Turn your home into a smart home with speakers that make automation a breeze with just voice commands. In this article, we will compare the best smart speakers for home. These devices are personal assistants that give you weather updates, control your gadgets, and more. If you’re on a budget, voice-controlled speakers are the way to go, if you want screens, then those are perfect for you.
Smart speakers integrate with your existing setup giving you control at your fingertips (or voice). But not all models work with all platforms—some are for Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa. But don’t worry our top picks are selected to be compatible with all these platforms.
Now that Matter is here you can expect even more device compatibility without compromising on sound. After testing we have the best smart speakers for home ranked by sound, compatibility, design, and value. So sit back, relax, and let us help you find the perfect smart speaker for home.
Top Smart Speakers For Home
Amazon Echo (4th gen)
Amazon Echo has a sleek spherical design and comes with a load of exciting new upgrades. Thanks to the built-in Zigbee smart home hub and the latest AZ1 neural edge processor, it has better sound quality and faster responses from Alexa. Of course, it does not compare to the volume offered, not by Apple HomePod or Google Home Max, but Amazon has the Echo Studio, where the bass is more powerful. Although it lacks Google Cast and Apple HomeKit, but it has Matter hub. It makes connecting to multiple smart devices effortless. Step into the future of with the Amazon Echo which is among the best smart speakers for home having cutting-edge features and stylish design.
Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen)
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock 5th Generation is a Smart Speaker that not only plays music but can do much more. One thing that sets the Echo Dot with Clock apart is the thoughtful design, especially at the handheld front of the display, showing the clock. Even after having so many feature, it is available at very affordable price. Making it Perfect for either your bedside table or your kitchen, it keeps you on track with easy-to-see alarms, timers, and the current time.
It’s more than a clock; it delivers current weather updates answers your questions quickly, and even has the potential to be a white noise machine to help you sleep soundly. As one of the best smart speakers for the home, the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock combines style, functionality, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for every room in the house.
Amazon Echo Studio
Amazon’s Echo Studio is the game-changer for high-end smart speakers for home cinemas. 330W power output – this is one of the most powerful in its category at this price. But if you pair two Echo Studios by using the Alexa app, then you can have an immersive system of home cinema with quite a strong audio experience, even though it is not a surround sound system. But that’s not all – this powerhouse isn’t solely about sound.
It also serves as a Zigbee hub, enhancing its versatility within your smart home setup. However, in order to really let rip, I would recommend an Amazon Music HD subscription. It’s pretty sizeable, so not great for everywhere, but if you consider the money that you are paying, there is really great value within the Echo Studio.
Apple HomePod Mini
HomePod mini is Apple’s compact smart speaker, which is the only option after its larger predecessor’s discontinuation. Despite its small size, it delivers impressive audio, especially for Apple Music fans. However, Siri’s performance can be inconsistent, and non-Apple Music subscribers have limited options. While its smart home device ecosystem is smaller, its Matter compatibility promises future expansion. Still, its standout feature remains its excellent sound quality, with balanced bass and immersive stereo when paired with another unit.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1
Beosound A1 breaks the boundaries with its sleek, Bluetooth-inspired design in a rather compact form. Although small, it is quite a performing full-featured smart speaker with built-in Alexa compatibility as well as support for Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec. Built for adventure, rugged durability meets refined design offering portable freedom without sacrificing smart features.
What makes the A1 stand out from the rest, though, is its sonic quality. Balanced and powerful, it gives you an expansive punchy sound profile that you can’t help but get stuck on. It’s not the cheapest unit out there, and with minimal distortion even when the volume is pushed through the roof, rich bass will get you completely engrossed in the listening experience, and that is all a music lover would ever need to make a purchase. For those seeking smart speakers for home use that combine style and performance, the Beosound A1 breaks the boundaries with its sleek, Bluetooth-inspired design in a rather compact form.
Bose Smart Speaker 500
For those searching for smart speakers for home that deliver exceptional audio, the Smart Speaker 500 is pure sophistication in sound. The sleek heavily anodized aluminum promises immersive sound of which integrates so well with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and the eight-microphone array ensures clear voice commands, even in the noisiest of conditions. Comforting preset buttons provide instant access to favorite playlists, though. But setting it up via the Bose Music app is something of a pain and for its price tag, rather pricey. The Smart Speaker 500 offers a quality of sound that’s simply unmatched, making it accessible even to the most dedicated audiophiles, with prohibitive but salient obstructions.
