Best Smart Speakers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: February 21st, 2024

🔊Smart speakers have changed the way we live, combining entertainment and convenience with handy voice assistants and smart home controls. Whether you're looking for a versatile assistant to help with your daily tasks or a portable speaker for your adventures, we've done the research to find the best options out there.

Based on expert insights and detailed analysis, here are our top smart speaker picks for 2024.

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Overall Best: Amazon Echo Studio

Amazon Echo Studio | Our best-sounding smart speaker ever - With Dolby Atmos, spatial audio processing technology, and Alexa | Charcoal

Our top pick for the best overall smart speaker is the Amazon Echo Studio. This stylish and functional device offers a wealth of smart features, making it incredibly versatile for various uses. It's equipped with a built-in Zigbee hub, allowing you to connect and control compatible smart home devices like light bulbs and thermostats all from one place. With Alexa at your service, you can set alarms, answer questions, and stream your favorite music effortlessly. The sound quality is outstanding, delivering well-balanced audio that clearly reproduces voices and instruments. While it doesn't pack quite the same punch as some bass-heavy alternatives, it's perfect for those who prefer a more balanced sound. You can also fine-tune the audio using the Amazon Alexa app to suit your personal preferences.

Lowest at Amazon
$199.99 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$146.60 at AliExpress.com

More Answers

Still curious about the Amazon Echo Studio? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Does the Echo Studio work well as a home theater speaker?
Thinking about using the Amazon Echo Studio as a home theater speaker? Here's what you should know from our findings. The Echo Studio is known for delivering great sound and even features Dolby Atmos, but there's a catch. The Dolby Atmos feature really shines when you're using it with certain Fire TV devices, like the [Fire TV Cube](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07KGVB6D6%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [Fire TV Stick 4K](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB079QHML21%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), based on the manufacturer's description. So, if you're planning to hook it up directly to a PC, your theater experience might not be as robust. Now, if your goal is to create a solid home theater setup with the Echo Studio, you'll want to be mindful of how you connect it. You can stream high-quality audio through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD, but the method of connection matters. Connections like Bluetooth or an auxiliary cable from a PC may not offer the best audio quality due to limitations in streaming. Our research suggests that how you connect and configure the Echo Studio really impacts the sound, and it might take some tweaking to get it just right. For Dolby Atmos surround sound, your best bet is to hook the Echo Studio up via compatible AV equipment or an optical line with devices that support Dolby Atmos. That way, you'll get to enjoy all the subtle sound details that Dolby Atmos is known for. One more thing, based on our research—people have mixed feelings about using the Stereo Spatial Enhancement with non-3D content. Some find it best to turn this feature off when not using 3D content, as it can mess with the sound clarity. Overall, the Echo Studio can definitely boost your home audio setup if you use it with the right gear and configure it properly. Just make sure your equipment and content line up with what the Echo Studio can do, and you'll be all set for an awesome audio experience.
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Can you use two Echo Studios as a stereo pair?
