Authors: JordanSmart speakers, virtual assistants or smart home speakers, whatever name you decide to call them, they're pretty cool, unbelievably handy and aren't going anywhere anytime soon.In fact recent reports reveal the best smart speakers are now owned by one in six Americans and UK smart speaker ownership has doubled in six months.That's because many consider smart speakers to be the future of home automation, not only controlling your smart home devices, like your Philips Hue bulbs or your smart locks.But they also contain the smarts within them to manage your schedule, record your shopping list and even learn more and more about your preferences over time.Each of the speakers in our guide below has something called an artificial intelligence (or AI) inside of them.
All of the tasks above (and many, many more) are carried out with help from the AI and without it, the Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple HomePod would just be regular old speakers.All of the smart speakers below are more than capable of making your smart home smarter, playing tunes and keeping tabs on your family.But we know you're here because you want to find the best smart speaker for you - the one that plays nicely with the devices you already have, understands you the best and, ultimately, sounds the best when it's time to rock out.So take a look at our guide below and find one that suits your current set-up, your budget and the aesthetics of your home.Remember: Be sure to keep checking back, as we'll be updating this list with the best smart speakers, as well as the top rumors of the new speakers to expect soon at the end.Apple HomePodSuperb sound, so-so smart speakerGreat soundNice, minimal designSiri accuracy is highSiri scope is limitedNo Bluetooth streamingApple Music neededThe highly-anticipated Apple HomePod finally entered the smart speaker battle for your bookshelf in early 2018.The obvious benefit of an Apple HomePod over an Echo or Google Home device is that it'll play nice with your other Apple products.
So if you're a die-hard Apple fan the HomePod may be a no-brainer.But it's worth asking the same question you should always be asking yourself when you want to splurge on a new Apple product: how much of a premium should you pay for owning a device that fits only seamlessly into the Apple ecosystemWhen we reviewed the device we were torn because we were really reviewing two things at once: how the HomePod weighs up as a premium speaker and how it fares as a smart home hub.In the former category, the HomePod is excellent, it boasts incredible sound and a very intuitive set-up.
But in the latter Siri is only middling in its implementation, and the fact that you're not able to break out of the Apple ecosystem for many key functions also rankles.(Image: Amazon)Amazon Echo (2nd Gen)Amazon's speaker got even smarter (in looks at least)Great new lookLower priceNew Alexa featuresMore of the sameAlexa app could be betterNo more rotating dialIf you're after a smart speaker that's affordable and sounds good quality enough to play your favorite tracks, the latest version of the Amazon Echo is your safest bet.
In fact it's our current top pick for the best smart speaker on the market right now.
The newest, 2nd generation Echo sounds better than Amazon's Echo Dot, but it's cheaper than the Echo Plus and Apple's HomePod.We don't think you should be using it to replace your hifi, but it's a really great place to start if you want to try out what the smart home life is like.Amazon has also improved the Echo's style since the first version was released in 2015.
The new fabric finishes will suit most living rooms better than the brushed aluminium of the original.The only downside is the Echo doesn't have the neat volume dial of Amazon's Echo Plus.
It's also worth mentioning that Alexa often doesn't seem quite as intelligent as Google Assistant.
At the price, though, it's a great option that should suit most people's needs.
(Image: GE)Google HomeGreat for Chromecast owners and inquisitive typesCustomizable baseBig song libraryExpanding hardware ecosystemMissing Google's own servicesRequires precise phrasingGoogle Cast support needs workFor starters, you might never appreciate just how much music is on YouTube without buying a Google Home.
Were not saying Google Home is capable of playing any song you can think of, but after dredging the depths of the 90s we still couldnt find a tune Google Home couldnt find.While Google Home excels as a DJ, its also a surprisingly intelligent smart home hub.
It already hooks into some of the largest platforms now available by including Nest, Philips and Samsungs SmartThings, and given a few months that number will grow even more.But we're torn when it comes to recommending the Google Home.
In some ways it's disappointing and doesn't live up to be the coveted center of the smart home Google has marketed it as.That's because it's just not there yet.
