Does Alexa App Cost Money?

Amazon Alexa, or simply Alexa, is a well-known virtual AI assistant. The devices that support Alexa, like Echo, do cost money, but does the Alexa app cost money too?

Alexa app is free, and Amazon does not charge a monthly subscription fee for it. However, it is always best to use the app with a smart speaker like Echo.

The app is known to offer a variety of features, such as providing weather updates, settings alarms, streaming music, and much more. Read on to find out what the Alexa app offers for free and what you can get by spending a bit of money.

The actual cost of using Alexa

As mentioned earlier, Alexa is a free app that does not come up with any charges, but there are two ways of using Alexa:

• Using Amazon’s Echo speakers
• Downloading the Alexa smartphone app

Most users prefer communicating with Alexa using the Amazon Echo speakers. Amazon Echo speakers come in four variants, offering different features. While the Echo Dot is priced at around $40 and is a good way to introduce Alexa technology to your home, the Echo Studio costs around $200.

However, you need to keep in mind that there are no charges for using the basic functions of Alexa on any of the Echo smart speakers. The only cost you will need to pay is the upfront cost of the speakers, and you can use the app for free.

Also read: How much data does the Echo Show use?

Using Alexa via the smartphone app

When it comes to using Alexa, you do not always need to use Amazon Echo speakers. You can use Alexa via the smartphone app as well.

Installing Amazon Alexa on your smartphone is completely free. In fact, installing the app on your phone will offer you the same basic features as you would get with Amazon Echo speakers.

You will be able to give voice commands to Alexa along with a bonus element of scrolling through your lists and reading and tweaking your routine schedule in just one go.

Recently, Amazon has also introduced a hands-free function or feature for Alexa, which can be accessed using a compatible smartphone device by saying the wake word.

Monthly charges for Alexa

If you are using the basic functions of Alexa, then you will not need to pay any fees or subscriptions. If you are using a smart speaker to access Alexa, the only fee you will need to pay is for the Wi-Fi.

However, if you intend to use some premium features, they are going to cost you some money.

For instance, if you opt for Spotify Premium and link it to Alexa, it will cost you $9.99 per month. You can still access music via Spotify free plan, but you will also have to bear adverts and a limited number of skips each day.

Therefore, the list of other features and accessories to upgrade Alexa’s functionality goes on, but it depends on how much you are willing to pay and whether you wish to pay for them in the first place.

Hidden costs with Alexa

Unlike other apps, Alexa is quite transparent with its users. It does not impose any hidden charges, which might offset the users.

But at the same time, you could pay for some services to enhance your experience. For instance, if you wish to watch Netflix on your Echo Show, you will need to splash some money as you would need a Netflix account.

However, you will not need to pay extra for using any of these compatible devices or subscriptions using your Echo device though.

Concluding thoughts on whether the Alexa app costs money

The Alexa app is essentially 100% free. Most Alexa users usually start by purchasing smart speakers or a display, which is what you are most probably going to do as well. But that is the only money you will need to spend. There are no subscription fees for Alexa, but you will have to pay for premium features if you wish to expand your experience.