10 Best Smart Speakers
Echo Studio
Amazon’s biggest and loudest speaker, the Echo Studio is equipped with five drivers that allow for impressive directional audio and make it compatible with Dolby Atmos surround sound. It also automatically adapts to the acoustics of any room you place it in.
- Downward-firing woofer
- Attractive fabric wrap
- Microphone off button for privacy
Echo 4th Gen
Redesigned into a round shape, the Echo 4th Gen has an aesthetically-pleasing, modern style. Its light ring has been moved to the bottom, so its less obtrusive than on previous iterations, but still noticeable, and its bass is richer than you’d expect for its size.
- Made with recycled materials
- Available in three colors
- Budget-friendly price
Bose Soundbar 300
With both Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, you’ll have your choice of virtual helpers with the Bose Soundbar 300 . It is equipped with five full-range tweeters and offers dialogue enhancement, making it the perfect addition to a home entertainment center.
- Low-profile matte black enclosure
- Buttonless exterior
- Wraparound metal grille
Marshall Stanmore II
Marshall Stanmore II on Walmart
Take your listening experience to the next level without sacrificing classic style by investing in the Marshall Stanmore II . Its use of far-field microphone array technology ensures accurate speech recognition over long distances and over high music volumes.
- Three internal amplifiers
- Analog dial controls
- Programmable one-touch presets
Echo Show 3rd Gen
The Echo Show 3rd Gen boasts a 10.1-inch HD screen for enjoying visual content, and it pairs this with a 13-megapixel camera for video calls. One of the coolest features, though, might be its ability to track your movement and adjust its position to face you.
- Sliding shutter cover
- Compatible with zigbee devices
- Sentry mode for home security
Sonos One Gen 2
You can pair two Sonos One Gen 2 together for stereo sound, however a single unit will probably satisfy most listeners considering how powerful it is for its size. On its top panel are responsive touch controls, one of which allows you to turn its microphone off.
- Compatible with google cast
- Supports apple airplay2
- Cannot be used as a speakerphone
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc might just be the closest you can get to a surround sound experience without actually adding satellite speakers. It achieves this through the use of Dolby Atmos technology, which essentially bounces audio waves off of the walls and ceiling.
- Auto dimming status light
- Can be tuned to suit the room
- App only works with ios devices
Bose Portable
If you need something that you can take out to the backyard or to a park, the Bose Portable fits the bill. A flip-up handle makes it easy to carry, an IPX4 water-resistance rating ensure it won’t be damaged by a bit of rain, and its battery lasts for up to 12 hours.
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Integrates with other bose speakers
- Lacks an auxiliary port
Bose Home 500
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the Bose Home 500 produces audiophile-quality sound. Those who enjoy full customization can utilize the associated app, while those who prefer simplicity can rely on the six one-touch presets on the top of the unit.
- Anodized aluminum construction
- Three-inch screen for album art
- Design seems a bit dated
Google Nest
A simple and somewhat nondescript device, the Google Nest won’t noticeably stand out in most homes. It does a good job of recognizing natural speech, so you won’t feel as if you have to talk like a robot to get it to respond, and it is affordably priced.
- Can make and receive phone calls
- No built-in zigbee hub
- Bass isn't deep or rich