Denon Home 150
The Denon Home 150 packs a powerful punch in a compact design, focusing on functionality over flash. This smart speaker is perfect for small spaces and offers listening options from playing one’s own music to streaming services such as Spotify and Amazon Music. With effortless connectivity through the HEOS app, Denon Home 150 can sync with popular streaming platforms and even adapt audio based on location for a very personalized experience.
It is well-controlled with music via Google Assistant or Alexa, offers the ability to make playlists over sources, and is easy adjustment. Even if it doesn’t get full marks for audio quality against others in its class, its solid punchy bass will get any bass addict excited without a huge room to mess around in. Any tech-savvy owner looking for flexibility, and all the smart features with just solid sound will find some appeal in the Denon Home 150. As one of the top smart speakers for home use, the Denon Home 150 strikes a balance between practicality and performance.
Google Nest Audio
Google’s Nest Audio assumes the role of new flagship in their smart speaker series, following the cancellation of Home Max. Its design is sleek and minimalistic, carrying Google Assistant for fast responses and quality audio, while its decor complements any setting with its role as a seamless hub for smart homes using any major platform. A Zigbee hub is absent, but it is compatible with Matter for more encompassing connectivity.
Audio quality is limited in more complex music genres, with a lack of detail in the treble and midrange, but the Nest Audio truly shines as an intelligent assistant, making it a great choice for users who value smart functionality above premium sound quality. As one of the top smart speakers for home, the Nest Audio offers an excellent blend of functionality and convenience for everyday use.
Sonos One
The Sonos One balances functionality and quality really well. Though not exactly the most budget-friendly, audio performance, along with design, makes it one-of-a-kind. Equipped with advanced mic arrays, it’s quite responsive-even if you are some distance away. The Sonos One supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as AirPlay 2 to ensure seamless integration with an Apple device. It harmoniously mingles with multi-room scenarios as it integrates with other HomePod and HomePod Mini devices from Apple seamlessly. Portable ones include Sonos Move and Sonos Roam: powerful sounds everywhere, indoors and outside. Sonos has every speaker perfect for any scenario whether indoors or outdoors at home.
Sonos Roam SL
Sonos Roam SL is the ultimate smart listening choice. Designed to be perfectly sized for music, features, and fun wherever you go, Sonos Roam SL is a lightweight powerhouse to get your back in every dusty creek bed or by the pool. The Sonos Roam SL is built around Alexa and Google Assistant so you can easily find and voice control music and smart devices on your network.
It does not have the thumping boom of bigger premium speakers, but it has great audio across all genres. If you want to go deeper with bass and louder volume, then you should go for the Sonos Move 2. Choose between the portability of the Roam SL or the powerful sound of the Move 2: Sonos delivers an unmatched smart listening experience wherever you go.
FAQs
Which smart speaker is the most popular?
Amazon Echo (4th gen), Sonos One, Apple HomePod mini, and Google Nest Audio are some of the popular speaker among others.
What’s better than Alexa?
With nearly as many capabilities as Alexa, Google Assistant now positions the $50 Google Nest Mini as a compelling choice for those who prefer Google’s ecosystem over Amazon’s. In our evaluations, Google Assistant showcased slightly superior intelligence compared to Alexa, further solidifying its appeal for users seeking a smart assistant.
How to choose smart speakers?
First, focus on size, sound quality, and price
Check for compatibility
Consider bonus features
Choose an AI assistant
What are the characteristics of smart speakers?
Voice commands
Calls and communication
Smart home control
Music playback and streaming
Entertainment and media control
Personal organization
What does a smart speaker do?
A smart speaker acts as a voice-activated assistant that allows you to play music, control smart home devices, set reminders, check the weather, and perform various tasks through voice commands. Additionally, many smart speakers can integrate with streaming services, enabling you to enjoy your favorite songs and podcasts effortlessly.
Is it worth getting a smart speaker?
Yes, investing in a smart speaker can enhance your home experience by providing convenience, hands-free control, and smart home integration. They simplify everyday tasks, offer entertainment options, and can help streamline your routines, making them a valuable addition to your living space.
Do you need Wi-Fi for a smart speaker?
Yes, most smart speakers require a Wi-Fi connection to function effectively. They use the internet to access services, stream music, and connect with other smart devices in your home. Without Wi-Fi, their capabilities would be significantly limited.
What are the disadvantages of smart speakers?
Some disadvantages of smart speakers include privacy concerns, as they constantly listen for voice commands, which may lead to unintentional recordings. Additionally, they may have limited audio quality compared to traditional speakers, and compatibility issues can arise when trying to connect to various smart home devices or platforms. Finally, reliance on Wi-Fi means that if your internet goes down, the smart speaker’s functionality will be affected.