Amazon · Device
Amazon Echo
Amazon Echo is Amazon's family of smart speakers and smart displays, including Echo Dot, Echo Studio and Echo Show, built around the Alexa voice assistant and, since 2025, Alexa+.
- Made by
- Amazon
- Type
- Device
- Launched
- November 2014
Facts checked
What is Amazon Echo?
Amazon introduced the first Echo speaker in November 2014. The range now spans compact speakers (Echo Dot), premium speakers (Echo Studio) and smart displays (Echo Show) that add a touchscreen for video calls, recipes and camera feeds.
Echo devices run Alexa+, which is free with Amazon Prime and $19.99 a month in the US without it. Many models also act as smart-home hubs for Matter, Zigbee or Thread devices.
Amazon Echo key facts
| Maker | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Type | Smart speakers and smart displays |
| First released | November 2014 |
| Assistant | Alexa+ (free with Prime; $19.99/month in the US without Prime) |
| Product lines | Echo Dot, Echo, Echo Studio, Echo Show |
| Smart home | Matter, Zigbee or Thread support on selected models |
Guides that cover Amazon Echo
Amazon Echo FAQ
Do Echo devices support Alexa+?
Yes. Alexa+ runs on Echo devices as well as Fire TV, the Alexa app and Alexa.com. It is free with Amazon Prime and costs $19.99 a month in the US without Prime.
What is the difference between Echo Dot and Echo Show?
Echo Dot is a compact voice-only speaker. Echo Show adds a touchscreen, so Alexa+ can show answers, video calls, recipes, calendars and camera feeds.
When did the first Amazon Echo come out?
Amazon introduced the first Echo smart speaker in November 2014.
Sources
Every fact on this page is checked against a vendor announcement, documentation or a named news report.
- Introducing Alexa+: skills, cost, and availability — Amazonhttps://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-alexa-generative-artificial-intelligence
- Alexa+ expands internationally — Amazonhttps://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/alexa-plus-international-launch