If you own more than one Echo device from different generations, you probably want to make the most of having multiple speakers by using them simultaneously. But how do you link the devices from different generations to create stereo sound?
To link two Echo speakers of a different generation, place the devices in the same room and open your Alexa app. Press the plus symbol, create a stereo pair with your two speakers, and name it. If you want to connect multiple speaker pairs, you can create a multi-room music group in the app.
Unfortunately, linking your Amazon Echo speakers in this way can be somewhat confusing. To help you out, this article lists the steps in detail. It also describes the significant differences between the latest generations of the Echo smart speaker so that you can figure out which option is best for you.
Can You Link the Different Echo Generations?
It is possible to connect two different Echo generations, with a few exceptions. The first two generations of the Echo Dot (on Amazon) cannot be paired for creating stereo sound. However, the other generations can be.
Users can also pair other Echo devices, such as the Echo Studio (on Amazon). But mixing two entirely different models of the device is not possible.
For instance, one cannot create stereo sound with one Echo Dot and one Echo Studio. However, there is a way to connect different models in a multi-room music group (discussed later).
That said, here are the steps to link two Echo devices.
Pair the Devices Together
Before starting to pair the devices, set up each of the two devices.
- Position the Echo devices at least a foot away to create the stereo sound.
- Go to devices in the Alexa app on your phone.
- Click on the plus (+) icon located in the top right corner.
- Choose ‘combine speakers’ and click on the Stereo pair.
- Select the two Echo devices you want to link from the list of devices.
- Choose ‘Next' and verify the position of the Echos. You can do that by tapping on each device. Tap next to proceed.
- Select the name for your Echo Dot pair and save.
Link the Devices Together as a Stereo Pair
To link devices together as stereo pairs, make sure to successfully pair the devices as described above. Then, follow these steps:
- Open Amazon Music or any other compatible application
- Click on the square icon hosting a wireless symbol for casting
- Choose the name for your Echo stereo pair
How to Create a Multi-Room Music Group?
In case you want to connect more than two stereo pairs, you can create a multi-room music group for your smart speakers.
Make sure that all the devices you want to link together are connected to the Alexa app and are on the same wireless network. Once that's done, you can follow the steps below:
- Open the Alexa app and select ‘Devices.' Click the ‘+’ button and tap on the option that says ‘Combine speakers.’
- You will find three options to choose from. Select ‘multi-room music’ from the choices.
- From the list of all connected devices, select the ones that you want to pair to create the multi-room music group and click ‘Next.' If you do not see the name of your device, tap rescan.
- Save the room with a custom name or select an existing name to continue.
- Your multi-room music group is now ready to go.
👉 Related Reading: Amazon Echo: Transferring Music To Another Echo (Room to Room)
What Are the Differences Between Echo Generations?
While it is great to have such a range of Echo devices to choose from, selecting the best option can be a challenge.
If you're not sure whether to buy an Echo Dot or an Echo Plus, you're in luck. Here is a simple comparison of the various options to help you pick the right product.
Comparison of the Echo Dots: 3rd and 4th Generations
Following the success of its first-generation Echo, Amazon started releasing refined and improved versions of these smart devices.
And, with their compact design and cheap price tag, Echo dots have grown to become the most popular smart speakers.
Their capability to pick up a voice from the farthest corner of a room makes the Echo Dot an excellent choice for any home. But which generation do you need?
Let's check the significant difference between the two latest versions, the 3rd, and 4th generations.
Build Quality and Design
The 3rd generation Echo Dot (on Amazon) features an elegant design and a sleek look, hosting the controls on the top.
With the 5th generation Echo Dot (on Amazon), they designed an even more attractive spherical body. Although the controls are the same, the more blended feel of the buttons makes them easier to access.
The new Echo Dot stands a little taller than its predecessor in terms of size. However, they both take up the same amount of desk space.
Another noticeable change in design is the repositioning of the light ring. While it's on the top of the old model, it shines downward in the new model.
Because of this, the new Echo Dot doesn't affect the ambiance of the room when the lights are off.
👉 Related Reading: What’s The Difference Between Amazon’s Alexa and Echo?
Notable Features
Powered by the company’s cloud-based artificial assistant, both of these devices flaunt a similar range of core features. However, the 4th generation Echo Dot differentiates its Low Power mode.
This speaker can save energy by switching to a low power state when idle. For most users, however, this feature is never activated. There are several reasons for this.
For example, if you have notifications activated on the Dot, the device will never be idle, and it won’t go into the low power consumption mode. This makes the two devices relatively even in terms of features.
Furthermore, both devices are available with an LCD display, so you can quickly check the time and temperature.
Voice and Sound Quality
As expected, the newer version has a more refined voice quality. Both speakers provide decent sound quality with their 1.5-inch tweeters.
However, the 4th generation comes with a front-firing speaker, while the 3rd generation hosts upward-firing speakers.
For this reason, the 4th generation offers a much clearer and louder sound than its predecessor. The difference is apparent. With 4th generation, the sound feels like it's being directed right at you.
Comparison of the Echo Plus: 1st and 2nd Generations
The Echo Plus happens to be an upgraded version of the original Amazon Echo. Apart from having similar basic functionalities, there are a few noticeable differences between the two generations.
Design
The 1st generation Echo Plus (on Amazon) was bigger and looked a little awkward. However, Amazon has done a pretty great job with the 2nd generation (on Amazon). The new version is smaller with a more stylish aesthetic.
Also, the reconstruction of the body from a partly plastic body to an all-mesh enclosure is wonderfully executed with the 4th generation.
Sound Quality
As expected, Amazon came up with much-improved sound quality in the 2nd generation Plus.
Instead of being located at the bottom, as was the case with the 1st generation, the speakers on the 2nd generation are surrounding its body perimeter.
