Smart speakers typically rely on an internet connection to perform most of their functions. This is because they use cloud-based services to process voice commands, access vast databases of information, and integrate with other internet-enabled devices or services. For example, when you ask a smart speaker to provide weather updates, play music from streaming services, or control smart home devices, it needs to connect to the internet to retrieve and process that information. However, some basic functions may still be available offline, such as adjusting volume or connecting to local Bluetooth devices. Overall, an internet connection is essential for the full range of capabilities that smart speakers offer.
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.
What are the common brands of smart speakers?
Common brands of smart speakers include:
- Amazon Echo - These speakers are powered by Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa, and come in various models such as the Echo Dot, Echo Show, and Echo Studio.
- Google Nest - Formerly known as Google Home, these speakers use Google Assistant and include models like the Nest Mini, Nest Audio, and Nest Hub.
- Apple HomePod - Apple's smart speaker uses Siri as its voice assistant. The lineup includes the HomePod and the HomePod Mini.
- Sonos - Known for high-quality audio, Sonos speakers can integrate with multiple voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Models include the Sonos One, Sonos Move, and Sonos Arc.
- Bose - Bose offers smart speakers with Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, such as the Bose Home Speaker 300 and 500.
- Samsung - The Samsung Galaxy Home speaker lineup, although not as widely available, features Bixby as the voice assistant.
These brands offer a range of features and price points, catering to different user preferences and ecosystems.
What is the benefit of an internet connection for smart speakers?
An internet connection significantly enhances the functionality and capabilities of smart speakers. Here are some key benefits:
- Voice Assistant Services: With an internet connection, smart speakers can access cloud-based voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. This allows the device to understand and process voice commands, provide accurate responses, and execute tasks.
- Access to Information: Users can ask the smart speaker to provide real-time information such as weather forecasts, news updates, sports scores, and general knowledge questions. The internet allows the device to retrieve and deliver the latest information promptly.
- Streaming Media: Smart speakers can stream music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other audio content directly from online services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music. This ensures access to a vast library of content without needing additional hardware.
- Smart Home Integration: An internet connection enables smart speakers to function as a hub for controlling various smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, security systems, and other compatible gadgets.
- Software Updates: Manufacturers frequently release software updates that improve performance, add new features, and enhance security. An internet connection allows the smart speaker to receive and install these updates automatically.
- Communication: Internet-enabled smart speakers can be used for hands-free communication, allowing users to make phone calls, send messages, or even conduct video calls on compatible devices.
- Routines and Automation: Users can set up complex routines and automation that require internet connectivity to trigger actions based on time of day, local weather conditions, or other criteria.
- Expanding Functionality with Skills/Actions: Many smart speakers can add third-party skills or actions that expand their functionality, from playing games to guiding workouts. These are often accessed and executed over the internet.
Overall, an internet connection transforms smart speakers from simple audio devices into versatile and interactive tools capable of enhancing daily life through information access, control, and entertainment.
What is the range of a smart speaker's microphone?
The range of a smart speaker's microphone can vary depending on the specific model and its design, but typically, these microphones can clearly pick up voices from about 3 to 15 feet away. In optimal conditions, such as a quiet room, some high-quality smart speakers might be able to detect commands from even further distances. However, factors like background noise, the speaker's volume, and furniture placement can affect this range. For the most accurate information, it’s best to refer to the specifications provided by the manufacturer of the particular smart speaker model you are interested in.
