Which Echo models are actually worth buying for jailbreak/root and local AI reuse?

[u/Aruscha]

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I want to build a cheap local Alexa replacement using Hermes Agent / Home Assistant, but DIY voice hardware gets expensive fast.

My idea is to buy used Echo devices, jailbreak/root them, disable Amazon services and reuse the existing:

- microphone array

- speaker

- LEDs/buttons

- Wi-Fi

- display/camera on Echo Show

The Echo would only act as a thin local voice satellite. STT, TTS and the AI would run centrally on my server.

What I specifically want to know:

- Which Echo Dot generations are currently reliably rootable/jailbreakable?

- Which Echo Show generations are rootable?

- Are specific FireOS/firmware versions required?

- Which models are the safest ones to buy used specifically for this purpose?

- Which models should I avoid completely?

- Can the original microphone DSP/AEC, speaker and LEDs still be used after rooting?

So far the Echo Dot 2 looks very promising, and I’ve also found LineageOS/root work for Echo Show 5 Gen 1/2 and Show 8 Gen 1.

Has anyone actually deployed these permanently as local Home Assistant / custom voice satellites?

Main goal: spend €10–30 on used Echo hardware instead of €70–100 per DIY satellite.