Alexa smart home starter kit
Updated
A starter list for an Alexa smart home: an Echo that doubles as a hub, smart plugs, bulbs and sensors, with prices and what to check so everything works together on the first try.
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Before you buy
Alexa works well as a first smart home because setup is mostly in one app. The details that cause trouble are about the radio each device uses, so check those before buying.
Which Echo for what
Amazon’s developer documentation lists which Echo models act as hubs for each protocol. In its lists, not every Echo has Zigbee: only certain models include a built-in Zigbee hub, which supports Zigbee 1.2 and 3.0 on 2.4 GHz with a range of 50 to 100 feet. Many Echo and eero devices can act as the Matter administrator that connects Matter devices to Alexa locally, and only some act as Thread border routers. So if you want Zigbee sensors or Thread devices, check the listing for the exact model first. Our Alexa, Matter and Thread guide and Works with Alexa without a hub explain the combinations.
Local or cloud
Alexa’s documentation says a Matter connection lets Alexa control a device locally, reducing latency and improving reliability, and that for cloud-connected devices Matter lets Alexa keep control during internet outages. Voice recognition and remote control still use the internet. If privacy is a concern, review the microphone and voice-history settings in Smart speaker privacy settings, and follow the FTC’s basics of unique passwords, two-factor authentication and updates for your Amazon account.
Start with one room
| Room | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | Echo, two plugs, two bulbs | Voice scenes for evening lighting |
| Hallway | Motion sensor and a bulb | Night light that comes on when you walk in |
| Front door | Door sensor, optional doorbell | Announcements and alerts |
| Bedroom | Plug for a fan or lamp, second Echo | Routines at bedtime |
Budget is only part of the cost. If you plan to add many devices, the starter kit under $100 and kit under $300 show how to spread spending, and How to start a smart home covers planning.
Core items
Echo speaker or display that doubles as a hub
$60–$200The control point for voice and routines. Some Echo models also include a Zigbee hub, and many can act as the Matter controller or Thread border router.
What to look for: Zigbee hub built in if you want Zigbee devices, Matter controller, Thread border router if you want Thread devices, a microphone-off button
See options on AmazonSmart plugs × 3
$10–$25Turn lamps, fans and coffee makers on a schedule or by voice. Energy monitoring helps with heaters and appliances you may want to check.
What to look for: Matter or an Alexa-compatible listing, 15 A rating, UL listing, small enough not to block the second outlet
See options on AmazonSmart bulbs × 4
$8–$20Voice-controlled lighting for lamps and fixtures. Start with the rooms you use most.
What to look for: E26 base, Matter or Zigbee support, white or tunable white, suitable for your fixtures and any dimmers
See options on AmazonDoor and motion sensors × 2
$10–$40They trigger routines: lights on at night, alerts when a door opens or a hallway light when you walk in.
What to look for: Zigbee, Matter or a listing as compatible with Alexa, replaceable battery, low-battery alert
See options on AmazonNice to have
Video doorbell
$50–$230Shows who is at the door on an Echo display and lets you talk through it.
What to look for: works with Alexa announcements, battery or wired, local recording option, and a clear subscription policy
See options on AmazonSecond Echo for another room
$30–$100Extends voice control and intercom to a bedroom or kitchen.
What to look for: the features you need in that room: display, Matter, Zigbee or Thread, based on the model’s listing
See options on AmazonWater leak sensors × 2
$10–$35Alerts to your phone and to Echo devices when water reaches the floor under a sink or water heater.
What to look for: Zigbee, Matter or Alexa-compatible, a loud siren, battery life of a year or more
See options on AmazonStep by step
- Set up the Echo in the Alexa app on your home Wi-Fi, and name the room it is in.
- Add the smart plugs first; scan their Matter code or follow the maker’s steps in the Alexa app. Name each one by the thing it controls.
- Add the bulbs, group them by room and test dimming.
- Add sensors; place the door sensor on the door frame, and the motion sensor where it sees the hallway, not a window.
- Create two routines: one for evening lights and one for hallway motion at night. Run each by voice and by trigger.
- Check the permissions and microphone settings in the app, and turn on two-factor authentication for your Amazon account.
Cheaper or upgraded versions
Budget version, about $60–$100: one Echo with the features you need, two smart plugs and two bulbs. Add sensors later.
Upgrade, about $500–$900: an Echo display as the control point, a second Echo in the bedroom, six bulbs, four sensors, a video doorbell and leak sensors, all Matter or Zigbee for local control.
Frequently asked questions
Does Alexa need a hub?
Not for Wi-Fi devices. Some Echo models include a Zigbee hub, and many Echo devices act as Matter controllers; only some act as Thread border routers. Check the model’s listing for the radio you need.
Which Echo has a Zigbee hub?
Only certain models. Amazon’s developer documentation lists them, and the list changes with new releases, so check the listing for the exact model before buying.
Does Alexa work without the internet?
Matter devices can be controlled locally by an Echo that acts as the Matter controller. Voice recognition, remote control and cloud-linked devices still need the internet.
Can I use Alexa and Google Home together?
Yes, with Matter devices, which can be added to both. Voice commands go through each assistant, so you will manage two sets of names and routines.