Best Smart Speaker
Sonos Era 100
PROS:
- Punchy, impactful, deep bass
whathifi.com - Supports Dolby Atmos
pcmag.com - Room-filling sound with strong bass depth and bright highs
pcmag.com
CONS:
- Adapter for wired connection is an extra cost
whathifi.com - Competition offers better features
cnet.com - No Google Assistant or Cast support
pcmag.com
- cnet.com: Best Smart Speakers for 2024: We Tested Alexa, Google, Apple and Sonos - CNET
- whathifi.com: Best smart speakers 2024: the best voice assistant speakers tested by our experts
- pcmag.com: The Best Smart Speakers for 2024
- whathifi.com: Best smart speakers 2024: the best voice assistant speakers tested by our experts
Apple HomePod Mini
PROS:
- Sleek design
techradar.com - Impressive music discovery
whathifi.com - Substantial smart skills
whathifi.com
CONS:
- Not the absolute best audio quality for the price
pcmag.com - Limited third-party service support
whathifi.com - Needs Apple Music for full function
techradar.com
- cnet.com: Apple HomePod Mini review: These little Siri smart speakers are a big hit - CNET (82%)
- whathifi.com: Apple HomePod Mini review: small but mighty smart speaker is a delight (100%)
- pcmag.com: Apple HomePod mini Review (80%)
- techradar.com: Apple HomePod Mini review: incredible sound for an impressive price (80%)
Google Nest Mini
Google Nest Audio
Amazon Echo Studio
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
PROS:
- Zigbee hub integration
techradar.com - As powerful as the Echo Plus
pcmag.com - Strong bass for the size
pcmag.com
CONS:
- Max volume level isn’t loud enough
techradar.com - Privacy is still a big concern
techradar.com - Not as clear as the Echo Studio
techradar.com
Sonos One
PROS:
- Alexa / Google Assistant
techradar.com - Plays music while Alexa is muted
techradar.com - Stylish, unobtrusive design
whathifi.com
CONS:
- Set-up could be easier
techradar.com - Expensive
techradar.com - Now succeeded by Sonos Era 100
whathifi.com
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
PROS:
- Tapping ability is fun
cnet.com - Easy setup and integration
techradar.com - Sounds better than Nest Mini
cnet.com
CONS:
- No line-in available
techradar.com - No 3.5mm output
cnet.com - No Zigbee hub inside
techradar.com
Meh // not enough data:
- Sonos Move (80)
- Apple HomePod (2nd Generation, 2023) (80)
- Amazon Echo Pop Kids (80)
- Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen, 2022 Release) (80)
- Denon Home 150 (80)
- Apple HomePod 2 (100)
- Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) (100)
- Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) (100)
- Amazon Echo (85)