In the fields of audio and smart homes, smart speakers are becoming more and more common. However, making the best decision or choosing between a smart speaker and a standalone wireless speaker can be difficult for a number of reasons.
First off, smart speakers are by nature bound to particular ecologies. Typically, speakers work with Google Assistant, Apple Siri, or Amazon Alexa, allowing users to check the weather, manage calendars, and manage music playback.
Furthermore, the compatibility of smart speakers with other devices is influenced by the fact that they are frequently linked to specific smart home platforms. For instance, it’s possible that an Apple TV 4K cannot be controlled by an Amazon Echo Dot.
Even if you have a favorite platform, not every smart speaker available is worth your time and money. Many give their AI skills more weight than audio quality, which leads to less stunning sound performance.
We have put up a handy list with the best smart speakers that our team of reviewers has rigorously evaluated in order to help you avoid inferior items. You may choose wisely while spending your hard-earned time and money because these speakers have been tested in both controlled listening conditions and actual household settings.
1. Sonos One
The Sonos One, the company’s first smart speaker, is now the best option on the market because to its impressive combination of functionality and sound quality. Despite not being the cheapest smart speaker we’ve tested, it stands out from the competition because to its excellent audio quality and amazing microphone array. Contrary to some of its competitors, the Sonos One routinely and flawlessly picks up our voice commands even when placed on the other side of the room.
The Sonos One is a feature-rich gadget with a stylish design that produces excellent sound. By including AirPlay 2 capabilities and supporting both Alexa and Google Assistant, it offers adaptability. As a result, the Sonos One can easily communicate with Siri and be set up in a multi-room configuration with an Apple HomePod or Apple HomePod Mini.
The Sonos Move and Sonos Roam are worth taking into consideration if you value Sonos sound quality yet need portability. For those who like to listen to their favorite music on the fly, these devices offer great possibilities.
2. Amazon Echo Dot
The Amazon Echo Dot has consistently been the best option for individuals who wish to get a taste of smart home technology. It gives Alexa a place to live in your home and has enough volume to fill a room. Additionally, it frequently obtains reductions that lower its already reasonable price below $50, £50, or AU$80, making it a very well-liked choice for a smart speaker.
The Dot differs from the prior Echo Dot in aesthetics while maintaining the same futuristic look of its larger sibling, the Amazon Echo (2020). During our tests, we discovered that it was very easy to set up and use. The audio, however, lacks the depth and intensity of its larger brothers due to the small speaker size. It is also missing a Zigbee hub. Even though it is a great way to add Alexa to your house, if you’re anything like us. You might prefer upgrading to a more capable alternative for routine music playback.
3. Apple HomePod mini
The smaller HomePod is the only Apple-made smart speaker now available after the company stopped selling its spectacular and expensive original HomePods. However, there are speculations that a larger HomePod is on the way. These smart speakers give an auditory performance that delivers a punch despite their small size. You will genuinely love the outstanding sound quality these speakers provide if you are devoted to Apple’s environment and services like Apple Music, especially given their relatively modest price.
We must admit that, although like their sound, there are several characteristics of them that we find less appealing after intensive testing over a prolonged period. The voice assistant Siri performs poorly when compared to other digital assistants and occasionally behaves erratically.
4. Google Nest Audio
The Google Nest Audio is now the finest Google-produced alternative if you’re looking for a smart speaker with Google Assistant integrated. Although we thought highly of the Google Home Max speaker, it’s important to note that Google no longer makes them.
Because of the Nest Audio’s flawless interaction with Google Assistant, we saw that it instantly recognized and replied to our orders. Not only were the responses fast, but they were also given loudly and clearly. Its simple and unassuming style guarantees that it melds seamlessly with any home decor. Surprisingly, it has the ability to link with important platforms like Nest, Philips, and Samsung’s SmartThings, as well as serve as an intelligent smart home hub.
5. Amazon Echo
Amazon’s flagship smart speaker has undergone a complete makeover with the Amazon Echo’s most recent spherical shape. Significant improvements have been made in addition to its new shape. Notably, the sound quality has significantly improved. A built-in Zigbee smart home hub is there, and a new AZ1 neural edge processor has been included. These developments help Amazon’s smart speaker take a huge step ahead.
The Echo is amazing, yet it is not without faults. It could have been louder, especially when compared to more powerful rivals like the Apple HomePod and Google Home Max, according to our tests. It’s important to keep in mind that Amazon also sells the Echo Studio, which is more potent and is covered elsewhere in this tutorial.
6. Amazon Echo Studio
The Amazon Echo Studio, the company’s first premium smart speaker made for home theaters, has, in our opinion. The finest audio quality of any Echo we’ve tried. It distinguishes out as one of the most powerful speakers available at its pricing point because to its 330W of power. You can buy two Amazon Echo Studio speakers and easily set them up using the Alexa app for an immersive home theater experience. The configuration nonetheless produces an amazing and remarkably powerful audio output, however it may not be as immersive as a professional surround sound system.
The Amazon Echo Studio not only has a strong sound, but it also serves as a Zigbee hub, adding to its versatility. However, an Amazon Music HD membership is advised in order to make the most of its features.
7. Bose Smart Speaker 500
There is no need to search further for the best-sounding smart speaker. Not only does the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa embedded into the Smart Speaker 500 produce room-filling sound. But it also has outstanding smart features.
We were impressed by the Smart Speaker 500’s eight microphone array throughout our tests. Since it made it simple for us to interact with Alexa or Google Assistant even while the music was playing loudly. We found the preset buttons for rapid access to our preferred radio stations, albums, or playlists to be a useful addition.
However, we must admit that utilizing the Bose Music app to set up the speaker on a Wi-Fi network turned out to be trickier than anticipated.
8. Denon Home 150
The Denon Home 150 positions itself as a competent smart speaker that might seem a little dull, but it offers a wide range of smart listening options. All painstakingly packed into a small design—making it ideal for people with limited room. You can effortlessly access your network drive collection and listen to streaming services thanks to its variety and practicality. Quick connections to services like Spotify, TuneIn Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Napster, Soundcloud, Tidal, and others are made possible by the HEOS app, which adapts to your location.
The ability to create playlists across all sources and the comfort of using the device with voice commands via Google Assistant or Alexa are notable features.
