The new, smarter Alexa is free with Prime — everyone else pays $19.99 a month.
Here’s what Alexa+ does, and how to make sure you’re getting it without paying extra.
The short version
Alexa+ is the upgraded, conversational version of Alexa that arrived in early 2026. You can talk to it naturally, ask follow-up questions, and it remembers what you asked before. It’s free with an Amazon Prime membership and $19.99/month without Prime. For most Prime members it turned on automatically — and if you’d rather keep the old Alexa, you can switch back anytime.
Last updated June 25, 2026 · by Hanna Deen, The Price Mistake Queen
Hi everyone, Hanna here. If you’ve got an Echo on the kitchen counter, you may have noticed Alexa got a lot chattier this year. That’s Alexa+, the new AI version — and the headline for us bargain folks is simple: it’s free if you have Prime, but it’s $19.99 a month for everyone else. So let’s make sure you’re on the right side of that.
What’s new about Alexa+
- Real conversations. Instead of one command at a time, you can go back and forth like you’re chatting with a person — no need to say “Alexa” over and over.
- It remembers. Ask a follow-up and it keeps the thread, so you’re not repeating yourself.
- Helpful around the house. Planning, reminders, questions, and even building a grocery list that fits your needs, then sending it to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods.
How to get it (and check you have it)
For most eligible Prime members, Alexa+ rolled out automatically starting in February 2026 on supported Echo devices and in the Alexa app — you may already have it. To check or turn it on, open the Alexa app and look for Alexa+ in your settings.
The honest part
A few things I want you to know, plain and simple. Alexa+ is optional — if you like the classic Alexa, just say “Alexa, exit Alexa Plus” or end it in the app, and you’re back to the free original at no cost. And like any voice assistant, it’s listening for its wake word, so use the app’s privacy settings to review or delete recordings if that’s something you care about. No pressure either way.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alexa+ free with Amazon Prime?
Yes. Alexa+, the upgraded AI version of Alexa, is included free with an Amazon Prime membership. If you don’t have Prime, Alexa+ costs $19.99 a month on its own. The original Alexa stays free for everyone.
What is Alexa+ and how is it different?
Alexa+ is a smarter, more conversational version of Alexa that rolled out in early 2026. Instead of single commands, you can have a back-and-forth conversation the way you would with a chat assistant, and it can remember things you’ve asked before. It also connects to Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods to help build shopping lists around your preferences.
How much does Alexa+ cost without Prime?
$19.99 per month for people who aren’t Prime members. Since Prime is $14.99 a month (or $139 a year) and includes Alexa+ plus everything else Prime offers, most people find Prime is the better value if they want Alexa+.
Do I have to do anything to get Alexa+?
Usually not. For eligible Prime members the upgrade rolled out automatically starting February 4, 2026 on supported Echo devices and the Alexa app. You can check or manage it in the Alexa app.
Can I go back to the regular Alexa?
Yes. If you prefer the classic experience, you can say “Alexa, exit Alexa Plus,” or open the Alexa app and choose to end Alexa+. You’ll revert to the original Alexa, which remains free.
What can I actually use Alexa+ for?
Natural conversations, follow-up questions without repeating yourself, planning and reminders, and hands-free help around the house. A handy one for families: ask it to build a grocery list that fits dietary needs, then send it to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods.
Is Alexa+ worth it?
If you already have Prime, it’s free, so there’s no reason not to try it. If you don’t have Prime, weigh the $19.99/month Alexa+ price against a full Prime membership, which costs less and bundles Alexa+ with shipping, video, music, and more.
More ways to save
- Free Prime Premiere movie nights — free movie tickets and snacks for Prime members.
- Prime perks you’re not using — gas savings, free Grubhub+, and more.
- 3 months of Audible free — a freebie for Prime members new to Audible.
- SUN Bucks: $120 per child — summer grocery money, and how to use it on Amazon.
- Today’s Best Amazon Deals — our hand-picked daily roundup.
The bottom line
If you have Prime, the new Alexa is simply part of what you already pay for — go try a real conversation with it. If you don’t have Prime and you were eyeing Alexa+ at $19.99 a month, a full Prime membership costs less and throws Alexa+ in for free along with everything else.
This page contains affiliate links to Amazon; if you start a Prime membership through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon membership prices, perks, and availability are set by Amazon and can change or vary by location; they were accurate as of June 25, 2026. Check the Amazon page for current details.
