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The Best Smart Speakers

As our homes get smarter, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri have become our reliable digital helpers, living inside our devices and jumping at our spoken commands to set timers, play music, and teach kids how to spell those difficult homework words.

If you're considering a voice assistance platform, you'll have to pick a camp. The top choices don't work very well together, and if you want to equip multiple rooms, you should stick to a single platform. This guide will explain the various options and help you choose the one that best meets your needs, along with the right devices for your home.

Amazon Echo (2nd Gen, 2017)

3.5mm Physical Connections

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi

Multi-Room Support

Amazon Alexa Voice Control

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Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018)

3.5mm Physical Connections

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi

Multi-Room Support

Speakerphone

Amazon Alexa Voice Control


Google Home Max

3.5mm, USB-C Physical Connections

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi

Multi-Room Support

Speakerphone

Google Assistant Voice Control

Google Home Max

echo-home-mini

Google Home Mini

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi

Multi-Room Support

Google Assistant Voice Control


Apple HomePod

Wi-Fi

Multi-Room Support

Speakerphone

Apple Siri Voice Control

Apple HomePod

JBL Link 10

3.5mm, USB-C Physical Connections

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi

Multi-Room Support

Portable

Speakerphone

Google Assistant Voice Control

jbl-link-10

Sonos-One

Sonos One

Wi-Fi

Multi-Room Support

Amazon Alexa Voice Control


Sonos Beam

Optical, HDMI Physical Connections

Wi-Fi

Multi-Room Support

Amazon Alexa Voice Control

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