Thanks to the recognition of Amazon’s Echo good speaker and Alexa digital assistant, a cottage trade of add-ons and equipment has sprung as much as make the Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Tap even higher. Make your Echo/Alexa gadget moveable. Improve the Echo’s sound high quality. Hang your Echo gadget on the wall and even mount it inside your ceiling. A cornucopia of after-market devices can accomplish these methods and extra.
We’ve put our arms on 16 of one of the best Echo equipment available on the market in order that we cannot solely inform you of their existence however let you know how they carry out and allow you to know of any potential drawbacks.
Updated March 25, 2019 so as to add our evaluate of the Ninety7 Sky Tote Battery Base, an adjunct that allows an Amazon Echo (2nd Generation) function off battery energy for as much as eight hours at a time, so you’ll be able to take the good speaker with you wherever.
All-device equipment
Echogear Outlet shelf
If you might have an outlet that’s in the midst of your wall and unobstructed by design components reminiscent of a countertop backsplash, Echogear’s Outlet Shelf ($15 on Amazon) can accommodate not simply any Echo gadget but additionally bigger gadgets reminiscent of a Sonos One speaker (there’s a weight restrict of 10 kilos).
This plastic shelf replaces your outlet cowl (extra-long screws and steel plates for each kinds of retailers are offered to safe it to the receptacle). The shelf is above the outlet, and the facility cable passes by a gap within the again. The “legs” of the shelf are extensive sufficient to accommodate even massive wall warts, however it may be difficult to cover the surplus cable for smaller gadgets like an Echo Dot (you may wish to exchange the usual cable with a stub cable in such conditions).
Amazon Echo (2nd technology) equipment
Ninety7 Sky Tote Portable Battery Base
Dock your second-generation Amazon Echo into this battery and you’ll take Amazon’s newest good speaker with you wherever. While it is debatable whether or not it is a higher answer for listening to music in comparison with a devoted Bluetooth speaker, it is without doubt one of the greatest methods to take the facility of Alexa on the street with you.
Michael Brown / IDGAmazon Echo Dot (2nd technology) equipment
The Spot, for the Echo Dot
The Echo Dot is brief, however its footprint is simply as massive because the full-size Echo. If the counter or tabletop area in your house is already overcrowded, Mount Genie’s The Spot ($14 every or $26 for a two-pack on Amazon) permits you to cling the Dot from an electrical outlet, successfully decreasing its footprint to zero.
Michael BrownThe Spot is a plastic cradle that holds an Echo Dot. It comes with a USB cable stub that plugs into the facility adapter that got here with the Echo Dot. The adapter matches inside a collar that the cradle hangs from. Flanges on the again of the mount prolong to the wall, in order that urgent the buttons on the Dot received’t pull the AC adapter out of the plug. The Spot can be utilized with vertical or horizontal retailers, however it would forestall you from plugging a three-pronged plug into the adjoining outlet in a duplex.
Most retailers are put in about 12 inches above the ground, which isn’t a super location for both a speaker or a microphone. That goes double if the outlet you wish to use is blocked by furnishings. The Spot works nice with retailers which are positioned above counter tops (kitchens, bogs, moist bars, and so forth.) or in workspaces such because the storage. The Spot is accessible in black, white, grey, and aqua.
This Dottie, for the Echo Dot
Nothing Like This provides the same cradle for the twond-gen Echo Dot referred to as This Dottie ($20 on Amazon). Unlike The Spot, it has an AC adapter constructed proper into the gadget. A USB cable stub can be included. This Dottie received’t block the decrease outlet in a duplex in the event you plug it into the higher outlet, as proven on the set up pamphlet, however the buttons on the docked Dot might be the other way up. Also, the load of the Dot may pull the AC adapter out of the outlet over time.
Michael BrownI’d advocate plugging This Dottie into the decrease outlet as an alternative. You received’t be capable of use a three-pronged plug within the higher outlet, however the Dot’s buttons might be oriented appropriately. This placement, nevertheless, might be an issue if there’s a thick backsplash beneath the outlet. The one in my kitchen, as an illustration, is about 1/2-inch thick. The Dot didn’t look all that engaging protruding at an angle, however the Dot was ready to attract energy with no drawback. This Dottie is accessible in black or white and prices $9 and alter greater than the same The Spot, however do not forget that it comes with an AC adapter.
Flush Mount for Round Puck Speakers
I didn’t have time to put in this Flush Mount ($20 on Amazon), however I intend to—in all probability in multiples. It’s a superb concept that can make an Echo Dot just about disappear into your structure. An Echo Dot matches contained in the mount, which has a flange that leaves the Dot sitting flush along with your wall or ceiling. The fringe of the angled USB plug and stub cable that Mount Genie offers holds the Dot in place. Mount Genie additionally offers a strip of two-sided tape to additional safe the Dot, which I like to recommend utilizing.
