How to Make a Smart Home with Alexa 👉 [Basics & Guide]

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Gained early experience with automation technology in the private and industrial sector, can turn his living room into a movie theater with one voice command and is the owner of this website. He is happy to share his accumulated experience with every new article.

Which Alexa Device Should I Start With?

There are many different Amazon Echo devices that you can use to start building your Smart Home.

All of them have mostly the same voice commands through Alexa, but they differ from each other when it comes to special skills like video skills on smart displays (like the Echo Show 5*).

If you’re looking for the best sound, there’s the Sonos One* in this list – the best sound quality of any smart speaker, and it’s also perfectly expandable.

Before we go into detail for each device, here is a summary of all the devices that work as a Smart Home Hub for Alexa:

Smart speakers:

Standard: Echo*
Premium: Echo Plus*
Basic: Echo Dot*
Especially good sound: Sonos One*

Smart displays:

Standard: Echo Show 5*
Premium: Echo Show 10*
Basic: Echo Spot*

Special:

Subwoofer Extension: Echo Sub*
“Stupid” speaker upgrade: Echo Input*

Amazon Echo

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The Amazon Echo* is the classic Alexa device from Amazon. Meanwhile, it is also available in many different colors so that it fits in every living room. Thanks to the many new outer shells, you can adapt it very well to the design of your living room or wherever you place it.

The Amazon Echo is a smart speaker whose main purpose is to operate your Smart Home devices and reach them through Alexa via voice command. Besides the Smart Home features Alexa is of course very practical in itself! You can ask Alexa for the weather report or have her play music on command and so on.

The Amazon Echo was designed to serve as a Smart Home base with Alexa – no more and no less. That means you get the Amazon Echo, a speaker with a mediocre sound. If music is not your main focus and you have a stereo system or something like that, the Amazon Echo is a very good introduction to a Smart Home System.

If you also want first-class sound, you should check out the Echo Plus* or the Echo Show* below. These devices deliver premium sound! They are only surpassed by the Sonos One* and it’s relatives!

But if you don’t want to invest too much yet and want to experience the Smart Home sector first, you can always add another speaker or an Echo Sub* for extra bass later on.

Technical data:

Size: 148,5 x 88 x 88 mm
Weight: 820 g
Audio: 2.5-inch woofer and 0.6-inch tweeter
Connection types: WLAN, Bluetooth and 3.5 mm audio
Alexa: Yes

Amazon Echo Plus

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The Echo Plus* is as high as the Echo but wider. His sides are covered with a fabric which gives him a very noble look. Its larger dimensions are due to the larger speakers inside it.

The Echo Plus gives you a significantly better sound than the normal Echo and comes with a built-in Zigbee hub that lets you control compatible Smart Home devices.

While the trend is for modern Smart Home devices to be compatible with virtually any system and sometimes even not need a hub at all, there are still special devices that need a Zigbee hub to connect to your Smart Home. If you already have such a device, the Echo Plus is, of course, an excellent choice to get this functionality and first-class sound.

If you already know that sound is important to you, it may also be important to mention that you can extend the Echo Plus with another Echo Plus and an Echo Sub* to a very powerful 2.1 sound system.

Technical data:

Size: 148 x 99 x 99 mm
Weight: 780 g
Audio: 3.0-inch woofer and 0.8-inch tweeter
Connection types: Zigbee Hub, WLAN, Bluetooth and 3.5 mm Audio
Alexa: Yes

Amazon Echo Dot

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The Echo Dot* deserves its name because it is only 30% as big as the Echo Plus. It therefore also has much weaker speakers.

The Alexa compatibility is however exactly the same and also with the connection possibilities the Echo Dot is in nothing inferior to the normal Echo!

So if you only want to use your Echo device to control your Smart Home via Alexa and sound quality is absolutely unimportant to you, the Echo Dot is probably just the right Alexa device for you.

Due to this specialization on Alexa, the Echo Dot is extremely popular and affordable.

