What is it?

An Alexa personal assistant powered WiFi and Bluetooth speaker.

The Aud Click could be misconstrued as a being cut-down, budget alternative to the Amazon Echo, but this is far from the truth.

Although iLuv's device is less than half the price, it is by no means a lesser product. It is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones as well as other Bluetooth devices.

Good Points?

The same Alexa voice control command software utilised in the Echo is present here and operates seamlessly. You can quickly receive weather, traffic reports and news updates or control your smart-home using a few spoken words.

Streaming audio direct from popular Internet services such as Amazon Music and TuneIn radio (with Spotify expected to follow this autumn), the device is versatile and could continue to be future-proof with potential updates.

The design is similar to that of the Echo but on a smaller scale. Its cylindrical shape provides 360 degree sound that is surprisingly powerful for something roughly the same size as a soft drink can.

It is possible to link together multiple Aud Clicks to create a home audio system or a surround sound configuration.

Bad points?

This device, like the Echo, can be limiting if you are not an Amazon Prime customer as that is the only voice command purchasing service available. It lacks the booming sound of a dedicated audio speaker and can distort at high volume.

Best for ...

Those who covet the trappings of Amazon's trailblazing device at a snip of the price.

Avoid if ...

The idea of a talking speaker creeps you out. We've all seen HAL 9000 go rogue in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Score: 9/10.

iLuv Aud Click, £54.60 (reichelt.co.uk)