So, you're in the market for a smart speaker and wondering which one truly delivers the goods—without the guesswork. With so many devices promising premium audio, seamless voice control, and smart home integration, picking the right one can feel overwhelming.

Don’t worry—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this guide, we break down the best smart speakers available right now, covering everything from powerhouse performers to budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on functionality.

After extensive hands-on testing across key areas like sound quality, connectivity, ease of use, design, and smart features, we’ve rounded up our top picks to suit different needs and budgets.

Our Editor’s Pick, the JBL Authentics 300, blew us away with its rich, room-filling sound, retro design, and portable versatility—making it the most well-rounded option we’ve tested. If you're after something compact but still crave immersive audio, the Denon Home 150 is a stellar runner-up.

And for those just starting their smart home journey, the Echo Dot (newest gen) offers big value in a small package. Not every speaker impressed us, though. We’ve also flagged one to avoid—so you don’t waste time or money.

Read on to find the best smart speaker for your lifestyle and space.

The Baseline Every Quality Smart Speaker Should Meet

When buying a smart speaker, there are certain features and performance standards that should now be considered the norm—not luxuries. Regardless of price range, these core capabilities are essential for a worthwhile experience.

• Voice Assistant Integration: Compatibility with at least one major assistant such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Reliable wireless connections for youtube music streaming and smart home control.
• Multi-Room Audio Support: Ability to sync with other speakers across your home for seamless playback.
• Smart Home Compatibility: Control of smart lights, thermostats, plugs, and routines via voice or app.
• Decent Audio Quality: Clear midrange and vocals with at least moderate bass—enough to fill a small room.
• Mobile App Support: A companion app for setup, firmware updates, and settings management.
• Privacy Controls: Physical mic-off switch or privacy toggle, especially for voice-activated smart devices.
• Streaming Platform Support: Out-of-the-box compatibility with major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music.

Design and Build Quality

While performance is key, the physical design of a smart speaker also plays a major role—especially since it often becomes part of your living space.

• Aesthetic Versatility: Neutral or modern designs that blend into home décor without drawing too much attention.
• Quality Materials: Durable casing, responsive buttons or knobs, and well-finished surfaces (fabric mesh, aluminum, wood accents, etc.).
• Size Appropriateness: A form factor that fits the intended space—compact for bedrooms or kitchens, larger for living rooms or open-plan areas.
• Portability (If Applicable): Rechargeable battery, carry handle, and rugged build for on-the-go or room-to-room use.
• Stable Footing: Non-slip bases or sturdy weight to prevent tipping or movement during use.

Bonus Features That Take Your Speaker Further

Beyond the basics, great smart speakers distinguish themselves with thoughtful extras that elevate the user experience.

• Room Calibration/Auto-Tuning: Adaptive sound that adjusts to room acoustics for optimal listening.
• Display Screen: Useful for visual feedback, weather, time, or media info (found on some Echo Show or Nest Hub models).
• Touch Controls: Responsive touch-sensitive surfaces for quick volume, playback, or assistant activation.
• Wi-Fi Extender Functionality: Helps boost your home network in certain models like the Echo Dot with eero support.
• Built-in Sensors: Temperature, motion, or ambient light sensors for automation or better smart home integration.
• Stereo Pairing or Surround Sound Support: Ability to link with other speakers for immersive setups.
• Environmental Sustainability: Use of recycled materials, energy-saving modes, and recyclable packaging.

Choosing a smart speaker today means expecting more than just basic sound and voice commands. A top-tier device should be reliable, stylish, intuitive, and smart enough to adapt to your lifestyle.

Whether you're going for premium sound or just starting a smart home setup, checking off these boxes ensures a solid investment.

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Editors Pick

JBL Authentics 300 Portable Smart Home Speaker with Built-In Wi-Fi and Music Streaming

The JBL Authentics 300 is our top choice for a smart speaker that delivers premium sound with timeless style. With powerful audio performance, voice assistant support, and flexible streaming options, it’s built to fit beautifully into modern homes while sounding exceptional in any room.

Key Features

• Superb Audio: A 6.5" down-firing passive radiator, 5.25" woofer and 25mm tweeters produce deep, clear, and room-filling sound.
• Smart Streaming: Enjoy high-quality music via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay with hands-free voice support.
• Portable Convenience: With a rechargeable battery and solid carry handle, it’s easy to move room to room.
• Stylish Design: Retro-inspired, with a Quadrex grille and leather-style finish, it blends into any space.
• Room-Adaptive: Self-tuning technology optimises audio based on your environment for consistent quality.