Its a little too rigid in its language comprehension, its list of smart home devices is growing but still a bit underwhelming, and, perhaps the biggest disappointment of all, it doesnt have many of Googles core services built into it.It has the potential to develop to compete with Amazon's Echo in the future, but for now the Google Home is simply a smart novelty with access to YouTube Music, built-in Google Cast and the ability to save you a trip to the light switch.It's also worth mentioning a more recent update: Google Home can now make calls to landlines in the UK! This was a feature unveiled at last year's Google IO, and has now finally made its way into the home.Ultimate Ears MegablastOne of the best-looking smart speakers aroundWaterproof and robustPortableGreat soundStill awaiting key featuresExpensiveCharging dock sold separatelyUltimate Ears is an audio brand that's known for its great quality and sturdy Bluetooth speakers.
With its new Megablast speaker its gone and thrown Amazons Alexa smart assistant into the mix.The result is one of the best-looking and sounding portable speakers around with the Megablast.
And thanks to the Amazon Alexa integration, it's also one of the smartest too.With the Megablast you get the 360-degree sound, portability and durability of the excellent UE Boom speaker with the smarts of an Echo.
Its a marriage made in speaker heaven.But unfortunately, it's still lacking some key features months after launch and for those looking for a straightforward smart speaker, its price may be too high.The Amazon Echo is significantly less expensive than this speaker.
At $299.99 / 269.99 (and that's not even including the dock) the Megablast will set you back more than the most recent Amazon Echo or a Sonos One speaker.Overall, the Megablast is a great addition to the Ultimate Ears lineup and may be its best sounding speaker yet.
It hasnt quite lived up to all of our expectations but when it gets Alexa support for a wider range of music services and can create a multi-room speaker network itll be pretty close.Google Home MiniMini sound but fully functionalPlays nice with Google CastBluetooth supportGood valueWeak sound performanceIn many ways, the Home Mini is similar to the Amazon Echo Dot.
It's Googles attempt at getting the Assistant into as many homes as possible.The huge amount of capabilities that the Google Home brings, in addition to its minimal, premium build and its low price make it an instant star.This means if youre in the market for a cheap speaker, the Google Home Mini will do the trick for many.
But do keep in mind that its best viewed as a supplement to the Home family rather than the foundation.This devices specialty, aside from being oh-so smart, is mainly to reward those who are already within Googles Cast-enabled ecosystem with a cheap, new device.Yes, the Google Home Mini is less than half the price of the larger Google Home, and half its size, too; however, it just doesnt sound like were getting half its performance were getting something a bit less.Amazon Echo ShowLike an Echo, but with a screenGreat voice recognitionNice touchscreenCompetent smart home hubSpeaker sounds shallowVideo calling limitedAlexa needs some schoolingThe Echo Show, like the Echo before it, is more of a fun, ancillary device rather than a true necessity or smart home hub in its own right.The addition of the 7-inch touchscreen is unique, and helps separate the Show from the crowd.
Like the 5MP camera, the Show hasnt quite made the most of the touchscreen, but that can and likely will change down the road.However, it adds value by combining devices you already have and ones you could buy at a lower price elsewhere just look at the Amazon Echo Dot, for example.But all-together the Show is a marked improvement on the original Echo, and one that deserves a spot on your kitchen counter.(Image: sonos)Sonos OneSonos and Alexa might be a match made in heavenRich soundBest of Alexa and SonosPlays music while Alexa is mutedGoogle Assistant MIA for nowPremium priceSonos debut Alexa speaker is a cleanly-designed, feature-rich and great-sounding device that brings together the best of both ecosystems.
Youve got the ever-improving Alexa on the one hand, and on the other youve got Sonos with its own multi-room smarts.
The one downside is that it initially launched without Spotify voice support, but this has now been remedied.
If youre prepared to pay the price premium over Amazons own Echo speaker, the One is a very capable device.It feels as though the Sonos One could eventually end up being the perfect Alexa speaker.
Fundamentally this is because its underpinned by audio quality thats a step above whats available on Amazons current generation of Echo hardware, but its a speaker that also integrates fantastically well with the rest of Sonos multi-room lineup.Yes, it was certainly a shame that it launched without support for the most popular streaming service in the world, Spotify, but kudos to Sonos for bringing out the update in good time.
