Device Review

The best Alexa devices

Amazon Echo Dot

Best overall (and best smart speaker)

The Echo Dot is currently in its third iteration -- and it just keeps getting better. Not only does this 2018 third-gen model have an improved design, it also sounds better.

While there are a lot of Alexa devices to choose from, the Echo Dot continues to lead with its impressive performance, small footprint and even better price. At just $50 for an Echo Dot, this pint-sized smart speaker is an excellent entry point into the world of Alexa voice control.

Ring Door View Cam

Best video doorbell (and best security camera)

Ring's $199 Door View Cam is a unique product for the Amazon-owned company. Rather than mounting to a doorframe or somewhere else to the side of your door, the Door View Cam replaces a traditional peephole.

That means this product is perfect for folks living in apartments who want a smart doorbell, but don't want to deal with a hardwired device -- or otherwise messing up a doorframe for the installation. None of Ring's main competitors offer this sort of seamless solution for apartment-dwellers, making this doorbell particularly innovative alongside the other devices available today.

Not only that, but the Door View Cam has the easiest installation of any doorbell I've tested to date. It also has advanced Alexa integrations. Yes, you can pull up the live feed on an Amazon smart display, but you can also chat with whoever's at your door on the smart display with the command "Alexa, answer the front door."

That two-way talk feature via an Alexa smart display is unique to Ring devices.

Other notable Ring doorbells: The battery-powered or hardwired $199 Ring Video Doorbell 2 and the hardwired $249 Ring Video Doorbell Pro.

Read the Ring Door View Cam review

Ecobee SmartThermostat

Best thermostat

The Ecobee SmartThermostat is a $249 connected thermostat. This model replaces the Ecobee4 smart thermostat, but has a lot of the same great features.

Control your SmartThermostat via the Ecobee app and use Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri voice commands to adjust the temp of your smart thermostat. It's Alexa's voice control that really stand out here, though, since the thermostat itself has a built-in Alexa smart speaker.

That means you don't need a separate Echo device -- just connect your thermostat, enable the speaker and start asking Alexa questions.

Read the Ecobee SmartThermostat review

Amazon Echo Show 5

Best smart display

The Amazon Echo Show 5 is Amazon's latest smart display. Unlike the Echo Show, the Show 5 has a smaller 5-inch screen and costs just $90.

The Echo Show 5 has a built-in Alexa speaker. That means you can use this smart display to do your bidding via Alexa voice commands. And, since it's a smart display, it also offers advanced compatibility with Alexa-enabled security cameras.

Ask Alexa to "answer the front door" when someone rings your Ring Door View Cam and you can see the live feed on your Show 5 -- and actually talk to the person, straight from the smart display.

Read the Amazon Echo Show 5 review

August Smart Lock Pro

Best lock

August's Smart Lock Pro, bundled with the Connect Wi-Fi module, is a great smart lock. The Smart Lock Pro retrofits to most standard deadbolts, so you don't have to deal with a complicated installation. The Connect module makes it possible to access and control your smart lock remotely, outside of Bluetooth range.

This product comes with an open/close sensor, too -- called DoorSense -- that attaches to the door where your Smart Lock Pro is installed. That way, the app can not only tell you whether the door is locked or unlocked, but also if the door is open or closed.

The Smart Lock Pro works with Alexa, so you can lock and unlock your door from an Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

Best DIY security system

SimpliSafe is a solid DIY home security system with a ton of accessories, so you can scale the system up as needed. The starter kit costs $230 for the hub, keypad, keychain fob, one motion sensor and one door/window sensor.

SimpliSafe also works with Alexa, so you can arm the system and check its status with simple voice commands.

SimpliSafe doesn't require a contract, but monthly fees start at $15 to access the app and go up to $25 if you want professional monitoring.

Philips Hue White LED

Best lighting

The latest version of the Philips Hue White LED works with ZigBee and Bluetooth. The addition of Bluetooth is significant for Philips Hue, because it means you don't need a Philips hub to get these smart bulbs to work.

Instead, the smart bulbs connect directly to your phone -- and they work with Alexa voice commands. Ask Alexa to turn on the living room lights, or dim the dining room lights to 70%.

Philips Hue White LEDs cost just $15 each, meaning you don't have to dish out a ton of cash for these straightforward Alexa-enabled bulbs.

SEE AT BEST BUY

Read the Philips Hue White LED article

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

Best smart plug

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a big name for a tiny smart plug that costs just $30. A smart plug like this one connects via your Wi-Fi connection directly to a wall outlet and convert your nonsmart lamps, fans and other gadgets into smart devices.

Use the TP-Link app to connect and control devices -- or enlist Alexa. Say, "Alexa, turn on the reading lamp" to get the Plug Mini smart plug to control the devices connected to it with ease.

Read the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini review

Video: The Amazon Echo Show 5 helps Alexa fit nicely on your nightstand

The Alexa landscape

Amazon's voice assistant makes it easier to control the devices in your home, set timers and find out how long your commute to the office will take. But privacy has become an increasing concern as smart speakers and displays grow in popularity.

Reports that Amazon keeps transcripts of your voice conversations, even after you've deleted the Alexa audio recordings, led to concerns over user privacy. Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, wrote a letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos seeking answers about Amazon's Alexa user data and how it's stored. Amazon has since introduced the "Alexa, delete everything I said today" feature. The tech giant says it's also working on new ways for customers to delete their transcripts.

• Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri will get smarter this year. Here's how

• Amazon launches new Alexa device for kids but privacy issues will still scare some parents

Amazon's latest smart display, the Echo Show 5 comes with a built-in privacy screen, unlike previous Echo Show

CNET Article