Yeah, you can definitely pair two Echo Studios to make a stereo setup. It's a great way to get more immersive sound since the audio gets split into left and right channels. From what we've found, setting it up is pretty simple with the [Alexa app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) on your phone. Just make sure both Echo Studios are in the same room and on the same Wi-Fi network. Here's how you can do it: 1. **Open the Alexa App:** Fire up the Alexa app on your phone. 2. **Navigate to Devices:** Tap the 'Devices' icon at the bottom. 3. **Select Echo & Alexa:** Choose 'Echo & Alexa' from the top menu to view your Echo devices. 4. **Choose the First Echo Studio:** Pick the first Echo Studio you want in the stereo pair. 5. **Set Up Stereo Pair:** Tap 'Stereo Pair/Subwoofer,' then follow the instructions to finish the setup. You'll select the second Echo Studio for the left or right speaker. The stereo pairing really bumps up the sound quality, especially in larger spaces like a home theater or living room. According to our research, folks have noticed the sound becomes clearer with better bass. Just a heads up, you can't use them as a stereo pair for Bluetooth audio from other devices; it's mostly for Wi-Fi audio, like streaming services you control with Alexa. In short, pairing two Echo Studios for stereo sound is a game-changer for music lovers or anyone who wants to enjoy top-notch audio at home.
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How does the Echo Studio compare to other smart speakers like Sonos or HomePod?
When you're trying to decide between the Echo Studio, [Sonos](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsonos%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), or [Apple HomePod](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple%2Bhomepod%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), it's all about what fits your needs best. Let's break down some key points. Starting with the Echo Studio, it’s known for its impressive sound. The manufacturer highlights its ability to work with several streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, and [Spotify](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dspotify%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). However, our research indicates some hiccups when using Spotify—sometimes Alexa might default to playing Amazon Music unless you give specific instructions. Usually, you can fix this by setting Spotify as your default in the Alexa app or ensuring everything is up to date. Now, when it comes to [Sonos](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsonos%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) speakers, many people love their ability to connect seamlessly across different rooms. The setup is pretty straightforward and doesn’t usually need constant tweaking. While they might not match the Echo Studio in terms of voice control features, they do offer solid audio sharing and connectivity across a home setup. As for the [Apple HomePod](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple%2Bhomepod%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), it stands out for its excellent audio and smooth integration with other Apple products. Siri is onboard if you're into voice commands, which is a plus if you're already steeped in Apple's ecosystem. While it doesn’t support as many streaming services as the Echo Studio or Sonos, it works effortlessly if you're mainly using Apple Music. So, bottom line: If you're into Alexa and want to deal initially with getting [Spotify](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dspotify%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to cooperate, Echo Studio might be your best bet. If a simple multi-room setup sounds appealing, [Sonos](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsonos%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) could be the way to go. And if you’re an Apple enthusiast who values integration with Apple's services, you’ll probably be happiest with a [HomePod](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple%2Bhomepod%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It all boils down to what matters most to you: sound, compatibility, or simplicity.
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Runner-up: Sonos Era 100

