When you’re looking at speakers for your home or office setup, it’s no longer just about the sound quality but also about the ability to pair it with other speakers and get something versatile.
Bluetooth speakers like the Amazon Dot Echo are really awesome but when you want to enhance the sound and pair that with some other speaker, you have to choose wisely. This requires something that is compatible, that will connect easily, and that will produce awesome sound when you get it all set up.
So where do you even begin? We’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will share with you a variety of the best Echo Dot speakers to choose from. We’ve sorted through all of the options to try to bring you the very best. Not only will we share some smart speaker solutions but we also have ratings for the features, intuitive buyer’s guide details, and all of the specs that you need to know!
Let’s check it out!
Table of Contents
How to Choose Bluetooth Speakers for Echo Dot
Choosing an Echo Dot speaker is really about enhancing or supplementing the sound. These little devices already have a built-in speaker but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve the overall design. You can play music, watch movies, and pair up with other things in your home to give you the sound quality you deserve.
Let’s start by looking at a bit of detail on how to choose these speakers. you want to be sure you know what you’re looking for and we can help. This part of our guide is designed to cover the basics and tell you what to look for as you review your options.
Sound Quality
First and foremost, you need to know the sound is going to be worth it, right? Why bother pairing something with your Amazon Dot Echo if it isn’t going to sound great when you do it? Our guess is you’re looking for stereo sound when you play music and when you’re using your home sound system.
Whether you want multiple speakers throughout the home or you just want the best sound quality possible, creating good sound is a must. Make sure you use a speaker that will sound great when you get everything connected.
This typically comes from a good balance of power and a quality overall design. The elements might vary, especially if you end up with a mini Bluetooth speaker or a waterproof speaker but remember sound is the goal!
Why Pair Amazon Echo Dot with External Speakers?
The Echo Dot speaker is good enough, isn’t it? Echo devices certainly already do have a built-in speaker so you don’t always need a different speaker to pair it up with. In fact, the speaker on Echo devices is sufficient the majority of the time but there are times when you just need a little more.
Outdoor Use
Maybe you want to extend your sound to the outdoors so you can enjoy the stereo sound or play music when you’re hanging out on your deck, your patio, or a similar area. This can be great when you’re spending time in the pool during the summer, just be sure you use a waterproof speaker for those types of uses.
When you go outdoors, you don’t want to drag your Echo Dot speaker around with you so just connect a wireless speaker that pairs up and you’re all good to go! This is a great way to extend your music power with portable speakers or an external speaker that you can set up in that area to enjoy the excellent sound when you’re away from your Amazon Echo.
Singing in the Shower
Ok so you don’t really have to sing but chances are that your Alexa devices are not set up in the bathroom, right? So when you want incredible sound even in the shower or bathtub, you need Echo Dot compatible speakers that you can use in that area.
Again, in this case, you might want something waterproof so that your speakers are not hindered or harmed by the moisture in the room. You can get a great speaker that will be suited to this time of environment. We recommend waterproof just to be on the safe side.
Premium Sound
Maybe you’re looking to just improve your sound on occasion or really build on the sound Alexa has to offer. The Amazon Echo sound is pretty great but it will have its limitations. If you want deep bass or surround sound quality, using a paired speaker can help perfect the sound here.
Make sure you use high quality speakers in this type of situation so that your sound is really amplified and perfected compared to the typical sound you get from just your everyday speaker setup. In this case, you can even use Alexa preferred speakers to make a difference or you can go with the best Bluetooth speakers on the market.
Pay Attention to the Details
When it comes to choosing speakers, the details really do matter. In this case, you want to know about the battery life, the compatibility, the connections, and the overall sound production.
Most of these are simple but the sound production is going to relate specifically to things like the watts, the size of tweeters and woofers, and the miscellaneous features of the speaker. What you want to remember is that all of these details work together to create your sound.
The details also have to pair nicely with your Dot. In most cases, this won’t be a problem but you just want to be sure you are familiar with the potential and always double check compatibility.
