As smart home technology continues to advance, smart speakers have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to add convenience and functionality to their daily lives. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to determine which smart speaker is the best fit for your needs.
We broke down the top smart speakers available, and we’re excited to present our highly-anticipated rankings. From top-of-the-line options packed with features to more budget-friendly options, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the best smart speakers on the market, and find the one that’s perfect for you.
Amazon Echo 4th Generation:
The Amazon Echo is a top-of-the-line smart speaker that offers rich, detailed sound that automatically adapts to any room. Its voice control capabilities allow you to stream songs from a variety of music streaming services, including Amazon Music HD, which offers lossless HD audio. In addition to its excellent audio quality, the Echo also serves as a smart home hub, allowing you to voice-control compatible lights, locks, and sensors. Setting up compatible Zigbee and Matter devices is a breeze, and you can even pair the Echo with compatible Ring Smart Lighting solar lights and bulbs.
One of the standout features of the Echo is its ability to help you with a variety of tasks. With Alexa ready to assist, you can set timers, reminders, and alarms, and get answers to questions like “Alexa, what time is it?” The Echo’s motion detection feature allows you to start routines when you enter a room, such as turning on compatible lights or playing your Flash Briefing. You can even fill your home with sound using the Echo’s multi-room music feature, which allows you to play synchronized music across multiple Echo devices in different rooms.
In addition to its impressive capabilities as a smart speaker, the Echo also allows you to connect with others hands-free. You can call friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device, and instantly drop in on other rooms or announce to the whole house that dinner’s ready. The Echo is designed with privacy in mind and features multiple layers of privacy controls including a mic-off button. Amazon is not in the business of selling your personal information to others, so you can trust that your privacy is protected. Overall, the Amazon Echo is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line smart speaker with a wide range of features and excellent audio quality.
Google Nest Audio:
The Google Nest is a smart speaker that delivers excellent audio quality, with crisp vocals and powerful bass that fill the room. With just a voice command, you can play your favorite songs or get help from Google Assistant. The Nest is 75% louder than the original Google Home, with 50% stronger bass, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a speaker that can fill a room with sound.
In addition to its excellent audio quality, the Nest also offers a wide range of features. You can use your voice to stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks from popular services like Spotify and YouTube Music. The Nest is also a huge help around the house, allowing you to set timers and get answers to questions with just a voice command. It’s even compatible with thousands of smart devices from popular brands, so you can control your lights, thermostat, and more with your voice.
One of the standout features of the Nest is its ability to work with other Nest speakers and displays. It also connects to Chromecast-enabled devices, allowing you to easily create a home audio system. The Nest is also designed with sustainability in mind, with an enclosure made from 70% recycled plastic. Additionally, you can place hands-free audio calls with Duo and Meet, making the Nest a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile smart speaker that can meet all their audio needs.