Best Smart Speakers 2023: Apple Smart Speakers, and Amazon Smart Speakers, Google Smart Speakers and more

Here are our top selections for the best Alexa speakers, the best Google Assistant speakers, and any other Smart Speakers.

Best Smart Speakers 2023: Apple Smart Speakers, and Amazon Smart Speakers, Google Smart Speakers and more
Apple Smart Speakers, and Amazon Smart Speakers, Google Smart Speakers
More than just playing music is possible with the best smart speaker. It has the ability to operate the best smart lamps as well as smart home heating. It can assist students with difficult assignment questions. It can tell you if you need a coat and what the news is about. Some of them also function as intercoms, allowing you to summon the children for dinner. Apple Smart Speakers, Amazon Smart Speakers, Google Smart Speakers, and more Best Water Filter Jugs 2023

There are more smart speakers available than ever before, which might be confusing: do you want Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant? Will they be able to communicate with your Hue bulbs? Is a screen required? Do you want something for podcasts or do you want superior sound? We'll answer all of your queries and help you with your purchasing difficulties. Best Steam Irons 2023

We'll teach you everything you need to know about smart speakers in this guide. You'll learn what the major smart speaker platforms can do, what makes them unique, and whether they have any drawbacks. We'll show you the smart speaker specs that matter, and we'll walk you through the process so you can confidently choose the best smart speaker for your house. Best Cheap Phones in 2023

Don't assume that the most costly smart speakers are the best. While some of the most costly and finest-sounding smart speakers are available, you might be surprised by how wonderful some of the best smart speakers sound at the lower end of the price spectrum. Across all kinds of music, some of the finest Alexa speakers, best Google Assistant speakers, and best Apple speakers sound considerably better than you may anticipate. Apple Smart Speakers, Best Soundbar 2023

We'll help you choose the best smart speakers for the activities you want to accomplish, from the smallest, cheapest devices to super-powered models with screens and other features. 

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SMART SPEAKER

Digital assistants are an excellent place to start: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are the most popular smart speaker options, and most users have to choose between the two. Apple's Siri is also a possibility, but it's only available on one current and one discontinued smart speaker for now, and it's not nearly as capable as the other two in general, so it's more of a niche option for those reasons - though we'll explain why it's still worth considering later. Amazon Smart Speakers, Apple Smart Speakers

As previously said, the majority of people use Alexa or Google Assistant. And, for the most part, the option won't make much of a difference — they can both play music fairly well, they can both answer most types of questions, they both give a lot of smart home control, and so on. See our in-depth Alexa vs Google Assistant comparison for more information. Best Smart Speakers, Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2023 

The bottom line is that we like Alexa because it's a little more adaptable and has more cool extra talents you can add. Google Assistant, on the other hand, is more integrated with the Google ecosystem, so if you're heavily invested in Google services, you'll probably want to go with that option. If advanced supplementary abilities and ecosystems make you squirm, you can choose either and be content — it will almost certainly come down to hardware. Best Gaming Monitors 2023

Consider the size, design, and audio quality of the speakers themselves, as well as any other hardware components we've discussed, such as a screen or a smart hub. Price will obviously be a major consideration, but it'll be one you'll weigh alongside the other factors – you might opt for a smaller, more attractive option if it'll be displayed prominently in your living room, but your priorities will be different if you want a powerful music speaker for the office. Bigger is usually better when it comes to speakers of all kinds.

Finally, the microphone is an essential component of a smart speaker. Everything we've recommended has a good microphone setup that can pick out voices from other noises and hear you from across the room. Best Smart Speakers Best Mechanical Keyboards 2023

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THE BEST SMART SPEAKERS 2023: THE LIST

1. AMAZON ECHO SHOW 10

The best smart speaker overall, but it'll cost you, Amazon Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
+
Big screen for videos and calls
+
Clever, silent rotating feature
+
Great sound quality
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Needs more video apps
-
Very Amazon-centric

The Amazon Echo Show 10 is the most comprehensive Alexa smart speaker to date, capable of doing everything and including a unique trick: its huge screen rotates to follow you around the room, allowing you to view it well even if you need to move around.

Smart screens have often found a home in the kitchen, where they can be used for recipe videos or fun videos to keep you entertained, and the Echo Show 10 excels in this area: if you need to move around the kitchen, the screen simply turns to follow you, and you don't have to touch it with your dirty hands to see what's going on.

However, if you want to make a video call in the living room, it doesn't matter where you sit — when you ask Alexa to initiate a video call, the screen will swivel directly to you, following the direction of your voice. The built-in 360-degree speaker system produces excellent sound.

In terms of what Alexa can do, it's the same as earlier Echo products, with the smart assistant becoming more useful than ever before, with smarter responses to an ever-growing range of inquiries – and, of course, you can add Skills for things it can't. Best Smart Speakers

The large screen is also ideal for maximising the capabilities of a smart display, and videos look great on it — the only drawback is that Alexa's video service support isn't the best (with its half-hearted YouTube integration being the biggest sore point). It's also more expensive than simpler smart speakers, but we can't complain when something is as useful as this.

