You can get more from an Amazon Echo or Google Home device by automating repeated tasks, adding compatible lights or plugs, personalizing a shared Google setup, and using platform-specific audio or announcement features. Availability depends on the device, account, region, and current app options, so check compatibility before setting anything up.
1. Use routines to automate repeated tasks
Routines combine a trigger with one or more actions. They are a useful first improvement because they can group tasks you already repeat, such as turning on lights, hearing the weather, or starting a briefing.
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Amazon Alexa
In the Alexa app, create a routine by choosing an event or trigger and then adding one or more actions. Depending on the app and devices, triggers can include a time, voice command, sound, or presence; actions can include compatible smart-home controls, music, weather updates, alarms, and other services. Options vary, so check what the app offers for your setup. Amazon’s Alexa Routines help and routine trigger and action guidance describe the available workflow.
Google Home
Google Home Routines can run multiple actions from a spoken command or a supported device event. For example, a morning routine might turn on compatible lights and play a briefing; Google also gives examples involving weather, calendar events, news, and connected devices. See Google’s Routines help for current setup and supported options. Google cautions that “Routines are for convenience only, not safety- or security-critical use cases.”
#1 Best Overall
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
2. Add a compatible smart bulb or plug
A compatible smart bulb lets you control lights by voice or include them in a routine. A smart plug can provide similar control for an appliance that is suitable for switching on and off through a plug; it does not make every appliance appropriate for unattended operation.
For Google Home, add a supported third-party device through the Google Home app and follow its setup instructions. Google’s compatible-device setup guide covers supported integrations, including Matter Multi-Admin. A cloud-connected device may stop working if its service changes, as Google notes in its third-party device guidance.
Rank #2
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Alexa routines can turn compatible smart-home devices on or off and dim compatible lights; see Amazon’s routine guidance. Before buying a bulb or a Matter smart plug, check the exact product listing for compatibility with your Echo or Google Home model, any required hub, the app, and your region. The feature documentation does not establish support for any particular product model.
3. Personalize shared Google Home devices with Voice Match
On supported Google devices, Voice Match can recognize a household member’s voice to provide personal results and personalize music. Google says up to six people can use Voice Match in one home. Results and availability depend on device support, language, linked account, and settings; review who has Voice Match enabled and what personal results are available on shared devices.
Rank #3
- Meet Echo Dot Max: Experience rich room-filling sound that automatically adapts to your space and fine-tunes playback. Features a built-in smart home hub and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Music to your ears: With nearly 3x the bass versus Echo Dot (2022 release), it fits beautifully in any space, delivering your personal sound stage with deep bass and enhanced clarity. Listen to streaming services, such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and SiriusXM. Encore!
- Do more with device pairing: Connect compatible Echo smart speakers and smart displays in different rooms, or pair with a second Echo Dot Max to enjoy even richer sound
- Simple smart home control: Set routines, pair and control lights, locks, and thousands of smart home devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature or presence detection.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot Max doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Configure it in the Google Home app and consult Google’s Voice Match help for supported devices and account requirements.
4. Play audio across rooms with platform-specific groups
Both ecosystems provide multi-device audio, but their group features are separate: a Google speaker group is not an Alexa Multi-Room Music group, and the documentation does not establish cross-platform playback.
Rank #4
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Google speaker groups
Create a group in the Google Home app using eligible speakers, displays, and supported streaming or Cast devices. You can then ask a device to play audio on the group by its name. During playback, a volume command may affect only the device you addressed unless you specify the group or device. Google lists setup and supported devices in its speaker group help.
Alexa Multi-Room Music
Set up a Multi-Room Music group in the Alexa app and use compatible Echo devices. Amazon states that audio from video content does not play on Multi-Room Music groups. Check Amazon’s Multi-Room Music help for device and setup details.
Best Value
- MEET ECHO SPOT - A sleek smart alarm clock with Alexa and big vibrant sound. Ready to help you wake up, wind down, and so much more.
- CUSTOMIZABLE SMART CLOCK - See time, weather, and song titles at a glance, control smart home devices, and more. Personalize your display with your favorite clock face and fun colors.
- BIG VIBRANT SOUND - Enjoy rich sound with clear vocals and deep bass. Just ask Alexa to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks. See song titles and touch to control your music.
- EASE INTO THE DAY - Set up an Alexa routine that gently wakes you with music and gradual light. Glance at the time, check reminders, or ask Alexa for weather updates.
- KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE - Control compatible smart home devices. Just ask Alexa to turn on lights or touch the screen to dim. Create routines that use motion detection to turn down the thermostat as you head out or open the blinds when you walk into a room.
5. Send a household announcement with Google broadcast
Google broadcast sends a spoken message to other supported Google Nest or Home devices, which can be handy for a household announcement. It is a Google feature described here, not an Echo capability.
Google requires at least two compatible speakers or displays on the same Wi-Fi, household members signed in, Do Not Disturb and Downtime turned off, and devices meeting the minimum firmware listed on its support page. Digital Wellbeing settings can also restrict broadcast. Check the current requirements in Google’s broadcast help.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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