You Might Be Interested: What Does a Center Channel Speaker Do?
The Best Wireless Speakers for Amazon Echo
We’ve covered some basic details and we will have more intuitive information that we share later in our buyer’s guide. If you want the best Bluetooth speaker, take a look at these options and see if you can find a good option to suit your needs.
We made every effort to find a variety of solutions as well as working to find the very best out there. Any of these will make a great speaker but keep your specific needs in mind as you make the decision that is right for you.
1. Best Overall: DOSS Soundbox Portable Wireless Speaker
First up is an incredibly rated speaker that has more than 63,000 reviews on Amazon. It’s pretty rare to find this many reviews on a product and that’s a good indication it’s a hot item usually. Doss is a hands free speaker that takes voice commands and can be used for travel, outdoor needs, and whatever else you need!
This is rated to IPX5 waterproof and offers you 20 hours of playtime as a sound system without needing to be charged. That’s pretty amazing battery life. It even comes in a sleek black or a fun bright blue color. You can also choose pink, rose gold, red, white, or even lime green! The power on it is 12 watts, with HD sound. You really can’t beat that.
The sound is diverse with dual full range drivers as well as a passive radiator. This is the best Echo Dot speaker you will find and it can connect to any smart home device easily enough. With rich sound, all you need is decent Wi Fi to continue playing music no matter where you are.
The speaker is just small enough to be perfectly portable and yet powerful enough to enjoy the best sound anywhere you are. These can be useful for stereo pairing and any other uses as well. You can easily make adjustments with a gentle touch on the topside touchscreen as well.
Specs:
| Power: | 20 Watts |
| Battery Life: | 20 Hours |
| Waterproof: | IPX5 |
| Dimensions: | 6.6 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches |
| Weight: | 1.23 pounds |
Key Features (On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest)
- Power: 10
- Connection Options: 10
- Sound: 10
- Size: 10
Pros:
- High connectivity range
- Waterproof detail for outside use
- Perfectly portable and simple
- Multiple color options to choose from
- Very popular and highly-rated choice
Cons:
- You can connect to Alexa but sometimes it is challenging to get the initial setup
Why We Like It: This simple, portable option will produce clear sound and it’s really easy to use. It does have that auxiliary port in case you need a manual connection and it’s a very nice design overall. Convenient and simple to work with!
2. Budget Pick: Oontz Angle 3 Portable Speaker with Loud Volume
Next up, if you’re looking for an affordable speaker to connect to your Cambridge Soundworks device, this is a really great choice! It’s a great price and it is super easy to connect. You can choose from colors like black, blue, white, red, pink, and orange. If you’re a fan of golf or Coca-Cola, they also have specialty models with these designs so it’s a pretty cool option.
This is a single speaker with a unique angled design. It is known for producing loud volume with room filling sound and yet it’s a small speaker to it’s also perfectly portable. The sound is said to be crystal clear so if you want to sound clear, you’ve got it here!
The volume booster adds 10+ watts of power and it works like an amp to pump up the volume. You shouldn’t have to worry about distortion or any noise oddities either. In addition, you get 14 hours of battery life so music lovers can enjoy hours of entertainment no matter where they are.
The Echo Dot connects very easily, along with other Echo and mobile devices. You can even connect several speakers at once if you want to. You also have Bluetooth connectivity up to 100 feet, which is pretty great for range.
Specs:
| Power: | 10+ Watts |
| Battery Life: | 14 Hours |
| Waterproof: | IPX5 |
| Dimensions: | 5L x 2.8H inches |
| Weight: | 10 ounces |
Key Features (On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest)
- Power: 9
- Connection Options: 10
- Sound: 10
- Size: 10
Pros:
- Affordable price range for a quality speaker
- Works with voice control devices
- Water resistant properties
- Connect to stereo system, Echo, or other types of devices
- Long range for Bluetooth devices
Cons:
- The depth of the bass could be improved but is suitable for the power capacity
Why We Like It: If you just want something inexpensive but reliable, this is a really great choice. You can get loud volume and long range from a small, portable selection. It’s convenient, it’s loud, and it’s perfectly simple to connect.
