Echo Flex

amazon Echo Flex reviews

Amazon recently released several new Alexa devices, and one of the company’s most affordable new offerings is the Echo Flex. The Flex retails for $25, but Amazon has the device on sale for even less during Cyber Week and other shopping events. What is Echo Flex? What exactly can the Echo Flex do? What features does it boast? Is this $25 device the right replacement for a larger, more expensive Echo speaker?

Plug-it-in, that’s all.

The Echo Flex comes packaged in a super cute little box, and it contains the Echo Flex speaker and a quick start guide. There are no wires or cables needed, as you plug the Flex right into the outlet. After you download the Amazon Alexa app to your smartphone and plug the Flex into a wall outlet, follow the on-screen instructions in the app to add the Echo Flex speaker.

However, if the app doesn’t automatically prompt you to set up your Echo Flex, tap the device icon in the app, select the + sign to add a device, select add an Echo Flex, and follow the prompts. Overall, the setup takes less than five minutes.

The Echo Flex speaker is extremely small, measuring just 2.8 inches tall and 2.6 inches wide. Unlike most Echo speakers that have a cylindrical shape, the Echo Flex is boxy. It has a USB port on the bottom part where you can connect optional accessories (more on that later), and you can even connect a charging cable and charge your phone.

You can plug the Flex directly into your wall outlet, where it can go unnoticed. It’s not as big or noticeable as a regular smart plug.

An indicator light on the front of the Echo Flex lets you know Alexa is listening. There’s also an action button and a mute microphone button, so you can completely stop Alexa from listening if you want. On the side of the device, there is a 3.5mm audio output jack.

Complete Alexa function

Amazon has other miniature Alexa devices, like the Echo Input. But, Echo Input requires a separate speaker to work. The Echo Flex is a completely standalone, ultra-compact Alexa-enabled device. Alexa’s response comes directly from the Flex, as it has its built-in speaker for playback and a microphone for voice detection.

It can control your smart devices, broadcast news, perform Alexa skills, answer questions, and more. You can even use the Echo Flex to make hands-free calls, use custom skills you create through Blueprint, manage your schedule, or get a morning traffic report.

Poor sound and even worse voice recognition

You can play music on the Echo Flex, just like you can use a larger Echo speaker, but Amazon clearly states in the product description that the speaker isn’t optimized for music playback. So the sound quality on the Echo Flex is not good at all. You can listen to music, and you can hear Alexa’s response, but the sound isn’t loud and lacks depth. It can sound as good as the speakers on an average smartphone. However, you can connect to a more powerful speaker via Bluetooth or use the 3.5mm audio output jack.

where can you get a Echo Flex online

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It is not optimized for playing music.

While lousy sound can be ruined by connecting external speakers, nothing helps with Flex’s poor voice detection. The Flex’s microphones don’t do a great job listening for commands unless you’re close to the device. You usually have to stay within six to eight feet of the Flex to get it to always listen to your commands. That is probably the biggest flaw of the device.

The Echo Flex is useful in areas like kitchens or garages. You can control your smart lights and use Alexa without having to give commands at another Alexa speaker in another room in your home. If you’re cooking in the kitchen, you can ask Alexa questions about measurements and recipes or let her control your smart devices.

Cool optional accessories

You can purchase optional accessories that are uniquely designed for the Echo Flex. They plug directly into the USB port on the bottom. Two accessories – a and a – extend the device’s features, and each retails for $15.

Plug one of them into the bottom of the Echo Flex; it will automatically recognize the accessory. Virtually no setup is required. Since the Echo Flex has only one USB port, you can only use one accessory at a time, so you can’t use the light and motion sensor simultaneously (unless you have two separate Echo Flex speakers).

The motion sensor is a PIR (passive infrared) sensor. It can detect motion up to 20 feet away, and you can create a routine using the sensor. For instance, you can turn on a light or fan when you enter a room, or you can let Alexa play a custom message as you pass.

The night light also connects to the Echo Flex’s USB port and has 6 RGB LEDs that you can control with your voice or the Alexa app. You can ask the night light to change color, adjust the brightness level, or create a habit of using the light. It also has a sensor that automatically turns the night light on when it gets dark and then turns it off when it’s light.

I tested both accessories as part of the review, and I found myself using the night light more than the motion sensor. The night light isn’t too bright, but it’s just bright enough to illuminate in the dark. It’s interesting how changing the light color from pink to blue to green makes the Echo Flex look complete and improves the overall aesthetic.

Motion sensors, while somewhat useful, sometimes operate on a slight delay. I make it a habit to turn on the light when the sensor fires. However, it took almost 45 seconds for the action to fully unfold. The sensor also misreports motion at times because of certain environmental triggers. All in all, I’d say the light is a worthwhile addition.