In this post:
- Best Voice Assistants & Smart Speakers for 2024
- Sonos Era 100 - Best Smart Speaker Overall
- Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) - Best Budget Smart Speaker
- Apple HomePod Mini - Best Smart Speaker For Apple Users
- Google Nest Audio - Best Google Smart Speaker
- Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) - Best Mini Smart Speaker
- Sonos Roam 2 - Best Portable/Wireless Smart Speaker
- Honorable Mentions
- How To Pick The Right Smart Speaker For Your Home
Smart speaker technology has not only revolutionized the way we listen to music, but it provides a variety of other benefits. These small tech devices connect us to the world with news, weather, information, and to other smart devices like smart thermostats and smart plugs.
When it comes to choosing the best smart home devices, having the right speakers is essential. If you’re shopping for a smart home speaker, you’re likely wondering how some of the various products compare. When you look at price, sound, design, and features, you may be unsure how each one ranks.
Our experts have compared the features of the best smart speakers and ranked them for you. Here’s how the different products stack up and what you’ll want to know before you place an order.
Best Voice Assistants & Smart Speakers for 2024
| Product | Estimated Price | Features | Voice Assistant Compatibility | Additional Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Era 100 | $230 | Premium sound, larger woofer, new tweeters, volume slider, mute microphone, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm line-in | Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2 | Does not support Google Assistant, wired connection adapter sold separately | Best Smart Speaker Overall |
| Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) | $50 | Easy setup via Alexa app, stereo sound, smart features (news, weather, timers), intercom feature | Alexa | Budget-friendly, available in kids’ versions, free year of Amazon Kids+ for kid models | Best Budget Smart Speaker |
| Apple HomePod Mini | $100 | Great sound, stylish design, pairs well with other Apple devices, intercom feature | Siri | Limited compatibility with non-Apple smart home devices | Best Smart Speaker for Apple Users |
| Google Nest Audio | $100 | Stylish design, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi enabled | Google Assistant | Harsh sound at higher volumes, no 3.5mm port for audio | Best Google Smart Speaker |
| Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) | $50 | Compact design, quality sound, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, can make phone calls via Duo | Google Assistant | Cord length could be longer, budget-friendly option, can be hung on the wall | Best Mini Smart Speaker |
| Sonos Roam 2 | $180 | Portable, water-resistant, wireless charging, supports Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2 | Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2 | Short battery life, limited bass, stereo pair feature doesn’t work over Bluetooth, rugged design ideal for travel and outdoor use | Best Portable/Wireless Smart Speaker |
Sonos Era 100 – Best Smart Speaker Overall
A consistent top favorite in this smart home device category, the Sonos Era 100 is a clear leader when it comes to premium sound. Featuring a larger woofer and new tweeters, you’ll love how this Sonos speaker sounds.
Pros
- Clear sound
- Easily compatible with both Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2
- Volume slider on top
- Easily mute microphone when needed
- Pair two Sonos speakers with your smart TV for stereo surround sound
- Has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 3.5mm line-in connections to play music from any source
Cons
- Higher price tag than other smart speakers on this list
- Does not support Google Assistant
- Wired connection adapter is an additional charge
Audiophiles will love the tuning capabilities that are built-in to perfectly balance sound based on the device’s location.
👉 Related: Are Sonos Products Good For Home Theaters?
With a price tag around $250, the Sonos Era 100 is one of the most expensive speakers on this list, but if the price isn’t an issue, users will find that the clear sound and quality are worth the cost.
- 47% faster processor, dual-tweeter for stereo, 25% larger midwoofer for bass
- Compact design fits anywhere
- Stream via WiFi or pair Bluetooth; Line-In Adapter for turntables
- Easy setup: plug in and connect to WiFi with Sonos app
- Trueplay tuning adjusts EQ to room
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) – Best Budget Smart Speaker
Alexa fans have a variety of smart home devices to pick from, and the Echo Dot 5th Gen is a popular choice at a very practical price point.
Pros
- Quality sound
- Compatible with a wide variety of other smart devices
- Pair with other Echo devices for stereo sound
- Additional smart features like news, weather, timers, reminders and more
- Can act as an intercom with phone or multiple devices
- Control multiple devices with the Amazon Alexa app
Cons
- Alexa can be clunky and less intuitive than other assistants
- Device will try to sell you Amazon items based on past purchases
- Alexa can be clunky and less intuitive than other assistants
Set up is easy via the Amazon Alexa app and this smart speaker can partner with other Alexa devices for smart home convenience in just minutes.
