Smart speakers are becoming more and more popular in homes today. With the ability to play music, answer questions, and control smart home devices, they have become an essential part of many households. Amazon, one of the leaders in the smart speaker market, has a range of options to choose from. In this article, we will be discussing the best Amazon smart speakers available today.
When choosing a smart speaker, there are a few things to consider. Sound quality, voice recognition, and smart home integration are all important factors to keep in mind. Additionally, the size and design of the speaker may be important depending on where it will be placed in your home.
After testing several Amazon smart speakers, we have identified the top options for different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a compact speaker for a small room or a larger speaker with superior sound quality, we have you covered. Let’s dive into our top picks for the best Amazon smart speakers.
Best Amazon Smart Speakers
Looking for a smart speaker to bring the power of Alexa to your home? Amazon’s smart speakers offer a wide range of features, from playing music and controlling your smart home devices, to making phone calls and setting reminders. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Amazon smart speakers on the market. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end device with premium sound quality, our list has got you covered.
Echo Studio | Our best-sounding smart speaker ever – With Dolby Atmos, spatial audio processing technology, and Alexa | Charcoal Charcoal Device only
If you’re looking for a smart speaker with a premium audio experience, the Echo Studio might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- Enjoy an immersive audio experience with spatial audio processing technology and Dolby Atmos.
- Voice control your music with access to popular streaming services.
- Adapts to any room for optimal sound and features a built-in smart home hub.
Cons
- Glitches may occur when pairing with other devices.
- Price point may be higher than other smart speakers on the market.
- Some users may not need the advanced audio features and prefer a simpler device.
The Echo Studio boasts powerful bass, dynamic midrange, and crisp highs, providing a wider and more enveloping sound stage with its five speakers. With access to popular streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify, you can easily voice control your music. The Echo Studio also adapts to any room, automatically sensing the acoustics and fine-tuning playback for optimal sound. Plus, it features a built-in smart home hub, allowing you to control Zigbee and Matter-compatible devices with Alexa.
While the Echo Studio provides an immersive audio experience, some users have reported glitches when pairing with other devices. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other smart speakers on the market, and some users may not need the advanced audio features and prefer a simpler device. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a premium audio experience with smart home capabilities, the Echo Studio is worth considering.
Introducing Echo Pop | Full Sound Compact Smart Speaker with Alexa
If you’re looking for a compact smart speaker with full sound that blends in with your home decor, the Introducing Echo Pop is a great option.
Pros
- Full sound in a compact design
- Voice control for music, audiobooks, and podcasts
- Control compatible smart home devices with your voice or the Alexa App
Cons
- May not excel in home automation compared to other smart speakers
- Some users may prefer a larger speaker for bigger rooms
- Limited color options
The Introducing Echo Pop is a great addition to any small space in your home. With voice control for music and smart home devices, it’s easy to make any room a smart space. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of larger smart speakers, it’s a great option for those looking for a compact design with full sound.
The Echo Pop’s light bar turns blue when it hears the wake word “Alexa,” ensuring that it only starts listening when you want it to. Plus, it’s designed with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a mic off button, to protect your personal information.
If you’re looking for a sustainable option, the Echo Pop’s fabric is made from 100% post-consumer recycled yarn and its aluminum is made from 80% recycled aluminum. Plus, the device packaging is 100% recyclable.
Overall, the Introducing Echo Pop is a great choice for those looking for a compact smart speaker with full sound and voice control for music and smart home devices.
Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release) | Smart speaker with Alexa | Charcoal Charcoal Echo Dot
If you’re looking for a smart speaker that’s compact and delivers crisp vocals and balanced bass for full sound, the Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release) is a great choice.
Pros
- Voice control your entertainment with multi-room music.
- Ready to help with a wide range of tasks.
- Designed to protect your privacy with multiple layers of privacy controls.
Cons
- Sound quality could be better for larger rooms.
- Some users may find the Alexa app less user-friendly.
- Some users may prefer a more stylish design.
The Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release) is a versatile smart speaker that can stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and others. You can also use it to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts throughout your home with multi-room music. With Alexa, you can ask the speaker to tell a joke, answer questions, play the news, check the weather, set alarms, and more.
The speaker can also be used to control your smart home, allowing you to turn on lights, adjust thermostats, and lock doors with compatible devices. You can even start Routines with your motion, turning on compatible lights, playing your Flash Briefing, or turning on the coffee maker when you walk into the room.
In addition, the Echo Dot allows you to connect with others hands-free, calling friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device. You can even instantly drop in on other rooms or announce to the whole house that dinner’s ready.
The Echo Dot is designed to protect your privacy, with Amazon not in the business of selling your personal information to others. The speaker is built with multiple layers of privacy controls including a mic off button.
Overall, the Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release) is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and versatile smart speaker that can help with a wide range of tasks.
Sonos One (Gen 2) – Voice Controlled Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa Built-in (Black)
If you are looking for a smart speaker with great sound quality and voice control, then the Sonos One is a good option.
