Does Amazon Have WiFi in 2026? (Everything You Need to Know as a Shopper)

Hey there! Have you ever wondered if Amazon sells WiFi services or routers? Or maybe you asked if Alexa and other Amazon gadgets can connect to the internet? These are great questions.

As Amazon expands into more areas, WiFi is a natural fit. In this guide, I‘ll fill you in on all things Amazon WiFi so you can decide if it‘s right for your needs.

We‘ll look at what WiFi products and capabilities Amazon offers, how they work, pricing, comparisons to other brands, and future possibilities. Time to dive in!

At a Glance: Amazon‘s Major WiFi Offerings

To start, here’s a quick look at how Amazon is involved with WiFi in 2024:

• Amazon Sidewalk – Free WiFi extender using small amounts of bandwidth from your home network. Rolled out in 2021.

• Eero Mesh Routers – Whole home WiFi 6 system acquired from Eero. Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.

• Device Connectivity – Built-in or add-on WiFi in Alexa gadgets like Echo, Fire TV, Kindle, Ring cameras and more.

So in a nutshell, Amazon sells WiFi mesh routers, extends WiFi range, and enables WiFi access for its smart devices. Now let’s explore what exactly these offerings involve.

Diving Into Amazon Sidewalk: The WiFi Extender

Back in 2021, Amazon launched a new technology called Amazon Sidewalk. This is essentially a free WiFi extender.

The goal is to strengthen connections for devices that are farther from your main router. This could include smart lights in the yard, a camera at the edge of your property, or a Tile tracker on your bike.

Here’s a closer look at how Sidewalk works:

• Uses a small slice of bandwidth (max 80Kbps) from your home’s WiFi. Also pools from “bridge” devices like Echo speakers and Ring cameras.

• Can extend connectivity up to 500 feet from your home’s router.

• Helps simplify new device set-ups. Makes sure devices stay online.

• Future uses could include diagnostics for appliances and tools.

Now what are the potential upsides and downsides?

Benefits of Sidewalk:

• Extends range for devices in WiFi dead zones
• Smoother connectivity for smart home gadgets
• Simpler set-up of devices farther from your router

Considerations with Sidewalk:

• Very low bandwidth unsuitable for streaming etc.
• Automatically enabled on new Echo and Ring devices
• Privacy concerns over Amazon accessing user data

So is Amazon Sidewalk a must-have? Not exactly. The tiny bandwidth means it’s only useful for basic functions like commands and alerts. It won’t replace your main WiFi for Netflix binges!

And some security experts warn that Sidewalk opens your devices to potential risks.

But if you use lots of smart home gadgets, Sidewalk can provide helpful range extension. Just be aware of the privacy trade-offs.

Diving Into Eero: Amazon‘s Mesh WiFi System

Now let’s look at Amazon’s major WiFi offering – Eero mesh routers.

Amazon entered the home WiFi space by acquiring Eero in 2019. These smart routers provide whole-home WiFi 6 coverage.

The key perks of Eero mesh systems:

• Seamless roaming between access points placed around your home

• Blankets up to 5,000 sq. ft. with strong signal

• Supports 75+ connected devices without slowing down

• Easy set-up from your smartphone

• Alexa integration for voice controls

Here are the main packages you can get:

Eero 6 Package	Home Size	Price
1 Eero 6 router	Up to 1,500 sq. ft	$129
Eero 6 2-pack	Up to 3,000 sq. ft	$199
Eero 6 3-pack	Up to 5,000 sq. ft	$279

Eero also offers faster Pro packages and WiFi 6E routers supporting the newest standard. Those bump costs to $699 for a 3-pack.

So are Eero routers worth it? Let’s weigh the pros and cons:

Pros of Eero Mesh Routers:

• Easy setup from your phone makes installation a breeze

• Mesh system provides seamless coverage as you move around

• Supports tons of devices for busy smart homes

• Integration with Alexa is handy for voice controls

Potential Cons of Eero Routers:

• Price is higher than budget WiFi routers that start under $100

• Lacks some advanced features of high-end gaming routers

• Mixed reviews of Amazon’s customer service for support

Overall, Eero delivers robust WiFi performance for most users. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it approach focused on simplicity. But it comes at a cost versus basic routers.

Next let‘s see how Amazon‘s WiFi offerings compare to other popular brands.

How Amazon‘s WiFi Stacks Up to Popular Brands

You probably know names like Netgear, Linksys, and TP-Link when it comes to home WiFi. So how does Amazon compare?

Here are some key comparisons between Amazon and major router brands:

Brand	Simplicity	Performance	Price	Smart Features
Amazon Eero	Very easy setup	Excellent WiFi 6 coverage	$129+ for one router	Alexa built-in
Netgear Orbi	Simple app	Fast WiFi 6 mesh	$199+ for two routers	App controls
TP-Link Deco	Straightforward	Very good WiFi 6	$149 for three routers	Some models have Alexa
Linksys Velop	Easy setup	Solid WiFi 6 mesh	$199 for two routers	App controls
Google Nest	Intuitive app	Great WiFi 6 coverage	$169+ for one router	Built-in Google Assistant

A few key takeaways:

• Simplicity – Amazon, Google, and TP-Link edge out in simple set-up and management

• Performance – All provide fast and reliable WiFi 6 coverage

• Price – TP-Link overall most affordable, Eero pricier for robust performance

• Smarts – Amazon and Google have built-in voice assistants

So Eero routers may cost more, but deliver excellent WiFi. And Sidewalk, despite limitations, is a free extension option.

