I like Alexa. The voice assistant isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the best I use, from broad smart home support to creating reminders, answering questions or just setting a few timers. And I’m also enjoying the expanded Alexa Plus AI (free if you’re a Prime subscriber), which adds a new conversational filter to the assistant that feels great even if you don’t use the expanded capabilities.
In the home, Alexa resides primarily on two devices: The Echo smart speaker line and the Echo Show smart display line, both ranging from tiny to large products. You can put these devices anywhere there’s a nearby outlet. With mics on (and you can shut them off, along with Echo Show cameras, whenever you like), they’ll listen for the “Alexa” wake word for anyone nearby. But Alexa devices don’t work well everywhere.
When you’re setting up your new Alexa device, there are three spots you should never put it. Here’s why — and what places may work for you.
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1. In bathrooms
Bathrooms aren’t a great place for electronics in general, and certainly not for the fabric-covered Alexa speakers. Steam can mess with their electronics over time, moisture can cause dangerous electrical shorts in the wrong conditions and mildew can build up over the speaker over time. Oh, and you could accidentally knock it into the sink or toilet, which is bad news all around.
If you want to listen to tunes in the bathroom, there are plenty of moisture-ready Bluetooth speakers to help out. Just leave Alexa out of it. The same is somewhat true of putting Alexa too close to the splash zone of your kitchen, although that’s less of a concern. I keep my Echo Show about six inches away from my kitchen sink and have never had any problems.
2. By heaters or fireplaces
Electronics also don’t do well near heat. They tend to overheat and shut down or even start melting if you place them too close to your heaters, fireplaces, or open stovetops. In the worst case, they could even start a fire. Alexa speakers do best in cooler spots.
3. Near windows
In the past, we’ve warned about never putting smart speakers near windows, because it’s possible for someone to shout through the glass and activate them. I wasn’t sure, so I put one of my Echos to the test. It turns out that even through a thick dual-pane sliding glass door, I could wake up my Alexa speaker and give it commands with a loud you’re in trouble now voice.
Obviously, burglars aren’t anxious to shout out Alexa commands at the windows of strange houses. But the idea that they could, and potentially control your connected smart door locks, heating, or armed security cameras as a result, is unnerving. Best keep your Alexa devices well away from windows.
What about putting an Alexa device in the bedroom?
Some people worry about putting an Echo device or similar speaker in their bedrooms because of privacy reasons. That’s a valid concern, but there are steps you can take to get an Alexa alarm clock or similar bedroom buddy without sacrificing privacy.
First, you can manually or remotely shut down both mics and video chat cameras on Alexa devices, whenever you want, which adds a layer of protection if you’re worried about Alexa spying. Second, Alexa devices like the 2024 Echo Spot, which are made to be bedroom-friendly, don’t even have cameras, and Alexa isn’t recording anything without being woken up by the wake word.
On a personal note, I’ve used an Echo Dot in my bedroom before without any problems. It’s not for everyone, but if you want a significant alarm upgrade, I think it can be an option.
Do Alexa devices malfunction near TVs?
If you want to use your Alexa speaker near a TV, I wouldn’t let anyone stop you. Conventional wisdom says Alexas near the TV get activated by random TV dialogue. In practice, I’ve been using Echos since 2017, and I think the TV has only activated them once or twice. Distance from the TV didn’t play a factor in these activations because TV volume is loud enough to reach the speaker from across the room anyway. Plus, random conversations between several people in the same room were more likely to create an accidental Alexa command than anything from the screen.
Also, some Alexa devices are specifically designed to go by the TV, notably the Echo Studio. The 2025 Echo Studio is even made to pair with Fire TV devices to create a home theater experience as an alternative to a soundbar. So slide your Echo by the TV if that’s where you think it will work best, and see how it treats you.
So, where should you place your Amazon Echo?
- On a mantle or shelf
- Beside your computer station
- On your bedside table
- Mounted on a wall, not near a window
- In the corner of your living room, away from windows
- On the edge of your kitchen counter, away from your sink
- A place easily visible so you can see when the light ring lights up
The best uses of an Amazon Echo in each room of your house vary — each is helpful in its own way, but no matter which room it occupies, make sure you can easily reach the mute microphone button and the power cord, in case you need to power cycle the device.
Don’t go just yet: Stop by our top guides for the best smart home devices overall and the products from my reviews that I haven’t stopped using.
What room should I avoid putting my Amazon Echo in?
If there’s one room to keep your Amazon Echo speaker out of, it’s the bathroom. Keeping it by your toilet is unsanitary, and placing it by the sink greatly increases the chances of the smart device falling in and getting waterlogged. Whether you’re spreading germs or breaking expensive tech, it’s just not worth it to put the Echo anywhere in your bathroom.
Can I put an Amazon Echo outdoors?
No Amazon Echo speaker is certified water- or dust-resistant, nor are they recommended for outdoor use, but the answer is, “Yes, if you’re really careful.” If you mount it under a covered and well-protected area, you could potentially use an Echo speaker outdoors. However, leaving it outside, even if it stays dry, could lead to dust and debris buildup in the pinhole microphones and speaker components, so don’t expect the speaker to last as long as it would if kept inside and safe from bugs.
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