3. Best Value: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Next up is the speaker that we believe to be the best bang for your buck. You will notice the price is higher than the others we’ve shared so far but you will also notice that the quality is outstanding and Ultimate Ears really does offer a lot of value for the price. This is why it wins our best value selection on our countdown.
You can choose from “concrete” as the color of a bright blue and orange color. The blue does also costs more. The concrete is black with cloudy gray additions. This speaker offers 360 degrees of sound, giving you better overall sound, particularly if you are in the same room.
It’s also incredibly tough and durable. It’s described as being virtually indestructible. This speaker is actually drop tested from 5 feet. The loop allows you to attach it to anything, even making it wall mountable if you want it to be.
You can pair multiple Bluetooth devices and even stereo pair with this speaker. Your Echo device will connect with no problem at all. The battery life between charges is about 10 hours, which is a reasonable length of time.
Specs:
| Power: | not provided |
| Battery Life: | 10 Hours |
| Waterproof: | IP67 |
| Dimensions: | 4.1 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches |
| Weight: | 15 ounces |
Key Features (On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest)
- Power: Unknown
- Connection Options: 10
- Sound: 10
- Size: 10
Pros:
- Drop tested for durability
- IP67 water resistant rating
- 360-degree sound
- Simple to use and connect
- Even connects to a home sound system
Cons:
- The farther away you get, the more the sound cuts out
Why We Like It: This is your heavy-duty model for a speaker. With 360-degree sound and durability that can take a hefty fall, you’re covered for all sorts of use! We love the ability to pair easily and enjoy decent sound no matter what you’re doing.
4. Bose Soundlink Mini II Special Edition
You probably know all about the Bose brand. Their items are premium and you do pay a premium price for them as well. They are well worth the cost and you won’t be disappointed in this mini model that you can pair with your other speakers. You can use an aux cable for connection but it also has Bluetooth and wireless functionality.
This is comparable to other speakers on charge time. It can play for up to 12 hours. It will work on any wireless network and connect through auxiliary or Bluetooth. You can enjoy your Alexa voice control all the same and one speaker or two speakers if needed.
It’s super easy to synch with Bose’s Simple Sync system. This also makes two speakers sync together with stereo pairing so they can play the same things together at the same time. Wait for it though, this also has a built in mic and you can make phone calls, use voice prompts, or simply just listen if that’s what you want to do!
If you want a high-quality option that is well worth every dollar, this is it. The extra features and capabilities do make it stand out against most speakers in this same category.
Specs:
| Power: | 50 watts |
| Battery Life: | 12 Hours |
| Waterproof: | None |
| Dimensions: | 7 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches |
| Weight: | 2.43 pounds |
Key Features (On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest)
- Power: 10
- Connection Options: 10
- Sound: 10
- Size: 10
Pros:
- Premium model with premium features
- Works with voice control
- Easily connect on Wi Fi or Bluetooth to make phone calls
- Perfect for listening to Apple music or a stereo pair solution
- Designed for in home use
Cons:
- This is not really a portable option like most of the choices you will find in this category
Why We Like It: This stereo pair option from Bose stands out for things like the built in mic and the ability to pair easily with an Echo device, or any device for that matter. It sounds awesome with high power and the best details from end to end.
5. Sonos Speakers Play 5, Ultimate Wireless Speaker
If you’re willing to spend a little extra to get the very best option out there, you really cannot go wrong with the Sonos Speaker Play 5. This comes in a black or a white color so you can choose what works for your decor. This smart speaker is not your average mini Bluetooth speaker. It will pair perfectly with your Echo Dot and the sound will be phenomenal.
It’s a decent size and it has this curved design that really stands out or looks nice in any room. Sonos speakers. This is the biggest and best-sounding speaker for an Echo speaker. It’s the best from this brand but also one of the best on the market, which is why it comes at a premium price tag. If you want the best speakers out there, sometimes you have to pay for them, right?
