Amazon just refreshed its Echo lineup for the AI era. On October 28, 2026, the company announced five new devices built around Alexa+, its new generative AI version of Alexa. Prices range from $99.99 for the new Echo Dot to $499.99 for the big Echo Show 16.
If you’re thinking about buying one for yourself or as a holiday gift, here’s what’s new, what each device costs and whether it’s worth upgrading.
The short version: Alexa+ is a smarter, more conversational Alexa that’s included with Amazon Prime (or $19.99 a month without Prime). The new Echo Dot ($99.99) is the best value for most people because it also works as a smart home hub and Wi-Fi extender. Only upgrade if your current Echo feels slow or you want the new AI features.
What is Alexa+?
Alexa+ is Amazon’s upgraded voice assistant powered by generative AI, the same kind of technology behind ChatGPT. According to Amazon, it can:
- Hold more natural, back-and-forth conversations
- Ask clarifying questions instead of giving up
- Handle multi-step requests, like planning a dinner and adding ingredients to your cart
- Show conversations as “Cards” on screens, which you can pick up again on another Echo, in the Alexa app or on Alexa.com
Price: Alexa+ is included with an Amazon Prime membership. Without Prime, it costs $19.99 a month, according to tech coverage of the launch. Prime members in the US can switch by saying, “Alexa, upgrade to Alexa+.”
The five new Echo devices
Echo Dot: $99.99
The smallest Echo got a big upgrade. It has a faster chip with on-device AI processing, a fourth microphone and 50% more bass than the last generation, according to Amazon. It also has a built-in smart home hub for Matter, Thread and Zigbee devices and a built-in eero Wi-Fi extender that covers up to 1,000 square feet. A Kids version starts at $109.99.
Echo Time: $199.99
A round smart alarm clock with a 3.2-inch touchscreen. Its optional sleep sensing uses sensors in the room, not a wearable, and a smart alarm can wake you during lighter sleep within a window you choose. It has no camera. A Kids version starts at $209.99.
Echo Studio with Home Camera: $249.99
Amazon’s premium speaker, with Dolby Atmos sound, now comes in a version with a built-in camera. You can check on a room from the Alexa app, and Alexa+ can look at objects you hold up, like a board game box, to help with questions. The regular Echo Studio without a camera stays on sale at $219.99.
Echo Show 16: $499.99
The biggest Echo Show yet, with a 16-inch display, a 13 MP camera with auto-framing, night vision and built-in Fire TV. It’s available for pre-order now and ships later this year.
Alexa Photo Frame
A 10-inch digital photo frame that syncs with Amazon Photos. Alexa+ picks your best shots and skips screenshots and receipts. Early reports list it at $199.99 in black, but check Amazon for the final price and availability.
Which one should you buy?
- Best for most people: Echo Dot ($99.99). It’s affordable, sounds better and replaces a separate smart home hub.
- Best for bedrooms: Echo Time ($199.99), if you want a sunrise-style alarm and sleep tracking without a wearable.
- Best for music lovers: Echo Studio. Skip the camera version unless you want to check on your home remotely.
- Best for kitchens and families: Echo Show 16, if you want a big shared calendar and video calls, and the price fits your budget.
If you’re new to smart homes, our smart home guide for beginners explains the basics, and our list of smart home gifts under $50 has cheaper ideas.
Privacy: what to know
- Every new device has a button that turns off the microphones and the camera, if there is one.
- A light shows when the Echo Studio’s camera is streaming.
- Sleep sensing on the Echo Time is opt-in and can be turned off.
- Echo devices listen for the wake word, so review your voice history and privacy settings in the Alexa app.
For more tips, read our guide on how to secure your smart home devices.
Shop Echo devices on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, Latest In Trend earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change often, so check the current price on Amazon.
Should you upgrade?
If your current Echo works fine, there’s no rush. Many older Echo devices can already use Alexa+. Upgrade if you want better sound, a built-in smart home hub or features like the Echo Time’s sleep sensing. And since it’s almost Black Friday, it may pay to wait for a sale. Read our tips on how to spot real Black Friday tech deals.
Prices and features are based on Amazon’s October 28, 2026 announcement as reported by tech news sites. Prices and availability can change, so check Amazon before buying.
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