Alexa is an amazing voice assistant.
However…
You most likely noticed this problem when playing music from your Echo device:
Right out of the box, its sound quality isn’t the best.
Kudos to your ears. Because I totally agree.
But don’t worry. You can fix this problem in minutes.
Keep reading to discover:
- 9 genius ways to improve Alexa’s sound quality.
- Which Alexa speaker is the best for playing music.
- 3 placement tips to get the best sound quality from your Echo device.
- And this is just the beginning…
How to improve Alexa sound quality? 9 quick & easy ways
#1: Reposition your Alexa device
Like all Bluetooth speakers…
Your Echo’s sound quality changes depending on its surroundings.
So, repositioning your Alexa device is the easiest way to improve its audio.
Now, every room’s layout, furniture, and materials are different.
And all these factors affect how soundwaves travel.
Hence, there are no one-size-fits-all instructions on positioning your Alexa device.
All I have for you are general guidelines, specifically…
3 tips for positioning your Echo device for the best audio quality:
Tip 1: Keep it close
It’s not a secret that most Echo devices aren’t really loud speakers.
So, when using Alexa to enjoy some music…
You should have your Echo device close to you.
Specifically, within 10 ft (3.05 m).
Tip 2: Ear level is key
Want the best listening experience?
Then, place your Echo near your ear level.
For example, if you usually enjoy music while sitting on the couch…
Put your Alexa on a desk or a shelf.
So, it’s on the same level as your ears while sitting.
Similarly, if you like standing or dancing when jamming to music…
Place your Echo on a higher shelf level.
Or invest in a wall mount if you don’t have any tall surfaces to place your Alexa device on.
Tip 3: Near the router
Your Echo connects to your audio source through WiFi.
Hence, if the Internet connection is bad…
Your speaker might also produce lower audio quality.
Luckily…
Keeping your Echo close to your router is usually enough to stabilize its connection.
So, place your Alexa within 20 feet (6.1 meters) of your WiFi source.
And if these 3 placement tips still don’t improve your AI’s sound quality…
#2: Check your WiFi connection
Now, Alexa doesn’t require you to have high-speed WiFi.
In fact, your voice assistant will work even if your connection is only 0.51 Mbps.
However, if you want a decent audio streaming experience through your Echo speakers…
Your WiFi should provide at least 6 Mbps.
Because big audio streaming services require this much.
Otherwise, your music will play with a lower audio quality.
For example, Amazon Music plays songs in SD, HD, or Ultra HD.
And while the last option has the best audio quality…
Alexa might play your tracks in SD if your Internet connection is bad.
And worst case scenario:
Your songs might keep cutting off while you’re streaming.
See, the Internet is crucial in maintaining the audio quality of your music.
So, follow these steps to…
Check how fast your WiFi is:
- Turn ON your phone/PC.
- Launch any browser.
- Head to www.speedtest.net.
- Tap the GO button at the center of your screen.
- Wait for the results to show up.
If you get an upload/download speed lower than 5 Mbps…
Contact your Internet Service Provider to upgrade your router or WiFi plan.
Alternatively, you can switch to an ISP that offers a much faster connection.
You might also be interested: Can IoT Work Without The Internet? Why & How…
#3: Optimize your Echo’s equalizer settings
Here’s the next trick to improve your Alexa’s sound quality:
Optimizing your AI’s equalizer.
Simply speaking, this audio filter allows you to isolate specific sound frequencies.
This way, you can boost or lower them as you wish.
Now, before you follow the specific steps to optimize your AI’s equalizer…
Remember that there are 3 frequency bands you can change:
- Bass.
- Mid.
- Treble.
Bass refers to the lowest-pitched sections of a song.
The frequency which rumbles across your chest when boosted.
While mid refers to the frequencies that you usually hear in your day-to-day life.
This is where the human voice and most instruments fall into.
“What about treble?”
Well, that’s the highest-pitched section of a song.
Sharp and thin sounds like flute tones are some examples.
And now that you know what the 3 frequency bands refer to…
Follow these steps to optimize Alexa’s equalizer:
- Launch your Amazon Alexa app (iOS/Android).
- Tap More at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Choose Settings.
- Select Device Settings.
- Choose a specific Alexa device.
- Click Audio Settings.
- Adjust the 3 frequency bands as you wish.
Pro tip: Optimize the equalizer while listening to music. So you can hear in real-time how each adjustment changes Alexa’s audio quality.
Interesting fact: You may also adjust these bands through voice commands.
Want a simpler alternative to manually adjusting the EQ?
Then, take advantage of Alexa’s sound modes.
There are several EQ presets you can choose from, including:
- Sport.
- Music.