Technical data:

Size: 43 x 99 x 99 mm
Weight: 300 g
Audio: 1.6-inch speakers
Connection types: WLAN, Bluetooth and 3.5 mm audio
Alexa: Yes

Amazon Echo Spot

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If the Echo Dot is the smallest smart speaker with Alexa from Amazon, the Echo Spot* is the pondon to it when it comes to smart displays from Amazon.

The Echo Spot is a compact, small, smart display with a round touch screen and corresponding video functions that the other Echo devices, which only have speakers, do not have.

For example, you can watch videos via the Echo Spot or make video phone calls thanks to the additional built-in front camera.

Another nice video feature is the monitoring of live feeds from compatible cameras such as pet cameras or security cameras.

Technical data:

Size: 32 x 84 x 163 mm
Weight: 163 g
Audio: 1.4 speakers
Display: 2.5 inch round touch screen
Connection types: WLAN, Bluetooth and 3.5 mm audio
Alexa: Yes

Amazon Echo Show

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The Amazon Echo Show* is a complete entertainment system. With its 10.1-inch touchscreen, built-in 2-inch stereo speakers under a built-in passive bass radiator, it delivers great performance in videos, music and movies.

The large display also gives you advantages when you want to use Alexa’s video features. I have my Echo Show in the kitchen and have Alexa display and read me recipes. So I can easily see the ingredients and the next steps on the display.

Another very popular use of the Echo Show is the mobile watching of movies and videos.

The front of the Echo Show consists of the display and the camera bar at the top. With the built-in camera, you can also make face-to-face video calls to someone. It also has a built-in Zigbee hub just like the Echo Plus.

Technical data:

Size: 246 x 174 x 107 mm
Weight: 1755 g
Audio: Dual 50mm neodymium stereo drivers and passive bass radiators
Display: 10.1 inch touch screen
Connection types: WLAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee Hub and 3.5 mm Audio
Alexa: Yes

Amazon Echo Show 5

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The Echo Show 5* is not the fifth Echo Show! He got his name from his 5.5 inch screen. Kind of confusing, but okay…

The Echo Show 5 closes the gap between the Echo Show and the Echo Spot. It is much more compact than the Echo Show, but offers the same video features. It also has a camera with a built-in shutter so you can protect yourself from (extremely unlikely) spy attacks.

The Echo Show 5 competes somewhat with the Echo Spot. Depending on what your application is, the respective devices are still perfectly suited for one or the other better. The Echo Spot is the perfect smart alarm clock, the Echo Show 5 is a small smart display with which you can watch videos in reasonable quality, make video calls or monitor live feeds from cameras.

I own all three devices and they are all in the right place for their application. I use the Echo Show 5 in my hallway to access my security camera in front of the door and to occasionally take it with me to other places to chill with videos or movies. And just like all the other echo devices here, Alexa lets you control your Smart Home.

Technical data:

Size: 148 x 86 x 73 mm
Weight: 410 g
Audio: 1.65″ speakers
Display: 5.5 inch touch screen
Connection types: WLAN, Bluetooth and 3.5 mm audio
Alexa: Yes

Amazon Echo Sub

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The Echo Sub* is not an Alexa device but rather an extension for another Echo device. It doesn’t have any microphones, so it can’t be addressed with Alexa and can’t control your Smart Home. It’s designed solely to expand your Echo system.

You can upgrade your Echo system and add rich bass to your sound.

Especially if you extend several Echo devices, for example two normal Echos or two Echo Plus with one Echo Sub, you get a very powerful 2.1 system. You get your own smart stereo system with powerful bass.

Technical data:

Size: 210 x 210 x 202 mm
Weight: 4200 g
Audio: 6-inch subwoofer, 100W amplifier
Connection types: WLAN
Alexa: No

Amazon Echo Input

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Similar to the Echo Sub, the Echo Input* takes a special position within the Echo ecosystem. It has been designed to upgrade existing speakers in your home to an Alexa device. That’s why it has the worst integrated loudspeaker of them all since it connects to an existing speaker.