The speaker is now just as effective as an Amazon Echo at playing your music, and sounds much better than Amazon's own speaker.
With Google Assistant support expected in 2018 and many more updated to Alexa sure to come over the years, the Sonos One is only going to get better over time.(Image: Amazon)Amazon Echo DotA small-but-mighty entry into the smart home categoryGreat, smaller designStellar voice recognitionLine out functionality is very usefulLimited voice controlAmazons Echo Dot is a great little product.
It maintains almost everything that made the original Echo so great, while also bringing a substantial cut in price.Being able to use an external speaker means the Dot is genuinely a great way of listening to music around the house, but its internal speaker is also surprisingly adept at dealing with simpler requests too.If youre curious about the Amazon Echo experience, then the Dot is a great way of trying it out at a much cheaper price, and in some ways its audio output options mean its actually the superior device.Were not quite living in the age of Tony Starks Jarvis just yet, but if developers continue to rally behind Alexa by developing ever more intelligent skills, then the future may be just around the corner.JBL Link 300 Smart SpeakerThis Google Home speaker kicks serious bassGood sound, good bassPhysical buttonsGreat valueTonal balance too warmCan't make callsMediocre voice detectionThe JBL Link 300 is a great sounding Google Home speaker that gets loud and pumps out loads of bass.
While not everyone will like the warm tonal balance, the speaker represents good value compared to the competition.
We hope Google and JBL can work to make its voice detection better via a software update.The JBL Link 300 is the sweet spot in the companys Google Home speaker line.
For the money, you get a good-sounding speaker that gets loud, drops serious bass and features handy physical controls.
Its design may be a little forgettable, but thats forgiven since the speaker works so well.The speaker isnt perfect though.
Voice recognition is average, as we have to shout at the speaker when music is playing loudly.
Theres also no way to make voice calls currently, which is something that the cheaper Google Home and Google Home Mini can do out of the box.Up against competitors, the Sonos One offers more balanced sound, but only supports Amazon Alexa at the moment.
The company promises to bring Google Assistant support to the speaker in 2018, but the feature hasnt appeared yet.Amazon Echo PlusAlexa wants to rule your home with new smart hub functionsGood Alexa voice controlImproved audioOne-box smart home solutionSound could be betterSmart hub features need workThe Amazon Echo Plus is the higher-end choice among its tower speakers.
You should consider buying one if you want decent sound quality but don't want the display of the Echo Show or Echo Spot.It's louder and bassier than the standard Echo, particularly useful for music.
Does it sound as good as the Sonos One No.
But like Amazons other Echo gadgets, its price is competitive.
It costs $149.99 (139.99) with a Philips Hue bulb included to kick-start your smart home future.Like other smart home systems, Amazon Alexa is a work in progress.
However, its easy to recommend the Amazon Echo Plus.
Its a convenient one-stop solution for both audio, smart assistant functions and Internet of Things controls, with Alexa still going strong as the most feature-rich voice assistant.But the strength of the Echo range, especially at the lower price tiers, still makes these top-of-the-line models a harder sell.
The Echo Dot has comparable smarts for a fraction of the price, it just doesn't sound as good.
Likewise, the built-in smart hub is a great addition, but isnt yet feature-complete, meaning committed smart home users may not want to make the jump just yet.In short, if youre looking to enter the world of the connected home, the Echo Plus is a great place to start.
Just be aware that more economical options may, for the time being at least, suit your needs just as well.Ultimate Ears BlastPortable Bluetooth speaker first.
Smart speaker second.Excellent sound qualityGood battery lifeFor home and on the goAmazon's walled gardenAlexa useless without Wi-FiPoor voice recognitionThe UE Blast is a portable Bluetooth speaker first and a smart speaker second.
The inclusion of Alexa makes the Blast useful in the home when paired with the optional Power Up dock - but, even when you're away from Wi-Fi, the Blast is still an excellent-sounding Bluetooth speaker.The UE Blast is a slightly confusing product as its tries to be both a smart and portable speaker.
As a portable speaker that you dont have to worry about taking to the beach, the Blast is excellent like the older Boom 2.
