Best Smart Speakers for 2025: From My Ears to Your Home
I tested out the pipes on these clever speakers plus their connectivity options to choose the best brands and models.
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What to consider
Price
What is your budget for a smart speaker?
Voice assistant
Which voice assistant do you use, and what assistant do your smart devices support?
Room size
What sort of space do you want to fill with sound?
Entertainment system
Do you want your smart speaker to connect to your entertainment hub?
Portability
Do you want to move your speaker around or mount it on a wall?
Linking options
Do you want to link multiple smart speakers together?
Today's smart speakers play a dozen roles, from personal assistants and home hubs to musical divas and party co-hosts. Each has its specialty -- which means you need to pick the right model foryour smart home. That's where I come in.
Our Picks
I, along with our other skilled CNET reviewers, have tested all the latest connected smart speakers from brands including Amazon, Google Nest and Apple, as well as more sound-focused models from Sonos and Bose. We've talked to their voice assistants, linked ourhome technology and played their music in every room in our homes. Now, here are the best models I recommend, based on my experience with what each one does best.
What's the best smart speaker overall?
Amazon Echo speakers are among the most affordable and easy-to-set-up smart speakers out there. That's why thefourth-gen Amazon Echo is my pick for the top smart speaker overall. It packs very solid sound for such a compact device, and Alexa has the best smart home compatibility of all the voice assistants so far. It’s also a breeze to connect popular music streaming apps such as Spotify, or simply stream via Bluetooth. I’ve used it for parties, cooking help, reminders and more -- and it remains one of my top recommendations,if you're okay with a few privacy quirks.
For this list, I've also chosen smaller desktop companion speakers, larger speakers for open floor plans and portable models with Wi-Fi capabilities.
Best smart speakers of 2025
Pros
- Surprisingly large sound
- Alexa's excellent compatibility options with smart home devices
- Compact and reasonably priced at around $100
- Service upgrades available like Emergency Assist
Cons
- Amazon likes to charge extra for things like Alexa Plus and Emergency Assist
- Echo privacy options have grown slightly more limited over time
Why I like it:
The latest Echo (not to be confused with thefifth-gen Echo Dot orEcho Pop) combines the usual Alexa smarts with a speaker that produces clear audio for its size and has a built-in Zigbee radio. That's a nice inclusion that'll let you connect Zigbee lights, locks, sensors and other devices to your setup without the need for a separate hub device. Plus, Alexa offers some of the broadest compatibility of any voice assistant, so support for streaming services, smart devices and quirky Alexa Skills is unparalleled.
What helps the Echo clinch first place is its sound quality: This speaker offers loud, room-filling sound with plenty of clarity and bass control. While there are even better sounding speakers, such as the Sonos Era line and the Echo Studio, neither can beat the price of the Echo at $100, making it the best all-around pick.
Finally, note that there are extra services you can add to your Echo speaker for a fee -- notably Alexa Emergency Assist, which costs around $6 per month and can listen for alarms or breaking glass while connecting you with a live emergency assistant on demand. Alexa Plus, Amazon's big AI upgrade,appears to be greatly delayed but is planned to sell for $20 per month with a Prime subscription. Along the way,Amazon has also removed some privacy features that allowed you to prevent Echo from processing your voice data.
Who is this for:
Users who want an all-purpose smart speaker that's capable of playing music for a room, without spending more than $100.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People who don't like Alexa or Amazon's latest privacy practices and people willing to spend more to get really top-tier sound.
Specs & Configurations
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
Why I like it:
If you're in the market for a budget smart speaker, they don't come any more feature-packed than the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen). It offers a wealth of capabilities including a temperature sensor, an Eero mesh extender and the ability to tap it like an alarm clock. That makes it an excellent choice for tapping into other smart systems you may have around the house, and for only $50.
The Echo Dot (5th Gen) also sounds better than other speakers at this price, including the Echo Pop and Google's Nest Mini, with plenty of vocal clarity and decent bass weight. Its microphones are sensitive enough to hear you from across the room, even with another speaker playing.
