Alexa+ on an Amazon Echo Spot.
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Alexa+ is now available for all US users.
- Alexa+ is included with a Prime subscription.
- Alexa+ works by voice or through the Alexa app and browser.
The wait to use Alexa+ is over, as Amazon has announced its widespread launch for all US users.
Amazon first announced Alexa+ a year ago as a generative AI-powered version of its popular virtual assistant. Alexa+ is exactly what you may have envisioned when you first heard of virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google, but without the accompanying disappointment at their shortcomings.
Also: 12+ powerful Alexa commands you should start using at home (no subscriptions required)
The improved voice assistant can generate responses instead of simply repeating what it’s been programmed to say. With generative AI, Alexa+ engages in more natural conversations with users, rather than simply listening to a prompt and responding with a predetermined action.
It also supports memory to recall preferences and conversations, maintaining context throughout. This allows it to remember what you asked at the beginning of a chat and respond in that context without you having to say, “Alexa,” again.
How to get access to Alexa+
Alexa+ is finally widely available to US users. You can sign up here to get access or wait until your existing Echo devices prompt you to upgrade. If you buy a new Echo device, you’ll also get Alexa+ when you set it up.
Also: I lived with the Echo Show 11 for weeks – and loved it (until I looked closer)
Echo devicescompatible with Alexa+
If you already have or buy one of the Echo devices below, or its Kids variation, you can enjoy access to Alexa+:
Once you have Alexa+ on one Echo device, you can use it on the rest of your compatible Echo speakers and devices, in the Alexa app, on compatible Fire TVs and Fire tablets, and through Alexa.com.
Also: The best Alexa devices of 2026: After testing dozens of them, these are worth your time
Echo devices that don’t support Alexa+
While the new virtual assistant is compatible with most Echo devices, the following don’t support Amazon’s Alexa+, though you’ll still be able to access standard Alexa on them:
- Echo Dot 1st Gen
- Echo 1st Gen
- Echo Plus 1st Gen
- Echo Show 2nd Gen and older
- Echo Spot 1st Gen
- Echo Buds 1st Gen
- Amazon Tap
- Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen and older
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max 1st Gen
- Fire TV Stick 4K 1st Gen
- Fire TV Stick
- Fire HD 8 Tablet 11th Gen and older
- Fire HD 10 Tablet 12th Gen and older
- Fire Max 11 12th Gen and older
- Amazon Astro (planned for the future)
Yes, Alexa+ is available in the US, after Amazon gradually expanded the audience for its generative AI assistant.
To gain access now, you can sign up on the Amazon Alexa+ website, ask your Echo device about it, or purchase a compatible Echo device. If you do, you can set up Alexa+ during the initial setup.
Amazon is offering Alexa+ as a Prime benefit.
If you’d rather skip the subscription, Alexa+ costs $20 a month and is available as a separate service.
Amazon is also offering a free Alexa+ plan that gives users access to chat with the generative AI virtual assistant through the Alexa app or a browser at Alexa.com.
Source: www.zdnet.com