This speaker can fill a large room with sound. It connects to things like Apple music, Wi Fi, an Echo device, or whatever you need. You can stereo pair or use stereo separation and get great sound as well. Use this and your other speakers to play different music in different rooms or sync everything in the home together.
The Sonos speaker is hands down probably the best speaker on the market for your Amazon Echo. That being said, it is pretty pricy so don’t feel like you can’t get a great speaker for less if this one doesn’t work for your budget.
Specs:
| Power: | Sonos does not share this detail |
| Battery Life: | Plugs in for use |
| Waterproof: | None |
| Dimensions: | 8.03 x 14.33 x 6.06 inches |
| Weight: | 14 pounds |
Key Features (On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest)
- Power: 10
- Connection Options: 10
- Sound: 10
- Size: 10
Pros:
- You can pair with multiple speakers
- One of the best speakers for an Echo speaker pairing
- Plugs in so you don’t have to worry about battery life
- Beautiful stereo sound
- Premium quality and capability
Cons:
- The customer service is not great
- These are pretty expensive
Why We Like It: Pair up your Echo device and enjoy the best sounds without having to worry about battery life. Your Echo Dot will sound amazing thanks to these Bluetooth speakers. You can even sync up throughout the home or play different things in different locations.
6. JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Next up, check out this cool speaker that is perfect for outdoor or indoor use. JBL Charge 3 is a great Bluetooth speaker for Echo Dot because you can use it anywhere. The sound is stereo sound that is clear and reliable. It’s a heavy-duty speaker that can handle some wear and tear and it even comes in 6 different color choices (including a camo print).
Spoiler alert, you can even charge your phone on this speaker if you want to. You can use the Bluetooth speaker to connect up to 3 separate devices. The battery life is pretty awesome with up to 20 hours of playtime. It’s also an exceptionally high waterproof value of IPX7. It’s crystal clear. You can even take calls and the speaker is echoing and noise cancelling when you do.
If you want to connect multiple speakers through a Bluetooth speaker or maybe even multiple Echo Dot devices, that won’t be a problem here. You can even connect several JBL speakers together to synchronize and this will amplify the sound and the overall experience.
This little speaker is built to be tough and reliable. You can use this Bluetooth speaker wherever you need it, as long as it is in range. You can do just about anything with just a micro USB charging cable as well.
Specs:
| Power: | 20 watts |
| Battery Life: | up to 20 hours |
| Waterproof: | IPX7 |
| Dimensions: | 9.1 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight: | 28 ounces |
Key Features (On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest)
- Power: 9
- Connection Options: 10
- Sound: 9
- Size: 10
Pros:
- The best Bluetooth speaker for outdoors and hard work
- Use a Micro USB charging cable to charge your phone
- Pairs nicely with an Echo Dot and other devices
- Connect up to 3 Bluetooth devices at one time
- External speaker with a lot of versatility
Cons:
- The volume does not get very loud
Why We Like It: This mini Bluetooth speaker is a simple external speaker. It can pair with other JBL options as well as your Echo Dot and you can rely on decent sound even when you’re hanging out outside. It’s all about the simplicity and convenience of this design.
7. Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker is compatible with the Echo Dot but that is the only external speaker with Alexa that it will work with so just be aware of that detail. It’s the best speaker that is affordable and has reliable sound. You can be up to 66 feet away from your connected device and this external speaker will still work.
While this is a small portable speaker, it has a surprisingly nice sound. It’s built to give you quality highs as well as deep bass and the volume is great too. This is built to be simple and portable but also durable. It has waterproof qualities so you can enjoy it by the pool or wherever you might want to adventure to.
This Echo Dot speaker has an exceptionally good battery run time, with up to 24 hours of playtime before you have to charge it. You can choose from 3 different color choices as well. These are built to be easy to connect, which sometimes makes all of the difference when you think about it.
The technology here is focused on bass with a unique “bass up” technology from the brand. This helps to amplify bass noises without making them sound awful.