Also, the Echo Dot is available in an "alarm clock" version with an LED clock hidden inside its mesh speaker fabric, if you want a model for your bedroom or a similar spot. Plus, those extra sensors can help it monitor temperatures along with theAmazon Smart Thermostatand other little tricks, which I appreciate. It even has a kid-friendly skin and subscription package for Amazon Kids.
Who is this for:
People looking for a smaller, cheaper smart speaker that can serve as an alarm clock and other small tasks around the home. People who want a small speaker for their kids.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People who want truly big sound, people worried about a smart speaker eavesdropping in the bedroom (while Echo Dots have mute buttons, that also means you won't be able to use the voice assistant features).
Specs & Configurations
Pros
- Improved function and sound
- Google Assistant is a knowledgeable voice assistant
- Wall mount option
Cons
- Not as many extra features as Echo Dots
Why I like it:
Google has done an admirable job of catching up to Amazon in the smart speaker race. At this point, picking between the lowest priced smart speaker devices from the two companies comes down to splitting hairs.
The $50 Google Nest Mini is a solid alternative to the Amazon Echo Dot if Google Assistant is your preference, with a similar price. Our tests have shown that Google Assistant (now being replaced by the more conversational Gemini) responds more flexibly to voice commands if you can't remember the exact name of your smart home devices and it's generally more knowledgeable about things you'd find on the internet.
Overall, Google has the intelligence edge, and the Google Nest Mini is a great, low-cost way to take advantage of those smarts. While the Nest Mini may not have as many additional features as the Echo Dot (for now), it does boast one important feature that the Dot doesn't: a built-in option to mount on a wall and save space, such as by a desk or in a kitchen nook. The Dot may have the slight edge in sound quality, though.
Who is this for:
People who want a speaker that can function as a nearby smart assistant on a desk or a wall to answer questions and schedule events.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People that want big sound and people who prefer to stay away from Google Assistant/Gemini.
Specs & Configurations
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
Why I like it:
The first HomePod was an eclectic Apple machine with amazing sound, but otherwise a bit disappointing, especially with the high price tag. The HomePod 2 is better in nearly every way, but still expensive at $300. The HomePod mini, however, is a compromise -- a smaller unit at a much more affordable price of around $100.
The HomePod mini offers Siri functionality, the ability to link with other minis, a temperature and humidity sensor for smart home control and retains some of the excellent sound quality of the larger HomePod -- making it a solid option for a nearby music player. It also includes some iPhone tricks, if you want to hand off music, etc.
Keep an eye on this one: Apple is upgrading Siri intelligence (currently slated for 2026) and we aren’t quite sure what advanced features will make it to the HomePod line. Also, there are rumors a HomePod mini 2 may be arriving this year as Apple planson releasing a smart display and other home tech.
Who is this for:
People who love Apple and people who want a smaller speaker that still produces great audio close at hand.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People who don't like using Siri and don't have iPhones as well as people who want more smart home and entertainment compatibility than Apple Home currently provides.
Specs & Configurations
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
Why I like it:
This 300-watt speaker is a master of sound and streaming options, providing an amazing six-driver acoustic sound that can fill your whole house. Connection options include both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, plus the ability to pair with other Sonos speakers. There’s also a USB-C line for wired connections.
It’s no surprise this speaker also supports Dolby Atmos for enhanced environmental sound and top-notch performance on supported audio.
For best-in-class sound, you'll have to pay a premium price. Also, while this speaker supports Alexa, Sonos has dropped support for Google Assistant and now focuses more on its own Sonos voice commands. But you won’t find better sound, whether you want to pair with your entertainment system or add a central speaker for whole-home music.
If you like the idea of Sonos but can't handle the price tag, take a look atthe more affordable Sonos Era 100, which can't match the 300's sound but is available for $250.
Who is this for:
Buyers who can pay top dollar for high-end sound and want a speaker that can do a little of everything.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People who need Google Assistant/Gemini, people who want to save even a little bit of money.
