To connect a smart speaker to your Wi-Fi network, start by plugging in and powering on the device. Download the corresponding app for your smart speaker on your smartphone or tablet. Typically, this is the manufacturer's app, such as the Google Home app for Google devices or the Alexa app for Amazon Echo devices. Follow the in-app instructions, which usually involve creating or logging into an account and then granting the app necessary permissions, like access to your device's location. The app will search for available devices and once your smart speaker is detected, select it. You'll then be prompted to choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. After successfully connecting, the app will confirm the connection, and you may be asked to complete additional setup steps, such as naming your device or linking other accounts and services. Once connected, the smart speaker will be ready to use on your Wi-Fi network.
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
-
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.
-
Adapts to any room – Automatically senses the acoustics of your space, fine-tuning playback for optimal sound.
-
Built-in smart home hub – ask Alexa to control Zigbee and Matter-compatible devices.
-
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
-
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.
-
Voice control your music – Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and more. HD requires a compatible music streaming service.
-
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.
-
Alexa is ready to help – Set timers, reminders, and alarms. Alexa answers questions like "Alexa, what time is it?"
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
Enhanced Audio Experience: Features a 3" woofer and 0.7" tweeter, delivering powerful bass, crisp vocals, and clear treble for room-filling sound.
-
Smart Home Control: Use Google Assistant to control lights, TVs, and other compatible smart home devices with voice commands.
-
Wireless Streaming: Stream music, radio, and more from popular services with built-in Chromecast and dual-band Wi-Fi 5 connectivity.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
-
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.
-
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)
-
[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
-
[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
-
[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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Life just got easier – Have Alexa set timers, check the weather, read the news, re-order paper towels, make calls, answer questions, and more.
-
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.
-
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 control my smart speaker with a mobile app?
Controlling your smart speaker with a mobile app is generally a straightforward process, though the specific steps can vary depending on the brand of your smart speaker. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:
- Download the Appropriate App:
Find out which app is designed for your smart speaker. Common ones include:
Amazon Echo: Alexa app
Google Nest/Home: Google Home app
Apple HomePod: Apple Home app
Sonos Speakers: Sonos app
- Connect to the Speaker:
Make sure your smart speaker is plugged in and powered on.
Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smart speaker.
- Set Up the Speaker:
Open the app you downloaded and sign in with your account. You may need to create an account if you don’t have one.
Follow the on-screen instructions to add or set up your speaker. This typically involves allowing the app to search for devices and selecting your smart speaker from a list.
- Configure Settings:
Within the app, customize your speaker settings according to your preferences. This might include setting up voice recognition, choosing a default music service, or linking other smart home devices.
- Control the Speaker:
Use the app to control playback, adjust volume, and switch between audio sources.
Explore other features like creating routines, setting alarms, or linking other smart home devices through the app.
- Voice Assistant Integration:
Ensure the app is set up to use the speaker’s voice assistant. This may involve enabling permissions and setting up voice recognition on your mobile device.
- Additional Features:
Explore additional features in the app, such as multi-room audio, creating groups (for multiple speakers), or connecting to streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
If you encounter difficulties, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or support site for detailed guidance specific to your device model.
How do I update the firmware on my smart speaker?
Updating the firmware of a smart speaker generally involves using the companion app or the device's built-in technology to download and install the latest version. Here's a general guide you can follow, but be sure to check the specific instructions for your device brand:
- Check for Updates:
Open the companion app for your smart speaker on your smartphone or tablet. This is usually the app you used to initially set up your speaker. Common apps include Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home app for HomePod.
Navigate to the settings section. Look for a tab or option that mentions devices or device information.
- Select the Smart Speaker:
Find your specific smart speaker in the list of devices and select it to view details and settings specific to that device.
- Firmware Update:
In the device settings, look for an option related to updates or firmware. This might be labeled as "Software Update," "Firmware Update," or something similar.
If an update is available, you'll typically see a prompt or option to install it.
- Automatic Updates:
Many smart speakers are set to update automatically. Ensure this feature is enabled to receive the latest updates without manual intervention.
The update might happen overnight or during a period of inactivity.
- Ensure Stable Connection:
Make sure your smart speaker is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, as a reliable internet connection is necessary for downloading updates.
- Follow Prompts:
If manual intervention is required, simply follow the prompts provided by the app to start and complete the update process. This might involve confirmation steps or ensuring certain conditions (like battery level) are met.
- Do Not Power Off:
During the update process, avoid turning off the speaker or disconnecting it from power to prevent any interruptions.
If you’re using a brand-specific device, here are some additional tips:
- Amazon Echo: Updates are usually automatic, but you can restart the device to manually check for updates.
- Google Nest/Home: Similarly, these devices often update automatically overnight.
- Apple HomePod: Check for updates through the Apple Home app under Home Settings.
Refer to the user manual or online support guides for your specific smart speaker model if you're unsure, as processes may vary slightly between different brands and models.
What is the ideal Wi-Fi frequency (2.4GHz or 5GHz) for smart speakers?
The ideal Wi-Fi frequency for smart speakers depends on a few factors, such as the layout of your home, the range you need, and potential interference from other devices.
- 2.4 GHz Frequency:
Pros: This frequency offers a longer range and better penetration through walls and obstacles, making it suitable for larger homes or areas where the signal needs to travel further. It's also more widely supported by devices.
Cons: It is more susceptible to interference from other devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, and other Wi-Fi networks, which can affect performance.
- 5 GHz Frequency:
Pros: This frequency provides faster data rates and is less crowded, reducing the chance of interference, which may lead to more stable connections. This can be beneficial if you have many devices connected to your network.
Cons: It has a shorter range and less ability to penetrate through walls and obstacles, which might be a limitation in larger homes or areas with many obstructions.
For smart speakers, which typically do not require high bandwidth but do benefit from stability and range, using the 2.4 GHz frequency is often sufficient and more reliable, especially if the device is positioned far from the router. However, if you live in a densely populated area with many competing networks, you might find better results with the 5 GHz band as it might experience less congestion.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific environment and needs. If possible, use a dual-band router that supports both frequencies, allowing your smart speakers to connect to the most suitable band dynamically.
