Amazon Echo Auto (2018)

Easy to install Reasonably priced Multiple microphones Offers all Alexa functionality

Uses your phone's data plan Lacks native driving directions Air vent mount not very secure Occasionally dropped connection to phone in testing

Amazon's Echo Auto brings Alexa smarts to your car for under $50, but it doesn't offer native voice-guided driving directions, and occasionally lost connection in our tests.

Good Bluetooth adapter / speakerphone Can pick up voice commands over wind and music Makes music requests easy

Alexa is really dumb about location Doesn’t handle cellular handoffs well Car-friendly skills need an overhaul

Easy to set up and use ; Excellent microphone support

Doesn't work without a smartphone ; Functions mainly as an intermediary ; Bulky and bland industrial design

It won’t take long for the Echo Auto’s biggest issue to become apparent: It’s basically superfluous. Since you need to have a phone with you for it to work, it basically acts as a middledevice. It doesn’t do anything you can’t already do with your...

Excellent microphones ; Small and compact ; A good hands-free smart car option for those without built-in infotainment systems ; Works well when paired with a phone and Alexa app Auto Mode

Multi-user support is still janky ; Navigation is much better but not quite seamless ; Alexa can't respond to or send from third-party message apps natively

After two years out in the wild, the Echo Auto has definitely improved from its dismal debut. It boasts excellent microphones, Alexa responds quickly, and it can do 95% of what you want an in-car infotainment system to do. But if you already have a car...

Adds basic smarts to older cars ; Solid Bluetooth to Aux adapter ; Unlocks hands-free Alexa if the app isn’t open

Alexa not as useful as Google Assistant or Siri in the car ; Offers nothing of note if you have CarPlay or Android Auto ; Ugly mount

You just need to ask yourself, is it really worth spending $50 for a fancy Alexa adapter, when you can just as easily use Google Assistant or Siri for free? That’s a question only you can answer.

Remarkable voice accuracy ; Easy to set up ; Controls your smarthome

Vent mount won't fit all cars ; You might want to hide it ; It would be better as a car charger

Compact design ; Easy to set up ; Very good microphones

Alexa doesn’t always understand ; Location issues when asking for directions ; Requires a data connection to your phone

The Echo Auto is a simple way to bring the Alexa voice assistant to almost any vehicle. Excellent microphones mean Alexa hears you clearly and serves up music, podcasts, radio and driving directions with a simple command. But it is reliant on your...

Great voice control Familiar Alexa experience Easy route to making your car smart

Adds little to modern cars Doesn't really handle location well Relies on phone connection

The Echo Auto delivers the Alexa experience - ease of communication, a skill for delivering music, and easy access to any other services you've hooked up via Alexa. Arguably there could be more car-specific apps and the location services could be...