Averaging around $50, savvy shoppers might be able to score this for even less.
Fun Amazon Echo Dot kids designs are also available for just a few dollars more. The kid version of this smart device has family-friendly responses meant for younger kids and a free year of Amazon Kids+ that includes fun audiobooks, games, and more.
👉 Related: What’s the Difference Between Alexa and Echo?
This version introduces kids to smart features and to use the device skills to help with time management, questions, homework, alarms, and lots of other things.
Whether you order for kids or adults – if you are shopping for a smart home speaker on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this affordable option.
- Improved audio with clearer vocals and deeper bass
- Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts via Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, or Bluetooth
- Ask Alexa for weather, timers, answers, and jokes
- Control smart home devices with voice and routines using built-in motion and temperature sensors
- Privacy protection with mic off button
- Pair with other Echo devices for multi-room audio, home theater with Fire TV, or extend wifi with eero network
Apple HomePod Mini – Best Smart Speaker For Apple Users
For Apple fans, this small but mighty speaker is a perfect fit. With excellent sound and additional features like an intercom and stereo pairing, this smart device sounds great and has a good appearance.
Pros
- Great sound and relatively low price
- Stylish design
- Available in gray, blue, white, orange and yellow
- Pairs well with other Apple devices
- Has Siri built-in to the smart speaker
- Includes intercom feature
Cons
- Only works with HomeKit
- Siri isn’t as efficient or accurate as other digital assistants
- Listening is limited unless you have Apple Music
- Few smart home devices are compatible
While this is the only Apple device on our list, users of HomeKit for their smart home setup will love this little Apple smart speaker. Pair it with your original HomePod, iPhone, or Apple TV. You can also use this speaker to create a Siri-focused smart home.
The Apple HomePod Mini is sold by Apple for $100.
👉 Related: 6 Best HomeKit Routers in 2024
Google Nest Audio – Best Google Smart Speaker
This affordable and entry-level speaker is a great fit for those with simple listening needs. With Google Assistant already built in, this product is the best Google Smart Speaker currently on the market.
Pros
- Simple to set up
- Well-built and stylish design
- Great with voice recognition
- Handles commands well
- Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi enabled
Cons
- Smart home compatibility is not as efficient as Alexa
- Does not offer 3.5mm port for audio
- Sound quality is limited at higher volumes
With a stylish design, the Google Nest Audio fits in with most home decor. It’s also a handy smart home hub and connects to various platforms including Phillips, Nest, and Samsung SmartThings. This Google speaker does connect with Matter as well, however, there is not a Zigbee hub built in like with the Amazon Echo.
With great audio quality for the size, the combination of Chromecast and Google Assistant makes this an excellent Alexa alternative and a great value. Use it for streaming music and podcasts, answering questions, setting reminders, and more. Pair two of these devices to create stereo for the ultimate listening experience.
While the device is smart, the speaker is not quite the quality of our other smart speaker contenders. Listeners may find that some music categories have muffled sounds and fewer details. Overall, this is a great speaker for the $100 price point.
Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) – Best Mini Smart Speaker
Are you looking for a Google smart speaker that you can buy on a budget? This budget-friendly mini speaker combines Google Assistant with a small speaker that packs a powerful punch.
Pros
- Compact and fits in most spaces
- Budget Friendly
- Quality sound
- Pairable with other smart home devices
Cons
- Charging pin is not compatible with other devices
- Cord is not long enough
Made partly with recycled materials and available in multiple colors to match your decor, the Google Nest Mini is a great entry-level smart device and a comparable alternative to the Amazon Echo Dot.
A subscription isn’t needed for this small and affordable smart speaker. However, you may want to connect it to your favorite music service for listening convenience. Connect the device to Bluetooth using your phone and the Google Home app for ultimate sound.
The Google Nest Mini can also help connect you to others too! This mini, but mighty speaker can make phone calls to others with Duo, and for those in the USA and Canada, you can use the device to call numbers in your Google Contacts as well.
Find this smart little speaker at retailers for $50 and you may even be able to score a deal for as low as $29.
- Small and mighty smart speaker with voice control
- 2 inches tall, 4 inches wide, fits on tables, nightstands, or walls
- Great sound in a compact design
- Play music, podcasts, and more
- Hands-free help from Google
Sonos Roam 2 – Best Portable/Wireless Smart Speaker
Want to take your music to the pool, park or anywhere else you go? Our top pick for a portable smart speaker is the Sonos Roam 2.
