Amazon Alexa is the voice assistant and smart home platform behind every Echo speaker and display: the Alexa app controls devices from thousands of brands, and the Echo models with a built-in hub add Zigbee, Thread and Matter. Here is what it costs, what you need to start and the products in our catalog that work with it.
People who want to control the home by voice from day one, with the widest choice of cheap compatible devices and an Echo as the hub.
Alexa itself is free with any Echo. Two optional plans add the new Alexa+ and emergency help.
Included with Amazon Prime. Outside the US and Canada it is still in early access, free while it lasts.
USD · checked October 2026
Only in the United States.
USD · checked October 2026
Wi-Fi and Matter devices work with almost any Echo. Zigbee devices need an Echo with a built-in hub, like these.
A wall-mounted control panel that is also a Zigbee hub, a Thread border router and a Matter controller.
A compact speaker with a built-in Zigbee hub and Thread border router.
A smart display that is also a Zigbee hub and Thread border router.
1,052 products, the best sellers first.
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| AlexaOne of the widest device compatibility ecosystems |  Google HomeSeamless integration with Google services |  Apple HomePrivacy-focused with Apple ecosystem |  Home AssistantOpen-source with unlimited possibilities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voice assistant | Alexa | Google Assistant | Siri | Community voice options |
| Local control | Partial: Matter devices are controlled locally | Partial: Matter devices are controlled locally at home | Partial: your Apple devices control accessories at home; away from home it goes through a home hub | Full |
| Privacy | ||||
| Automation power | ||||
| Ease of setup | ||||
| Community | ||||
| Max devices | ~300 | ~300 | ~150 | Unlimited |
 Wi-Fi | ||||
 Bluetooth | ||||
 Zigbee | ||||
 Z-Wave | ||||
 Thread | ||||
 Matter | ||||
| Best for | Voice-first smart home lovers | Android users & Google enthusiasts | Apple users who value privacy | Power users & privacy advocates |
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Devices from thousands of brands: robot vacuums, cameras, doorbells, locks, plugs, switches, thermostats and sensors. Each category on this page links to its full list in our catalog.
Not for Wi-Fi and Matter devices: almost any recent Echo controls them. Zigbee devices need an Echo with a built-in Zigbee hub, such as the Echo Hub, the Echo Dot Max or the latest Echo Show models.
It is included with Amazon Prime. Without Prime it is a monthly plan, and a limited text chat is free on Alexa.com and in the Alexa app. It is not available in every country yet.
Yes. Almost every recent Echo is a Matter controller, many are Thread border routers too, and Matter devices are controlled locally.
Very little. Amazon documents a Local Voice Control mode only for some Zigbee devices on Echo models with a built-in hub; almost everything else needs the internet.
Most major brands, and many show their live video on an Echo Show. The Cameras and Doorbells blocks on this page list the ones in our catalog, the best sellers first.
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