What is the best Alexa device right now?
Since its debut in 2014, Amazon’s Alexa has become America’s leading voice assistant and smart home automation system. Alexa is integrated into smart home devices like smart hubs, Amazon Echo speakers, smart thermostats, smart lightbulbs, and home security cameras.
After testing almost all of the Amazon Echo devices featured on the e-commerce site at this time and dozens of Alexa-compatible devices, the best Alexa device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8.
The best Alexa devices of 2025
The Echo Show 8 is a smart display with a spatial audio speaker that delivers rich sound quality and a full Alexa experience. Here are some of the best Alexa devices that can help you outfit your home with smart home devices:
| Alexa device | ZDNET’s take | Price | Features |
| Echo Show 8 | Best overall | $150 | 8-in smart display | Spatial audio |
| Echo Dot | Best for a budget | $50 | Vibrant sound | Temp & motion sensor |
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Best video doorbell | $180 | 1536p head-to-toe video |
| Echo Studio | Best smart speaker | $200 | Dolby Atmos | Fire TV support |
| Echo Hub | Best smart home panel | $180 | Zigbee, Matter & Thread | No ads |
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alexa Device
When choosing an Alexa device, consider the following factors:
- Device type: The device type will depend significantly on what you’ll be using your Alexa device and where you’re putting it.
- Sound quality: If you’re using your Alexa device as a speaker to listen to music, you’ll likely value its good sound quality.
- Smart home integration: Consider which Alexa device is best for controlling your smart home devices.
- Price: Consider how much you’re willing to spend, keeping in mind that prices may vary depending on sales and discounts.
- Extra features: Consider which extra features are important to you, such as a built-in Fire TV or the ability to track moving subjects during video calls.
Are there alternative Alexa devices worth considering?
Though the Alexa devices we’ve chosen above are great recommendations, they’re not the only options you have when looking for the best Alexa devices. Here are other devices to consider:
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Conclusion
Amazon Alexa is an AI-powered virtual assistant that can help you complete tasks with voice control. Alexa is built into various smart home devices, including speakers and displays. It also integrates seamlessly with other smart home devices, like Ring, Blink, Sengled, Cync, Amazon smart devices, and many more.
FAQs
Q: What is the best Alexa device for smart home control?
A: The Echo Show 8 is a great option for smart home control, with its spatial audio speaker and full Alexa experience.
Q: Which Alexa device is best for budget-conscious buyers?
A: The Echo Dot is a great option for budget-conscious buyers, with its vibrant sound and affordable price.
Q: Can I use Alexa with my Ring doorbell?
A: Yes, Alexa integrates seamlessly with Ring doorbells, allowing you to control and monitor your doorbell with voice commands.
Q: Which Alexa device is best for video doorbells?
A: The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is a great option for video doorbells, with its 1536p head-to-toe video and seamless integration with Alexa.