However, dont expect the UE Blast to be great in the home with its poor voice recognition and lack of the included dock.When smart speaker competitors like the Sonos One retail for about the same price, its hard to justify using the UE Blast in the home as the Sonos One works with the companys mutli-room technology and platform that supports just about every streaming music service under the sun.
Plus, youll get the option of using Google Assistant in a future update.Amazon Echo SpotThis addition to the Echo family is a fun, versatile video deviceLovely form factorClear videoVideo croppingPricier than EchoIn our opinion, the Amazon Echo Spot is the best-designed Alexa device Amazon has ever created; its a gadget youd happily have in your bedroom, on your desk, in your kitchen.The Spot is versatile - it doesnt have a chameleon-like ability to adapt to the room you put it in but this is certainly not just a smart alarm clock, something Amazon has been very clear about.It does everything the Echo Show does, but it all feels better in this smaller form factor.
The design is great - it's available in black and white - and we can easily see the Spot being used in the bedroom, kitchen or even on a desk.
In fact, you may want it in all of these places.That's the thing with the Amazon Echo Spot much like other Echo devices, Amazon wants you to have a multitude of them in your home so you always have access to video chat no matter where you are.Essentially, they want the Echo Spot to replace the Echo Dot.
The Amazon Echo Spot is a little more expensive than the new Echo, though, and in turn much more expensive than an Echo Dot.This is because of the addition of the screen.
While we still haven't seen that killer Skill for the screen, it does enhance the look of the Spot and opens up the possibilities for it being much more than just a smart speaker.Were just hoping that Amazons Skills become much more video friendly - once this happens, the Amazon Echo Spot will become an absolute must have.What could be coming soonThey're all of the best smart speakers on the market right now, but with the huge success of these voice-activated smart home assistants, this selection is likely to be just the beginning.Right now a number of other companies, including some of the biggest names in tech, are also working on their own smart home audio products.
Whether they shake-up the market or turn out to be a load of hot air remains to be seen.But in the meantime, here are just a few of the highly-anticipated upcoming releases and rumors circulating right now:(Image: Spotify)Spotify smart speakerThere are loads of speakers on the market that already allow you to connect your Spotify account.
But that doesn't mean the popular streaming service can't make its own product to compete with the biggest names in tech.Rumors suggest Spotify has been working on its own voice search interface, but it hasn't yet lifted the lid on a speaker that could compete with the likes of the Amazon Echo or Google Home.That hasn't stopped us from dreaming up what a Spotify smart speaker might look, sound and behave like.
Read our Spotify speaker wish-list, what we want to see in a Spotify smart speaker.Facebook's smart speaker is rumored to offer almost twice the screen real estate as LG's 8-inch WK9 Smart Speaker.(Image: LG)Facebook smart speakerAccording to recent reports, Facebook is working on not one but two smart speakers.Based on a report from Digitimes, Facebook may be looking to jump into smart speaker market with two devices focused more on the luxury crowd, developed by their Building 8 division and slated for release by July 2018.Codenamed Aloha and Fiona, these devices will launch with 15-inch touchscreens built by LG Displaymore than doubling the Echo Shows screen size.
They will support voice commands, and will focus on video chat and other unnamed social networking functions.(Image: Samsung)Samsung Bixby smart speaker2018 could be the year that Samsung fans, especially those who bought into Samsungs SmartThings ecosystem, will finally get their comeuppance.In a report from Bloomberg, sources told the publication that 2018 will be the year Samsungs smart speaker should be announced and be available to buy.
We're yet to get an official release date, but it looks like it'll be on the way soon.While the sources couldnt provide too many details on the shape, size or feature-set of the speaker, they did corroborate earlier reports that it would utilise Bixby, Samsungs proprietary smart assistant that works like Apples Siri or Amazons Alexa.Everything is a smart speakerMaybe the future isn't about which smart speaker you should buy after all, but will be much more focused on integrating voice-activated smart assistants into other products.Earlier this year at CES, lots of manufacturers were boasting of voice assistant integration; Alexa and Google Assistant found their way into cars, bathroom mirrors, and even smoke alarms.While that may sound a little gimmicky, it actually solves one of the major niggling points of the smart home: you want to have access to your voice assistant in every room but dont really want to fill your home with speakers.KX4sNHQrCh8aeDUv5QyvTh.jpg#