Amazon Tap review

If you’re not familiar with the Amazon Tap, it’s a portable Bluetooth speaker with built-in Alexa support. Smaller and lighter than the original echo, it's only 6.2-by-2.6 inches and weighs only 470 grams. That tiny package includes two 1.5-inch drivers, dual passive radiators, and a battery.

With battery power, the Tap (unlike the Echo) easily moves from one room to another. To keep it charged, you'll find a 0.6 inch-by-2.6 inch wireless charging plate and micro USB cable.

Reviewers could get around 9 hours of battery life from a single charge. A figure they found low compared to the UE Boom 2 which can get around 15 hours. Still, they add, it’s not a huge issue as they could keep it on the charging plate at home and not worry about battery life at all.

Most critics weren’t impressed with its simple, utilitarian design. But they add that this allows it to blend in seamlessly with other items in the room. That makes it great for office spaces, bookshelves, and other out of the way places.

The biggest upgrade is the addition of hands-free mode. You can choose this mode in the Alexa app. Previously, the only way to issue a task was to tap the microphone button. Now, an update allows you to say the “Alexa” wake word to get started.

What can you do with Alexa? It can locate nearby restaurants, set reminders, create lists, order a pizza, play music, report the news, and connect to smart home products—like Philips Hue light bulbs and Nest thermostats. The ever-increasing number of tasks Alexa can perform, as Tech Radar puts it, “… [is] quickly becoming the center of my burgeoning smart home.”

Aside from its smart assistant capabilities, the Tap’s main use is as a speaker. In terms of audio performance, critics were split.

Some found the audio quality great considering its small size and lack of dedicated subwoofer. Others found it a bit tinny and two-dimensional compared to the Echo or other dedicated Bluetooth speakers.

Still, the majority found it passable enough with a semblance of bass response. Unfortunately, some noted slight distortion when pushing the speaker to max volume.

Overall, with the latest hands-free mode, critics happily recommend the Alexa for those looking to add a two-in-one smart assistant and speaker to their home. PC Magazine states, “… the Amazon Tap is a very appealing alternative to the Echo, and its battery means you can use it anywhere instead of only plugged in… it’s a solid alternative if you value portability above all else.” CNet adds, “… the Tap… has fine sound quality and is now, without a doubt, the most versatile Bluetooth speaker on the market.”