“The Echo's built-in Zigbee hub makes it the easiest path to basic smart home automation for Amazon households”

Is the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen worth it?
The Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen ($64.99) is worth considering with a 7.5/10 consensus score across 12 expert reviews. Experts highlight built-in zigbee hub — no separate device needed and alexa voice assistant included. CNET says: "The Echo's built-in Zigbee hub makes it the easiest path to basic smart home aut..." Best for: Smart home beginners, Alexa households, Simple automation needs.

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Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen
Automation
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
12 expert sources
The Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen earns a SHE Score of 6.3/10, driven by strong value (9.5/10) with room to improve in future-proofing (5/10). Based on 12 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 7.5/10 across 12 sources
Updated 2 weeks ago“The Echo's built-in Zigbee hub makes it the easiest path to basic smart home automation for Amazon households”
Key Features
- ✓ Built-in Zigbee
- ✓ Alexa included
- ✓ 2-4 hour setup
- ✓ Ring integration
Best For
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Built-in Zigbee hub — no separate device needed
- ✓ Alexa voice assistant included
- ✓ Simplest setup of any hub — 2-4 hours
- ✓ Ring and Philips Hue integration out of the box
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Limited to Amazon ecosystem for advanced features
- ✗ Cloud-dependent — affected by internet outages
- ✗ No Z-Wave support — excludes many locks and sensors
- ✗ 89.3% automation success rate — lowest in this guide
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What The Experts Say
Ready to buy the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen?
Check Price on Amazon$64.99 · 12 expert sources · 7.5/10 consensus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen worth it?
The Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen earns a 7.5/10 consensus score across 12 expert sources and is rated "Good Value". At $64.99, it is best for Smart home beginners. CNET notes: "The Echo's built-in Zigbee hub makes it the easiest path to basic smart home automation for Amazon households"
How much does the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen cost?
The Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen is priced at $64.99. With a 7.5/10 score from 12 expert reviews and a "Good Value" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Automation products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen best for?
The Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen is best for Smart home beginners, Alexa households, Simple automation needs. Experts rate it "Good Value" with a 7.5/10 consensus across 12 sources.
How does the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen compare to other Automation options?
Among the Automation products we have aggregated, the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen ranks above average with a 7.5/10 score. See our full category comparison for head-to-head details.
What smart home systems does the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen work with?
The Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen works with Amazon Alexa. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen?
If the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen ($64.99, 7.5/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Automation are Samsung SmartThings Hub Kit, Home Assistant Green. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen?
The main strengths of the Amazon Echo Plus 4th Gen are built-in zigbee hub — no separate device needed and alexa voice assistant included. The most-cited downside is limited to amazon ecosystem for advanced features. Overall, 12 expert sources rate it "Good Value" with a 7.5/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 1 independent expert review into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 12 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Amazon and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Amazon or any other manufacturer named in this article.

