Best Smart Speakers for 2025
Smart speakers have evolved far beyond simply playing music; they serve as comprehensive hubs for your home. They can answer questions, manage your smart devices, make calls, and offer various other features. Whether you need a speaker for your entertainment system or standalone devices for different rooms, these provide a versatile solution.
To identify the best smart speakers, we’ve tested leading models from Amazon, Nest, Apple, and Sonos, using Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s ecosystem. After extensive evaluation, here are our top recommendations.
Our Top Picks
- Best smart speaker overall: Amazon Echo (4th gen)
- Best budget smart speaker: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
- Best Google Assistant speaker: Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)
- Best smart speaker for HomeKit: Apple HomePod mini
- Best smart speaker for sound quality: Sonos Era 300
- Best portable smart speaker: Bose Portable Smart Speaker
Amazon Echo (4th gen): Best Smart Speaker Overall
The Amazon Echo (4th gen) stands out as our top pick, perfectly balancing affordability, sound quality, and smart home integration that makes it the best choice for most homes.
At a price point of $100, the Echo combines Alexa’s capabilities with improved sound over the previous generations. It’s compatible with a variety of smart devices and often available on sale for even less. The Echo is an excellent choice whether you are new to smart speakers or looking to expand your collection.
- Pros: Surprisingly large sound, Excellent Alexa compatibility, Compact and reasonably priced, Upgraded services available
- Cons: Amazon offers extra services like Alexa Plus and Emergency Assist for additional fees.
- Voice Assistants: Amazon Alexa
- Connections: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter/Thread
- Internal speakers: 3-inch woofer, two 0.8-inch tweeters
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen): Best Budget Smart Speaker
For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is an excellent choice. Its features include a temperature sensor, an Eero mesh extender and the ability to tap it like an alarm clock.
- Pros: Affordable, Many extra sensors for connecting to your smart home, Good sound for the size, LED alarm clock version available
- Cons: Too small if you want to fill a room with sound
- Voice Assistants: Amazon Alexa
- Connections: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter
- Internal speakers: 1.7-inch front-firing speaker
Google Nest Mini (2nd gen): Best Google Assistant Speaker
Google has made significant strides in the smart speaker market. The Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) is a strong competitor to the Amazon Echo Dot, and it offers a valuable alternative if you prefer Google Assistant.
- Pros: Improved function and sound, Google Assistant is a knowledgeable voice assistant, Wall mount option
- Cons: Not as many extra features as Echo Dots
- Voice Assistants: Google Assistant
- Connections: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter
- Internal speakers: 40mm driver
Apple HomePod mini: Best Smart Speaker for HomeKit
The HomePod mini provides excellent sound, smart home integration, and Siri functionality in a compact and appealing package.
- Pros: Sounds great for its size, Compact and interesting design, Lots of compatibility with Apple products, Temperature and humidity sensor, Much more affordable than the HomePod
- Cons: More expensive than other “mini” speakers, Smart home support is lacking compared to alternatives
- Voice Assistants: Apple Siri
- Connections: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, P2P
- Internal speakers: Full-range driver, dual passive radiators
Sonos Era 300: Best Smart Speaker for Sound Quality
For the best audio experience, the Sonos Era 300 delivers with its premium sound and features. It’s ideal for users who prioritize sound quality.
- Pros: Incredible 6-driver sound, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB-C connection options, Dolby Atmos support, AirPlay 2 support, Lots of audio adjustment options with the Sonos app
- Cons: Very expensive, No more Google Assistant support
- Voice Assistants: Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice
- Connections: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, USB-C, Sonos Arc/Beam
- Internal speakers: Six class-D drivers, four tweeters, two woofers
