So, you’ve decided to upgrade your home with a stylish speaker. Good for you. And if you think it’s just a matter of choosing your favorite brand, think again.
These days, it’s easy to list tech companies that don’t sell their own smart speakers, so the number of options can be overwhelming.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about the specifications, just a few features that will help you pick one smart speaker over another.
3 things to consider when choosing a smart speaker
While the list could be endless, we’ve gone ahead and selected the top three things to look for in a smart speaker.
Audio
Naturally, the first thing you should consider is how strong the speaker is and the quality he has. Match the audio specification to your use case.
Most budget speakers use a single driver to cover all audio frequencies. If you want the best quality, you need to choose a smart speaker that has at least a separate tweeter (for treble) and a woofer (for bass).
Even better, it is something that adds one or more dedicated central drivers.
Voice assistants and platforms
Even if the speaker does not need a voice assistant to be “smart” – it can support standards related to automation such as AirPlay and Google Cast – but that’s what people have in mind. There’s no denying asking your speaker to play music, turn on the lights, or give you the weather forecast.
Wired or battery-powered?
Most smart speakers are only for wired power. Providing a more affordable battery, with a nice feature that can absorb a lot of juice. Wi-Fi alone is notoriously power-hungry, not to mention features like home automation or smart home automation.
The Best Alexa-enabled Smart Speakers
Now that you have an idea of what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best smart speakers with Alexa compatibility that are currently on the market.
1. Cleer Stage
This Smart Water Resistant Bluetooth Speaker with Alexa has a built-in battery with 15 hours of playtime, making it a great life companion. It also provides powerful sound, is water resistant, and can be paired with another speaker for a more immersive sound experience.
Other features include:
- IPX7 waterproof and shockproof
- Amazon Alexa
- Dual 48mm drivers with passive radiators for incredible sound
- Can be configured with the Cleer Connect app
2. Sonos One
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker compatible with Alexa, this is the one for you. Sonos One offers rich sound, voice assistant compatibility, and multiple mics to amplify your voice anywhere in your home.
Other smart features include:
- LED light to show device status
- Tweeter and class-D digital amplifiers for excellent sound quality
- Remote microphone allows quick and accurate voice monitoring, even from a distance
- Sonos app to adjust bass, treble, and other sound settings
3. Amazon Echo Studio
This Alexa-enabled smart speaker delivers incredible sound — and even the ability to double it by pairing two speakers together. Its simple design allows it to blend into most spaces.
Features you can expect include:
- Features 330W power
- Designed to enhance the home cinema experience
4. Braun LE01
Braun‘s flagship smart speaker has a classic retro design that complements most spaces. It can be used on both Android and iOS devices, making it a user-friendly option.
Features include:
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- Refined sound quality
- Compatible with Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 streaming
It’s time to make an informed decision
When it comes to buying an Alexa-enabled speaker for the home, there are so many brands to choose from and so many different features to consider.
At the end of the day, it’s all about deciding what you need in a smart speaker and selecting a device that checks all of your boxes.
Shirley Green
My name is Shirley Green. I am an Avid writer, a passionate photographer, and obsessed with the tech industry. My enduring interests lie in all aspects of portable audio. I am a contributing writer and specialize in reviewing smart audio products, and fond of headphones, speakers, and recording gear.