It’s basically an Echo Dot with no speakers, so you can turn your home into a Smart Home for even less money.

If you already have a sophisticated and high-quality sound system and don’t want to exchange it for a new Alexa system with various Echo devices, the Echo Input is ideal. So you can inject all your existing speakers with Alexa without having to reach deep into your piggy bank.

Technical data:

Size: 80 x 80 x 13.8 mm
Weight: 78 g
Audio: Built-in small speaker for voice feedback
Connection types: WLAN, Bluetooth and 3.5 mm audio
Alexa: Yes

Sonos One

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If music is important to you, take a close look at the Sonos One*. In this article you will find all the information you need about this ingenious loudspeaker with Alexa and all its expansion options: 🔊 The Best Smart Home Speakers For Playing Music

The Sonos One is currently considered the best smart loudspeaker with Alexa for music. The first time I saw it in a friend’s living room, I was always looking for the huge stereo system that had to produce that sound.

When he explained to me that everything came from this little thing, I was very impressed.

You can also create a multiroom system with multiple Sonos devices and turn your living room into a home theater with perfect sound.

Technical data:

Size: 120 x 120 x 162 mm
Weight: 1760 g
Audio: tweeter, woofer and amplifier
Connection types: WLAN, Bluetooth and 3.5 mm audio
Alexa: Yes

Connecting Smart Home Devices to Alexa

Almost all modern Smart Home devices are compatible with Alexa. To connect them to Alexa, you must first install and set them up with easy instructions within the respective app.

Depending on the type of connection, the device then connects to Alexa. Normally you do this with the app from the manufacturer.

The process is basically the same for all Smart Home devices. Install the app, connect to the WLAN and then add the Alexa device.

There is now a really wide range of devices that can be operated and connected with Alexa.

As an example of setting up an Alexa control for a Smart Home device, the process is described here using a Lifx smart light bulb*:

Install the light bulb and turn on the light switch.
Download the Lifx App from the App Store of your mobile device.
Open the Lifx App and add the light bulb by pressing the + symbol.
Follow the instructions to connect them to your WLAN network.
Name the light bulb meaningful. Like “garage light” or “reading lamp in the living room”.
Open the Amazon Alexa App. Search for the Lifx Skill and activate it.
Select “Smart Home” in the skill menu and search for devices.
After you have found and added them, you can test them. Turn it on and off with the app.
Done! Now you can operate the light bulb with Alexa and switch it on and off by voice. Many models are also dimmable by voice commands or change their color.

Making ‘Stupid’ Devices Smart with Alexa

You certainly have a lot of electronic devices that you don’t want to exchange with smart new ones.

But there are also ways to make them smart and connect them to Alexa without having to dig deep into your wallet – the solution is smart plugs!

With a smart plug, you can give smart features to normal electronic devices that otherwise can only be turned on and off manually. These smart features include schedules, pre-programmed events and much more.

I’ve now made a lot of my old electronic devices smart with a smart plug because you can really save a lot of time and money with it and gain a lot of comfort in addition.

In this article you will find the best smart plugs on the market: 10 Best Smart Plugs For Google Home & Alexa [Buying Guide]

As an example we take an air conditioning system which we want to make smart with a TP-Link smart plug*. The advantages are obvious.

Air conditioning systems are among the most power-guzzling devices ever, whereby a lot of money can be saved by a smart control system. You can only run your air conditioner at certain times or control it from a distance with Alexa.

You can also use them on the road – if you come home from work on a hot summer’s day, you can turn them on before you even get in the car, so it’s nice to come home.

I even linked my air conditioner to the temperature. With my smart weather station I have created an event where the smart plug is switched on as soon as a certain temperature is exceeded and also switches itself off again when a comfortable temperature is reached.

