Alexa is a great feature offered by Amazon, and thankfully, it's standard on Fire TV Sticks and comes with any Echo device. With Alexa, you can control connected devices with your voice, and if you have a smart home system, Alexa can operate it as well. It will also bring up movies and shows on your vocal command. However, what about your soundbar? Can Alexa control a soundbar?
A soundbar can be controlled with Alexa. Often times with a new soundbar, it will have a built-in feature to use Alexa. This way, it is acting independently as another smart device. The soundbar will need to be connected to your Amazon account in order for it to work.
You can control a soundbar with Alexa, even if it's not built-in. Here's everything you need to know about using Alexa with your soundbar; however, if you choose not to go that route and just want to use a remote to control it, I would suggest checking out our article, so you know what you're doing.
Using Alexa with Your Soundbar
Some soundbars like the Yamaha YAS-109 (on Amazon) have Alexa built-in. It allows for voice control of the soundbar so you can adjust the volume search for songs, artists, genres, and more. Once the soundbar is connected to your entertainment system using either an HDMI or Optical cable, you can control the component with your voice, and this isn't the only thing you can do with smart home devices.
However, not all soundbars have Alexa pre-installed, but this doesn't mean that you're stuck using a remote control. If you already have an Alexa-enabled device, you can connect it and the soundbar to the same Wi-Fi network. From there, you can control the soundbar with your voice commands.
How to Use Soundbars with Alexa Built-In
There are a few advantages to having a soundbar with Alexa. One is you won't have to search for the remote every time the volume needs adjusting. You can tell Alexa to turn the audio up or down without pressing a button. Alexa can also play local news and weather forecasts and keep you current on the latest sports scores.
With an Alexa-enabled soundbar, you can also control your home's smart system. If your lights, door locks, thermostat, and even your oven are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can control them by giving vocal commands to the soundbar. If that isn't enough, you can also preheat the oven while you're in another room listening to your favorite tunes.
While these are great and also very convenient advantages, a soundbar with Alexa is also compatible with most music streaming services. Some of the services do require a monthly subscription fee, while others are free with limited commercials. Some of the streaming services you'll have access to with Alexa are Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Spotify, SiriusXM, Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer, GimmeRadio, and Saavn.
There are different requirements for each streaming music service. Along with the possibility of subscription fees, you may also have to create a user account even with the free services. Some, like Spotify, do not support Alexa multi-room audio.
How to Use Soundbars Without Alexa Built-In
Not all soundbars come with Alexa pre-installed, but you can still use voice commands with them, depending on the model. There are a few steps to follow, but it's still a quick and easy process to command your soundbar with your voice. You will need an Amazon account, and it does come with an inexpensive monthly fee.
However, you also get all of the benefits that come with being an Amazon Prime member, including free shipping and access to their vast library of streaming content. If you do get an Amazon account, you'll also need a device that is Alexa-enabled in order to take advantage of the benefits the account has to offer.
How to Get Alexa on a Soundbar
You have a few options when it comes to getting devices that use Alexa, with the Echo being one of them. The speakers are a breeze to integrate into your audio system, are compatible with most soundbars, and are Alexa-enabled. Amazon Echo and the Echo Dot (also on Amazon) are solid options to consider.
If you have a home start system, the small Echo line of products is a great choice. You can control all of your smart devices with either one, including your soundbar. You also need a mobile device that can connect to either Google Play or the Apple App Store. The next step is to download the Music Center app.
It's a free app that walks you through the initial setup sets to connect the soundbar to your Alexa-enabled device. Whichever device you use to get Alexa on your soundbar, you will need a home Wi-Fi network. If you can't connect the components to the same internet network, you won't be able to use Alexa with the soundbar.
Conclusion
Alexa can control your soundbar, even if it doesn't come with this convenient feature. It's also not hard to get Alexa on your soundbar in the case that it wasn't pre-installed. You do need to install an app and have an Alexa-enabled device connected to your Wi-Fi network, but after that, you only need to follow a few simple setup steps.
It is worth the effort to use Alexa with your soundbar. Not only do you have access to great music streaming services, but you can also control the other smart devices in your home with a simple vocal command.
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