Smart Speakers: An Easy Introduction to Smart Home Technology
Smart speakers are a convenient and affordable way to dip your toes into the world of smart home technology. Before you invest thousands of dollars in lighting and security upgrades, you can familiarize yourself with voice-assistant technology while enjoying music, podcasts, and news in a hands-free home environment.
Our Top Smart Speaker Picks
Best Overall: Amazon Echo Pop (2024)
- Alexa voice assistant
- Touchscreen for time, date, weather, and notifications
- Smart alarm clock functionality
- Affordable price
Best Budget: Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen)
- Similar features to Echo Pop without a display
- Lower price for a basic smart speaker
Best Audio Quality: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin
- Impressive true stereo sound
- AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect support
- Amazon Alexa integration
- High price
Best for Multi-Room Audio: Sonos Era 100
- Compact size with excellent audio
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections
- Sonos Voice and Amazon Alexa support
- Seamless multi-room audio capabilities
Best for Dolby Atmos: Sonos Era 300
- Immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound
- Excellent two-channel sound in stereo pair
- Sonos Voice and Amazon Alexa support
- Higher price
Best for Spatial Audio: Amazon Echo Studio
- Excellent spatial audio for Amazon Music HD
- Double duty as a Zigbee smart home hub
- Limited immersive audio support to Amazon Music HD
Best Portable: Sonos Roam
- Small size for portability
- Excellent audio experience
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections
- Alexa or Sonos Voice Control
Best for Backyard or Travel: Sonos Move 2
- True stereo audio and exceptional battery life
- Heavy weight and large size
- Simultaneous Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections
Best for Multi-Ecosystem Support: JBL Authentics 300
- Retro design
- Warm musicality
- Responds to both "Alexa" and "Hey Google" voice wake words
Best Smart Display: Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
- 10.1-inch rotating display with movement tracking
- Excellent audio output
- Integrated Zigbee smart home hub
Best Smart Display for Google Assistant: Google Nest Hub Max
- Robust sound
- Integrated Nest camera
- YouTube app and viewing experience
How to Choose a Smart Speaker
Digital Assistants
Digital assistants are the brains behind smart speakers, providing voice-controlled tasks and information retrieval. Consider your preferred voice assistant ecosystem before purchasing a smart speaker:
- Amazon Alexa: Most popular assistant with wide compatibility
- Google Assistant: Competitive performer with improved capabilities
- Apple Siri: Limited to Apple devices and HomePod speakers
Smart Home Compatibility
Smart speakers can control compatible smart home devices. Check if the speaker you’re considering supports Zigbee or Z-Wave protocols, or if it has an integrated smart home hub.
Music Streaming
If you have a preferred music streaming service, verify that the speaker supports it. Consider the speaker’s audio quality and whether it offers immersive audio experiences.
Portability
If you want a speaker you can move around, look for a portable option with a long battery life.
Our Testing Methodology
Our team has extensive experience testing smart speakers and smart home technology. We evaluate speakers based on audio quality, smart capabilities, and ease of use.
Audio Quality
- Clarity and natural sound
- Bass response
- Volume levels without distortion
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Stability of signal
Smart Capabilities
- Voice command processing
- Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri functionality
- Smart home control
- App functionality
Ease of Use
- Intuitive setup process
- Clear and concise instructions
- User-friendly smartphone app
- Overall convenience