We recently tested the JBL Authentics 300, and it impressed us from the moment we powered it on. The sound is immersive and rich, whether streamed over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. We appreciated the tuning that adjusted automatically to each room—it made a difference.

The build feels premium, and the retro design looks great on any shelf or sideboard. We particularly liked the tactile volume and tone knobs, which gave instant control without needing to grab a phone. Portability was another bonus; the cast-iron handle and battery let us move it freely around the house.

Streaming was seamless through Spotify and AirPlay, and Alexa integration worked well for everyday commands. While the app could be smoother, it wasn’t essential to enjoy the experience. For under £300, this speaker combines style, portability, and superior sound in one cohesive package.

It’s the most well-rounded smart speaker we’ve tested.

Runner Up

Denon Home 150 Wireless Smart Speaker, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Assistant/Siri/Alexa Built-In

The Denon Home 150 earns our runner-up spot for best smart speaker. With superb sound clarity, strong wireless features, and a sleek, durable design, it’s a top choice for those who want rich, immersive audio without the complexity of a full hi-fi system.

It fits effortlessly into any modern smart home setup.

Key Features

• High-Quality Sound: Delivers detailed highs and deep lows through a 1" tweeter and 3.5" woofer.
• Multi-Room Audio: Supports AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth for seamless pairing with other speakers.
• Streaming Services: Compatible with Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, and more.
• Smart Voice Control: Alexa built-in for hands-free control; basic Google Assistant support.
• Flexible Use: Compact size works in any room or as part of a 5.1 surround setup.

We tested the Denon Home 150 in various settings—from solo use in the kitchen to a stereo pair in a home cinema setup—and its performance stayed consistently strong. The sound is punchy and full, with vocals that remain crisp even at high volume.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections were reliable, and streaming through AirPlay 2 was quick and smooth. While the HEOS app isn’t our favourite, it offers enough functionality to manage presets, sources, and room grouping. Alexa integration is excellent, but support for other assistants is limited.

Despite that, the speaker impressed us with its clean design and solid build.

It’s easy to set up, versatile, and sounds fantastic for its size. If you’re after a compact speaker that doesn’t compromise on quality and fits neatly into a wider smart home system, the Denon Home 150 is well worth considering.

Budget Pick

Echo Dot (Newest gen) | Big vibrant sound Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart speaker with Alexa

The Echo Dot (newest generation) is our top budget smart speaker pick for a smart speaker. It’s compact, surprisingly powerful, and integrates effortlessly into any smart home. With improved audio, Alexa voice support, and a sustainability-focused design, it offers reliable performance at a great price.

Key Features

• Improved Sound: Enhanced audio with clearer vocals and deeper bass for a fuller listening experience.
• Smart Controls: Control compatible devices, routines, and daily tasks using only your voice.
• Compact Design: Sleek, space-saving shape fits easily into bedrooms, kitchens, and offices.
• Wi-Fi Extender Built-in: Doubles as a Wi-Fi booster with compatible eero systems.
• Privacy First: Includes a mic-off button and layered privacy features.
• Eco-Friendly Build: Made with recycled materials and sustainable packaging.

We tested the Echo Dot across a range of environments and functions. Setup was quick, and within minutes we were streaming music, managing timers, and adjusting smart lights by voice alone. The sound quality is excellent for its size, easily filling a room with clear, rich audio.

It handled smart home routines effortlessly and integrated with other Echo and Fire TV devices without issue. We particularly liked the added temperature sensor for automating home routines. The mic was responsive even with background noise, and the physical privacy switch offered extra reassurance.

Its sustainability credentials are another plus—Amazon’s use of post-consumer materials and recyclable packaging aligns with eco-conscious values. While it won’t match premium speakers for audio depth, it punches well above its price point.

For anyone looking to enter the smart home space affordably, the Echo Dot is a smart, reliable choice.

Best Sound Quality Pick

Sonos Era 100 | Smart Speaker with WiFi, Bluetooth, compatible with Amazon Alexa

The Sonos Era 100 delivers outstanding audio quality in a compact, elegant design. We tested it across several rooms, and its sound consistently impressed—rich, balanced, and powerful.

With next-gen acoustics and seamless smart features, it’s our top choice for anyone prioritising sound in a smart speaker.