Pros
- Rich, room-filling sound
- Amazon Alexa built-in for hands-free control
- Compact design fits in any space
Cons
- Expensive compared to other smart speakers
- Limited voice control options compared to other devices
- Not portable, must be plugged in at all times
The Sonos One is a powerful smart speaker that delivers brilliant sound quality and voice control through Amazon Alexa. With a compact design, it can fit in any room in your home and is humidity resistant, making it suitable for use in the bathroom or kitchen.
One of the best features of the Sonos One is its rich, room-filling sound. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the Sonos One delivers clear and detailed sound that fills the entire room.
Another great feature of the Sonos One is its built-in Amazon Alexa voice control. You can use your voice to play music, check the news, set alarms, and get answers to your questions without having to touch the speaker.
However, the Sonos One is more expensive than other smart speakers on the market, and it has limited voice control options compared to other devices. Additionally, the Sonos One is not portable and must be plugged in at all times, which may be a downside for some users.
Overall, if you are looking for a smart speaker with great sound quality and voice control, the Sonos One is definitely worth considering.
Sonos One (Gen 2) Three Room Set Voice Controlled Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa Built in (3-Pack Black)
If you’re looking for a smart speaker that can fill three rooms with crystal clear sound, the Sonos One (Gen 2) Three Room Set is a great choice.
Pros
- Voice-controlled with Amazon Alexa built-in
- Humidity-resistant for use in bathrooms and outdoor patios
- Includes extra Amazon Basics Ethernet Patch Cable
Cons
- Expensive compared to other smart speakers
- Setup can take some time
- Alexa functionality may not be as robust as standalone Echo devices
The Sonos One (Gen 2) Three Room Set is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio system. With voice control via Amazon Alexa, you can start and control your music without lifting a finger. Plus, the speakers are humidity-resistant, making them perfect for use in bathrooms and outdoor patios.
One potential downside of the Sonos One (Gen 2) Three Room Set is its price. Compared to other smart speakers on the market, it’s definitely on the pricier side. Additionally, setup can take some time, especially if you’re new to the Sonos ecosystem.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Alexa functionality on the Sonos One (Gen 2) may not be as robust as standalone Echo devices. While you can still use Alexa to get weather updates, flash briefings, and sports scores, some Alexa skills may not be available on the Sonos One.
Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality smart speaker system, the Sonos One (Gen 2) Three Room Set is definitely worth considering.
First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound
If you want a hardwired photoelectric smoke and electrochemical carbon monoxide alarm with voice alerts and Alexa voice services, the First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound is a great choice.
Pros
- Enjoy a hands-free voice-controlled speaker with great audio experience
- Advanced microphones let Safe & Sound hear your voice commands from any direction
- Get remote notifications of an emergency in your home for 24/7 safety
Cons
- Some users reported issues with setup
- The reviews on this product are pretty skimpy
- May not be compatible with older devices
The First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound is easy to install and use. The optimal ceiling placement enhances the speaker’s acoustic quality, and you can make installation fast and easy by using the included AC adapter plugs to replace your existing hardwire alarms without rewiring. The Onelink Home app lets you customize nightlights, track carbon monoxide levels, and more.
The voice location technology announces the type and location of the danger in your home, keeping your entire home safe and connected during an emergency. You can talk to Alexa on your Safe & Sound, and ask it to play music or podcasts, read audiobooks, fill you in on the news, check weather, control smart home devices, and more.
Unlike other smart combo alarms, Safe & Sound can connect with any other hardwired alarms in your home, including First Alert and non-First Alert brands, and can send a mobile notification for any detected emergency, keeping your whole home safe and connected.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with Alexa voice services and great audio experience, the First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound is a great choice.
Marshall Uxbridge Home Voice Speaker
The Marshall Uxbridge Home Voice Speaker is a great choice for those who want a small yet powerful speaker with Alexa built-in.
Pros
- The speaker delivers a clean and precise audio experience with screaming highs and hard hitting lows.
- You can access the world’s music with ease by asking Alexa to play music from the most popular streaming services.
- You can build a multi-room system with Amazon Echo and other supported Alexa built-in speakers or Airplay 2 enabled speakers.
Cons
- The setup process may not be super simple for some users.
- The speaker is not portable and is meant for fixed use.
- The speaker may have occasional interference and disconnection issues.
The Marshall Uxbridge Home Voice Speaker is a great choice for those who want a powerful speaker with Alexa built-in. The speaker delivers a clean and precise audio experience with screaming highs and hard hitting lows. You can access the world’s music with ease by asking Alexa to play music from the most popular streaming services. You can also build a multi-room system with Amazon Echo and other supported Alexa built-in speakers or Airplay 2 enabled speakers. However, the setup process may not be super simple for some users and the speaker is not portable. Additionally, the speaker may have occasional interference and disconnection issues.
Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release)
If you’re looking for a smart speaker with Alexa, the Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release) is a great option.
Pros
- The sleek, compact design delivers crisp vocals and balanced bass for full sound.
- Voice control your entertainment – Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and others.
- Control your smart home – Use your voice to turn on lights, adjust thermostats, and lock doors with compatible devices.
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with the microphone not picking up their voice commands.
- The speaker may not be loud enough for larger rooms or outdoor use.
- The device may require frequent updates, which can be time-consuming.
This Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release) is a great option for those looking for a smart speaker with Alexa. It delivers crisp vocals and balanced bass for full sound, making it perfect for streaming music and podcasts. Plus, with voice control, you can easily control your smart home devices.
The sleek, compact design of the Echo Dot makes it easy to fit into any room. However, some customers have reported issues with the microphone not picking up their voice commands, so it may not be the best option for those with a lot of background noise. Additionally, the speaker may not be loud enough for larger rooms or outdoor use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a smart speaker with Alexa, the Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release) is a great option. Just make sure to keep it updated to avoid any potential issues.
Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (4th Gen) with clock
The Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (4th Gen) with clock is a great choice for those looking for a smart speaker with Alexa and a built-in clock.
Pros
- Certified refurbished and tested to work like new
- Sleek and compact design with LED display for time, alarms, and timers
- Voice control for compatible smart home devices
Cons
- Limited warranty of only 90 days
- Microphone may not be as sensitive as other smart speakers
- Some users may prefer a larger speaker for better sound quality
This smart speaker is perfect for those who want a compact device that can do it all. With Alexa built-in, you can ask for the weather, set alarms, play music, and control your smart home devices with just your voice. The LED display is a nice touch, allowing you to see the time, alarms, and timers at a glance.
If you’re looking for a smart speaker with a clock, the Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (4th Gen) with clock is a great option. It’s compact, works with Alexa, and has a built-in clock. Plus, it’s certified refurbished and tested to work like new.
TecScan DotDock Wall Mount for Echo Dot 3rd Gen Amazon Smart Speaker
If you are looking for a sleek and practical solution to mount your Echo Dot 3rd generation, TecScan DotDock Wall Mount is a great choice.
Pros
- No need to hide cables.
- Easy to install.
- No assembly required.
Cons
- Only compatible with Echo Dot 3rd generation.
- Some customers received the product without a box.
- Does not include the Echo Dot.
TecScan DotDock Wall Mount replaces your Echo Dot 3rd Generation AC adapter and micro-USB power cable. It is small and compact and does not block the second plug. The DotDock 3rd GEN securely holds the Echo Dot 3rd generation and provides direct power with no USB power cable to attach. It takes only seconds to attach your Echo Dot 3rd generation and plug-in, with no cable to hide, no screws, no drilling, no clips, or plastic shell to assemble. Make sure you have a 3rd Generation before ordering and look at the pictures carefully. In the box, you will find TecScan DotDock 3rd GEN and a user manual.
This wall mount is an excellent solution for those who want to save space and keep their Echo Dot 3rd generation organized. It is effortless to install and does not require any assembly. The product is compact and fits perfectly in any outlet. TecScan DotDock Wall Mount is a great choice for people who want to eliminate the need for a table to put their Echo Dot.
In conclusion, TecScan DotDock Wall Mount is a practical and stylish product that provides a secure mechanism to mount your Echo Dot 3rd generation. It is easy to install, and you won’t have to worry about hiding cables. If you are looking for a wall mount for your Echo Dot 3rd generation, TecScan DotDock Wall Mount is worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Amazon smart speaker, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Voice Assistant
The voice assistant is the most important feature of a smart speaker. Amazon’s Alexa is the most popular voice assistant and is available on all Amazon smart speakers. However, other voice assistants like Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri are also available on some smart speakers. Choose a speaker with the voice assistant that you are most comfortable with.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is another important factor to consider. Look for a speaker that delivers clear and crisp sound. The size of the speaker and the number of drivers it has can affect the sound quality. If you want a speaker that can fill a large room, look for one with a higher wattage.
Connectivity
Most smart speakers connect to your home Wi-Fi network, but some also have Bluetooth connectivity. If you want to use your speaker to play music from your phone or tablet, look for one with Bluetooth connectivity.
Smart Home Integration
Smart speakers can be used to control smart home devices like lights, thermostats, and locks. Look for a speaker that is compatible with the smart home devices you already have or plan to purchase in the future.
Price
Smart speakers come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly to high-end. Determine your budget before making a purchase and look for a speaker that fits within your price range.
Feature | Considerations |
---|---|
Voice Assistant | Choose the one you are most comfortable with |
Sound Quality | Look for clear and crisp sound, consider size and number of drivers |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options |
Smart Home Integration | Compatibility with existing or planned smart home devices |
Price | Determine budget before making a purchase |
Overall, when choosing the best Amazon smart speaker, consider your needs and preferences, and look for a speaker that meets those needs.
Aaron Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.