Specs:
| Power: | 6 watts |
| Battery Use: | up to 24 hours |
| Waterproof: | IPX5 |
| Dimensions: | 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches |
| Weight: | Not provided, estimated less than 1 pound |
Key Features (On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest)
- Power: 9
- Connection Options: 9
- Sound: 10
- Size: 10
Pros:
- Uses a built in mic for voice control and other uses
- Lightweight and super easy to port around
- Connects to Echo Dot without a problem
- Available in 3 color choices
- Up to 24 hours of playtime
Cons:
- This will only connect to Echo Dot and not any other Alexa device
- The volume does not get super loud
Why We Like It: Easily connect to your Amazon Echo Dot and enjoy the stereo sound without a lot of effort. It’s simple and it’s so easy to use. It’s great for the outdoors and we really appreciate the amped up sound and the Bass Up technology for clear sound.
8. I-Star Smart Style Speaker for Echo Dot
If you want to pair your Bluetooth speaker or simply enhance your sound with a speaker for Echo Dot, I-Star might be a great option. This is a unique style and you actually insert your Echo dot into the top of the speaker to access the functionality. You then connect the included cables to pair them together and the result is excellent sound.
You 10 watts of stereo sound from this convenient little booster. It uses a passive radiator subwoofer to help improve the noise and give you a better bass response. This is a simple solution when you just want to perfect your speaker for Echo Dot. The best part is you get a 360-degree sound so you get to enjoy “more”.
This is really easy to set up and use and it works well. The company even offers you a 12-month warranty, as well as 30-day money back, guarantee if you hate it. The speaker is portable and can be used as a wireless speaker so you can take it where you need it. You just need Wi-Fi. Your other option is to connect as a Bluetooth speaker or use the auxiliary connection for a device.
Specs:
| Power: | 10 watts |
| Battery Use: | 6 hours |
| Waterproof: | none |
| Dimensions: | 7.8 x 5.4 x 5.3 inches |
| Weight: | 1.75 pounds |
Key Features (On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest)
- Power: 9
- Connection Options: 9
- Sound: 10
- Size: 10
Pros:
- Physically connects to your Echo Dot
- Enhances the speakers you already have
- Can be a wireless speaker or plugged in
- Easily connects
- Company has a guarantee and a warranty
Cons:
- This requires being turned on by hand so no voice commands work when using this device
Why We Like It: If you want a speaker for Echo Dot that is small and simple, this is it. It is reliable and it works to amplify your sound, which is probably what you are really after anyway, right?
Buyer’s Guide
You’ve seen some basic details on what to look for and you’ve seen a lot of really great options. But where do you go from here? It’s time to figure out how you can narrow down the playing field to really find your own solution for your own needs.
Take a look at some of these helpful tips.
Wired, Wireless, or Bluetooth Speaker
Before you buy, you need to consider just what you are going to do with this speaker and how much accessibility you want. Speakers like the Sonos option are required to be plugged in and built to enhance the sound in a specific room. They connect to the Echo Dot and possibly other devices to bring you clear sound across the board.
Or you can use a portable Bluetooth speaker so you can take your music and connections and features and use them anywhere you like. These have to be able to connect together so always just be sure you get one that really is compatible with Alexa or your Echo device.
This particular spec is really going to be up to you. If you think you just want to improve your sound in one large room, that is totally doable. If you want something to carry around with you outside, that is doable too.
Just be sure you purchase to meet your needs.
Voice Ability
Something that you have to be aware of for your Echo Dot is whether or not the Bluetooth speaker that you pair it with will be capable of handling the voice allowances. Some speakers you connect to will actually eliminate the capability to use your voice.
Other speakers simply don’t have a mic so your speaking to the speaker is never heard or recognized.
Other speakers will be fully compatible with a mic built into the system so that when you speak or command Alexa, you are heard and Alexa will obey. Some of those speakers even have the ability to take calls through the speakers, which is a pretty cool option if it’s something that appeals to you.
Battery
Think about your plans for your Bluetooth speaker. Where will you be using it? How long do you think you will need it at one time or between charges? Some speakers hold batteries better than others. Of course, there are also speakers that have to be plugged in so you don’t have to worry about battery use.
