I have friends who have Amazon Echo and they mainly use them for playing music. i had difficulty setting mine up and it is important to know that you will need an app on your phone or tablet to be able to set the device up. You will also have to subscribe to Amazon music at a monthly cost.

The Echo Plus has been completely redesigned compared to the original but it’s not only better-looking, as a larger speaker and tweeter provide improved audio quality and Dolby Play 360 audio support helps fills the room with music. The problem is the price, which is a touch higher than we'd like. If you don't need the built-in hub then save money and go for the regular Echo 2 (or Show 5).

The Amazon Echo Plus is as a more powerful version of the standard Echo, with a Zigbee home automation hub and temperature sensor built in for good measure—it mostly just looks better than the original. The larger, $149.99 Alexa-powered speaker is a bit louder and offers a bit more functionality than the standard Echo, but unless you plan to start filling your home with Zigbee devices without using a separate hub, it doesn't quite justify its $50 premium. Slightly More Stylish The Echo Plus is a bit stouter than the first, measuring 5.7 by 3.9 inches (HW) to the first generation's 9.3-by-3.3-inch profile. Instead of a smooth-walled, sharp-angled cylinder, however, the redesigned Echo Plus is a friendlier barrel with slightly rounded edges and the same fabric grille on its sides as the Echo Show and the Echo Dot. It comes in black, gray, and white versions. Similar Products Amazon Echo (2nd Generation) $99.99 See It at Amazon Read Amazon Echo...

The Amazon Echo Plus smart speaker adds a temperature sensor in addition to its Zigbee hub, but doesn't bring a dramatic difference in sound quality over its predecessor.

Generally strong sound with clear high-mids and highs; Alexa is powerful and functional; Bluetooth connectivity; Zigbee hub built-in

Not significantly more powerful than the Echo; Relatively weak bass; Bluetooth doesn't work with stereo pairs or Echo Sub

I just wanted a speaker to play my music, so glad i did. The sound is brilliant for such a small device. My friend asked me if I had a new HiFi She has since had one bought for her birthday, which she asked for. Also my sister and brother in law have just replaced their Bose With this product.

Great Christmas present for older kids as it's great for music

The original Echo Plus felt like a product that wasn't quite ready to go, and it was expensive for what it was. The Amazon Echo Plus (2nd Gen) is a far superior product, starting out with the more attractive finish that makes it look far classier. Internally, the audio has been improved to the point where the Echo Plus may be the only music speaker you need, and you have the option to improve things further with a stereo pair. The integrated Zigbee smart home hub is starting to find its uses thanks to several app updates that make direct control of devices easier. If you're looking for a high-quality smart speaker, this is the one to buy.

Smart new looks; Decent audio; Useful smart home hub and temperature sensor;

Limited number of supported smart home devices;

I love the fact you can ask the Echo to play anything (within reason), no need for a radio any more. I often ask it questions while watching tv and always a weather check. I thought I wouldn't get much out of it and doubted it was worth buying , but I'm glad I bought it now, really pleased.

So far I only use it to listen to music or get the weather, although I know it will do more for me as I explore its capabilities, but it's great to be able to ask for a type of music or an individual composer and not have to mess around changing CDs or whatever.

I bought this for my husband. Amazing product that came in a bundle. The echo is perfect & we use it multiple times per day. We had an issue with the light bulb as it was a screw in bulb but we have bayonets.