The 7 best Amazon Echo devices of 2025 — and which ones should make your Christmas list
In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, Amazon’s Echo devices stand out as versatile multitaskers that cater to various needs across different rooms. With the recent introduction of Alexa+, Amazon has enhanced its flagship Echo lineup, empowering these devices with advanced AI capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a smart speaker, an alarm clock, or a hub to control your other smart devices, there’s an Echo model suited for your requirements. The Echo family, including the popular Echo and Echo Dot, serves as your personal assistant, capable of playing music, managing schedules, and providing news updates. Meanwhile, the Echo Show series combines these functionalities with vibrant displays, allowing users to make video calls, stream entertainment, and manage daily tasks visually.
As of September 30, 2025, Amazon has unveiled new Echo devices, including the Echo Dot Max and a refreshed Echo Studio, although thorough testing of these models is still pending. However, a significant change has raised privacy concerns among existing Echo users. Starting March 28, 2025, Amazon will discontinue the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature, meaning all voice requests will be processed through Amazon’s servers, potentially compromising user privacy. While Amazon assures users of encryption and security for their data, this shift underscores the importance of understanding how smart devices manage personal information.
The capabilities of Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, have expanded dramatically with the introduction of Alexa+. For Prime subscribers, this enhanced version of Alexa is included in their membership, while non-subscribers can access it for a monthly fee. Alexa+ not only responds to commands but engages users in conversation, providing personalized assistance. From planning date nights and booking restaurant reservations to managing smart home devices and streaming content, the new Alexa+ offers a wealth of features that enhance the smart home experience. With over 100,000 Alexa skills available, users can customize their Echo devices to fit their lifestyles seamlessly. As Amazon continues to innovate and expand its Echo lineup, the possibilities for creating an Alexa-powered home are virtually limitless. If you’re considering diving into the world of smart homes, explore the top 10 Echo devices of 2025 to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Among Amazon’s flagship gadgets, like
Kindles
and
Fire TVs,
Echos are the stars of the show. These multitasking
smart home
devices do a little bit of everything in nearly every room in the house. (Plus, with this year’s rollout of
Alexa+
, they’re now supercharged with extra AI features.) Whether you need a smart speaker, alarm clock, or hub for your other smart devices, there’s an Echo to help you out. Amazon’s list of devices is ever-growing, so we’ve tested them to find the best Echo devices for your smart home.
If you’re ready to invest in an Echo, you don’t need to buy these devices at full price. They always go on sale during events like
Prime Day
and
Black Friday
, so it’s worth holding out until the
next sale
.
SEE ALSO:
Amazon’s Alexa is a Mashable Readers’ Choice Award winner
New Echos in 2025
On Sept. 30, 2025, Amazon debuted several new Echo devices. We’ve yet to test the new Amazon Echo Dot Max or the refreshed Echo Studio, however, once we’ve completed testing, we’ll add them to this guide.
Changes to existing Echo devices in 2025
For existing Echo owners, or those looking to become ones, a
major change
happened in 2025 that affects user privacy. Amazon sent out an email to users saying the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature on the device will no longer be available as of March 28, 2025. But what does that mean?
Previously, the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” setting allowed the devices to process requests locally without sending them to Amazon servers. However, with that setting no longer supported, all requests will now go through Amazon servers. Plus, if you do have that setting turned on after the change goes into effect, you’ll lose access to the Voice ID feature as well.
While Amazon promises that all information requests are encrypted and secure, it still means that the retailer has access to all of that data.
What can an Echo smart speaker do?
Trying out the new Echo Spot smart alarm clock.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
All
Echo devices
utilize Amazon Alexa’s
AI
superpowers — it’s just a matter of which form you want your Echo to take. The
Echo and Echo Dot
are smart speakers that you can use for music, phone calls, calendar reminders, or news alerts. Amazon Echo Show devices, on the other hand, can do all of the aforementioned audio stuff, but they also boast colorful displays for making video calls, streaming entertainment, or managing your day. Think of Echo Shows as stationary, more affordable tablets, essentially.
Most Echo devices are designed to act as smart hubs within your home, but some Echo devices can also be taken on the road. Echo Auto brings hands-free Alexa functionality to the car, while Echo Buds and Echo Frames can travel with you anywhere.
What can Alexa+ do?
Alexa is to Amazon as Siri is to Apple, and is the driving force behind every Echo. But Alexa just got a big upgrade. Now there’s Alexa+, a
new AI-powered version of Alexa
introduced to Echo devices in March 2025. For Prime subscribers, Alexa+ will be included in membership, and non-subscribers will have to pay $19.99 per month for the service.
Alexa has an answer to almost anything you ask. Just by shouting out, you can play music, adjust the volume, and set an alarm or timer. And that’s just naming a few options. On devices like the Echo Show, you can also ask Alexa to pull up recipes or answer questions that come up while cooking. With
Alexa+
, the AI agent doesn’t just respond to commands but can actually engage in conversation.
Here’s a short list of what Alexa+ can do:
Provide a highlight reel of the day’s security footage
Read stories to kids
Plan a date night
Book restaurant reservations
Control your smart home technology from one central hub
Access your calendars and set reminders
Get answers to any question you can think of
Make phone calls (and video calls with an Echo Show)
Get the latest weather and news
Follow recipes
Shop on Amazon
Stream music (and video on an Amazon Echo Show)
Play games
There are
more than 100,000 Alexa skills
that you can utilize via an Echo device, and Amazon is always adding more.
Alexa gets supercharged when other smart home tech comes into the picture. If you have a smart thermostat or smart light bulbs, as long as they’re compatible with the Alexa system, you can create routines through your Echo. That can be as simple as telling Alexa to turn on the lights in one room or programming Alexa to turn the thermostat down before you come home.
If you’re ready for an Alexa-powered home, read on for the 10 best Amazon Echo devices of 2025.