Specs & Configurations
Pros
- Portable
- Connects to voice assistants via Wi-Fi
- Great Bose sound
- Some water resistance for temporary outdoor use
Cons
- Very expensive
- Needs to be in Wi-Fi range
- Dependent on battery life
Why I like it:
We’ve got a full list of thebest portable Bluetooth speakers, but the Bose Smart Speaker (latest model) stands out as a particularly smart option with its ability to link a built-in microphone to your Wi-Fi so you can talk to your voice assistants and control your music streaming. The excellent Bose sound quality certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
Battery life for this model is around 12 hours and at 2.3 pounds it’s easy to carry around. With limited IPX4 resistance, this speaker can go outside for short periods of time, but it’s most at home in the home, office or garage.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, the latestBose SoundLink Home has many of the same features but is more affordable.
Who is this for:
People who want a smart speaker they can also carry around the house or out onto the patio.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People who would rather save money on a simpler Bluetooth speaker, or who already have one.
Specs & Configurations
Best smart speakers compared
| Best smart speakers | Amazon Echo (4th-gen) | Amazon Echo Dot 5 | Google Nest Mini (2nd-gen) | Apple HomePod mini | Sonos Era 300 | Bose Portable Smart Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $50 | $50 | $100 | $450 | $350 |
| Voice assistants | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant | Apple Siri | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice | Built-in mic for voice assistant linking |
| Internal speakers | 3-inch woofer, two 0.8-inch tweeters | 1.7-inch front-firing speaker | 40mm driver | Full-range driver, dual passive radiators | Six class-D drivers, four tweeters, two woofers | Dynamic driver -- Bose keeps the details under wraps |
| Wireless | Not without third-party add-ons | Not without third-party add-ons | No | No | No | Yes |
| Connections | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter/Thread | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, P2P | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, USB-C, Sonos Arc/Beam | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect |
| Review score | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 4.1/5 | 4/5 | N/A |
Other smart speakers I've tested
The grass isn't always greener on the other side.
John Carlsen/CNETThe smart speakers above are our current favorites, but you still have other options if you're looking for something specific in audio performance. Read our breakdown ofAlexa versus Google Assistant versus Siri if you'd like to learn the pros and cons of each and decide on a smart home device based on its platform as well. Options that didn't make this list include:
Apple HomePod: I really like the HomePod's sound, which is possibly the best in the business, but it's simply too expensive of a smart speaker at over $250 to $300 for the average budget -- which is why Apple released a mini version. The smaller HomePod doesn't have quite the same incredible sound, but it's a whole lot more affordable, which is why it ended up on the list.
Echo Show 10: The Echo Show 10's 360-degree sound design produces great results, but it's a Show model, which means it has a touchscreen. So I put it onmy best picks for smart displays instead.
Sonos Era 100: The Sonor Era 100has incredible sound for its $200, but if you really want an elite model, why not go all the way and get the better Sonos Era 300? I chose the highest-end Sonos option for this list if your budget isn't a problem, but the 100 is still an option for those who like Sonos features but want a lower cost.
Bose SoundLink Home: Bose's home speakersounds great but the "Home" moniker is a bit misleading. This is a portable Bluetooth speaker that doesn't have any smart capabilities and can't even link with the Bose app, so it's a thumbs down for this list.
Wiim Pro: The Wiim Pro is an interesting smart speaker receiver if you already have speakers you like and want them to have Alexa/Google/Siri capabilities, but it's not actually a smart speaker itself, so it didn't make this list. I'm also waiting onthe Wiim Sound -- due in 2025 -- which is its own standalone smart speaker and could win a spot if it tests well.
Google Nest Audio: The Google Nest Audio is Nest's latestlarger smart speaker attempt. There's nothing wrong with it, especially at a $100 price tag, but I liked the design and sound of other larger smart speakers if you want to go big. For Nest fans, it's still a viable option. Ultimately I chose the smaller Nest Mini as a great desk side companion.
Denon Home 150: I chose the more versatile Sonos over the A/V-friendly Denon brand for this list. However, if your home entertainment system uses Denon products and you're very happy with them, it's well worth investigating this $200 smart speaker from the same maker.
Factors to consider when buying a smart speaker
If you’re still shopping, let’s review some of the most important factors for choosing a smart speaker.