Pros
- Stylish, but rugged and durable design
- Water-resistant
- Supports wireless charging
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant and AirPlay 2
Cons
- Bass can be limited
- Stereo pair feature doesn’t work over Bluetooth
- Sonos app requires user consent to share usage data
- Shorter battery life than other portable speakers
At just over 6.5 inches, this smart speaker is the perfect size to toss into a handbag or backpack to take on the go. Durable and water resistant, this handy portable speaker can handle being used in the shower, or splashes at the beach.
While sound quality (particularly bass) isn’t as good on the Sonos Era 100, it is sturdy enough for the occasional drop and will be able to provide quality music on almost any adventure.
The Sonos Roam 2 is available in either black or white and is currently selling at most retailers for $180.
- Precision-engineered drivers for clear sound and deep bass
- Ultra-compact and lightweight for portability
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof for outdoor use
- Rechargeable battery with up to 10 hours of listening
- Automatic Trueplay adjusts sound to new environments
- Hands-free control with Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa
- Can be used upright or on its side
Honorable Mentions
While the above devices are our team’s personal favorites, several other excellent devices deserve consideration. With lots of fantastic features that fans love, here are a few more best smart speakers to check into.
Amazon Echo Show 8
Handy to have in the kitchen or as an entertainment device, the Echo Show 8 is an all-in-one smart speaker. It also has a digital display for watching videos, reading books, and more. Alexa technology allows you to control the device easily with voice commands, making you more productive with chores, cooking, or even choosing your entertainment.
- 8" HD touchscreen with spatial audio for immersive entertainment
- 13 MP camera with auto-framing and noise reduction for crisper video calls
- Built-in smart home hub for controlling Zigbee, Matter, and Thread devices
- Stream content from Prime Video, Netflix, Fire TV Channels, and more
- Hands-free voice control for video calls, or use the Top Connections widget for one-tap calling
- Amazon Photos turns the home screen into a digital frame with adaptive color
- Glance at calendar, reminders, or detailed content with Adaptive Content
- Made from 29% recycled materials with sustainable packaging
- Multiple privacy controls, including mic mute via Alexa app
Google Pixel Tablet
Retailing at $399, the Google Pixel tablet connects to a base that turns it into a smart speaker and more. Use this Android tablet to manage your smart home controls, stream your favorite songs, search the web, and more all from one must-have smart device.
Using the tablet when it is docked offers access to the Hub Mode where you control your various smart home devices when you tap on the Google Home icon. From here you can control connected devices and check the feeds on your cameras and your doorbell.
- Pixel Tablet with Google Tensor G2 chip for smooth performance
- Includes speaker dock for charging and room-filling sound
- 11-inch screen with adaptive brightness
- Control smart home devices with voice or tap
- Optimized Android apps and Google TV for streaming
- Connects easily with other Google Pixel devices
- Hub Mode for smart display features when docked
- Google Meet with camera tracking and lighting adjustments
JBL Authentics 200
With a cool retro appearance, the JBL Authentics 200 smart speaker ranks high in the design category over some of the competitors. Offering both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa in one speaker, users don’t have to choose between platforms, and they can have quality and control all in one device.
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Stereo sound with 25mm tweeters and 5” woofer for deep bass
- Retro design with aluminum frame and Quadrex grille
- Wi-Fi streaming via AirPlay, Alexa MRM, Chromecast, Spotify Connect
- On-speaker volume, bass, and treble controls
- Bluetooth pairing for easy playlist sharing
- Multi-room playback with multiple speakers
- Automatic self-tuning for optimized sound
👉 Related: Is JBL Better than Bose?
Amazon Echo Studio
If your passion is music, the Amazon Echo Studio alternative has a bigger speaker, better bass and a more powerful sound than its other Amazon counterparts. Whether you use it to perfect your playlist or connect to your TV for streaming the latest shows, you’ll love the quality and reliability of this device.
The larger size won’t be for everyone, and a subscription is needed for 3D audio, but this quality smart speaker is sure to please.
- Echo Studio with spatial audio for immersive sound
- 5 speakers with bass, midrange, and Dolby Atmos
- Stream from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and more
- Adapts sound to room acoustics automatically
- Built-in smart home hub for Zigbee and Matter devices
- Voice control with Alexa for music and tasks
- Use Alexa as an intercom with Drop In and Announcements
- Privacy controls with mic off button
👉 Related: Can an Echo Studio be Used as a Soundbar?
