Echo Dot v Alexa - what actually are these and which do you prefer and why?

[flowerpot1000000]

So alot of people are buying these Im not entirely sure what else they do apart from asking them to play music. Looking at this for DS so he can play music etc. So what do they do and which do you prefer

Ahhhhh...so Im just about to buy AND there are so many generations!!!
this is 2nd generation...so what's the latest version and would this be too old??

Marking my place.
The dc's want a Dot each for Xmas.

The 2nd generation is absolutely fine.

If you already have speakers with an 'aux' port then you can plug any Alexa in and have the sound come out of those. No need to buy anything more than a dot in that case.

There are other plugs, bulbs etc other than Phillips. For instance we use Meross which doesn't need an extra hub. Also, unless you want to be able to change the colour bulb then smart light switches will do the job of switching on and off via Alexa. Slightly more difficult to fit, but no more difficult than wiring a plug. Smart plugs just plug in - easy least!

The dc's want a Dot each for Xmas.

Have you already got them? Last time I checked they appeared to be out of stock everywhere online. You might be able to find them in-store though.

3rd generation Dot literally just came out - and I've just had one arrive in the post. The speakers on this are about as good as the original can-sized one, I'm impressed.

They're a tenner or so more expensive than 2nd gen, I think. I got mine for £25 in the Black Friday sales two weeks back.

Flowerpot where are you finding stock? I want one for ds but can’t find them anywhere

Glad I've found this thread. DS would like an Echo, not the dot, but does anyone know the difference between the Echo and the new Echo plus? I can't tell what the extra £50 gets you?

Sorry for hijack op, I'm as lost as you are. It was so much easier when he wanted Playmobil!

Sugartwist have you tried Argos? I just looked and my 'local' (30 miles away!) Argos has stock.

We have one Echo and 2 echo dots (3 storey house) the sound quality on the echo is 100 x better. The dots are really one room only but the Echo itself can be heard throughout the house. I use it with my prime subscription (7.99 a month) which gives me Amazon music. We use it to play the radio, get the news headlines, set alarms (and occasionally to tell DP he is a loser when he least expects it). We also have 2 buzzers that the kids play games on Alexa with (you ask her to play a game with them and she offers options). Twins (aged 13) sometimes get facts from her to help their homework.

Currys have them in stock

You can use the dot as a Bluetooth speaker, i play Apple Music through it so you don't have to have a prime subscription.
You can also use smart plugs in addition to or instead of Hue bulbs. I have a mixture.

Derek The Echo Plus just has better speakers than the Echo, it's otherwise exactly the same functionality.

Hooray have bought the Echo grom Currys...the Dot seems to have sokd out everywhere and the Echo in Currys they had just 10 left. Go buy now folks as they are selling like hot cakes!!!!

My parents have asked for an Echo for Christmas so I got one in the Black Friday sale for £55 on Amazon. I personally don't fancy one but I know loads of people who love theirs.

Thanks Spoon and Flowerpot.