Amazon Echo Auto Review
Are you tired of fumbling with your phone while driving? Do you crave hands-free control over your music, calls, and smart home devices on the road? Today, we’re reviewing the Amazon Echo Auto, a device designed to seamlessly integrate Alexa into your vehicle, providing a safer and more convenient driving experience.
Detailed Review
The Amazon Echo Auto is a slim, compact device that easily attaches to your car’s dashboard or air vent. Its primary function is to bring the power of Alexa to your vehicle, allowing you to perform various tasks hands-free using voice commands. Setting up the Echo Auto is straightforward, requiring a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone and a power source (preferably the included fast car charger). The device boasts a 5-mic array, which effectively picks up your voice even amidst road noise, music, or air conditioning. In our tests, voice recognition was generally excellent, although extremely loud environments occasionally presented a challenge.
One of the standout features is its ability to stream music from popular services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and even live radio stations. The “Follow Me Music” feature is particularly convenient, allowing you to resume media playback seamlessly after stopping the car. In addition to music, the Echo Auto enables hands-free calling and texting. You can make calls, reply to text messages, drop in on Alexa-enabled devices at home, and broadcast announcements, all without taking your hands off the wheel. The VIP Filter in the Alexa app lets you customize which messages and notifications you want to hear, minimizing distractions.
Beyond entertainment and communication, the Echo Auto integrates with your smart home ecosystem. While driving, you can ask Alexa to adjust your thermostat, turn off the lights, check the status of your front door lock, and more. This remote control functionality is incredibly useful for managing your home while you’re away. Amazon emphasizes user privacy with the Echo Auto, stating that they do not sell personal information. The device includes a physical microphone off button, providing an extra layer of security.
Overall, the Amazon Echo Auto delivers on its promise of bringing Alexa to your car. While perfect voice recognition isn’t always guaranteed, the device provides a significant improvement in hands-free control, enhancing safety and convenience on the road. The seamless integration with music streaming services, communication features, and smart home control makes it a valuable addition to any vehicle.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hands-free Alexa access in your car | Requires Bluetooth connection to smartphone |
| Excellent voice recognition with 5-mic array | Voice recognition can be affected by very loud environments |
| Seamless music streaming from various services | Some features rely on a stable internet connection |
| Hands-free calling and texting | Placement can be tricky depending on car interior |
| Smart home control from your car | |
| Privacy controls including a mic off button |
Excellent Alternatives
- Anker Roav Viva: A solid alternative offering similar Alexa integration features.
- Muse Auto Voice Assistant: Another good option with voice control and smart home integration.
- Car and Driver IntelliDash Pro: A device that combines Alexa with other helpful features.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Echo Auto is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their driving experience with hands-free Alexa capabilities. Its ease of use, comprehensive feature set, and focus on privacy make it a compelling choice for staying connected and entertained on the road. While not perfect, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks, especially for frequent drivers.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5
