Amazon’s AI-powered Alexa is getting smarter, faster, and more personal with the launch of Alexa+ — a next-generation voice assistant packed with upgraded capabilities. While the service is still in Early Access, it’s already showing impressive promise. Here’s how you can try it now, what’s new, and whether it’s worth picking up a new Echo device.
What Is Alexa+?
Unveiled at Amazon’s recent press event alongside a fresh lineup of Echo devices, Alexa+ builds on the familiar Alexa experience with more natural conversation, deeper personalization, and expanded skills. The upgrade introduces multiple voice options, smarter contextual awareness, and an AI engine designed to learn your preferences over time.
How to Get Alexa+ Early Access
If you’re in the US, Amazon offers several ways to sign up for Alexa+ before its full release:
Buy a new Echo device: Alexa+ comes preloaded and ready to activate.
- Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio launch on October 29.
- Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 arrive on November 12.
Use a compatible existing device: Early Access can be activated during setup or from the Alexa app.
Sign up manually: Visit the Alexa+ store page, say “Notify me when Alexa+ is available” to your Echo, or type “set up Alexa+” in the Alexa app.
Once available, you’ll receive a mobile notification and a welcome email tied to your Amazon account. Alexa+ will walk you through a quick setup to fine-tune preferences, build your profile, and select from eight new voice styles (four masculine, four feminine).
You can opt out anytime via your Memberships & Subscriptions settings by ending Early Access for Alexa+.
Should You Upgrade Your Echo?
Whether you need new hardware depends on your setup:
- New buyers will automatically get Alexa+ with the latest Echo models, making this a seamless way to experience
the upgrade. - Existing Echo owners can join Early Access without buying new devices, provided their hardware is supported.
While Alexa+ will eventually be free for Prime members, it will cost $19.99 per month for everyone else once Early Access ends. That makes Early Access a risk-free way to explore its features before deciding if it’s worth a subscription.
Final Thoughts
Alexa+ already feels like a meaningful step forward — smarter conversations, tailored responses, and more customization. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your Echo or just want to see what Amazon’s AI future looks like, now is the time to give it a try.
