This article was initially published on Mashable tailored for a U.S. audience and has been modified for UK readers.
Choosing a new speaker goes beyond just music nowadays. Well, not completely. Nowadays, it’s quite straightforward to find a speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality, as all leading audio brands provide high-caliber choices. However, in today’s landscape, you must consider more than just sound. You need to think smart. Welcome to the age of smart homes.
Selecting the ideal smart speaker can appear daunting since they are ubiquitous. How do you determine which one is the smartest or which model integrates seamlessly into your home life? You could invest considerable time examining product descriptions and reviews to discover the ultimate fit.
However, you don’t have to go through all that trouble. We’ve undertaken some preliminary research for you and compiled a list of the top smart speakers currently available. Before we delve into the list, here’s some helpful information to assist you in making an educated choice.
What constitutes a smart speaker?
Smart speakers are devices featuring integrated voice assistants, and by now, they’ve become essential in numerous households. If you already own smart devices such as smart bulbs, a thermostat, home security systems, a robot vacuum, or even a smart toaster (yes, it exists), a smart speaker can act as the central hub to connect and manage them all. Essentially, a smart speaker is the core of a genuinely smart home.
Are smart speakers a worthwhile investment?
While smart speakers don’t always provide top-tier audio quality and are not primarily designed with music as their leading feature, they’re absolutely worth your consideration if your budget allows. (Unless you are an audiophile with an exceptionally discerning ear, you may not even perceive the slight drop in sound quality.) Moreover, smart speakers can be budget-friendly — there are many cost-effective options available, such as the impressive Echo Dot.
What makes a smart speaker essential?
The primary reason to invest in a smart speaker is convenience. Hands-free voice assistants are the defining feature of these devices. With a smart speaker, you can organize your day, catch up on the latest news, enjoy music, and control most of your smart devices — all through simple voice requests. It’s a remarkable method to simplify your day and accomplish more with less exertion.
Which voice assistant is the best?
The three leading voice assistants are Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri. Out of these, Siri is frequently seen as the least adaptable. While it’s functional, Apple’s exclusive focus on its own ecosystem confines Siri to Apple products, which can be a limitation. This leaves us with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, both of which are fantastic options. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and which features are most significant to you. Alexa is generally the more popular choice, yet both have their unique advantages.
What capabilities does Alexa provide?
If you’re a frequent online shopper and have a variety of smart devices in your home, Alexa may be the right fit for you. Amazon’s smart speakers support more devices than Google’s, making them perfect for building a fully integrated smart home. Alexa’s effortless connection to the Amazon marketplace also enhances online shopping efficiency, allowing you to add products to your cart and complete your purchase using just your voice. If you’re an existing Amazon customer, an Echo speaker is a logical choice.