Michael BrownYou’ll additionally get an angled 3.5mm female-to-male adapter for connecting exterior audio system, and a 10-foot braided USB cable. Mount Genie suggests utilizing power-over-ethernet (PoE) to produce electrical energy to the Echo Dot. No energy provide is included, and also you’ll must buy both an influence injector or a PoE change plus a PoE splitter that you just’ll set up on the Dot finish of the ethernet cable (Mount Genie recommends a WiFi Texas mannequin, which Amazon sells for about $21) in the event you resolve to go that route.
A paper template for slicing a gap in your wall or ceiling is included, which you need to use with a gap noticed or a keyhole noticed (a drill mounted gap noticed can be simpler and extra exact). You don’t want to put in a junction field within the gap, the mount will wedge itself into the drywall.
Sanus Speaker Mount
Sanus makes a speciality of TV speaker stands and mounts, however in addition they have a few cool and cheap equipment for the Amazon Echo. The Sanus Speaker Mount ($15 on Amazon)—out there in black or white—is a plastic mount with a silicone rim that securely cradles an Echo Dot. It’s designed to be screwed into the wall; alternatively, Sanus additionally offers two 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips that can do the job with out damaging the wall.
Michael BrownThe Dot’s buttons might be the other way up in the event you prepare it within the cradle so the Dot’s energy enter and aux output are on the backside. The different is to place the Dot in order that the cable energy comes out the highest and wraps across the Speaker Mount. You may additionally mount it to the aspect of the outlet. However you handle it, it is a barely less-attractive answer than the outlet-mounts we’ve seen and also you’ll wish to wrap up the surplus cable and safe it with a cable tie. Other than that, it’s each bit as efficient at getting your Echo Dot off your counter or desktop.
Wasserstein Battery for Echo Dot
This little gadget is a combo dock and battery for a 2nd-generation Echo Dot ($30 on Amazon). I prefer it higher than the Fremo Evo (see beneath) for a few causes: First, it doesn’t require you to completely alter the Echo by gluing a steel plate to its backside. Second, there’s a push button on its entrance that may flip the battery on and off. If you already know you received’t want the Echo for an prolonged time, you’ll be able to shut it down and save the battery for the instances you do want it. Four LEDs point out battery stage.
Michael BrownThe 7000mAh battery is rated to final 10 to 12 hours, relying on how a lot you employ it. The dock itself, which is roofed in your alternative of 4 woven-nylon materials (brown, purple, darkish blue, or mild blue), will defend the Dot. Unfortunately, it additionally blocks the Dot’s 3.5mm analog auxiliary audio output. As with the Evo, you’ll want to make use of the Dot’s AC adapter and cable to cost the battery.
Fremo Evo
The Fremo Evo ($35 on Amazon)—out there in black or white—is one among a number of battery choices that render an Echo Dot cellular. Not solely do you not want to fret in regards to the distance from an AC outlet, you’ll be able to take your Echo Dot with you and join it to any Wi-Fi hotspot. Fremo’s battery is barely bigger in diameter than the Echo Dot itself, and it comes with a steel disc with adhesive on each side to be able to mount the battery to the Dot completely.
Michael BrownIt makes use of an L-shaped connector with a Micro-USB port for the Dot on one aspect and pin-type connector on the opposite for the battery. Fremo guarantees six hours of battery life from its 5200mAh battery, however it will clearly range relying on how a lot you employ the Dot. You’ll want to make use of the Dot’s unique AC adapter to recharge the battery, because the Evo doesn’t include one among its personal. Four small LEDs on the entrance of the Evo point out remaining battery life.
Ninety7 Vaux speaker dock for the Echo Dot
We’ve checked out a number of battery docks for the twond-generation Echo Dot. Ninety7 ups the ante with the Vaux ($50 on Amazon), which provides a small speaker to the combo. The battery is a 5000mAh mannequin that the corporate says can energy the Dot for as much as six hours, relying on how typically you summon Alexa and take heed to music.
Michael BrownAn on/off button permits you to protect the battery for these instances you really want it. You’ll want to make use of the Dot’s AC adapter and USB cable to cost the battery, for the reason that Vaux doesn’t include its personal. You can learn our in-depth review of the Vaux for extra particulars.
iHome iAVS1 Bedside Stereo Speaker System for the Echo Dot
One of the Echo Dot’s shortcomings—in addition to its atrocious speaker—is its lack of a show. It will let you know the time, however provided that you ask Alexa first. Plop a Dot within the heart of the iHome iAVS1 ($50 on Amazon), and it’ll not solely show the time for you, it would additionally improve the Dot’s audio system (simply plug the 3.5mm aux cable into the Dot). The onboard audio system are a step up, however that’s not saying a lot. Frequency response is restricted to the midrange—there’s just about no bass—and also you’ll must hear intently to get any sense of stereo imaging.