Sonos Era 100 - Black - Wireless, Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker

The Sonos Era 100 is our runner-up, offering a robust set of smart features and superb sound quality. While it lacks Zigbee support, it more than makes up for it with excellent voice assistant performance. Its rich and dynamic sound profile makes it an excellent option for music enthusiasts, delivering clear audio with a strong bass presence. Though it comes at a slightly higher price point, its superior sound quality and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem make it a worthy investment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$199.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sonos Era 100 Black? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are common issues with the Sonos Era 100?
The Sonos Era 100 is a popular speaker known for its great sound and easy integration with other Sonos gear. But like any device, it has a few common hiccups to watch out for. Here's the scoop from our research on some typical issues people run into with the Era 100, especially if you're planning to hook it up to a turntable or other external audio sources. ### Turntable Connection If you're thinking about connecting your turntable to the Sonos Era 100, it's good to know that you'll need a [Sonos Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for this. This adapter plugs into the speaker's USB-C port and lets you use a 3.5 mm auxiliary cable. The catch? This adapter usually doesn't come in the box and costs around $19.99, so you’ll have to grab one separately. It's a bit annoying if you were expecting a complete package. ### Adapter Quality and Compatibility Our research shows that the [Sonos Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) does its job well overall, but having to buy it separately has frustrated some folks. The good news is, once you have it, it seems like most people have no issues getting their turntables to work flawlessly with the Era 100. ### Sound Quality Issues For the most part, the Era 100 delivers outstanding audio, but a few folks have noticed that the sound quality can vary when switching between streaming services and local audio. This might mean tweaking some settings or updating the Sonos app to keep everything sounding top-notch. ### Wireless Connectivity Wireless connectivity can be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes. While the speaker does support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, some people have reported occasional drops, especially if there are a lot of wireless devices around. Usually, resetting the speaker or updating its firmware clears this up, but it's worth keeping in mind if your home network is crowded. ### Overall Thoughts All in all, the Sonos Era 100 is a fantastic speaker, but be prepared to get a separate [Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) if you're using a turntable. Also, you might face some minor sound quality and connectivity issues. Even with these quirks, the Era 100 is a solid choice for anyone wanting to level up their sound setup within the Sonos ecosystem.
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Does the Sonos Era 100 support voice assistants?
Yeah, the Sonos Era 100 does support voice assistants, specifically [Amazon Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Damazon%2Balexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and Sonos Voice Control, as the manufacturer describes. However, it doesn't support [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bassistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) right now. This is apparently due to ongoing legal issues between Google and Sonos. So, if Google Assistant is a must for you, you might want to check out other options. But with Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, you can still do a lot—like play music, check the news, and control smart home devices hands-free. If Google Assistant is super important to your setup, maybe look into older Sonos models like the [Sonos One](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which do support Google Assistant. Overall, the Sonos Era 100 is pretty solid in terms of sound quality and connectivity. It might just come up short if you're all-in on Google Assistant. According to our research, many people find Alexa and Sonos Voice Control pretty handy and easy to use, so it still packs a punch even without Google Assistant.
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How easy is it to set up the Sonos Era 100?
Setting up the Sonos Era 100 is generally pretty easy, but there are a few things you might want to know to make the process smoother. The manufacturer mentions that it comes with a USB-C port that supports line-in via an adapter, which opens up options like connecting a turntable or CD player. Just a heads-up, though: the [Sonos USB-C Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is sold separately, so you'll need to get that if you want to use the Aux input feature. Keep that extra cost in mind. Once you have the adapter, setting things up is straightforward. You'll plug the adapter into the USB-C port on the speaker and then connect your audio source with a 3.5mm auxiliary cable. However, according to our research, there might be a slight delay when using the adapter, which could mess with audio/video sync, especially if you're connecting to something like a [MacBook Pro](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmacbook%2Bpro%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It's something to be aware of if timing is super important for what you’re doing. Overall, the Sonos app makes the entire setup pretty user-friendly. You can handle all your settings and configurations through the app, which helps seamlessly integrate your devices into the Sonos ecosystem. Plus, the app offers guidance and tips if you run into any issues. The speaker also has Trueplay technology, which tunes the sound to your room for the best audio experience. So, while the extra adapter might be a bit of a hassle and can cause a minor delay, the overall setup process for the Sonos Era 100 is pretty simple. Whether you're tech-savvy or just want to plug and play, everything should be easy enough to get up and running—just be ready for that extra purchase if you need the Aux input.
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Budget Pick: Amazon Echo Gen 4

Amazon Echo (4th Gen) | With premium sound, smart home hub, and Alexa | Charcoal Charcoal Echo

If you're shopping on a budget, the Amazon Echo Gen 4 is an excellent choice. This smart speaker offers many of the same features as its higher-priced counterparts, including built-in Alexa and a Zigbee hub, enabling you to control multiple smart devices from one location. Its spherical design and pulsating light ring add a modern touch to any room. While the audio quality and volume aren't as strong as the Echo Studio, it still provides clear sound that's perfect for smaller spaces. You can also customize the sound settings using the Amazon Alexa app to suit your personal listening preferences.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$64.99 at Amazon

Best Portable Smart Speaker: Sonos Roam 2

Roam 2 - Black - Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

For those seeking portability, the Sonos Roam 2 is the best smart speaker on the go. Ideal for outdoor adventures or travel, this compact speaker features a durable design boasting an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. Despite its small size, it delivers excellent voice assistant performance, complete with built-in Alexa and Sonos Assistant. The inclusion of a dedicated Bluetooth button ensures seamless pairing without mistakenly powering down the device. While it doesn't support Google Assistant and has a more limited bass response, it's a fantastic option for anyone in need of a portable smart speaker that doesn't compromise on quality.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$179.00 at Amazon
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Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

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