Which Alexa is Best for Seniors?

Alexa For Seniors

At Speak2, we use our software with Amazon Alexa devices to help connect seniors to their families, caregivers, and community. With Alexa, seniors can simply use their voice to send messages, make calls, and be involved in their family’s lives at a time when their children and grandchildren are constantly messaging on their phones! That is why the best gift for seniors this holiday season, or any season for that matter, is the gift of connection with Speak2 and Alexa. But first, which Alexa is best for seniors?Amazon offers various Echo devices with the Alexa voice assistant that can be more or less compatible with a user’s lifestyle. Whether it be the design, price, or extra features, Alexa can help any aging senior! Let’s take a look at some of the Alexa devices on the market!

Echo Dot 3rd Generation 

The Echo Dot 3rd Generation is one of the most commonly used Alexa devices. Compared to other devices, the Echo Dot is smaller, screenless, and less expensive, costing $19.99. Like all the Alexa devices, the user can ask Alexa to play music, read the news, complete tasks, or call family and friends. This Alexa is very compact, so it is perfect for small spaces and blending in with the rest of the user’s home.

Echo Dot 3rd Generation

The Echo Dot is compatible with senior users who:

• Want to use voice technology basics for making requests, communicating with loved ones, or receiving information. 
• Are visually impaired or have trouble looking at screens
• Are looking for an inexpensive Alexa device

Want a larger and more advanced speaker? Check out the Echo Dot 4th Generation.

Echo Show 5 

The Echo Show 5 has the same capabilities as the Echo Dot but displays answer results on a 5.5-inch screen. The addition of a screen to Alexa allows the user to watch videos, integrate with security cameras or video-call. For example, an Alexa user can ask, “Alexa, show me a video on how to bake cookies.” Then, Alexa will pull up a video and display it on the screen for the user to watch! At $44.99, the Echo Show 5 is excellent if users want voice technology and display features. 

The Echo Show 5 is compatible with senior users who:

• Want to use voice technology for making requests, communicating with loved ones, or receiving information.
• Want to watch videos, integrate security cameras, or video call with friends and family.
• Are looking for an inexpensive Alexa device with video display capabilities.

Need a larger screen and speaker? Check out the Echo Show 8.

Echo Show 8

Echo Show 10

The Echo Show 10 is one of the most complex Alexa devices on the market. Alexa comes with a 10.1-inch screen. It also comes with a motion censored stand that moves the screen, so it is always in the user’s view. Along with everything in the Echo Show 5 and 8, the Echo Show 10 comes with a higher quality built-in camera that can take photos and act as a security monitor. In all, the Echo Show 10 provides a higher quality experience and added features at a price point of $249.99.

The Echo Show 10 is compatible with senior users who:

• Want to use voice technology for making requests, communicating with loved ones, or receiving information.
• Need a larger screen than the Echo 8.
• Want to watch higher quality videos or video calls with friends and family.
• Want to have a built-in security camera.
  

Echo Show 10

Echo Show 15

The Echo Show 15 is the newest of the Echo devices to hit the market in 2021. Being the latest addition, this Alexa comes with a 15.6-inch screen. Users can mount the device on the wall or add a stand to view the device in portrait or landscape mode. Along with everything the other Echo Shows provide, this device tailors to households that utilize other Amazon smart home tools for video monitoring and central access. In addition, each user can have their own experience using face ID personalization. In all, the Echo Show 15 provides a higher quality experience and added features at a price point of $249.99. 

The Echo Show 15 is compatible with senior users who: Want to use voice technology for making requests, communicating with loved ones, or receiving information.

• Need a larger screen that can mount on a wall in a central location like the kitchen.
• Would like to watch higher quality videos or video calls with friends and family.
• Want to have a built-in security camera.
• Want the best user experience when utilizing other smart home devices that are compatible with Alexa. 

Echo Show 15

So, which Alexa is the best for seniors?

With so many devices to choose from, it’s hard to pick! At Speak2, we’ve learned that multimodal devices help increase technology adoption amongst seniors. That is a technology that combines different modes, such as voice, text, audio, images, videos, and others. We use a variety of Echo Dot 4, Echo Show 5, and Echo Show 8 devices. These have worked great for residents of senior living communities and aging adults who live independently. In all, whatever device you choose, the best Alexa for your elderly loved one will be the one that fits with their lifestyle!