Review: Does The New Alexa Plus Justify An Echo Upgrade?

Admin

3 min read

Post on Feb 28, 2025

4.4

Share

Review: Does the New Alexa Plus Justify an Echo Upgrade?

Amazon's latest Echo, dubbed the "Alexa Plus," has hit the market, promising a significant leap in smart home capabilities and sound quality. But does this new device justify the cost for existing Echo owners? We put it to the test to find out. This in-depth review will cover everything from sound quality and smart home integration to the overall user experience, helping you decide if the Alexa Plus is worth the upgrade.

Sound Quality: A Night and Day Difference?

One of the key selling points of the Alexa Plus is its improved audio. Amazon claims a 30% boost in bass response and clearer high-frequency sounds. Our testing confirmed these claims. Compared to the previous generation Echo, the Alexa Plus delivers noticeably richer and fuller sound. Music playback is significantly enhanced, with a wider soundstage and less distortion at higher volumes. However, audiophiles might still prefer dedicated speakers. The Alexa Plus is a definite improvement, particularly for casual listening and background music.

• Improved Bass: Noticeably deeper and more resonant than previous models.
• Clearer Highs: Crisper vocals and less muddiness in the treble range.
• Louder Volume: Handles higher volumes without significant distortion.

Smart Home Integration: Seamless Control or More of the Same?

The Alexa Plus boasts enhanced smart home compatibility, claiming faster response times and improved integration with a wider range of devices. While we didn't experience dramatically faster response times compared to our existing Echo devices, the integration with newer smart home products was indeed smoother. Setup for compatible devices was intuitive and generally trouble-free.

• Improved Compatibility: Seamless integration with a broader range of smart home devices.
• Streamlined Setup: Easier configuration of smart home devices compared to older Echo models.
• Minor Speed Improvements: Noticeably faster responses in some scenarios but not universally across all smart home devices.

User Experience: Familiar Functionality, Refined Design

The user experience remains largely consistent with previous Echo devices. The familiar Alexa voice commands work flawlessly, and the intuitive interface is easy to navigate. However, the Alexa Plus features a sleeker, more refined design, making it a more aesthetically pleasing addition to any room. The updated touch controls are also more responsive.

• Sleek Design: More visually appealing than previous generation Echos.
• Responsive Touch Controls: Easier to adjust volume and manage playback.
• Familiar Alexa Functionality: Seamless integration with existing Alexa skills and services.

Should You Upgrade? The Verdict

Whether or not the Alexa Plus justifies an upgrade depends heavily on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a significant improvement in sound quality and a more seamless smart home experience, the upgrade is likely worthwhile. However, if you're happy with your current Echo's performance, the incremental improvements might not justify the cost.

Who Should Upgrade?

• Music Lovers: The improved sound quality alone makes it worth considering.
• Smart Home Enthusiasts: Enhanced compatibility with the latest devices is a significant plus.
• Those seeking a design upgrade: The sleeker look and feel is a welcome change.

Who Should Wait?

• Users with newer Echo models: The improvements are incremental, not revolutionary.
• Budget-conscious consumers: The price point might be a barrier for some.
• Those satisfied with their current Echo's capabilities: The upgrade might not offer enough value.

Ultimately, the Alexa Plus offers a refined experience, but it’s not a game-changer. Weigh your priorities and budget carefully before making the leap. The enhanced audio and improved smart home integration are compelling, but the decision rests on whether these improvements warrant the upgrade cost for you personally.