Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
Following the launch of the new Amazon devices, you may be wondering when you'll be able to access Alexa+.
Amazon announced Alexa+ in February, a generative AI-powered version of its popular virtual assistant that leverages the power of generative artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience. Alexa+ is exactly what you may have envisioned when you first heard of virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google, but without the accompanying disappointment at their shortcomings.
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The improved voice assistant can generate responses instead of simply repeating what it's been programmed to say. With generative AI, Alexa+ can engage in more natural conversations with users, rather than simply listening to a prompt and responding with a predetermined action.
Also: Amazon just gave Alexa its biggest upgrade since debut - and you'll want an Echo Show for it
It also supports memory to recall preferences and conversations, maintaining context throughout a conversation. This allows it to remember what you asked at the beginning of a chat and respond in that context without you having to say, "Alexa" again.
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How to get early access to Alexa+
Alexa+ isn't widely available yet, but you can sign up here to get early access and be notified when it is available on your Echo devices. If you buy a compatible Echo device, you'll also get Alexa+ Early Access when you set it up.
Echo devices compatible with Alexa+
If you already have or buy one of the Echo devices below, or their Kids variation, you can get early access to Alexa+:
Once you have Alexa+ on one of these Echo devices, you can use it on the rest of your compatible Echo speakers and devices, the Alexa app, compatible Fire TVs, and Fire tablets. Online access through Alexa.com is coming soon.
Echo devices that don't support Alexa+
While the new virtual assistant is compatible with most Echo devices, the following won't support Amazon's Alexa+, though you'll still be able to access the standard Alexa on them:
Echo Dot 1st Gen
Echo 1st Gen
Echo Plus 1st Gen
Echo Show 2nd Gen and older
Echo Spot 1st Gen
Echo Buds 1st Gen
Amazon Tap
Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen and older
Fire TV Stick 4K Max 1st Gen
Fire TV Stick 4K 1st Gen
Fire TV Stick
Fire HD 8 Tablet 11th Gen and older
Fire HD 10 Tablet 12th Gen and older
Fire Max 11 12th Gen and older
Amazon Astro (planned for the future)
FAQs Is Alexa+ available now? Alexa+ is in its early access period, and Amazon has been gradually expanding the audience for its new generative AI assistant. Early access will be followed by a broader rollout, though Amazon hasn't specified when it will be widely available. Also: 10+ powerful Alexa commands you're probably not using (but should be) To gain access now, you must sign up on the Amazon Alexa+ website or purchase a compatible Echo device. If you do, you can set up Alexa+ during the initial setup. Show more Can I use Alexa+ on a new Echo speaker? You can get Alexa+ as soon as you buy and set up a new Echo speaker, no waitlist necessary. Echo speakers were excluded from the initial rollout of Alexa+, but Amazon has since expanded early access to all compatible devices. Also: The best Alexa devices of 2025: Expert tested Alexa+ is very capable without relying on a display, such as answering questions and creating stories. Show more How much does Alexa+ cost? Amazon is offering Alexa+ for free during the early access period, after which customers can sign up for it (if they don't have a Prime membership). Also: Best early Prime Day Amazon Echo device deals 2025: My 10 favorites sales ahead of October Alexa+ will cost $20 a month and will be offered as a separate service, though it will also be included as a perk with the Prime membership. The Alexa+ cost is the same as ChatGPT Plus, but its individual offerings will need to be compared when available to assess which one is better. Show more