- Movie.
- Night and TV.
And to activate any of them, just say:
“Alexa, use/set (name of EQ preset) mode.”
#4: Use Alexa’s multi-room feature
Do you have several Echo devices around?
Then Alexa’s multi-room feature will be something you’d like to fiddle around with.
Like the name suggests…
This allows your Echo devices in different rooms to play simultaneously.
So you can blast your music louder.
Plus, you won’t miss out on your favorite song parts even if you move around the house.
That said, here’s how you can…
Play music with Alexa’s multi-room feature:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app.
- Tap Devices.
- Click the + icon at the top-right corner.
- Select Set Up Multi-Room Music.
- Choose the Echo devices you want to play simultaneously.
- Give the group of Alexa gadgets a name.
- Tap Save at the upper right corner of the screen.
Now, when you want your Alexa to play a song on several Echo speakers…
Just say:
“Alexa, play (song/playlist) using (Alexa device group name).”
Need a visual guide for this process?
Watch this short video:
You might also want to know: Can I Use Alexa To Listen To Another Room? (Echo Intercom)
#5: Add a subwoofer to the mix
Most Echo devices have a pretty weak bassline.
But luckily, Amazon doesn’t totally neglect low-frequency lovers like me.
Because the company offers a subwoofer that you can pair with other Echo speakers.
This device is a speaker that exclusively plays low frequencies (20-200 Hz).
So, if you love that rumbling effect heavy bass usually causes…
You should definitely check out Amazon’s Echo Sub.
And once you have one, just follow these steps to…
Set up your Echo Sub:
Step 1: Place your Alexa gadgets on the floor
Those include your Sub and other Echo devices.
Step 2: Launch the Amazon Alexa app
Sign in if you haven’t already before you proceed to…
Step 3: Tap the Devices icon
You’ll find this at the bottom of the app.
Step 4: Click the + button
When a small window appears…
Step 5: Choose Add Device
It’s the first option from the top.
Step 6: Select Amazon Echo
When the names of nearby Echo devices appear on your screen…
Step 7: Tap your Echo Sub’s name
From here on…
Just follow the on-screen instructions to connect your sub to the WiFi. And complete the setup process.
Editor’s pick: Can Alexa Light Up to Music? 3 Methods & 32 Simple Steps
#6: Update your Echo
Alexa receives constant updates from its developers.
And not only are they helpful in upgrading your AI’s security…
Updates also improve the audio of your echo devices.
So, if you still don’t hear the sound quality you want from Alexa…
Update its software version.
“Doesn’t my voice assistant update automatically?”
Most of the time, she does.
However, there are instances when auto-updates fail to go through.
For example, if you have an unstable WiFi connection.
So, take this time to go near your Echo device and say:
“Alexa, check for software updates.”
And your voice assistant will update if there’s a newer version available.
Related reading: Can Alexa Be Hacked? 10 Shocking Security Facts
#7: Change Alexa’s language
Having trouble understanding Alexa’s way of speaking?
Try changing your AI’s choice of language.
After all, Alexa has different English accents, including those from:
- Canada.
- Australia.
- United States.
You’re free to test which ones are better sounding for you.
Need exact steps on how to do this?
I got you. Here’s how you can…
Change Alexa’s preferred language:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app.
- Tap the More option.
- Click Settings.
- Select Device Settings.
- Choose a specific Echo device.
- Tap the Settings (gear) icon at the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and click Language.
- Select your preferred language.
Note: Click OK when you see pop-up windows. Don’t worry if it says the language isn’t fully supported in your country. Because based on experience, this won’t affect your Alexa’s functionalities.
Now, when the lights on your Echo device stop flashing…
Try using your Alexa and observe if her new accent has a much better sound quality.
#8: Upgrade your Echo device
Unfortunately, not all Alexa speakers are good for music.
So if you still can’t get the sound quality you’re aiming for from your current Echo device…
Consider upgrading it to a new one.
Now, I highly recommend getting an Echo Studio.
It has 5 speakers in total. 3 for midrange frequencies and separate ones for the treble and bass.
So, you’ll surely get high audio quality. Regardless of the genre you prefer.
#9: Pair with other Bluetooth speakers
Here’s the unfortunate truth:
Even Amazon’s best Echo device for music…
The Studio model, still isn’t loud enough for hardcore audiophiles like me.
And if you feel the same way…
Then, you shouldn’t shy away from pairing other Bluetooth speakers with your Alexa.
Because let’s face it…
Echo devices’ main purpose is to help you with your daily tasks.
So they can’t really compare with the volume of other Bluetooth speakers whose primary goal is to:
Let you enjoy high-quality music loudly.