Here are the individual steps to make a smart air conditioning system with a smart plug from TP-Link:

Plug the smart plug into the normal socket on the wall. Connect the air conditioning to it.
Download the Kasa App from the Apple or Android App Store.
Open the Kasa App and create an account.
In the app you go to “Smart Plugs” and look for the new smart plug.
It is always advisable to give smart plugs a meaningful name. Here I would simply call the plug “air conditioner”.
Open the Amazon Alexa App and search for the TP-Link Kasa Skill and activate it.
In the Amazon Alexa app you can then search for new devices via the Smart Home menu. Select the smart plug.
Now you can try the plug and use the first voice commands: “Alexa, turn on the air conditioning!”

Using Smart Home Devices in 3 Ways with Alexa

There are 3 different ways you can use Alexa to control your Smart Home devices:

Voice commands: The best known and probably most useful form of communication with Alexa is by voice. You can address Alexa to turn certain devices on or off and even take advantage of individual features. You can see a few examples of these Alexa commands in the next section.
Alexa device with display: For Alexa devices with a touch screen, you can drag down the status bar at the top of the screen. There you can click on the corresponding icons of device types to find and operate your connected devices.
Alexa App: Even if you don’t like to talk to Alexa, you can use her and her app to control your Smart Home. Inside the app, you’ll find and access all your connected devices. After you have clicked on them, you will see all the functions that are available for them.

Examples for Alexa Voice Commands

There are really many Smart Home devices that can be addressed with special commands. Here are a few examples:

Smart light bulbs:

“Alexa, turn on the device name.”
“Alexa, turn off {device name}.”
“Alexa, dim {device name}.”
“Alexa, set the brightness of {device name} to 10%.”
“Alexa, put the {device name} on red.”

Smart cameras:

“Alexa, show {device name}.”

Music Commands:

“Alexa, play {Songname}.”
“Alexa, play music by {artist’s name}.”
“Alexa, play the last album of {artist’s name}.”
“Alexa, play {genre} music.”
“Alexa, play {sports, meditation… } Music.
“Alexa, add this song to my playlist.”

The Best with Alexa Compatible Devices

Philips Hue Smart Light

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Philips Hue* is the best smart lighting system you can control through Amazon Alexa. There’s an incredible range of smart light bulbs, light strips, spotlights and outdoor lights.

All these smart lamps can be controlled, dimmed and programmed via Alexa. So you can give all your rooms different atmospheres depending on the mood. For example, I have a special command for my home cinema where Philips Hue transforms my living room into a comfortable home cinema.

August Smart Lock

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There are also smart locks that you can use with Alexa. The August Smart Lock* even gives you the opportunity to ask Alexa if the door is locked.

So you don’t have to run to your door in the evening to check it out and can check the status of from anywhere. Especially if you live in a house with children who sometimes don’t pay as much attention to safety, you can check from work whether the door is closed or not.

Nest Thermostat

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With the smart thermostat from Nest*, you can get and adjust the temperature in your home via Alexa. Of course, you can also program smart events so that something specific happens when a temperature threshold is exceeded.

The ingenious thing about the Nest thermostat is that it is self-learning and thus perfectly optimizes heating and cooling to not only increase your comfort but also minimize your electricity and heating bills.

Control your Home Cinema

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Logitech’s Harmony Hub* gives Alexa access to your entertainment system with TV and peripherals. If you have also connected your light to Alexa as just described, you can start a movie completely via voice commands and create the right atmosphere.

I’ve set my home theater to turn on all my devices, dim the lights, and start Netflix with one command. Before, I needed countless remote controls and had to walk across the room three times to adjust each light correctly.

Summary

As you hopefully learned from this article, it is not difficult to build a Smart Home with Alexa. There is now a suitable Echo device for every budget and every requirement with which you can operate your Smart Home devices via Alexa.

From the small Echo Dot* to the second generation Echo Show*, everything from the basic Alexa function to the complete entertainment system is included.

Meanwhile, there are also very good third-party devices such as the Sonos One* loudspeaker, which, in terms of sound performance, even outshines the Echo devices.

With the Alexa Skills, you can connect and operate almost every modern Smart Home device directly with Alexa. You can also customize the commands to your liking.

Turning your home into a Smart Home is a lot of fun. And I wish you at least as much fun as I had on your trip to a networked home!

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.