This is the largest smart display in the Echo Show series, but if you're looking for something a little smaller and less expensive, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021) is a good option. Best Smart Speakers

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2. AMAZON ECHO SHOW 15

The best smart speaker for a busy household, Amazon Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
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15-inch display in landscape or portrait
+
Easy-to-digest Alexa widgets 
+
Doubles up as a digital photo frame
REASONS TO AVOID
-
No tracking on the camera
-
Audio won’t blow you away

The Amazon Echo Show 15 is the largest smart display yet, designed to be the centre point of your smart home. It can be hung on the wall or placed on a stand to seem like a photo frame. When not in use, it may be used to show images, which is a lovely touch.

The 15-inch Full HD screen is stunning, and there's plenty of room for the brand-new Alexa widgets, making this the most useable and useful smart display on the market. Choose the Alexa widgets you want easy access to based on what you want to do with the smart display. For example, you may leave sticky notes for family members, create shared calendars, read recommended recipes, or operate your smart home all from the home screen.

The Amazon Echo Show 15's speaker system is one of its flaws; it's nowhere near as strong or accurate as the Echo Show 10, so if you listen to a lot of music, the Echo Show 10 is still the superior option. However, most people will be alright because Alexa's responses are loud enough to be heard clearly.

There's a lot to explore on the Amazon Echo Show 15, which is the most capable smart speaker ever in terms of usage despite its audio quality shortcomings. Best Smart Speakers

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3. AMAZON ECHO (4TH GEN)

Better-sounding than ever, and with new capabilities built-in, Amazon Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
+
Good triple-speaker system
+
Seamless smart home integration
REASONS TO AVOID
-
The new design is bigger than the previous models

The new Amazon Echo is larger than the previous model, but that's because the speakers and functions, as well as the form, have all been improved. A huge woofer and two tweeters improve audio balance and clarity, while the Zigbee smart home hub feature that was previously exclusive to the Echo Plus has been incorporated into the ordinary Echo.

Alexa is still as competitive as ever, but owing to Amazon's new learning chip, which can handle some frequent voice requests on the device itself, Alexa can now answer to questions like turning off the lights a little faster with this model.

We think the new design is a touch less decor-friendly than the previous one, but all of the additional features make it the greatest Alexa speaker overall, as our comprehensive Amazon Echo (4th gen) review reveals. Best Smart Speakers

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4. GOOGLE NEST HUB MAX

The best Google smart speaker overall, and a great experience, Google Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
+
Lots of screen space
+
Lots of audio oomph
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Not all video services supported

Because it performs everything in one package, it is the best smart speaker. You can certainly use the little Nest Mini or the smaller screen in the Nest Hub that came before it if you like. This is, however, the best method to get the most out of your Google Assistant smart speaker.

Why? It's all about the combination. You won't have to squint because the screen is a crisp 10-inch. The cone is heavy, loud, and of excellent quality. A camera for video calls is included, and it may also be used as a security camera. And Google Assistant is a fantastic smart environment in which to experiment.

With that screen on board, Assistant gets even better: you can use touch controls to manage your music, view videos, scroll through photographs, and more, and it also doubles as a Chromecast speaker and display. Best Smart Speakers

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5. APPLE HOMEPOD MINI

The best smart speaker for Apple users, Apple Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
+
Amazing sound for the size
+
Solid value
+
Works as a HomeKit hub
REASONS TO AVOID
-
For Apple users only
-
Siri is not as smart as Alexa

The full-size HomePod sounded amazing, but when compared to the competitors, it was difficult not to cringe at its price. Apple has taken its time getting a HomePod to the rest of us, as is normal for the company. Now that the HomePod mini is arrived, it's evident that the Cupertino team has pulled off a cost-effective successor in spectacular fashion.

This is a good-looking tiny speaker with all the brains of its larger cousin – most notably, the ability to operate as a HomeKit hub for controlling smart home gadgets – and even some new features, such as compatibility for the up-and-coming smart protocol IFTTT. Thread denotes that it may aid in the expansion of your smart network. Siri's primary focus is on mobile, but don't rule it out as a factor here. If you have an iPhone, utilising HomePod is the most seamless phone-to-speaker experience available... However, keep in mind that Siri continues to trail behind Alexa and Google Assistant in terms of general intelligence, and hasn't shown any signs of catching up in recent years.

