Tip within a tip: The Echo has become such a popular household item because there are so many things you can do with Alexa. Click here for seven unexpected Alexa abilities that will make your life easier. The Show is the priciest of the bunch, coming in at $230, but you don’t have to drop a bundle to welcome Alexa into your life as a digital roommate. Here are some very budget-friendly ways to either get started with Alexa or expand your Alexa ecosystem.
Eufy Genie
The biggest difference (besides price) between the $35 Genie and the $50 Dot is the Genie’s lack of Bluetooth. That means you will need to use a 3.5 mm cable to connect it to an external speaker. If Bluetooth is important to you and your Alexa enjoyment, then you will want to skip the Genie and instead check out the next most affordable Alexa speaker, the Dot.
Echo Dot
Right now you can save $5 on the Echo Dot. Click here to buy it for just $45.
Fire TV Stick
The Echo suite of devices get all the glory when it comes to Alexa products, so it’s easy to overlook the Fire TV Stick, which costs just $40. The Fire Stick comes with an Alexa-enabled remote control. However, you have to push a button on the remote to activate the voice assistant. It won’t just respond to a wake word like the Echo devices will. If you need a streaming-media gadget for your television anyway, then this is a smart bargain. The Alexa capability is a nice added bonus. Plus, you can use your voice to control the Fire TV Stick by giving commands like “Launch Hulu” or “Play House of Cards.” You can also save a little by buying a refurbished unit, which comes with the guarantee it will look and work like new. Even those refurbished devices occasionally go on sale, so find an opportunity and stack those discounts.
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