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The American online retailer Amazon now has several different smart speakers with integrated voice control on the market. It is difficult to keep track of which device has which features and for which use it is best suited. Therefore, we will compare the two speakers Echo Flex* and Echo Dot* in this article and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of both devices.
Here is a table of their main technical characteristics:
| Echo Flex | Echo Dot (4th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 72 x 67 x 73 mm | 100 x 100 x 89 mm |
| Weight | 154 g | 328 g |
| WLAN connection | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) |
| Bluetooth connection | Yes | Yes |
| USB connection | USB-A port | No |
| Audio | Standard speaker for voice feedback. 3.5 mm stereo output for external speakers. | 41 mm speaker; 3.5 mm stereo audio output for external speakers |
Table of Contents
Echo Flex
The Echo Flex* is pretty much the smallest smart speaker from Amazon and can be plugged directly into a wall socket. But what does this small device have to offer?
Technical Data
The Amazon Echo Flex weighs just 154 g and measures about 72 x 67 x 73 mm. With its power adapter, it can be plugged directly into any power outlet in the house. It also has a 3.5 mm audio output and a 15 mm mini speaker.
The Echo Flex is compatible with WLAN and Bluetooth.
The dual-band WLAN supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac networks with 2.4 and 5 GHz, but not ad-hoc or peer-to-peer WLAN networks. For audio streaming from your mobile device, the Echo Flex supports the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP).
The Echo Flex is ready to connect via Wi-Fi upon delivery. The pre-programmed Alexa app can be used with iOs, Android and Fire OS devices and is also accessible via your web browser.
In addition, there is also a USB-A port on the Amazon Echo Flex so that you can connect your smartphone to the device or even charge it. However, the required accessories are not included in the scope of delivery.
Amazon offers a one-year limited warranty for the Echo Flex. The device is delivered with a quick start guide.
Features
The Echo Flex was primarily created to make your everyday life easier. Thanks to the Alexa voice control app, you can use the Amazon Echo Flex to control all smart devices and applications in your home and let Alexa help you.
With the Amazon Flex, you can, for example, have the weather announced to you, play music, control calls, or control linked household appliances such as lamps or heaters just with the help of your voice.
Amazon Echo Flex also has a small light and a motion sensor, so you can also use it as a night light.
In addition, the Echo Flex can serve as a link to other speakers and Echo devices in your home. For example, you could install the Echo Flex in the bathroom and then give the voice command from there to turn off the lights in the living room or play a certain song on all connected speakers in your home.
Design
The Echo Flex is a small white box that looks somewhat like a WLAN router or a larger power supply. There is an LED light in the upper part of the front of the device. This lights up blue when Alexa listens to your voice commands.
When it is turned off, the lamp lights up red. Further down are the action and microphone buttons. The two mini-speakers are located in the lower area on the front of the Echo Flex. The USB-A port and the audio output are not visible from the front because they are located on the bottom and left side of the device, respectively. In general, the Amazon Echo Flex is very small and inconspicuous.
Data Protection and Privacy
The Alexa in the Amazon Echo Flex only listens when you say the activation word “Alexa”. You also have the option to turn off the microphone. You can delete your saved voice recordings at any time and edit the settings for saving your data in the Alexa app.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Perfect device to have an interface for your smart home in every room of your home
- Play music possible thanks to the mini speakers
- Unobtrusive design
- You don’t need any cables, because the Flex plugs directly into the wall socket
- Can charge smartphones and other small devices with USB port
Cons:
- Not a particularly good sound quality
- No appealing design
Echo Dot
The Echo Dot* is one of the most popular smart speakers with voice control from online retailer Amazon and is now in its 4th generation.
Technical Data
The third-generation Amazon Echo Dot* measures about 43 x 99 x 99 mm and weighs about 300g. The 4th generation Echo Dot* is a bit bulkier at 100 x 100 x 89 mm and also marginally heavier at 328g.
Both current generations support WLAN networks of the 802.11 a/b/g/n standards at 2.4 and 5 GHz, but not peer-to-peer or ad-hoc WLAN networks. The Echo Dot also has a Bluetooth interface. It supports the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile A2DP for streaming your audio files from smartphones or other mobile devices.