Michael BrownThe iAVS1 additionally comes with a preinstalled set of AAA batteries, however these will solely hold the clock going within the occasion of a blackout—your Dot-based alarm received’t go off. The digital clock show might be dimmed over eight phases, however it could be good if there was an ambient mild sensor that did this robotically, so it was brightest through the day and dimmer however legible at evening once you’re sleeping. Lastly, there’s a USB charging port in again to your smartphone or digital media participant, nevertheless it places out simply 1 amp of energy. It’s out there in black now and white quickly.
Wasserstein Protective Fabric Case for the Echo Dot
This engaging case ($6 on Amazon) will add just a little aptitude to your Echo Dot and supply a little bit of safety within the discount. It’s lined in the identical woven nylon as Wasserstein’s Battery and out there in blue, brown, grey, purple, and white.
Michael BrownThis and the Silicone Skin (see beneath) can be found solely by Amazon’s Add-on program: Their value tags are decrease than the price to ship them, you should purchase them solely by including them to an order of greater than $25.
Wasserstein Silicone Skin for Amazon Echo Dot
These skins ($5 every on Amazon) allow you to change the colour of your Echo Dot whereas defending it from knocks and bumps. For the $1 distinction in value, I believe Wassterstein’s material circumstances are the higher deal—silicone is a little bit of a mud and lint magnet—however you might need a special opinion.
Michael BrownThe silicone sleeves can be found in black, blue, mild blue, tan, and white. Like the material protector, they’re an add-on merchandise (see description above).
Amazon Echo (first technology) equipment
Sanus Bumper Guards
If you personal the unique Amazon Echo, you understand how simply the too-tall gadget might be knocked over. Slipping these thick bumper guards ($20 on Amazon) excessive and backside of the Echo received’t make it any much less accident inclined, however they’ll no less than cushion its inevitable falls.
Michael BrownA notch within the backside ring will accommodate the Echo’s energy twine. Available in black or white, they may also be stretched to suit over the second-generation Echo, though that mannequin is much less in want of safety.
Wasserstein Acrylic Speaker Stand for Amazon Echo
Here’s one other answer for stabilizing the unique Echo: The good speaker is just about unimaginable to knock over when you drop it into this acrylic stand ($18 on Amazon). A big silicone pad isolates the speaker from the stand, and silicone ft on the bottoms of its 4 aluminum pegs will additional forestall vibration switch from the speaker to no matter floor you place it on. A cut-out permits the facility twine to cross by.
Michael BrownThe translucent blue stand isn’t notably engaging, nevertheless it will get the job carried out. And it
may also accommodate a 2nd-generation Echo—in the event you really need it to.
Wasserstein Wall Mount for Amazon Echo
Screw this steel mount ($15 on Amazon) into the wall and you’ll slide a first-generation Amazon Echo inside as if it had been a wall sconce. It holds the Echo out and away from the wall at a slight angle, which makes its buttons and volume-control ring simpler to make use of.
Michael BrownUnlike the acrylic speaker stand above, nevertheless, there’s no padding to isolate the speaker from stand or the stand from the wall. The opening will not be massive sufficient to accommodate a second-generation Echo.
Wasserstein Echo Charging Station
Ever want you would take your first-generation Amazon Echo with you? Wasserstein’s Echo Charging Station ($30 on Amazon) could make that dream a actuality. You plug a detachable adapter into the Echo’s energy port that has spring-loaded pins that contact the battery base. Strong magnets maintain the bottom to the underside of the Echo, so you’ll be able to carry it round. My recommendation: Put a pair of Sanus Bumper Guards on it first.
AmazonLike Wasserstein’s Battery for the Echo Dot, an influence button on the entrance of the bottom turns the 9,000 mAh battery on and off, and 4 LEDs report the battery stage. The battery might be charged with any 5-volt, 2-amp AC adapter and a Micro-USB cable, or you need to use the offered 15-volt, 1.4-amp AC adapter as an alternative. You may also cost your smartphone or digital audio participant’s battery by plugging a USB cable into the 5-volt, 2-amp USB output on the bottom. And in the event you’re ever plunged into darkness from a blackout, there’s even a weak LED flashlight within the base. Available in white solely.
Amazon Tap Accessories
Silicone sling
It feels like a tropical cocktail, however the Amazon Tap Sling ($20 on Amazon) for the Amazon Tap smart speaker—the one Alexa-powered gadget that we haven’t taken a liking to—is kind of useful. It will defend its host from bumps and bruises, and a big loop may even allow you to cling it from a carabiner, hook, or perhaps a nail (you’ll want to offer your individual).
Michael BrownIt’s a bit expensive for what it’s, and also you’ll must take away it earlier than putting the Tap on its charging cradle, nevertheless it’s out there in 5 colours: blue, inexperienced, magenta, tangerine, and white.
Correction: This story was up to date on November 17 to make clear the value for The Spot, for the Echo Dot.