The Best Smart Speakers of 2024

Just Buy This (All Around Best)

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

$100 at Amazon $55 at Best Buy View on Dell

TL;DR: The Amazon Echo (4th gen) offers superior audio quality, accurate voice recognition, and compatibility with hundreds of connected devices.

Why We Recommend This

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) stands out thanks to its dynamic feature set and superb audio quality. Powered by Amazon's Alexa, it “reads” and “responds” very accurately to voice commands, works across hundreds of compatible third-party devices (hello, Philips Hue), and offers skills and services like reminders and weather forecasts.

One standout feature of the Amazon Echo is its exceptional voice recognition. It utilizes far-field technology to respond to commands even in noisy environments. It supports hands-free calling, voice shopping, and easy control of compatible devices like the Amazon Fire TV.

Shaped like an orb, the Echo weighs only 2.2 pounds and is wrapped entirely in fabric. With far-field voice recognition, it can intake voice commands no matter where you're positioned.

Users also have the option to add a second speaker, combine multiple Echo devices into one group for synchronous listening, and even double as a loudspeaker with drop-in capability. LED rings also provide visual feedback on what your Echo is doing, from listening to initial activation.

Privacy protection is another highlight, with users having control over past voice recordings through the Alexa app and a microphone-off button for added privacy. Its two 20mm tweeters and a 76mm neodymium woofer work in tandem to intake voice commands and produce powerful sound.

In short, look to the Amazon Echo if you're seeking a complete smart assistant that doubles as a competent speaker for regular music listening. 

• Who else recommends it? The Amazon Echo (4th gen) has received accolades from top publications like PCMag, The New York Times, CNET, and RTINGS.com. 
• What do buyers think? With over 145,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars on Amazon, users love the Echo’s robust voice recognition, easy setup, and sound quality.

Also Great

Sonos Era 100

$242 at Amazon $249 at Walmart $249 at Best Buy

TL;DR: The Sonos Era 100 is a sleek wireless smart speaker offering compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and popular streaming services.

Why We Recommend This

The Sonos Era 100 impresses with exceptional sound quality, making it a preferred choice for music enthusiasts. Available in black and white, its sleek design and intuitive button placement include a speech bubble button to deactivate voice assistance and a microphone hardware switch.

Its standout feature, TruePlay, optimizes EQ and adjusts acoustics for precise sound output. It does so by using your device's built-in microphone for calibration and separate settings for sound adjustment optimized based on the acoustics of your room.

It also focuses on balanced sound using equalizer settings, ensuring crisp and even audio playback no matter where you are in a room.

Like Amazon Alexa, Sonos responds to voice commands, enhancing the playback experience. It also works with Alexa, allowing you to control hundreds of other compatible smart devices, such as thermometers, light bulbs, and coffee machines.

Audiophiles will also appreciate Sonos Radio. Standard with every device, this remote music program allows you to listen to thousands of original shows, 60,000-plus live stations, and Sleep Sounds, a curated collection of stations that play everything from white noise to rain for a restful night’s sleep. 

While its higher price may deter some, the Sonos Era 100 is a solid investment for those prioritizing music quality over portability and comprehensive smart features.

• Who else recommends it? The Sonos Era 100 has received high marks from leading publications like CNET, RTINGS.com, WIRED, and Good Housekeeping. 
• What do buyers think? With an average rating of 4.2 stars on Amazon across more than 500 reviews, users appreciate its rich sound, easy setup, and Bluetooth pairing out of the box.

Easiest on the Budget

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

$50 at Amazon $25 at Home Depot $50 at Dell

TL;DR: The Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) is a compact speaker with OK, not great, sound quality and integration with hundreds of smart home devices at a budget-friendly price.

Why We Recommend This

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) is our top budget pick thanks to its straightforward and balanced sound, packed into a compact device measuring only 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches.

It features a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker, volume controls, a power port with a light ring, and a built-in microphone off button. It's versatile, allowing users to tap it to pause music or snooze alarms.

One of the standout features of the Amazon Echo Dot is its ability to pair with other devices. Users can pair it with another Echo, Fire TV, or hundreds of compatible devices like the Eero WiFi router and Nest thermostat for hands-free operation.

When you're ready to activate any of these devices, bark out a voice command preceded by "Alexa," for example, "Alexa, turn the lights off."

For added convenience, there's also a tiny “Action” button on the top of the device, allowing you to wake Alexa up manually. A flashing LED ring lets users know it is processing voice commands, receiving incoming notifications, and performing other essential actions.

Apart from your voice and action buttons, separate motion sensors allow you to engage the Dot by simply tapping its top, a "nice-to-have" when in close proximity to it.

The Amazon Echo Dot offers exceptional value for its decent sound quality and compatibility with hundreds of first and third-party smart devices.

• Who else recommends it? The Amazon Echo Dot has garnered top marks from CNET, The Verge, and PCMag reviewers.
• What do buyers think? The Amazon Echo Dot is highly rated, achieving an average of 4.7 stars across more than 107,000 ratings.