Amazon Alexa, commonly known as Alexa, is Amazon’s AI assistant that functions like Siri, Cortana, and Google Assistant.
This AI assistant can perform a wide range of functions, from playing music, setting reminders, streaming podcasts, and providing news and other types of information.
Because of these benefits, one question old and new users are quick to ask is if there are any subscriptions or payments that Alexa needs to function optimally.
You do not need to pay anything to use Alexa. All the services Alexa renders and available without additional costs. All you need to access these services is a basic Amazon Account. The only costs attached come with purchasing the device, like a smart speaker, that allows you to use the AI. You can even use Alexa on your smartphone.
Is There a Monthly Fee for Alexa?
There is no monthly fee or subscription for Alexa. However, there are three main ways to gain access to Alexa, and they all require you to create a basic Amazon account.
With this account, you can enjoy all of Alexa’s basic operations. In addition, however, you can access more exclusive features with an Amazon Prime membership.
These features include buying products from Amazon and listening to music without ad interruptions. You can even get exclusive deals on Alexa Voice.
The three ways to access Alexa are through Amazon Echo speakers, third-party smart speakers, and the Alexa Smartphone app.
#1. Amazon Echo Speakers
Amazon has a wide array of Echo speakers. These are smart speakers with at least four generations and models.
These models include Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, and Echo Studio. Each of these models has its price range.
For instance, the Echo Dot is available at about $40, while Echo Studio sells for about $200.
The only cost to using Alexa on Echo speakers is purchasing the device. Once you buy it, all you have to do is set up the speaker to use Alexa.
After the setup, you can use Alexa services unless you are trying to access premium services like Amazon Prime or Amazon Music Unlimited.
#2. Third-Party Smart Speakers
Third-party smart speakers are non-Amazon speakers that allow you access to Alexa. These speakers come in different brands, each offering a range of prices and specifications.
To use these speakers, you need to connect the speakers to the app. This connection is easy to do by yourself.
Follow the following steps to connect your smart speaker to Alexa.
- Download the speaker app from your app store. After downloading, the next step is to create and set up your account.
- Find “Add Voice Control” and click on “Add Amazon Alexa.”
This step will require you to link your amazon account. You can do this with the email address and password specific to the amazon account.
- Unless you already have the Alexa app, you will receive a prompt to download the app.
- When this is done, you can connect your music service through Alexa. All you have to do is go to settings and click on Music & Podcasts.
The menu will provide a series of options to make your choice.
#3. Alexa Smartphone App
The Alexa Smartphone App is the cheapest alternative to using Alexa AI. For this method, all you require is your mobile phone, be it an android or iPhone.
The app is available on app stores and is very easy to download and navigate. When you install this app, you can access all the services you enjoy with an Echo or third-party speaker.
You can ask Alexa for information, set reminders and alarms, or even make to-do lists with your smartphone.
After downloading and installing the app, you must sign in with your Amazon Account details.
Additionally, Alexa offers extra widgets that you can install. These widgets include shopping lists and sticky notes.
One of the recent features on Amazon Alexa is the Hands-Free Function. This function allows the user to use voice commands when using Alexa.
To activate this function, all you have to say is, Alexa. The only drawback is that the function only works when your phone is open.
Aside from these methods above, other Alexa-compatible services need subscriptions to function properly. Examples of such services are Spotify and Netflix.
Below is a list of some services you can perform with Alexa.
- You can turn on or off your home devices like your television or lights.
- You can make lists. If you make this list with the speakers, it will update the phone app, rendering it available whenever you need it.
- You can listen to music, the radio, or podcasts anytime.
- You can make phone calls and even send messages.
- Alexa allows you to install third-party applications like games that you can enjoy anytime.
- Alexa can also answer random questions and translate different languages.
Is Music Free on Alexa?
You can get music for free with Alexa. However, this is only one level of Amazon Music. Currently, there are three levels of Amazon Music with different payment levels.
#1. Amazon Music Free
Amazon Music Free gives you access to a restricted number of playlists and numerous stations. This level does not need any form of payment; however, it includes ads.
You do not control the type of music playlist you can access on this free plan. However, Amazon regularly uploads top playlists.
All you need to access Amazon Music Free is an Amazon account and an Alexa-compatible device. Also, this plan is only available on a single device at a time.
#2. Amazon Music Prime
You can access Amazon Music Prime when you upgrade your regular Amazon account to the prime subscription. This prime subscription costs $14.99 a month and $139 annually.
With this subscription, you have unlimited access to more than two million songs. You can also personalize the stations and playlists available with Amazon Prime Music.
While this plan has no ads, it can only play on one device simultaneously.
#3. Amazon Music Unlimited
As the name goes, Amazon Music Unlimited is the ultimate plan. It allows for many plan options. There are plans for individuals and their families and students too.
With Amazon Music Unlimited, you have access to about 90 million different songs. And like the Prime plan, you can personalize the stations and playlists. Also, there are no ads.
The individual plan allows you to connect to only one device simultaneously. In contrast, the family plan allows you to connect about six different devices.
Amazon Music Unlimited plan costs $8.99 monthly and $89 yearly for Prime subscribers. Non-Prime subscribers pay an additional dollar a month, bringing the amount to $9.99.
Below is a summary of the payment for the three levels of Amazon Music.
| Music Level | Payment Plan |
|---|---|
| Amazon Music Free | Free |
| Amazon Music Prime | Covered in your Amazon Prime subscription ($14.99/month; $139/year) |
| Amazon Music Unlimited (Prime Subscribers) | $8.99/month; $89/year |
| Amazon Music Unlimited (Non-Prime Subscribers) | $9.99/month |
Unlimited and Prime plans allow you to download and play your songs offline. Unfortunately, this option is not available for Free plan users.
One thing to note is that you can use Alexa to play your songs, irrespective of your chosen plan. Other Music Plans.
You can use other platforms to stream music with Alexa. These platforms include Apple Music, Spotify, Vevo, and Pandora.
You will need to create an account with your preferred service. Each of these services has a free plan which has different limits. Therefore, these platforms, too, require their levels of subscriptions.
For instance, the subscription for the Spotify premium account is $9.99 a month. On the other hand, Apple Music costs $4.99 per month.
How Much Is Alexa at Target?
Alexa is not a device, so you cannot buy Alexa at target. What you can get instead are Alexa-compatible devices like Amazon Echo. These devices are available at different prices.
The table below summarizes the prices of different Alexa devices.
| Alexa Compatible Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon Echo (4th Gen) | $99.99 |
| Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) | $49.99 |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 | $109.99 |
| Sonos One (Gen 2) | $219.00 |
| Ultimate Ears Megaboom Smart Speaker 3 | $399.99 |
How Much Is Alexa at Walmart?
Like in Target, you can purchase Amazon or third-party speakers in Walmart. Let us consider the varying prices for some of these devices in Walmart.
| Alexa Compatible Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon Echo | $35.49 |
| Amazon Echo Dot | $79.99 |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 | $139.99 |
| Sonos One (Gen 2) | $219.99 – $299.00 |
| Ultimate Ears Megablast Smart Speaker | $395.00 |
Conclusion
There are two important things to know when using Alexa. The first is that you can use Alexa without paying a single dime.
The second is that any payments you make are specific to the platforms you intend to use. While some of these services have free options, you must pay subscriptions to enjoy the service fully.
Because you can download the Alexa app on your phone, the main costs of using Alexa come in if you decide to purchase a speaker.