With the announcement of Amazon’s Alexa device for kids, a lot of people might be asking, “How is the Echo Dot Kids Edition different from the regular Echo Dot?” Despite all the marketing hype around the new device, the physical differences are minimal, and the software differences may be non-existent. The real difference is the services that come included in the purchase. In fact, we’ve provided a tutorial on how you can turn any Echo Dot into an Echo Dot Kids Edition. The comparison below is with the 3rd Generation Echo Dot, since that’s what the latest Kids edition is based on. Previous versions were based on the 2nd edition dot and included a colored case rather than being a distinctly different color device.
If you’re considering ordering one of the new Echo Dots for Kids, here’s a comparison chart of exactly what differences you’ll find.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition vs Amazon Echo Dot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 – Check Current Price | $39.99 — Check Current Price |
| Color Options | Blue or Rainbow | Charcoal, Heather Gray, or Sandstone |
| Availability | Shipping will begin June 26. Available for pre-order for $49.99 until then. | Available now at Amazon and other retailers. |
FreeTime parental controls
| Enabled by default | Can be enabled at no charge |
FreeTime Unlimited
| Free for 1 year | $2.99/month [1] |
| Protective case | Included with older 1st generation Kid’s Edition. Not part of the latest Kid’s Edition Echo Dot. | Available from third parties [2] |
| Warranty | 2-year worry-free guarantee | 90-day limited warranty |
If those differences sound pretty minimal to you, then you might be better off picking up a standard Dot and “upgrading” it. The Echo Dot is regularly discounted on Amazon. Click here for the latest price.
Then follow these steps to turn your Echo Dot into a Kids Edition.
[1] FreeTime Unlimited is $4.99/month for a single child or $9.99/month for up to four children on a single family’s account. For prime members, this is reduced to $2.99 or $6.99 for the single child or family plans, respectively. Anyone can sign up for a one-month free trial of FreeTime Unlimited, but the Alexa features won’t be Available until May 9.
[2] There are third-party Echo Dot cases available in the $5-$10 range, but most are not designed for the same type of abuse as Amazon’s kid-friendly case. Amazon’s site lists several Echo Dot cases that will protect against scuffs and gentle drops. You’ll find a much wider selection of more durable Echo Dot cases on EBay. With the release of the Kids Edition, expect to see lots of copy-cat cases becoming available (but probably not on Amazon.com itself).