WiFi Capabilities of Popular Amazon Devices

You probably know Alexa devices like the Echo along with Fire TV, Kindle, and Ring. But did you know many of these rely on WiFi to enable key features?

Here’s a breakdown of the WiFi capabilities across top Amazon gadgets:

Amazon Echo

• WiFi Needs: Requires WiFi connection for Alexa access, music streaming and smart home controls. Has dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n built-in.

• Set-Up: Connect via Alexa app. Choose network and enter password.

Fire TV Stick

• WiFi Needs: Streams movies, shows, and apps from your home WiFi network. Can also access public WiFi hotspots when traveling.

• Set-Up: Comes with plug-in WiFi adapter. Connect via Fire TV app.

Kindle E-Readers

• WiFi Needs: Needs WiFi connection to download books, magazines, audiobooks from the cloud. Most models have dual-band WiFi built-in.

• Set-Up: Turn on WiFi from Quick Settings, choose network and enter password.

Ring Cameras and Doorbells

• WiFi Needs: Connect over WiFi to stream live video. Have dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi.

• Set-Up: Connect during in-app set-up. Pick WiFi network and enter password.

So if you love your Alexa or Fire TV, WiFi is what makes them tick!

Step-by-Step: Connecting Amazon Devices to WiFi

Wondering how to get your Amazon gadgets hooked up to your WiFi? The process is quick and easy:

For Echo and Fire TV:

1. Open the Alexa or Fire TV app on your smartphone.

2. Go to Devices and select your device.

3. Tap into Settings and choose WiFi.

4. Select your WiFi name and enter the password.

5. Follow the prompts and you‘re connected!

For Kindle:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Quick Settings.

2. Select Wireless.

3. Turn on WiFi and choose your home network.

4. Enter the WiFi password when prompted.

5. You should now be connected to WiFi!

Refer to Amazon‘s instructions for step-by-step details. For Eero routers, use the Eero app for setup.

Pretty straightforward right? Now you can enjoy WiFi-powered features on your Amazon devices.

The Pros and Cons of Amazon WiFi for Different Shopper Types

Amazon‘s WiFi options offer simplicity and smart features. But are they right for you?

Let‘s analyze the pros and cons from different shopper perspectives:

For the Bargain Hunter

Pros

• Sidewalk is free to extend your WiFi

• Certified refurbished Eero routers available at discount

Cons

• Eero routers cost more than budget WiFi systems

• Advanced WiFi features require higher-end (pricier) Eero models

For the Smart Home Enthusiast

Pros

• Eero WiFi 6 supports tons of connected devices

• Sidewalk strengthens connections for gadgets

• Alexa integration for voice controls

Cons

• Some reliability concerns with large smart home networks

• Potential Sidewalk privacy trade-offs

For the Connectivity Maximizer

Pros

• Eero mesh provides complete home coverage

• Sidewalk extends gadget connections

• Alexa helps manage your network

Cons

• Expert reviews say mesh can be tricky in some layouts

• Sidewalk has very low bandwidth for basic functions

So while Amazon WiFi appeals to many, look close if you‘re a bargain shopper or smart home fanatic. The pros may not offset higher costs or integration challenges.

The Outlook for Amazon and WiFi: What May Be Ahead

What does the future look like for Amazon in the home WiFi space? Here are some possibilities:

• Amazon Internet Service – Following Google Fiber, Amazon may provide full ISP service with high speed fiber internet.

• Expanded Eero Lineup – More WiFi 6E routers for faster speeds, plus beefed up Pro models.

• Advanced Sidewalk Uses – Integration with Amazon appliances, tools, and vehicles to diagnose issues and track deliveries.

• WiFi Satellites – Amazon‘s planned satellite internet could bring WiFi to rural areas and IoT devices.

• Dominating the Smart Home – Robust WiFi that syncs with Alexa will likely be the backbone of Amazon‘s ambitions to own the smart home.

So in the years ahead, growing WiFi connectivity will likely be key to Amazon‘s strategy.

When it comes to innovations like home robots, anticipatory computing, and interactive screens, WiFi will provide the critical link.

The Bottom Line: Is Amazon WiFi Worth It for You?

At the end of the day, should you go with Amazon for your home WiFi needs?

Ultimately, it depends on your priorities:

• If you want simple setup and solid performance, Amazon Eero checks those boxes.

• If you need to maximize coverage for a smart home, Eero and Sidewalk can help.

• If you‘re on a budget, more affordable routers exist, but may lack extras like Alexa support.

For many situations, Amazon provides appealing WiFi options. But weigh the benefits against any extra costs of Eero routers and potential Sidewalk privacy considerations.

I hope this guide gave you the full scoop on Amazon‘s offerings for WiFi! Let me know if you have any other questions.