If you've come to rely on Amazon Alexa in your home, you'll appreciate having Alexa in your car too. The Echo Auto is Amazon's solution for bringing all of the features of the smart speaker line into your vehicle.

We'll explain what Echo Auto is, how it works, and compare it to other in-car assistants like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What Is Echo Auto?

Amazon Echo Auto Side View With Ports
Image Credit: Amazon

Echo Auto is a card-sized, speaker-free Amazon Echo smart device designed to be connected to your car's entertainment system.

The small Echo Auto has most of the capabilities of an in-home Echo. Amazon is always updating its features, so learn about all of the things that Alexa can now do. But it has a lot more mobility and adds commands and features suitable for driving.

How Does Echo Auto Work?

Echo Auto works just like an Amazon Echo device. Say the wake word to trigger Alexa, then give a command to the Echo Auto. Check this out if you are confused about the differences between Alexa and Echo.

Instead of connecting to your home wireless network, Echo Auto connects to the internet via the Alexa app for iOS or Android.

Note that Echo Auto uses your phone's internet connection and consumes data from your plan.

The device is powered via micro-USB and connects to your car's speaker system via Bluetooth, the USB cable, or the included 3.5 mm auxiliary cable. The Echo Auto uses an eight-microphone array to pick up voice commands.

These microphones allow Echo Auto to hear commands over car heating and air conditioning, spirited conversation, and excessive road noise.

Included with the Echo Auto is a vent mount, 12v USB adapter, auxiliary, and USB cables. Echo Auto is currently available on Amazon and retails for $49.99, but is often discounted.

Getting set up is easy and takes less than five minutes. Because it is small enough to put in a pocket, it can be paired with all your vehicles.

At the heart of Echo Auto is Amazon's Alexa smart assistant. Just for clarity, Amazon refers to its voice assistant as Alexa and the Echo device as Echo Auto.

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When you're ready to use the device, say a command like, "Alexa, get directions to Logan Airport." Alternatively, if you don't want the device to be listening to you all the time, you can turn off the microphone and tap the activation button instead of saying a wake word.

Do I Need an Echo Auto?

If you have set up your home to work with the Amazon ecosystem, you'll enjoy having access to your smart home devices. Turn on the lights when you drive into the driveway. Unlock the Switchbot front door lock, or open the garage door. Drop in on your home Echo speakers or Echo show screens to let your family know you are on your way.

The Echo Auto can be used with any entertainment system or will enhance the features of Android Auto or Apple Car Play. Like the Android Auto and Apple Car Play, Echo Auto can be asked for directions and will bring up the phone's map app, which will then be displayed on the car's entertainment screen. But, you can also ask Echo Auto what coffee shops are close to your location, where is the nearest gas station and what hours is it open.

The Echo Auto will also tell you the weather and other basic information, which is more than the other systems. Plus you have the added benefit of controlling your smart home devices.

If your car stereo doesn't currently have Bluetooth support, Echo Auto provides a built-in Bluetooth connection that you can control functions like music and maps from your phone while interacting with the device.

Note that Echo Auto does not have its own speaker. It will play audio through your mobile phone. To hear the Echo Auto on your car speakers, you'll need to connect your phone to your car by pairing Bluetooth, connecting via USB, using a 3.5 mm auxiliary plug, or whatever other way you connect your phone to your car speakers.

Can I Really Get Alexa in My Car?

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The short answer is yes you can. Turn on Auto mode in your phone's Alexa app to have an at-a-glance interface so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

And it's not just there to add items to a shopping list, make phone calls to those people in your Amazon contact list, play songs, albums, playlists from Spotify, listen to an audible book, check the news, play trivia or other games, and much more.

You can also use Echo Auto to get directions and information about a location, tell you about the traffic on your route, trigger location-based automation, tell you sports scores, and more.

Enjoy Amazon's Echo Auto

If you're looking to add a smart assistant to your car, then the Amazon Echo Auto is a great way to go. Its accessible price point and comprehensive feature set make your driving experience more manageable and hands-free.

Echo Auto doesn't replace all-in-one options like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Instead, it enhances those apps. For a great price, the device allows many older model cars to drive into the future.

And if you're looking to pass the time on a long road trip with Echo Auto, make sure to enable some fun skills before you head off.