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Best Smart Speakers for 2024: Top Picks, from Google Nest to Sonos

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best smart speakers for every need.

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 10th, 2024

Last Updated: February 22nd, 2024

🎶These days, smart speakers are more than just devices to play your favorite tunes. They're becoming essential parts of our homes, helping control lights, manage schedules, place voice calls, and even assist with shopping. We've put together a list of the best smart speakers for 2024, based on thorough analysis and lots of user feedback.

Whether you're all about the best sound quality, need something budget-friendly, or are tied to a specific tech ecosystem, we've got something for you.

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Overall Best: Sonos Era 100

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

The Sonos Era 100 wins our vote for the overall best smart speaker, thanks to its seamless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, stellar audio quality, and versatile functionality. This bookshelf speaker can be paired with other Sonos devices to create an immersive home theater system or used as a standalone unit with Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay2, or through the Sonos app. With support for over 80 streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, the listening experience it provides is unparalleled. The audio is rich and clear, easily filling a room, which makes it perfect for both casual listeners and serious music enthusiasts.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$232.34 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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Runner-up: Google Nest Audio

The Google Nest Audio stands out as our runner-up, offering a balanced sound profile with clear highs and satisfactory bass. Its integration with Google Assistant allows for seamless control over other smart home devices, along with easy management of music playback and information queries. With its sleek, minimalist design and multiple color options, it fits effortlessly into any room decor. Setting it up is straightforward using the Google Home app, and it supports features like stereo pairing and multi-room audio, making it a versatile choice for anyone in need of an all-around excellent smart speaker.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$99.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Google Nest Mini

Nest Mini 2nd Generation Smart Speaker with Google Assistant - Charcoal

If you're on a budget, the Google Nest Mini is an unbeatable option that offers impressive functionality at a low price. Despite its compact size, the Nest Mini delivers surprisingly good sound quality, perfect for smaller spaces such as kitchens or bedrooms. Google Assistant is built-in, providing the same voice control capabilities found in more expensive models, including managing smart home devices and accessing music and information quickly. Easy to set up and available in multiple colors, the Nest Mini blends style and function effortlessly, making it an excellent entry-level smart speaker.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$39.50 at Amazon

Best for Apple Ecosystem: Apple HomePod Mini

For those entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple HomePod Mini is the go-to choice. This small yet powerful speaker offers 360-degree audio, producing impressive sound considering its size. Seamlessly integrating with Apple devices and services such as Apple Music and HomeKit, this speaker makes the most of what Apple's ecosystem has to offer. Siri's voice recognition capabilities provide personalized responses, distinguishing between different users in the household for tailored interactions. The HomePod Mini is an intelligent, convenient addition to any Apple-centric home.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best Portable Smart Speaker: Bose Portable Smart Speaker

Bose Portable Smart Speaker — Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with Alexa Voice Control Built-In, Black

If portability is a priority, the Bose Portable Smart Speaker is hard to beat. Combining robust build quality with excellent sound and smart features, this speaker is versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to switch between different environments. The sound profile leans towards bass-heavy, unusual for a portable speaker of this size, and the Bose Music app simplifies managing multiple Bose devices. With straightforward setup and portability, this speaker excels in providing mobility without compromising sound quality.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$319.00 at Amazon

Best Design: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker, Iconic Design, 5 Drivers Including Subwoofer, Wireless Streaming via Bluetooth, Alexa Built-in, AirPlay & Spotify Connect, Multiroom Support, Midnight Grey Charcoal

The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is where exceptional design meets outstanding audio performance. This premium speaker supports high-resolution audio, catering to audiophiles who also appreciate aesthetic appeal. It includes Amazon Alexa support for voice control, along with high-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC. The Zeppelin's unique design makes it a conversation piece in any room while delivering rich, detailed sound. Though it comes with a higher price tag, its exceptional design and top-notch audio performance make it a worthwhile investment for any high-end audio setup.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$799.00 at Amazon

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