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...

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...

Small and affordable ; Connects through your smartphone ; Can make your car smarter ; Includes all of Alexa's skills

Needs to be connected to a visible cable at all times ; Air vent mount won't work for all ; Newer cars make some features redundant

The Echo Auto is an ideal choice for customers who want to make their car smarter and easier to control with their voice to access music and content along with skills and numerous other features. And if you can’t bear to leave Alexa behind. The Echo...