Free next-day deliveries
- Exclusive Amazon deals
The items listed above are merely an overview of what the subscription will include. The list could go on forever.
The Price Of Alexa Skills
Similar to apps you download for your smartphone, Alexa Skills are designed to add new functionality to any device you’re using it with.
While Fitbit allows you to use Alexa to track your steps and other activities, Alexa Guard allows you to turn your speaker into a security device that keeps an eye out for suspicious activity.
All Alexa Skills are available for free download.
You might need to buy third-party equipment (like a Fitbit tracker if you want to use the Fitbit Skill) if a particular Skill is incompatible with your computer.
With any credit or debit card linked to your Amazon account, you can also buy more features through these Skills.
Final Thoughts
A free voice assistant is Alexa. No recurring monthly subscription fees or equipment fees will be assessed to you. After buying an Amazon Echo device, you don’t have to spend any more money. Your Alexa smart home setup can be built over time. To start speaking to Alexa, you should first purchase an Alexa device. Subscriptions to movies and other purchases are made later.
