Too many smart speakers? Here’s how to pick the right one

Typical price i
56.– to 110.–

Features a speaker with built-in voice assistant, designed for hands-free audio control.

Ideal for playing music, managing tasks, or controlling smart home devices using voice commands without a screen.

Typical price i
75.– to 290.–

Includes a touchscreen display alongside a speaker and voice assistant, offering visual feedback and interaction.

Great for video calls, watching recipes, or displaying information, providing more versatility than audio-only speakers.

Typical price i
61.– to 170.–

Supports a wide range of smart home devices and brands, offering broad compatibility and flexibility.

Ideal for households with diverse smart devices, making it easy to control lights, locks, and appliances by voice or app.

Typical price i
99.– to 310.–

Integrates tightly with Apple HomeKit, providing streamlined control for Apple-friendly smart devices.

Best suited for users invested in the Apple ecosystem, ensuring privacy and seamless operation across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Typical price i
76.– to 210.–

Matter is a universal smart home standard designed for cross-platform compatibility among devices from different brands.

Great for future-proofing your setup, allowing easy expansion and smooth integration regardless of manufacturer.

Typical price i
170.– to 210.–

ZigBee is a wireless protocol used by smart speakers to connect directly to compatible devices without Wi-Fi.

Useful for creating a stable, low-power network in homes with many smart sensors, lights, or automation routines.

Supports Spotify integration, allowing voice control and direct streaming from your account.

Ideal for users who rely on curated playlists and music discovery, offering broad device compatibility and easy access to a vast song catalog.

Enables Apple Music streaming and Siri voice commands for seamless playback.

Best suited for Apple ecosystem users, making it easy to sync music and enjoy exclusive content across devices.

Provides access to Deezer's music library and Flow personalized recommendations.

A good choice for those who value diverse music genres and high customization, especially if you enjoy discovering new artists.

Offers Tidal integration with high-fidelity audio streaming and curated playlists.

Recommended for audiophiles and fans of exclusive releases, delivering superior sound quality and artist-focused experiences.

Typical price i
67.– to 170.–

Connects to your home network, allowing high-quality streaming and multi-room audio.

Ideal for stable connections, larger homes, and integrating with smart home devices.

Typical price i
67.– to 200.–

Pairs directly with devices like phones or tablets for quick, portable audio playback.

Best for simple setups, personal listening, and using the speaker on the go without relying on Wi-Fi.

Typical price i
99.– to 220.–

Apple's wireless protocol enables seamless streaming from Apple devices and supports multi-room playback.

Recommended for users with Apple ecosystems, offering easy integration and synchronized audio throughout the home.

Recognized for premium build quality and seamless integration with Apple devices.

Best suited for users invested in the Apple ecosystem who value privacy and reliable performance.

Known for a wide range of affordable smart speakers with Alexa voice assistant.

Offers broad smart home compatibility and is ideal for households prioritizing convenience and hands-free control.

Specializes in intelligent speakers with Google Assistant and strong search capabilities.

Great for those using Google services, providing accurate responses and easy integration with Google Home.

Focused on open-source smart home solutions and privacy-centered devices.

Recommended for tech-savvy users who want flexible automation and full control over their smart home setup.