Yes, you can use a smart speaker to play music from Spotify or Apple Music. Most modern smart speakers, such as those from Amazon (like the Echo series) or Google (like the Nest series), support streaming from these popular music services. To do this, you typically need to link your Spotify or Apple Music account with the smart speaker through its respective app or settings. Once linked, you can use voice commands to play specific songs, artists, or playlists from your chosen music service. It's worth checking the compatibility and setup requirements for your specific smart speaker model, as features may vary between different devices.
Best Smart Speakers of February 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Amazon Echo Studio (newest model), Our best-sounding Alexa speaker, Perfect for living rooms, family rooms, and other large spaces, Charcoal
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Voice control your music – Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and more. With Amazon Music HD, enjoy access to 90 million songs in lossless audio formats, like HD or Ultra HD, and select songs in spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
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Adapts to any room – Automatically senses the acoustics of your space, fine-tuning playback for optimal sound.
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Built-in smart home hub – ask Alexa to control Zigbee and Matter-compatible devices.
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Ready to help – Ask Alexa to play music, read the news, and answer questions.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Amazon Echo (newest model), Alexa speaker with premium sound, Ideal for large bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens, Charcoal
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Premium sound – Rich, detailed sound that automatically adapts to any room. Supports lossless HD audio available on select streaming services such as Amazon Music HD.
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Voice control your music – Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and more. HD requires a compatible music streaming service.
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Smart home hub – Built-in hub to voice control compatible lights, locks, and sensors. Easily set up compatible Zigbee and Matter devices or select Ring Smart Lighting solar lights and bulbs.
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Alexa is ready to help – Set timers, reminders, and alarms. Alexa answers questions like "Alexa, what time is it?"
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Start your routines with motion – Turn on compatible lights, play your Flash Briefing, or turn on the coffee maker when you walk into the room.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Amazon Echo Spot (newest model), Great for nightstands, offices and kitchens, Smart alarm clock with Alexa, Black
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MEET ECHO SPOT - A sleek smart alarm clock with Alexa and big vibrant sound. Ready to help you wake up, wind down, and so much more.
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CUSTOMIZABLE SMART CLOCK - See time, weather, and song titles at a glance, control smart home devices, and more. Personalize your display with your favorite clock face and fun colors.
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BIG VIBRANT SOUND - Enjoy rich sound with clear vocals and deep bass. Just ask Alexa to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks. See song titles and touch to control your music.
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EASE INTO THE DAY - Set up an Alexa routine that gently wakes you with music and gradual light. Glance at the time, check reminders, or ask Alexa for weather updates.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker - Wireless Music Streaming, Powerful Sound, Assistant Built-in, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity, Smart Home Control, Stereo Pairing (Charcoal)
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Enhanced Audio Experience: Features a 3" woofer and 0.7" tweeter, delivering powerful bass, crisp vocals, and clear treble for room-filling sound.
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Smart Home Control: Use Google Assistant to control lights, TVs, and other compatible smart home devices with voice commands.
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Wireless Streaming: Stream music, radio, and more from popular services with built-in Chromecast and dual-band Wi-Fi 5 connectivity.
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Stereo Pairing & Room-to-Room Sound: Pair two Nest Audio speakers for true stereo sound and move audio seamlessly between rooms.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display with 2x the bass and clearer sound, Cloud Blue
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Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
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Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
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Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
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See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
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See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
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Stay connected with video calling – Use the 2 MP camera to call friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device with a screen. Make announcements to other compatible devices in your home.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Amazon Echo Dot (newest model), Vibrant sounding Alexa speaker, Great for bedrooms, dining rooms and offices, Charcoal
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Our best sounding Echo Dot yet – Enjoy an improved audio experience compared to any previous Echo Dot with Alexa for clearer vocals, deeper bass and vibrant sound in any room.
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Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
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Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
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Designed to protect your privacy – Amazon is not in the business of selling your personal information to others. Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a mic off button.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Bluetooth Speaker with HD Sound, Portable Wireless, IPX5 Waterproof, Up to 20H Playtime, TWS Pairing, BT5.3, for Home/Party/Outdoor/Beach, Electronic Gadgets, Birthday Gift (Black)
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[Immersive Sound Experience & Dual Connectivity] Experience unparalleled sound quality with this wireless Bluetooth speaker's 2 drivers and advanced technology that delivers powerful, well-balanced sound with minimal distortion. Connect two speakers together to create an immersive stereo sound experience and fill any room with powerful sound. Perfect for gaming, music, and movie playback
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[Tough & Weather-Resistant] Engineered to handle rough use and adverse weather conditions, this speaker features a durable design and an IPX5 rating for protection against water splashes and spills. It's an ideal choice for outdoor events, and is perfect for use at parties, at the pool, on the beach, while camping or hiking, and more
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[Long-lasting Playtime & Extended Bluetooth Connectivity] Experience extended playtime with up to 20 hours(50% Vol and light off) per charge and extended wireless range with Bluetooth 5.3, reaching up to 33 feet from your device. The multicolor lights on the speaker can also be turned off with a simple button press to save the battery and adapt to your needs. Keep in mind that the actual playtime can vary depending on volume level, audio content, and usage
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest Alexa speaker, Fits in any room, Charcoal
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Echo Pop – This compact smart speaker with Alexa features full sound that's great for bedrooms and small spaces. Small enough to blend in and mighty enough to stand out.
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Control music with your voice – Ask Alexa to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from your favorite providers like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Sirius XM and more. Connect via Bluetooth to stream throughout your space.
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Make any space a smart space – Easily control compatible smart home devices like smart plugs or smart lights with your voice or the Alexa App.
