Smart speakers · Ranked #8 of 9 · Best small Alexa speaker

Amazon Echo Dot Max

77
Mixed
Average of 9 professional reviews
6 of 9 recommend it · critics split
Where the 9 reviews landedRange 50–90
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 76.9 · 7 printed, 2 estimated · printed scores only: 81

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9 professional reviewers tested the Amazon Echo Dot Max, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and design. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by The Ambient, WIRED, Expert Reviews and 6 more

The catch: Sound is only so-so and Alexa Plus feels unfinished.

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What 9 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    The AmbientHands-on review · 2026

    The reviewer finds the extra cost mostly justified by cleaner, bassier audio and the full set of Echo Studio smart-home features in a compact body.

    Read The Ambient review
  2. 80
    WIREDHands-on review

    Reviewed alongside the new Echo Studio, the Dot Max sounds impressively full for its size and includes a smart-home hub plus Alexa+ access.

    Read WIRED review
  3. 80
    Expert ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    This is a clearly better-sounding Dot with solid smart-home abilities, so Alexa fans will be happy.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  4. 80
    The VergeHands-on review · 2025

    Hardware is a clear step up and the best all-round Alexa speaker, with strong smart home support.

    Read The Verge review
  5. 80
    Tom's GuideHands-on review · 2025

    It looks and sounds nicer than before and gains useful smart-home sensing, and Alexa+ is a real step up.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  6. 79
    EngadgetHands-on review · 2025

    A fine way to use Alexa+ with decent sound, but audio falls short of the older Echo at the same price.

    Read Engadget review
  7. 76
    SoundGuysHands-on review · 2026

    A step up from the standard Dot with stronger sound and a built-in smart home hub, but still a mono, plugged-in speaker for casual listening.

    Read SoundGuys review
  8. 77est.
    PCWorldNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2026

    A solid smart home foundation with better bass than the Dot, but sound is only so-so and Alexa+ is unfinished.

    Read PCWorld review
  9. 50est.
    What Hi-Fi?No printed score · Hands-on review · 2025

    Smart features are strong, but the sound is muddled and a step back from the cheaper fifth-gen Dot.

    Read What Hi-Fi? review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Sound quality7 of 9
Design2 of 9

What critics dislike most

Price3 of 9

Other smart speakers critics rate highly

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Top pick, narrowlySonos Era 10012 reviews · broad agreement89
WiiM SoundImage: WiiM
WiiM Sound4 reviews · broad agreement88
Sonos Era 300Image: Sonos
Best for Dolby AtmosSonos Era 30021 reviews · critics split86
Bose Lifestyle Ultra SpeakerImage: Bose
Best compact multiroom speakerBose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker6 reviews · broad agreement84

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Amazon Echo Dot Max worth it?

Critics are divided: 6 of 9 recommend it. Sound is only so-so and Alexa Plus feels unfinished.

Do critics agree about the Amazon Echo Dot Max?

Critics split: scores range from 50 (What Hi-Fi?) to 90 (The Ambient), a spread of 40 points across 9 reviews. Reviewers disagree, so read the individual reviews before buying.

What do critics dislike about the Amazon Echo Dot Max?

Price (3 of 9 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Amazon Echo Dot Max?

The Sonos Era 100 (critic score 89), top pick, narrowly.