This year, Amazon unveiled Alexa+. Unlike a streaming platform— which Amazon already offers with Prime Video—Alexa+ aims to integrate advanced AI functionalities into its existing voice assistant, Alexa.

If you’re familiar with the Voice Mode in dominant chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or even Grok, the Alexa+ experience will feel quite similar. The objective is to enhance the chatbot’s intelligence and ease of use, allowing you to engage with it in a more casual manner. Amazon aims for users to ask multifaceted questions, delve into the details of their agendas, and pursue follow-up inquiries seamlessly within one ongoing dialogue. You can also request tasks that you typically wouldn’t ask of your Alexa, like booking concert tickets, and share images or documents, akin to other AI systems that enable multimodal interactions.

But how effective is this assistant in practice? While it should theoretically offer significant utility, especially for those deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, the real-world application is still under scrutiny. For example, TechRadar’s Lance Ulanoff praised it in a recent review, yet user feedback remains mixed. Insights from sources like this Reddit thread include remarks like “I lost so much functionality I rely on daily, and every voice option is frustrating,” and “I turned it off after 48 hours,” indicating some issues that could be concerning for Amazon’s innovative AI venture.

Currently, Alexa+ isn’t available to all users. However, there’s no need to miss out on trying it. Over the last few months, Amazon has offered early access to select users, allowing them to explore its current features as updates roll out.

Securing Early Access to Alexa+

Exciting news! If you currently possess or plan to purchase an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21, you are at the forefront of those who can experience Alexa+. Amazon will automatically enable Alexa+ for all compatible Echo devices, making it a matter of waiting for your access invitation.

If you don’t own one of these devices, there’s still a solution. Amazon provides an official registration page where you can sign up to receive notifications regarding early access. By clicking the link, choosing Sign in to continue, and following the prompts, you can register your interest. While there’s no guarantee on when or if Amazon will pick you, an alert will be sent if chosen.

Alexa+ is set to be available across a variety of devices, including most Echo units, Fire TV, Fire tablets, and the Alexa app. Additionally, an upcoming alexa.com website will be launched soon. Nevertheless, older models such as Echo Dot 1st Gen, Echo 1st Gen, Echo Plus 1st Gen, Amazon Tap, Echo Show 1st Gen, Echo Show 2nd Gen, and Echo Spot 1st Gen will only have access to the original Alexa. Furthermore, Alexa Built-in devices and Amazon Astro will not support Alexa+.

The Cost of Alexa+

Accessing Alexa+ during its early phase is entirely free. Once Amazon concludes testing and officially launches Alexa+, it will remain complimentary for Prime members. However, other users may face a subscription fee of $19.99 per month to continue usage. While this aligns with pricing for other AI services, such as ChatGPT Plus, the initial cost may seem prohibitive, especially as Alexa+ works to establish its value.

If at any point you decide to discontinue using Alexa+, you can manage your subscription here. Alternatively, a simple voice command, “Alexa, end early access,” can revert your assistant back to the original version. You can also ask for early access again whenever you choose.