You can use the Amazon Echo Dot with iOs, Android and Fire OS devices, since these operating systems are compatible with the Alexa app. But you can also access the app via your regular web browser.
The Amazon Echo Dot has a power connector as well as a 3.5 mm audio output and an integrated 41 mm speaker. In the 4th generation of the Echo Dot, this is radiating to the front. In addition, the 4th generation of the Echo Dot is equipped with an LED display for showing the time.
The Echo Dot comes with a quick start guide and a 15W power adapter. Amazon also offers a one-year limited warranty on the Echo Dot.
Features
The Amazon Echo Dot serves as a speaker and for controlling your smart home. With its elegant and simple design and a clear sound including balanced bass, it is particularly suitable for smaller rooms. You can use it in the kitchen or in the office, for example, to give commands to your other linked devices at home or to communicate with Alexa. Thanks to the voice control, Alexa not only helps you play various music tracks, but also control calls, text messages, and can even read out news and sports results.
You can also use the Echo Dot to control other smart devices like sockets or lamps with a simple voice command. In addition, other speakers can be connected to the Echo Dot, so you can build a very good smart sound system in your home.
Design
The design of the Amazon Echo Dot differs depending on the generation. While the speakers up to the 3rd generation still rather resemble a disc, the 4th generation device is rather round and a bit higher.
The fourth generation is also available in the two colors black and white, the devices up to the third generation additionally also in gray… The action button and buttons for adjusting the volume are located on the top of the 4th generation speakers. The button for turning the microphone on and off is located further back.
The audio output and the power connector are on the back. At the bottom, the Echo Dot is surrounded by a light ring that indicates by its color (red or blue) whether Alexa is currently recording a voice command or whether the microphone is turned off.
In the 3rd generation, all the buttons are on the top of the device. The ports are also on the back of the speaker.
Data Protection and Privacy
The Echo Dot is subject to the same privacy conditions as the Echo Flex, since both belong to Amazon. You can also turn the microphone on and off on this device, Alexa only responds to her activation command, and you can manage your recorded data in the app.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
- Elegant design
- Available in up to 3 colors
- Good sound with deep bass, especially for its compact size
Cons:
- No USB port
- Requires a power cable
Echo Flex vs. Echo Dot – Which is Better?
Since both the Echo Dot* and the Echo Flex* are Amazon devices, they are of course very similar in their basic functions. The system and connections are the same for both speakers. Both have the voice assistant Alexa and can control your devices in the smart home and make your everyday life easier with numerous functions.
The Echo Flex plugs directly into the wall socket, while you need an extra power cable for the Echo Dot. The Amazon Echo Dot scores with a very good sound for its small size and an elegant design. Warranty, data protection measures and operation are the same for the Echo Flex and Echo Dot.
More Info
Besides the Echo Flex and the Echo Dot, which are both somewhat entry-level models, Amazon offers numerous other smart speakers with the voice assistant Alexa.
They are all very similar in their basic functions, but can differ greatly in their sound quality and size. All of Amazon’s speaker types can be linked together and controlled with the Alexa app so that a comprehensive sound system and smart home can be created throughout the home.
Related Questions
Where are the Echo Flex and Echo Dot speakers available?
Both devices are available online directly from the manufacturer Amazon, but can also be purchased in local electronics stores or online shops.
How does the price difference between the Echo Flex and the Dot come about?
The price difference can primarily be attributed to the different quality of the speakers.
Are the speakers useful even without smart home devices?
Yes, because they offer numerous functions with the Alexa app, such as music playback, reading out messages, creating shopping lists, and more, and could also be used simply as a speaker.
Conclusion: Echo Flex or Dot?
Which device of the two is the better choice depends very much on what you want to use it for. If you are looking for a good speaker to listen to music and use Alexa, the Echo Dot* is the right device for you, as it offers good sound for a fair price.
However, if you only want to use the voice assistant Alexa, do not attach much importance to a good sound, or just want to equip another room of your home with a smart speaker, the cheaper Echo Flex* is probably perfectly sufficient.
Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
Disclosure: This website is the property of Martin Lütkemeyer and is operated by Martin Lütkemeyer. Martin Lütkemeyer is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to enable Web sites to earn advertising revenue through advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links marked with * are affiliate links.