Amazon
Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker with Alexa
A compact spherical speaker that plays music, sets timers and controls smart home devices by voice.
As an Amazon Associate, ChooseTheGift earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. This link does not affect our score.
Where it ranks in our guides
A medal marks a podium; the score on the right is the product’s score for that recipient.Scores by criterion
Our verdict
89 / 100It is small enough to wrap easily, needs only an outlet and a wifi network, and gives the recipient music, alarms and voice control from day one. It also grows with a smart home if they add compatible devices later.
Frequently asked questions
Which music services does it play?
Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others, or any audio over Bluetooth.
Can it control other devices?
Yes, it works with compatible smart home devices and routines, using its built-in motion and temperature sensors.
Can it extend wifi?
With an eero network, it doubles as a mesh extender adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of coverage.
Similar products
How we score
The CTG score out of 100 is the weighted average of five criteria rated for every product: proven reliability (36%), perceived value (18%), bond and memory (18%), originality (14%) and novelty (14%). Each criterion has its own published scale, identical for every product: it rates generously, because every product in our selection is already good. The score does not depend on the guide. 60 to 69: average gift. 70 to 77: good pick. 78 to 85: safe bet. 86 to 89: favorite. 90 and above: the perfect gift, a label reserved for excellent products that customers like, one winner per occasion. In a guide, the score for the recipient combines this score with the place in the ranking. The budget is an indicative range: the exact price is shown by the store at checkout. Read our full selection method →