Alexa skills are voice-activated functions for Amazon Echo speakers and displays similar to apps on a smartphone. This list features standout skills that highlight the platform’s potential. They range from tools that simplify your daily life to skills that entertain, inform, and help you unwind.
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Alexa skills for instant music, podcasts, and news
Alexa shines as an entertainment hub with built-in integration with music streaming services.
Alexa defaults to Amazon Music, but you can switch to Spotify, Apple Music, or another streaming service. Say “Alexa, play [song/artist/playlist] on Spotify,” and enjoy instant playback.
Likewise, radio apps like myTuner Radio turn Alexa into a global radio tuner. Say, “Alexa, play [station name],” and listen to live radio.
Alexa also has built-in Audible and podcast support, making it easy to enjoy audiobooks and podcasts. Say, “Alexa, play [podcast name],” and you’re set.
The Big Sky and The Weather Channel skills provide local weather forecasts. Ask if it will rain in two hours or the wind speed, and get more detailed answers than Alexa’s built-in forecast.
For news, the Flash Briefing feature is a gem. Say, “Alexa, what’s my flash briefing?” You’ll hear a quick roundup of news, traffic, stocks, and crypto to keep up with your investments.
Alexa asks you to pick your preferred news source for the first time. You can view all news providers and change them in the Alexa app.
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De-stress and improve your mood with these well-being skills
You’ll find no shortage of ambient sound and sleep-aid skills on Alexa.
Sleep Jar and Sleep Sounds provide dozens of nature-based audio scenes (from rain on a tin roof to pink noise) specifically for falling asleep.
Alexa can also be a meditation and motivation coach. If you’re feeling stressed, let 3-Minute Breathing Space guide you through breathing exercises.
For a quick mood boost, try Daily Affirmation. Each day, it shares an inspiring message or quote. Likewise, Inspire Me plays motivational snippets from famous speakers.
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Alexa skills that turn your voice into a game console
Alexa isn’t always serious. It’s great at goofing around, too.
Try Would You Rather or Twenty Questions during a party. Alexa’s prompts make it easy for guests to open up and connect with each other.
Akinator turns your Alexa into a digital genie. Think of any character, real or made-up, and let Alexa try to read your mind. It’s an addictive game for solo play or group fun.
If you’re craving something epic, try Skyrim Very Special Edition. You’ll explore dungeons, take on quests, and defeat enemies with voice commands in this voice-driven recreation of the iconic RPG.
Fantasy fans and casual gamers will love this nostalgic and immersive experience.
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Stay organized with these Alexa skills
Alexa keeps your day on track by handling the little things so you don’t have to.
Is your phone always playing hide-and-seek when you’re running late? The Find My Phone skill locates your phone. Say, “Alexa, find my phone,” and your Amazon Echo calls you.
If you forget birthdays or double-book meetings, Alexa has you covered. The Birthday Tracker skill keeps celebrations on your radar. It reminds you of the day and gives a heads-up about upcoming birthdays.
You can store up to 10 birthdays for free. If your circle is larger, a premium upgrade is available.
On the productivity side, Alexa doubles as a meeting assistant. You can schedule meetings with your contacts if you have calendar access, and it works with major calendars.
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Alexa skills that help you manage your kitchen
Alexa offers a range of skills that suit the kitchen. One of the best is Recipe Keeper. It’s a quick and easy way to collect, organize, and share your favorite recipes across mobile devices, tablets, PCs, Macs, and Alexa.
To get started, download the Recipe Keeper and create an account. Then, link the Recipe Keeper with Alexa.
After setting it up, say, “Alexa, ask the Recipe Keeper for cookie recipes, and choose a recipe from the list.” Next, follow up by asking for ingredients, directions, or specific questions, such as “how many eggs?” or “how much flour?”
Recipe Keeper also allows you to manage your shopping list on the fly. Say, “Alexa, ask Recipe Keeper to add eggs to my shopping list,” or “what’s on my shopping list?” for a quick update.
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Talk to ChatGPT directly from your Alexa device
You’re not out of options when Alexa doesn’t have the answer. Hey ChatGPT offers an alternative. Powered by OpenAI’s GPT technology, this skill delivers fast, contextual, and human-like responses.
Simply say, “Alexa, open ChatGPT.” You can make small talk or tackle everyday questions.
The skill is free for the first three interactions in each session. To unlock unlimited access, a monthly subscription is available for $3.
There’s an Alexa skill for almost anything you need
Thousands of skills cover most interests, routines, and lifestyles. This diversity sets Alexa apart from other assistants. These are some of our top picks.
Explore categories, such as games, productivity, health, cooking, and more, to find the skills that match your daily life. You might be surprised at what Alexa can do.
If your Amazon Echo smart speaker has trouble hearing you, you may not be close enough to it. If you can’t get closer, control your smart device remotely, even when you’re miles away.