Price
Smart speakers range greatly in price, so consider your budget before deciding. Generally, the better the audio the more expensive the speaker, and our Sonos Era pick is a great example. But you can get tons of smart features for under $50 if audio isn’t a priority. Smart speakers are often on sale, too.
Preferred voice assistant
Do you use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri the most? Or do you not really care? Find a speaker that supports the voice assistant you like. Andif you have a smart home, check to see what platforms your smart devices support. You can control things like smart plugs and smart lights with speaker commands, or connect features like temperature sensing to compatible thermostats (like the Amazon Thermostat and the Echo Dot 5).
Size of room
If you want a smart speaker for a small space, like a desk where you work, a garage bench, a reading nook or a small bedroom space, then the size of the speaker doesn’t really matter. But if you want to fill a large living room, open-floor plan or high-ceiling kitchen, you’ll want a larger speaker noted for 360-degree or room-filling sound.
Entertainment system connections
Smart speakers often pair well with entertainment systems --check out our best soundbars to learn even more. If that’s an important feature to you, check if the speaker can pair with your current speaker system, your smart TV, your computer or other tech you use for entertainment. It’s not quite surround sound, but it can get you an added dimension of sound or broadcast sound into other rooms.
Portability
Most smart speakers are wired. However, some can be mounted, and some like Echos have third-party battery add-ons to make them portable. Consider if you’ll be moving the speaker around.
Linking speakers
Many smart speakers have the ability to link together if you get two of them, allowing for bigger sound, multi-room sound and other tricks. If that’s a goal, look for speakers that link easily (most on our list can do it).
How we test smart speakers
From left to right: The $50 Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen), $40 Amazon Echo Pop and the $50 Google Nest Mini.
Ty Pendlebury/CNETI've spent over 100 hours testing a dozen different smart speakers in all kinds of situations, and I'm not the only expert at CNET who's doing it. But how does that work, exactly? We take smart speakers through several different important tests, including:
Setup and controls
Smart speakers should be easy to plug in and connect with an app for a straightforward setup. The most complicated part should be entering your Wi-Fi password and then deciding on a few preferences.
This is the time where we test the size, weight and overall design of the speaker, seeing how it looks and how it fits in our spaces. Controls are especially important, since they should be easy to understand and use, with options for power, volume and muting at a minimum. Apple's HomePods, for example, have beautiful glowing touch controls, but some prefer more grounded buttons.
Two Echo Dots -- including Dot with Clocks -- can be linked on the Alexa app to make a stereo pair.
Chris Monroe/CNETAudio quality and voice assistant accuracy
Sounds and mic pickup are two of the most important aspects of smart speakers. So we connect our Bluetooth and streaming services over Wi-Fi and experiment with both modes to see how everything sounds. We test both at a few feet away, and 30 feet away to mimic an across-the-room experience. We also test the call-making abilities if smart speakers let you dial a friend, evaluate how well reminders work and try out other key features.
App interface
We consider how easy smart speaker apps are to use, whether it's a common platform like Alexa or a unique app like the Sonos app. We look for intuitive menus and easy access to features like connecting other apps to the speaker, making calls, enabling privacy features and other various tricks.
Third-party connections and smart home
Digging a little deeper, we connect smart speakers to compatible devices like smart plugs andsmart lights, and see how easy it is to control them with voice commands, as well as how many third-party devices support this kind of control. If smart speakers can pair with each other or entertainment systems, we also give this a try and see if there are any latency issues, dropped connections or other problems.
Where should I put a smart speaker?
Hear every play call by linking your kitchen smart speaker to your TV.
Plus ACCFirst think about how you use voice assistants and where. If you’re setting timers, asking about measurements or listening to tunes while you cook, the kitchen is an obvious spot. Setting wake up alarms and getting weather reports? Consider your bedroom. Putting on music for a party or ambience? A central location on counter or shelf is a good bet. And if you’re setting reminders, asking questions or making calls, a spot beside your computer may be best.
What we updated
The $299 HomePod Gen 2 in black and white.