The HomePod mini also has a surprising amount of sonic power, with 360-degree audio that easily fills most spaces and a pair that sounds fantastic. It's the size of an Echo Dot, yet it sounds just as well (if not better) than the full-size Echo or Nest Audio. For more information on where the HomePod shines and where it falters, check out our comprehensive HomePod small review. Best Smart Speakers

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6. SONOS ONE

The best smart speaker for excellent music quality, Sonos Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
+
Top-quality audio
+
Both major voice assistants on board
+
Great multi-room speaker support
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Mics are not quite as strong as dedicated smart speakers

For years, Sonos has been producing high-quality wireless speakers that can broadcast music from a variety of internet services and local media libraries across the home. With the Sonos One, they've begun to incorporate speech assistants, namely Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Whichever you prefer is up to you. Sonos Smart Speakers

You get the normal Sonos quality plus the option to change tunes with your voice (and check the weather and so on). It's an intriguing combination, and if you listen to music a lot, the Sonos One is certainly one of the best smart speakers available in 2020. It's more expensive than the Echo (4th generation) or Nest Audio, but in terms of audio quality, it's comparable to the more expensive Echo Studio or Google Home Max.

Thanks to Sonos' hi-fi expertise, the level of detail and balance is only a notch higher. You can use the voice assistants to play music, or you can use the Sonos app and Apple AirPlay 2 to play music. With one of those options, it also operates as part of a multi-room system. Sonos Smart Speakers

The mic quality isn't quite as good as the latest from Amazon and Google when it comes to picking up your speech over background noises, but it's adequate. Keep this in mind if your home is frequently chaotic. Best Smart Speakers

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7. AMAZON ECHO DOT (4TH GEN)

The best small smart speaker – and it has the option of being a clock too, Amazon Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
+
Compact, cute, capable
+
Can get a clock built-in
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Limited audio power

The new Echo Dot is a highly enticing option on our top smart speaker list, especially considering its recent upgrade, which improved the audio quality. It has all of Alexa's smarts in a small ball that fits in the palm of your hand. There's also a clock-packing version for the bedroom, as well as a fashionable kids edition for an extra fee.

The Echo Dot is a great place to start with smart speakers, or to add Alexa's ears to a new space if you're just getting started. As always, don't pay full price for anything; instead, seek for discounts of 30% to 40% in Amazon's regular sales. Best Smart Speakers

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8. AMAZON ECHO FLEX

The best tiny wire-free smart speaker, Amazon Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
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Compact and wire-free
+
Very easy to set up and use
+
Charge your devices using the USB
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Sound quality is poor
-
Multifunction button is pointless

The Amazon Echo Flex is distinguished from the other smart speakers on this list by its size. It appears more like a smart plug than a smart speaker, and it plugs straight into the wall, eliminating the need for untidy cords or bulky equipment. On the underside, there's a USB port for charging your gadgets or plugging in optional accessories like a motion sensor or nightlight.

Because it's so small, it doesn't provide very nice sound, so don't expect to use it for streaming music. However, you can use Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio connection to connect it to your other speakers. That means you can manage even the most basic speakers with it. It can, of course, be used to stream music to your multiroom devices.

The Amazon Echo Flex can be used almost everywhere in your home, including by your bedside, in the garage, and in the hallway - it'll be a terrific, low-cost method to get Alexa smart home control in any area. Best Smart Speakers

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9. AUDIO PRO G10

A smart speaker with style and substance, AUDIO Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
+
Works with tons of apps and devices
+
Great sound
+
Plenty of ways to connect
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Buttons are hard to see
-
Equalizer settings aren’t very advanced

If there's one thing Audio Pro excels at, it's producing high-quality speakers. It's the same with the Audio Pro G10. Not only does it have Google Assistant built-in, but it also produces crisp, powerful sounds for such a little speaker. Use your voice to get all of your burning questions answered or to jump to the next song in your playlist. Just look it up on Google.

You may connect the Audio Pro G10 to your multi-room system or stream music over Spotify Connect using Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2. The Google Home app makes setup a breeze, and you can adjust the bass and treble settings from there as well, though they don't have much of an impact.

A few little features set this speaker apart from the rest, such as a power button that saves energy and allows you to turn off the Google Assistant without having to remove it, which will go a long way for some. A 3.5mm auxiliary port is also included. For more information on where the Audio Pro G10 wowed us, see our full review. Best Smart Speakers

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10. SONOS ROAM

A portable smart speaker that's packed with features, Sonos Smart Speakers

REASONS TO BUY
+
Great sound
+
Alexa or Google Assistant
+
Compact and well-made
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Battery life isn't great
-
Dedicated home speakers give better sound

If you want your smart speaker to double as a battery-powered mobile speaker, the Sonos Roam is a terrific option. It's just 6.5 inches long, so it's small enough to stow in a backpack or coat pocket for a vacation. It operates on Wi-Fi at home, with multi-room capabilities via Sonos or Apple AirPlay 2, as well as your option of Google Assistant or Alexa as a smart assistant.

It uses Bluetooth while on the go, which eliminates its capacity to function as a smart speaker. It has a battery life of roughly 10 hours, which is adequate, but other (less intelligent) competitors provide 15-20. But we're content with that compromise; it's still fun to take to the park or to the garden with you. It's also water-resistant and resistant to showers, splashes, and quick dives in a pool.

Although it sounds nice for a little speaker, there are cheaper and larger options that sound better for less money. As our Sonos Roam review explains, it's best to think of it as a portable speaker that also works as a nice smart speaker when you're at home. Best Smart Speakers