Best Alexa Devices for Your Home
If your home already runs on Alexa or Prime, Amazon's own devices are the easiest way to add voice control, a kitchen screen, faster streaming and a better reading device. Here's which device makes sense for each room, and what to watch out for (mostly ads and upsells). Our scores are editorial opinions based on research, not hands-on testing.
How we pick: we research specs, owner feedback and expert reviews. We haven’t tested these products hands-on. Scores are our editorial opinion, not Amazon customer ratings. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links.
Quick picks
| Product | Best for | Standout | HashMonkey score | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Dot | Best starter Alexa speaker | Low cost | 4/5 | Check price |
| Echo Show 8 | Best for the kitchen | Useful screen | 4/5 | Check price |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Best for the TV | Fast and inexpensive | 3.5/5 | Check price |
| Kindle Paperwhite (2024) | Best for readers | Comfortable, glare-free screen | 4.5/5 | Check price |
1. Echo Dot: Best starter Alexa speaker
HashMonkey score: 4/5 ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Our editorial opinion, based on research into specs, owner feedback and expert reviews. Not hands-on testing, and not an Amazon customer rating.
Cheap, compact and genuinely useful for timers, alarms, weather and smart plugs. The ideal first Alexa device for a bedroom or office, just not a music speaker.
Why we like it
- Low cost
- Great bedside alarm
- Easy smart home start
Keep in mind
- Thin music sound
- Upsells
2. Echo Show 8: Best for the kitchen
HashMonkey score: 4/5 ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Our editorial opinion, based on research into specs, owner feedback and expert reviews. Not hands-on testing, and not an Amazon customer rating.
An 8-inch screen for recipes and camera feeds, video calls with a camera that follows you, and a built-in smart home hub. The best all-round Echo Show for most homes.
Why we like it
- Useful screen
- Built-in hub
- Video calling
Keep in mind
- Promotional home screen
- Camera placement
3. Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Best for the TV
HashMonkey score: 3.5/5 ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Our editorial opinion, based on research into specs, owner feedback and expert reviews. Not hands-on testing, and not an Amazon customer rating.
A fast, inexpensive way to upgrade a sluggish smart TV, with quick app launches, broad HDR and Atmos support and an Alexa voice remote. The interface is crowded with ads.
Why we like it
- Fast and inexpensive
- HDR and Atmos support
- Alexa voice remote
Keep in mind
- Ad-heavy interface
Read our full Fire TV Stick 4K Max review · Check price on Amazon
4. Kindle Paperwhite (2024): Best for readers
HashMonkey score: 4.5/5 ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Our editorial opinion, based on research into specs, owner feedback and expert reviews. Not hands-on testing, and not an Amazon customer rating.
A larger, snappier screen, warm light, waterproofing and weeks of battery life make it the best all-around Kindle for most readers. Lock-screen ads on the standard version and a closed store are the trade-offs.
Why we like it
- Comfortable, glare-free screen
- Waterproof
- Weeks of battery
Keep in mind
- Lock-screen ads unless removed
- Tied to Amazon's store
Read our full Kindle Paperwhite (2024) review · Check price on Amazon
How to choose
Start with the room
Bedroom or office: Echo Dot. Kitchen: Echo Show 8. Living room TV: Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Reading nook or travel bag: Kindle Paperwhite.
Stay in one ecosystem
These devices make the most sense for Alexa and Prime households. If you use Google Home or Apple Home, their own devices will integrate better.
Expect some ads
Amazon devices promote Amazon content. That's the main recurring complaint, so factor it in.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Alexa device for your home?
For most people, start with an Echo Dot for voice basics and add an Echo Show 8 in the kitchen if you want a screen and a smart home hub.
What is the best Alexa device for music?
Of the devices here, the Echo Show 8 sounds fuller than the Dot, but neither is a dedicated music speaker. Serious listeners should look at a larger speaker.
Do I need Alexa for a Fire TV Stick?
No. The Fire TV Stick works on its own with its remote. Alexa voice search is built into the remote, and it also works with Echo devices if you have them.
Does the Kindle Paperwhite have Alexa?
The Kindle is a reading device first; it's not an Alexa speaker. It's here because it's one of Amazon's most useful devices for Prime households.