Candice Greene/CNETSummer 2025: Added the Bose smart speaker as a portable option that combines the benefits of Bluetooth speakers and smart speakers.
Updated the Sonos Era 100 to the truly high-end Era 300 (although the 100 is still a worthy purchase).
I went back and forth on whether to choose the HomePod 2nd-gen or HomePod mini for the current list, but ultimately landed on the more affordable HomePod mini. Buyers with bigger budgets shouldn't dismiss the larger HomePod, I certainly enjoyed testing it. Apple may have other HomePod surprises for us this year, too.
FAQs
Are there any stereo smart speakers?
Yes, as long as you can pair two speakers together. Nearly every Amazon Echo smart speaker can stereo pair with another Echo speaker. The list is quite long, so take a look at Amazon's
All of Google's smart speakers can be stereo-paired, as long as they'reidentical models. Google's Nest Audio speaker is the best bet for stereo pairing, and a two-pack of these speakers often provides a discount off the $99-per-speaker MSRP.
You'll be able to set up the speakers in your Google Home app and tell Google which speaker is right and which is left. Bass and treble settings are also adjustable from the Home app.
Apple's HomePod and HomePod Mini can be paired with identical speakers for left- and right-channel stereo listening. You can alsopair your HomePods with your Apple TV for surround sound theater. The smaller speakers won't blow you away, but it's a nice extra feature.
If building out astellar home theater system is your biggest smart speaker priority, Sonos offers the best audio quality, in our opinion. Two Sonos speakers (of the same model)can be stereo-paired, or you could trade up for its excellent selection ofsmart soundbars (Beam orArc) orgeneral soundbars.
What is the smartest voice assistant?
Generally, we rate Google as having the best internet-related answers along with smooth scheduling options. Google also has the big advantage of switching to the more conversational Gemini AI, while Alexa and Siri's big AI updates have been significantly delayed.
Otherwise, Alexa performs very well with smart home control questions and basic tasks, but can be a bit lost when it comes to specific internet questions.
Siri, on the other hand, is very fast and excels at friendly, useful responses (like questions about the weather, etc.), but doesn't always have the same access to data as the other voice assistants. Ultimately, it's about what you prefer the most.
For fun, here's our deep dive into each assistant's "personality."
Which smart speaker is loudest?
In our testing of Apple, Amazon and Google smart speakers, we found theAmazon Echo Studio offers the most when it comes to sheer volume. The Sonos Era 300 is close behind with powerful sound, and it’s currently our top pick for best sound quality in large rooms -- especially if you plan to use it in a stereo pair or as part of a home theater setup.
Which smart speaker is best for free music?
Amazon smart speakers can play music from free or paid subscription tiers on Pandora, Spotify and other popular music streaming platforms. In addition, if you have an Amazon Prime account, you can play music from the vast Prime Music catalog without additional fees.
Google smart speakers have similar music streaming options, but while Amazon requires a paid Prime subscription for ad-free listening via Prime Music, Google favors YouTube Music, and occasionally offers free tiers to use it on Nest devices.
Do you need Amazon Prime to use an Echo speaker?
No, you do not need Amazon Prime to use an Echo speaker. However, you do need an Amazon account when using the Alexa app. When Alexa Plus is released, you'll need a Prime subscription or a separate subscription fee to use that advanced version.
Do smart speakers need internet connectivity?
Yes, smart speakers depend on internet connectivity for most of their functionality.
About the Author
Tyler Lacoma
Editor / Home SecurityTyler Lacoma
Editor / Home SecurityFor more than 10 years Tyler has used his experience in smart home tech to craft how-to guides, explainers, and recommendations for technology of all kinds. From using his home in beautiful Bend, OR as a testing zone for the latest security products to digging into the nuts and bolts of the best data privacy guidelines, Tyler has experience in all aspects of protecting your home and belongings. With a BA in Writing from George Fox and certification in Technical Writing from Oregon State University, he's ready to get you the details you need to make the best decisions for your home. On off hours, you can find Tyler exploring the Cascade trails, finding the latest brew in town with some friends, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen!
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Ty Pendlebury
Editor