Amazon Echo Flex (2019)

Compact size ; Inconspicuous ; Has audio output jack ; An independent Alexa speaker ; Very affordable

Inexpensive. Easy to set up and use. Fully functional Alexa voice capabilities.

Weak audio. Works best with a high, unobscured wall outlet.

Bottom Line: The Amazon Echo Flex is a tiny plug-in speaker that lets you add Alexa voice assistant features to any room of the house.

Plugs directly into an AC outlet ; Seamless setup if you already own Echo devices ; Modular design for add-ons such as a night light and a motion sensor ; Full-on Alexa functionality

Tinny audio isn't suitable for music playback ; No AC passthrough socket

While it’s certainly no music speaker (nor was it intended to be), the compact, plug-in Echo Flex makes for a great way to put Alexa in places where other Echo speakers won’t quite fit. We also love the Flex’s modular design, which allows for such...

Portable ; USB-A Port ; Costs less

Average audio quality ; Costs less

Inexpensive. Easy to set up and use. Fully functional Alexa voice capabilities.

Weak audio. Works best with a high, unobscured wall outlet.

The Amazon Echo Flex is a tiny plug-in speaker that lets you add Alexa voice assistant features to any room of the house.

Because of its solid audio quality, I'd stick with an Echo Dot if you're shopping for a budget, general-purpose smart speaker. But if you're looking for unobtrusive access to Alexa, plug the Echo Flex into your wall.

Compact and wire-free ; Very easy to set up and use ; Charge your devices using the USB

Sound quality is poor ; Multifunction button is pointless

While nobody needs to have Alexa in every single room, it is actually very useful to have. This cheap smart speaker is a great way to fill the gaps around your home without having messy cables or devices lying around everywhere - it just plugs directly...

Small enough to plug in anywhere ; Built-in Alexa for voice commands ; Offers key Alexa features like Drop In ; Connects to external speakers

Basic design ; Tiny speaker ; Limited mic range ; Lacks Zigbee and Dolby

The Flex is relatively cheap, unobtrusive, and has loads of potential. Honestly, if it wasn't so plain to look at, supported ZigBee, had a larger speaker, and maybe offered a couple more mics, it'd beat most of Amazon's Echo range, especially at this...

Cheap and compact ; Doubles up as a USB charger ; Clever add ons

Dreadful sound quality

The Echo Flex is a strange product and my first instinct was to wonder why anybody would pick it over an Echo Dot. After all, nobody needs Amazon Alexa in every room. Stop protesting: you don’t.