This $20 remote may be Amazon's most useful gadget yet - here's how I use it

• The Amazon Basics smart dimmer switch and remote is available for $20.
• This remote controls smart home and Echo devices, runs Alexa routines, and is capable of having up to eight actions at once.
• Keep in mind that it's only compatible with Alexa.

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Having a remote for smart home devices may seem redundant. I always get asked, "Why not just use a regular light switch?" And I respond by saying that smart remotes can do more than just flipping the light switch. A single button on a smart remote can control multiple devices with different settings, like running a bedtime routine or switching on all devices in a room.

The Amazon Basics smart dimmer switch and remote is an Alexa-compatible smart remote that can do almost everything Alexa can, except for answering ...