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.

If you just want a smart speaker in your room, the regular Echo is still an excellent pick, and while the Echo Dot doesn't sound nearly as good as the other Echo devices, it's an inexpensive way to put Alexa on any speaker you already own.

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

Smarter, louder, and bigger on bass, the Echo + is the best of the Echo fleet

The best-sounding standalone Echo speaker; Built in Zigbee smart hub; Includes a temperature sensor; Smaller; more attractive form

Smart hub doesn't feature Z-Wave connectivity; Can't connect to devices on different household accounts

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

2017's Echo Plus was a bit of a strange device. With its built-in Zigbee hub, it was designed to give you a smart home without the need for additional boxes, but failed to deliver the controls needed. It was also a throwback to the original Echo.

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.

There is no issue the Alexa of "lacking" Canadian content. As you unbox and set this product, it takes time for you Alexa to calibrate through tour mobile phone and WIFI. It will detect on which part of Canada you are, and tell you the exact weather.

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 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;