Again, this is totally up to you and very well may differ on how you intend to use your Bluetooth speaker.
If you want to set it up permanently in space or move it around very little, a plugged in version might be optimal. If you want to be able to take it outside or cart it around wherever you are, you want a battery. Of course, the hours you need of battery time might also differ.
For some people, 6 hours will be completely sufficient but for others, they might truly take advantage of the full 20+ hours of life if they are able to. If you use a rechargeable option, think about how easy or complicated it will be to charge. Can you just plug it in somewhere with a USB or do you need other charging solutions?
Power
Sometimes the power really makes a difference. The nice thing about this is you probably aren’t looking for 100+ watts of power like you might if you wanted big surround style speakers. These are meant to be simple but you also want your sound to be clear.
You want to be able to hear the high notes and still enjoy the bass. You want sound that isn’t going to cut out and you want enough volume to enjoy the sound.
These things almost always tie back to the power of the device in question. Your speaker of choice is going to have power measured by watts. You don’t necessarily need a lot of watts for good sound here. But you want to know it’s powerful enough to give you some volume and be clear.
You might be interested:
Best Tower Speakers Review
5 Best Budget Speakers for Turntable Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Pair Bluetooth Speakers with Echo Dot?
Yes, you typically can pair a Bluetooth speaker with an Echo Dot. Here’s the thing though. Not every single Bluetooth option will actually be compatible so you always need to check for compatibility and not just assume that they will connect together and actually perform.
What Speakers Can Pair with Alexa?
There are a lot of great options out there that pair with Alexa. If you want to be able to use voice control commands, you have to make sure your speaker has a mic that will accommodate these. If it has a mic and it is compatible with Alexa, then you are good to go!
When Should I Use an External Speaker?
This is going to be preferential but the key is that if you want music in the shower or near water, you probably need an external speaker. If you want portability, you probably need an external speaker. If you want better or boosted sound, you probably need an external speaker. You can do a lot of things and the Dot’s speaker isn’t bad, these just add extra ability or improved sound.
What is the Best Premium Speaker for Echo Dot?
If you want the premium choice, we highly recommend Sonas. It is most definitely a premium selection and it is amazing. Of course, there are other great options if that is outside of your budget capabilities as well.
How Can You Make Your Echo Better?
Your Echo is really a pretty great little speaker. Obviously, there is always room for improvement though. There are a lot of great things you can do to improve it. From speakers like what we’ve shared here to other accessories, you have a ton of options. You should learn the little ways that you can adjust your Alexa and personalize it. You can add so many things like bulbs and plug ins that connect too!
Conclusion
We hope that this guide to the best speaker for your Echo speaker is a great resource. There are so many choices out there to choose from. You just want to choose what works for you and still works with your Echo device. Which speaker do you have your eyes on?
Expert Tip
Be sure to look for a microphone on the speaker to be able to enjoy your commands to Alexa. After all, that is some of the fun of Alexa, right?
Did You Know?
Did you know that you don’t HAVE to use another speaker? You only need to add one if you want premium sound or need to be able to add some versatility to your sound.
Amazon Recommends:
- OUR BEST SOUNDING ECHO DOT YET – Enjoy an improved audio experience...
- CHECK THE TIME AND MORE AT A GLANCE – The improved LED display shows...
- ENJOY AN IMMERSIVE AUDIO EXPERIENCE - Echo Studio now features spatial...
- VOICE CONTROL YOUR MUSIC – Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple...
- TALK TO ALEXA – With the Alexa app running on your iPhone or...
- THE NEXT GENERATION PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER - OontZ Angle 3 Shower...
John Fleming is the senior editor for Audiophilez.com, covering everything from headphones to smart speakers. He is a graduate of Music Production and Technology. Before Audiophilez, John began his career as a staff writer for two different magazines, where he became a skilled storyteller across different mediums. When he isn’t writing, he can be found biking, reading books, and playing the piano.