How To Pick The Right Smart Speaker For Your Home
When you are shopping for the best smart speaker, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here are some of the top considerations to make the best selection.
💲 Price: Our list of the best smart speakers has something for every budget. Starting with the Amazon Echo Dot and the Google Nest Mini to the higher-end Sonos Eras 100 and Echo Studio, there are excellent speakers at every price point.
🏢 Brand: If you’re loyal to a particular brand, you may want to choose a home smart speaker that is easily compatible. Whether you are an Amazon fan, a die-hard Apple user, or prefer Google Assistant, look for speakers that use the same ecosystem. Many new smart home users find that it’s easiest to start with a brand and then select compatible devices.
🎵 Sound Quality: This category is particularly important to audiophiles and there are several entries in this list of the best smart speakers that do not disappoint. Whether your goal is room-filling sound, the best bass, or multi-room listening, these devices deliver when it comes to listening pleasure.
⭐ Unique Features: Looking for something special like wireless charging or water resistance? Many of these speakers have special features that make them unique. Check our pros and cons for an easy comparison.
👍 Design & Aesthetics: Shoppers who want a speaker that fits in visually with their personal space should consider smart speaker design. Take a look at the appearance, the dimensions, and any lights and displays that can affect the device’s visual impact.
What Smart Speaker Has The Best Sound Quality?
Several of the products featured on this list of best smart speakers are top performers when it comes to sound quality including the Sonos Era 100 and the Amazon Echo Studio.
However, nearly every device we’ve mentioned has excellent quality and can be paired with an additional device for an immersive surround sound experience. For tips on improving audio quality, check our guide to measuring the sound quality of speakers.
Which Voice Assistant Is The Best?
While each will be able to meet most user needs, Alexa on Amazon devices and Google Assistant are in the lead, with Siri being close behind.
Google Assistant is a top pick for its ability to correctly answer and understand inquiries, as well as for its voice and more natural tone. Alexa is the best for controlling smart home devices with the robust Alexa App. Siri falls into third place, with less reliability as well as lower comprehension and knowledge.
All three virtual assistants are helpful and effective. Users will quickly learn how to get the best responses and information from their devices.
HomePod vs Alexa – What’s Best?
As you are deciding which smart speaker is right for you, you may be wondering which device and platform is the best fit: HomePod with Siri or Amazon Echo with Alexa?
Overall, but are excellent platforms and their devices are quality purchases that provide great sound and tech features. However, to help you narrow it down, here are a few considerations.
👉 Choose Alexa if:
- You want a system that is easy to connect. Alexa partners with its own built-in Zigbee and Matter connection hub allowing you to set up additional devices with just a few clicks.
- You need a reliable smart assistant. Alexa has been proven to be faster than Google Assistant, providing answers, assistance, and more as you need it. Your Alexa can even help you with your Amazon orders.
- You want a speaker for entertaining. If hosting parties is your jam, Alexa can handle your playlists, even at top volume. It performs well when played loud, and has minimal distortion when compared to competitors.
- Your friends and family have Alexa. If your loved ones have Alexa, you can connect for chats via the smart device via your Echo. You will need to add permissions, but it’s convenient and easy to check in with each other with Alexa’s help.
- You have Android or Bluetooth devices. The HomePod is not compatible with these at this time.
👉 Choose HomePod if:
- You’re an iPhone and Apple Music user. If you use Apple products, you’ll want to stay in the Apple universe for the best compatibility. Set up of the HomePod Mini is easy right from your iPhone and the devices will share reminders, Siri, and other tasks.
- You use Apple HomeKit. If you’re already using HomeKit for your smart home devices like your doorbell or thermostat, your HomePod can help act as a hub to connect all your devices.
- You want to add a little color. The HomePod Mini does have more color offerings than the competition and is available in gray, blue, white, orange, and yellow.
- You are tight on space. With the smallest smart speaker design, this small, but powerful device fits in small places and still gets the job done.
📌 Recommended: Using an Apple HomePod Mini as a Soundbar: It’s Awesome!
Smart speakers have changed the way we listen to music. They can assist with daily tasks and help keep us organized as well. If you’re looking for the best smart speakers on the market, there are a lot of great options available.
Quality, price, design, and platform are all important factors when choosing a smart speaker. We hope this list helps you find the right device for your home.
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