Key Features

• Rich Stereo Sound: Dual tweeters and a larger midwoofer create clear stereo separation and deep bass.
• Room Tuning: Trueplay tech adapts sound to your room with a single tap via the Sonos app.
• Smart Streaming: Compatible with WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and line-in audio.
• Next-Gen Performance: A 47% faster processor improves responsiveness and playback quality.
• Alexa Integration: Voice commands now work reliably for music and smart home control.

We recently tested the Sonos Era 100 and were immediately impressed by how well it filled different spaces with crisp, immersive sound. The dual tweeters gave music an open feel, while the upgraded midwoofer added depth without overpowering.

Setup was fast—within minutes, we had it tuned to the room and streaming.

Streaming was smooth across platforms, and switching between WiFi and Bluetooth was seamless. The Sonos app, while slightly laggy at first, stabilised after a few minutes. We appreciated the ability to tweak EQ settings, especially in smaller rooms, where bass needed some adjustment.

Alexa worked flawlessly after the latest update, letting us control lights, playlists, and more by voice. Though it lacks Google Assistant, the Sonos voice assistant handled basic tasks well. The compact, premium design looks great in any room, and we found its versatility hard to beat.

A truly excellent speaker for audiophiles.

Best Value For Money Pick

Echo Spot (2024 release), Smart alarm clock with vibrant sound + Alexa

The Echo Spot (2024) is a smart alarm clock and speaker that blends function, design, and Alexa smarts in a compact unit. We found it delivers excellent value—perfect for bedside tables, worktops, or any space where sound, smart features, and a glanceable display are useful.

Key Features

• Big, vibrant sound: Deep bass and crisp vocals make it ideal for music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
• Smart alarm clock: Wake up to music, routines, or gradual light.
• Customisable display: Choose clock faces and colours, view time, weather, and more.
• Compact, modern design: Fits any room without clutter.
• Smart home control: Use voice or touch to control lights, plugs, and more.
• Privacy-focused: Mic off button and voice recording control.
• Easy to use: Responsive touchscreen, intuitive Alexa integration.

We spent a few weeks using the Echo speaker and it quickly became a daily essential. The sound surprised us—clear and full for such a small device—while the smart display was sharp and easy to customise. Being able to set alarms, timers, and control lights from bed made mornings smoother.

Its compact design blends in neatly with any room, and it looks especially good on a nightstand. We appreciated the dimmable screen at night and how Alexa routines gently woke us with music and soft lighting.

It’s also handy for checking the weather, setting reminders, or getting news in a glance or with a quick voice command. We wouldn’t recommend it for heavy music listening, but for everything else, it offers excellent performance at a very reasonable price.

For anyone wanting a smart alarm clock that does more than just tell the time, the Echo Spot stands out.

One To Avoid

Denon Home 250 Wireless Smart Speaker, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Assistant

We tested the Denon Home 250 Wireless Smart Speaker and, despite a few positives, this is one we’d strongly suggest avoiding. Yes, the sound profile has its moments — the dual tweeters deliver crisp highs and the bass is punchy thanks to the dedicated woofers and passive cone.

And the integration with Alexa adds a layer of convenience (when it works). But those strengths are quickly overshadowed. The Bluetooth performance was among the worst we’ve experienced in a premium speaker.

It dropped out frequently, forcing us to rely on a wired AUX connection — a throwback that shouldn’t be necessary in 2025. Wi-Fi stability wasn’t much better, especially at a distance from the router. The HEOS app, which controls much of the speaker’s functionality, felt outdated and frustrating to navigate.

Setting everything up took far too long and required more technical knowledge than most users will have (or want to need). Even the sound, for all its hardware, failed to impress consistently. Vocals often sounded muffled and less detailed than older, cheaper Denon units.

Multiroom audio worked, but not reliably. At this price, we expected a seamless, high-quality experience — instead, we got one of the most disappointing speakers we’ve ever tested. Avoid it.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Smart Speakers on the Market

Choosing the best smart speaker goes far beyond just playing your favourite playlist. To uncover which models truly stand out, we explored every key aspect that matters to daily use—from audio quality to smart home integration. Here’s how we tested and what we looked for:

Sound Quality Testing

Sound is the foundation of any good speaker, so we paid close attention to how each one performed across a range of musical genres and room sizes. We listened for vocal clarity, the richness of the bass, and how well the treble, mids, and lows balanced together.

Each speaker was played at various volumes to assess whether it could fill a room without distortion. We also tested placement, comparing sound performance in small spaces, open-plan rooms, and near walls to see how adaptable the speaker was acoustically.

Smart Assistant Responsiveness

Next, we evaluated how effectively each smart speaker could listen and respond. We checked how well they picked up voice commands from across the room—even with background noise or multiple voices.

