Top 9 Smart Speakers of 2024: Alexa, Google, Siri

Choosing ​the Best Smart Speaker

With so many smart speakers available, selecting the right one can be challenging. The first⁤ step⁤ is to choose your preferred ⁢voice assistant: Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but for beginners, Google and Amazon models are generally more user-friendly.

Key⁣ Considerations

Next, determine the features you need. Is superior music quality your priority? Do you want a touchscreen, ⁢or is voice control⁢ sufficient? Should your speaker connect ‍to other⁤ smart home devices? These factors make the decision ‍more complex, but don’t worry—we’ve tested numerous smart speakers to⁢ help you find the best options.

Updated May 2024: We’ve updated this guide with the Google Pixel Tablet as our pick for the best Google Assistant Smart Display and added ⁢a new section about‍ the UK’s new smart devices law.

Top Picks

Best Overall

The Sonos Era‌ 100 enhances its predecessor with stereo sound and improved bass, thanks to new tweeters and a larger woofer. It features built-in room tuning that adjusts ​the sound based on its placement, resulting in tighter bass and‌ clearer highs. Physical improvements⁢ include a large volume slider and a mic mute switch. It supports Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2 but not Google Assistant.

Best Alexa Speaker

The Amazon Echo ⁢(4th Gen) offers bold⁢ bass and a wide soundstage, making⁤ it perfect for any room. It fills spaces with 360-degree sound and is a great option for those who prefer Alexa.

Best Google Assistant Speaker

The Google Nest Audio is a compact speaker with excellent sound quality, ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. ⁣Pairing two Nests creates an impressive ⁣stereo experience. It integrates seamlessly with other Google-friendly devices and offers all⁣ the functionalities​ of Google Assistant.

Best Smart Soundbar

The Yamaha ATS-2090 is a versatile soundbar ⁤compatible with Spotify Connect, Bluetooth,⁣ and Wi-Fi. It’s perfect for living room listening and⁢ integrates well with Alexa.

Best ⁤Google Assistant Smart Display

The Google Pixel Tablet combines a tablet and a smart display. The 11-inch tablet docks to become a smart display,‌ similar to the Google ​Nest Hub Max. It features Hub Mode for easy smart home control and customizable displays. This device is our⁣ top pick for Google Assistant smart displays.

Best Alexa Smart⁢ Display

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd ‍Gen) is a versatile⁣ smart display⁢ with Alexa integration, perfect for various smart home tasks.

Best Budget Smart Speaker

The Amazon Echo Dot With⁢ Clock (5th Gen) offers most smart speaker perks at an affordable price. The small display shows timers, alarms, and the ​time, making ⁤it a⁢ great companion for bedrooms and‌ kitchens.

Best Portable Speaker

The Sonos Roam is our favorite portable speaker. It works with Google Assistant and Alexa, has Bluetooth for on-the-go use, and features ⁣wireless charging. It offers 10 hours of listening on⁢ a full charge and is rugged with an ​IP67 rating.

Best Dolby Atmos Speaker

The Sonos Era 300 excels in delivering⁣ spatial audio, projecting sound throughout the room. It can be paired with other Sonos ‌speakers for an enhanced audio experience.

Why We Prefer ‌Google Assistant Speakers

While Amazon’s Alexa is great for shopping and using ⁢Amazon ‌services, Google Assistant offers a broader range of functionalities. It integrates well with Google apps ‌and services, answers random questions effectively, and provides better smart display experiences ‌without ‌sponsored content. Google Assistant speakers also work ⁣better in a networked ⁤environment.

Longevity and New UK Law

Smart speakers from major brands like Amazon, ⁣Google, and Sonos are unlikely to ⁣become obsolete quickly. However, a new UK law ​ mandates secure password procedures, clear bug reporting, and transparency about product support duration. This law aims to prevent smart speakers from becoming unusable due to lack ​of updates.