Amazon’s new Echo Dot Max smart speaker bumps up the bass

Amazon took the wraps off its latest Echo Dot smart speaker during its fall hardware event on Tuesday. The Echo Dot Max is a new entry that updates the recognizable spherical design with a flat face housing the speaker’s control buttons and LED light ring.

At $99.99, the Echo Dot Max is the same price as Apple’s HomePod Mini, and costs twice as much as the fifth-generation Echo Dot. Amazon says the sound system has been redesigned to provide nearly three times more bass than its predecessor. Unveiled today alongside the new Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Show 11, Amazon says that these are “the most powerful Echo devices we have ever created.”

The speaker uses Amazon’s new AZ3 processor to run new edge-based computing capabilities and improve conversation detection by filtering out background noise. The Echo Dot Max sound system has been redesigned to integrate the speaker directly into the device housing, providing nearly three times more bass than its predecessor. This is also the first Echo Dot to sport two speakers, alongside a high-excursion woofer and a custom tweeter for crisp high notes.

Amazon also calls this the “first-ever” Echo Dot Max, so it’s not clear if this pricier speaker model serves as the sixth generation of the Echo Dot family or a standalone spinoff. Amazon introduced a $40 Echo Pop speaker in 2023, but the traditionally budget-friendly Echo Dot has been long overdue for an upgrade. The previous model was launched in 2022, featuring a new temperature sensor, better bass, and the ability to work as an Eero Mesh Wi-Fi extender. Amazon also debuted the Echo Dot with Clock at the time, but it has since discontinued this model.

Amazon’s new Echo Dot Max will also benefit from the company’s AI-upgraded voice assistant, which is available through a new Alexa Plus subscription. Alexa Plus launched in early access in March and offers the ability to hold back-and-forth conversations, as well as control multiple smart home devices based on a single request. Alexa Plus can also “remember” your preferences, such as your favorite types of movies and dietary restrictions, allowing it to make more personalized suggestions.

The Echo Dot Max is available for preorder today and will be generally available on October 29th. US customers who purchase any of the new Echo devices will also get early access to Alexa Plus out of the box.