Best Amazon Echo and Echo Dot Accessories
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.
Read Next: How to use Amazon Alexa to your own benefit?
A competitor to Google Home, the Amazon Echo is growing in popularity thanks to frequent, headline-grabbing updates, regular sales and a push into Europe and other global markets. 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 light bulbs
Philips Hue A19 Starter Kit
The Philips Hue light bulb starter kit is one of the best Amazon Echo accessories you can buy, especially if you are just starting out on your smart home journey. The Philips Hue low-energy bulbs can be controlled with Amazon Alexa or with the dedicated app, where you can set timers, alarms, or adjust dimming settings. The hub supports up to 50 lights so a single hub is enough to control all the lighting in your house.
The bulbs are available in colored versions and in other packs without the hub, should you already own one. The starter kit includes 2 or 4 smart light bulbs and a hub, priced at just $69.99 or $99.99. This is a fantastic deal considering individual Philips smart color bulbs cost around $40.
LIFX multi-color smart LED bulb
The LIFX multi-color smart LED bulbs are a bit more expensive than a similarly-capable Philips Hue bulb. However, where LIFX has the advantage is in the fact that these bulbs can be controlled using Alexa or an app without the need of a hub.
The LIFX A19 is akin to a typical bulb and can fit in most light fixtures. On the other hand, the BR30 is a “floodlight” type bulb that is can be used to replace recessed ceiling lights. Both are priced at $59.99 are offer the same light settings of over 16 million colors and warm to cool whites. You can also take advantage of significant discounts when buying multi-packs instead of individual bulbs.
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Best Amazon Echo smart plugs
TP-Link HS110
The TP-Link HS110 smart plug allows you to remotely turn your devices on and off. You can also use them with the 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). A 2-pack of the TP-Link HS110 smart plugs is priced at $29.80 and goes up to $38.66 if you also want energy monitoring.
Amazon Smart Plug
The Amazon Smart Plug offers the same features mentioned above, like the ability to use your voice to control your electronics and set up routines and schedules using the app. However, it’s much easier and quicker to set up this smart plug with Alexa and Echo devices. The design is also compact, allowing for the second plug point of the wall unit to be free and usable. The Amazon Smart Plug is priced at $24.99.
Best Amazon Echo smart hub
Samsung SmartThings
The smart hub is the brain is your connected home operation, and all your other smart home devices can be controlled through it. Samsung is going big on AI and there are a slew of smart products, both from Samsung and third-party companies, that are compatible with it.
The SmartThings 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. Even the Philips Hue bulbs mentioned earlier can also be connected to Samsung’s SmartThings hub if you want to buy them separately.
The Samsung SmartThings hub is currently priced at $62.99.
Best Amazon Echo smart thermostats
Nest 3rd generation learning thermostat
Nest is probably the best-known provider of home thermostats. 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 that, after a couple of weeks or so, can learn your personal preferences. Say, for example, you always turn on your heating on at 7AM, the Nest thermostat 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 one of the smartest smart thermostats currently on the market and it features seamless Amazon Echo integration. The Nest thermostat is currently priced at around $205.
Ecobee4 smart thermostat
The Ecobee4 smart thermostat comes with a separate room sensor that can measure room temperature as well as occupancy. When a room is occupied, the thermostat will automatically set the temperature to the right mode for comfort and energy savings. The thermostat can easily be controlled via a mobile app and also comes with Alexa built-in. The Ecobee4 smart thermostat (with one room sensor included) is priced at $199.
Best Amazon Echo voice remote
Alexa voice remote
The Alexa voice remote has an integrated microphone and connects to the Echo or Echo Dot via Bluetooth. It comes in handy when you’re too far away from the smart speaker or it’s just too noisy for it to hear you. It’s easy to use, as all you have to do is press the dedicated voice button on the remote and give your command to the device. The remote also features buttons for volume and playback control that come in handy when listening to music on the Echo or Echo Dot. The Alexa voice remote is priced at $29.99.
Best Amazon Echo Dot wall mounts
Outlet wall hanger for the Echo Dot 3rd generation
This wall hanger can be installed in just a few seconds and works with vertical as well as horizontal outlets. There’s no drilling required. It hangs off an outlet and comes with a shorter cord that is tucked away to provide a cleaner look. No speakers or microphones are covered. This wall hanger is only compatible with the new Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation and is priced at just $12.99.
Matone outlet wall hanger for the Echo Dot 2nd generation
If you already have the older generation (2nd gen) Echo Dot, this Matone wall hanger is the one for you. It is more minimalistic in its look and while the cord isn’t hidden, it’s short enough to make the whole setup look great. The holder doesn’t block the speakers or the microphone. The Matone wall mount for the Amazon Echo Dot 2nd generation is priced at just $10.99.
Best Amazon Echo home security accessories
August Smart Lock Pro
The August Smart Lock Pro lets you control and monitor your door from anywhere. You can lock and unlock the door, control keyless access, and keep a track of who comes and goes from your phone. You can also use Alexa via the Echo devices to control the smart lock. It can easily be attached to your existing deadbolt and lets you use your key if needed. You can also set it to automatically lock behind you and unlock when you approach. The August Smart Lock Pro is priced starting at $229.99.
Arlo Pro wireless camera home security system
The Arlo Pro wireless cameras let you see what is happening inside and outside your house with up to 7-days of saved footage. You can live stream or view recorded video on your phone at any time. The cameras come with rechargeable batteries that support fast charging. The cameras are weather resistant, come with night vision capabilities, and two way audio. One camera is priced at $164 but you can take advantage of significant discounts with larger bundles.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro can replace your existing wired doorbell and delivers 1080p video and clear images even at night. It works with Alexa to send announcements to Echo devices when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. You can see, hear, and talk to visitors through all your connected devices. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is priced at $249.
Best Amazon Echo batteries
Ninety7 SKY TOTE battery base for the Amazon Echo 2nd generation
This Amazon Echo battery replaces the existing Echo sleeve and seamlessly integrates with the smart speaker. A rechargeable 8,800mAh battery allows for up to 8 hours of usage and LED indicators are available to show how much charge is left. The cover is made with an acoustically-transparent, anti-stain fabric and comes with a convenient handle to carry the device around. The Sky portable battery base for the Amazon Echo 2nd gen is priced at $59.95.
Miscellaneous Amazon Echo accessories
AmazonBasics Microwave
One of the highlights of Amazon’s recent device showcase was a new smart microwave. This new microwave from AmazonBasics can connect to your Echo devices via Bluetooth. It includes a built-in Ask Alexa button, enabling you to press the button and provide a cooking command. You can set up various quick cook presets and let Alexa handle the rest. The added support for the Dash Replenishment service too so you can reorder food when your supplies run low. The compact, 0.7 cu. ft., 700W microwave is priced at $59.99.
Neato Botvac
The Wi-Fi connected Neato Botvac lets you use the Neato app to clean your floors and receive notifications using your phone and with Alexa for voice control. LaserSmart mapping and real-time object detection allow for a methodical cleaning instead of it just bumping around. The design of the enables cleaning close to walls and corners. The Neato Botvac is priced at $479.99.
What are your favorite Amazon Echo accessories?
from Android Authority https://ift.tt/2ihtrO6
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