Wake word sensitivity was a key part of this, as was the speed and accuracy with which the speakers executed basic tasks like setting timers, playing music, or turning off lights. We also looked at how well they handled accents and varying speech patterns to gauge everyday usability.

Connectivity and Streaming

A smart speaker’s connectivity is vital to its reliability. We tested Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance over extended sessions, watching for any signal drops or lag. Multi-room audio syncing was also explored by pairing compatible speakers together to check for seamless playback.

We made sure each model worked smoothly with major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music to ensure flexibility in daily use.

Design and Build Quality

Since these speakers often live on shelves or counters, we judged their design just as much as their functionality. We assessed whether each speaker felt well-made, used quality materials, and had controls that were responsive and intuitively placed.

Portability was also considered—especially for speakers with built-in batteries. We looked at how easily they could be moved between rooms and how well they fit visually within different home environments.

App and Setup Experience

Setup should be simple, and ongoing use shouldn’t require constant tinkering. We evaluated the setup process on both Android and iOS devices to make sure it was quick and straightforward.

Once up and running, we explored each brand’s companion app to see how easy it was to change settings, create groups, adjust EQ, or trigger automation. We also checked for regular firmware updates and how smoothly they were delivered.

Smart Home Integration

One of the most appealing parts of a smart speaker is its ability to act as a smart home hub. We tested compatibility with a range of devices like smart lights, plugs, and thermostats.

We created routines and automation scenes—for instance, activating a “Good Morning” or “Movie Time” mode—to evaluate ease of use and reliability. Integration with broader ecosystems was noted too, including whether speakers could control products outside their native platform.

Privacy and Security

Given that these devices are always listening, privacy matters. We checked for physical microphone mute switches and confirmed whether they actually disabled listening functions.

We explored how easy it was to review or delete stored voice recordings and whether user permissions could be adjusted for shared households. Speakers with more transparent or accessible privacy settings scored higher in our evaluation.

Battery Life (For Portable Smart Speaker Models)

For speakers designed to move with you, battery performance is crucial. We timed how long the battery lasted during consistent playback at moderate volume and tracked how quickly it recharged when plugged in.

We also noted whether speakers had any power-saving modes that helped extend usage without affecting performance.

Overall Value for Money

Finally, we looked at the big picture. We considered how much each speaker offered for its price—factoring in sound quality, smart features, build, and ease of use. We compared each model to similarly priced competitors to see if it was punching above its weight or falling short.

Warranty support and brand reputation were also considered when deciding whether a speaker truly delivered on value.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Speaker and Smart Speaker?

The difference between a speaker and a smart speaker lies in built-in intelligence. A regular speaker simply plays audio from connected devices.

Most smart speakers, on the other hand, includes built-in voice assistant capabilities, allowing it to answer questions, control smart home devices, and perform tasks via voice commands.

Are Smart Speakers Listening All the Time?

Yes, smart speakers are technically listening all the time, but only for their wake word. They continuously monitor for specific trigger phrases (like “Hey Alexa” or “Hey Google”), and only start recording and transmitting audio after hearing it.

Most models include physical mute options for added privacy.

What Do You Need to Set Up a Smart Speaker?

To set up a smart speaker, you typically need a stable Wi-Fi connection, a compatible smartphone or tablet, and the manufacturer’s companion app. Once powered on, the speaker guides you through setup via the app, where you connect it to Wi-Fi, sign in, and customise features.

What Is Difference Between a Smart Speaker and Wireless Speaker?

The difference between a smart speaker and wireless speaker is functionality. A wireless speaker focuses on audio playback over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

A smart speaker does that too, but also includes voice assistants, home automation control, and internet-based features like news, weather, and reminders.

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Final Word

We hope you found our best smart speaker guide helpful in narrowing down the right choice for your home. With so many excellent models out there, it’s not easy to choose—but for us, the JBL Authentics 300 stands out as the top pick.

It combines rich audio, stylish design, and portable convenience in a way that few others do. Whether you're after immersive music, seamless voice control, or easy streaming, it ticks all the boxes. Of course, the Denon Home 150 and Echo Dot also offer great value, depending on your setup and budget.

But not every speaker made the cut—the Denon Home 250, unfortunately, fell short in reliability and ease of use. Unstable Bluetooth, frustrating app controls, and inconsistent sound performance were too much to overlook.

So, what did you think of our premium smart speaker roundup? Ready to upgrade your setup, or still weighing the options? Let us know—we’d love to hear from you!