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Life just got easier – Have Alexa set timers, check the weather, read the news, re-order paper towels, make calls, answer questions, and more.
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Alexa has skills – With tens of thousands of skills and counting, Alexa can help you do more or do less - like playing relaxing sounds and testing your music knowledge.
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About the light bar – Alexa doesn’t begin listening until your device hears you say “Alexa” and the light bar turns blue.
How do I set up Apple Music on a smart speaker?
Setting up Apple Music on a smart speaker can vary depending on the brand of the smart speaker you are using. Below are general steps for setting up Apple Music on popular smart speaker brands:
Apple HomePod
- Set Up HomePod:
Plug in your HomePod and hold your iPhone or iPad next to the HomePod.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
- Set Up Apple Music:
Make sure you’re signed in to Apple Music with the same Apple ID on your iPhone or iPad.
Open the Home app, tap on your HomePod, and go to its settings.
Ensure that “Turn on Listening History” is enabled.
Amazon Echo
- Install the Alexa App:
Download and install the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Link Apple Music to Alexa:
Open the Alexa app, go to "More" and tap on "Settings."
Tap on "Music & Podcasts" then choose "Link New Service."
Select Apple Music, then log in with your Apple ID to link your account.
- Set Apple Music as Default:
In the "Music & Podcasts" section, tap on "Default Services."
Set Apple Music as the default music library and default station.
Google Nest Speakers
- Install the Google Home App:
Download and install the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Link Apple Music to Google Account:
Open the Google Home app, tap on "Settings."
Navigate to "Services," then "Music."
Select Apple Music from the list and log in with your Apple ID to link your account.
- Set Apple Music as Default:
In the "Music" section, ensure that Apple Music is selected as the default music service.
Sonos Speakers
- Install the Sonos App:
Download and install the Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Add Apple Music to Sonos:
Open the Sonos app and go to "Settings."
Tap on "Services & Voice" and then "Add a Service."
Select Apple Music and log in with your Apple ID to link your account.
- Start Streaming:
Choose Apple Music as your music source in the Sonos app and start playing your favorite tunes.
General Tips
- Ensure your device has the latest software update installed.
- Make sure your smart speaker is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.
- Consult the specific support page or manual for your smart speaker if you encounter issues.
By following these steps, you should be able to enjoy Apple Music on your preferred smart speaker.
How do I disconnect Spotify from a smart speaker?
Disconnecting Spotify from a smart speaker typically involves either unlinking the Spotify account from the smart speaker's app or disconnecting the devices directly. Here's a general guide for various smart speakers:
Amazon Echo (Alexa):
- Open the Alexa App: On your smartphone or tablet, open the Alexa app.
- Go to Settings: Tap on the menu icon (usually three horizontal bars on the top left) and select "Settings."
- Music & Podcasts: Scroll down to find "Music & Podcasts" and tap on it.
- Manage Services: In the list of services, find Spotify, and tap on it.
- Disable Skill or Unlink: Choose the option to "Disable Skill" or "Unlink Account" to disconnect Spotify.
Google Nest/Home:
- Open the Google Home App: Launch the Google Home app on your device.
- Select Your Account: Tap on your account icon in the top right corner.
- Assistant Settings: Select "Assistant settings" from the menu.
- Music: Navigate to the "Music" section.
- Unlink: Find Spotify in the list and select "Unlink" or "Remove account/link."
Apple HomePod:
- Unfortunately, you cannot directly unlink Spotify from Apple HomePod since it uses Apple Music as its default music service. You would need to adjust it from the Spotify app settings on other Apple devices.
Sonos:
- Open the Sonos App: On your smartphone or tablet, open the Sonos app.
- Settings: Tap on the "Settings" tab.
- Services & Voice: Go to "Services & Voice" from the list.
- Music & Content: Find Spotify in the list of services.
- Remove Account: Tap on Spotify, then select "Remove Account" or "Disconnect."
If you experience any issues or if these steps don't work for your specific device, consulting the help section of the respective app or the device's official support website may provide more detailed guidance.
How do I change the volume for music playback on my smart speaker?
Changing the volume on your smart speaker can usually be done in a few different ways, depending on the smart speaker model you own. Here are some general methods:
Using Voice Commands
Most smart speakers, like Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Nest, and Apple HomePod, support voice commands to control volume:
- Amazon Echo (Alexa):
Say, “Alexa, set the volume to [1-10],” where 10 is the loudest.
You can also say, “Alexa, increase (or decrease) the volume” to adjust it incrementally.
- Google Nest:
Say, “Hey Google, set the volume to [1-10].”
You can also say, “Hey Google, turn up (or down) the volume.”
- Apple HomePod:
Say, “Hey Siri, set the volume to [percentage].”
Or, “Hey Siri, turn the volume up (or down).”
Using Physical Controls
Many smart speakers have touch-sensitive controls or buttons:
- Look for volume buttons on the top or side of the device. These are usually marked with plus (+) and minus (-) symbols or a volume icon.
Using a Companion App
You can also control the volume through the app associated with your smart speaker:
- Amazon Alexa App (for Echo): Open the app, go to Devices, select your speaker, and adjust the volume slider.
- Google Home App (for Google Nest): Open the app, tap on your device, and use the volume slider.
- Apple Home App (for HomePod): Open the app, select your HomePod, and adjust the volume.
Using Streaming Services Apps
If you’re playing music from a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music, you can also adjust the volume from within their apps when casting to your smart speaker.
Remember that specific steps might vary slightly based on the model and generation of your smart speaker, so consulting the user manual or support webpage for your specific device can be helpful if the above methods don’t work.
