10 Best Smart Speakers 2026 in the United States

The Amazon Echo Spot is a compact smart speaker designed especially for nightstands, offices, or kitchens, with a built-in Alexa voice assistant that understands English and Spanish. Its standout feature is the customizable 2.83-inch touchscreen, which shows time, weather, song info, and offers easy control of smart home devices. You can personalize clock faces and colors, making it a handy bedside smart alarm clock with routines like waking you gently with music and light. Sound quality is surprisingly rich for its small size, providing clear vocals and decent bass from its 1.73-inch speaker. While it doesn’t have a camera, it includes a microphone with privacy controls like a mute button, so you can feel secure.

Connectivity supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for streaming audio and connecting to other speakers, and compatibility with smart home protocols including Matter, making it versatile for controlling lights, thermostats, and more. The Echo Spot’s design is compact and lightweight, fitting well on small surfaces without being intrusive. Additional features include adaptive accessibility options, regular software security updates, and sustainability efforts using recycled materials.

The small speaker size means sound won’t be as powerful or full-bodied as larger smart speakers, so it’s better suited for personal use rather than filling a large room with music. Its screen resolution is modest, so visuals aren’t very sharp compared to bigger displays. Also, while Alexa offers many skills, some require subscriptions or extra fees. The Echo Spot is a strong choice if you want a smart speaker with a screen that fits neatly by your bed or desk, offers solid voice assistant functions, smart home control, and privacy features, but don’t expect booming sound or high-res video.

The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker is a robust option in the smart speakers category, particularly for those seeking a high-quality portable audio solution. The speaker excels in sound quality, boasting deep bass and rich sound that is sure to enhance any gathering. Its IP67 rating for waterproof and dustproof capabilities makes it a reliable choice for outdoor activities like beach outings, camping trips, and picnics.

Additionally, the 20-hour battery life ensures prolonged playtime, and its USB-C port allows for convenient charging of other devices on the go. Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth technology, and the built-in 3.5mm AUX input provides versatility for wired connections. The speaker can be easily managed through the Bose app, which offers customizable EQ settings to personalize the listening experience. However, it lacks a built-in voice assistant, which is a notable omission for a smart speaker. This means users will need to use their smartphones or tablets for voice control.

In terms of design, the speaker is modern and minimalist with a handy removable climbing rope handle for portability. Weighing nearly 5 pounds, it may be a bit cumbersome for some users to carry around frequently. Despite its weight, the Bose SoundLink Max stands out with its rugged build quality and functionality, making it a great choice for those who prioritize sound performance and durability over integrated smart features.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is a compact smart speaker with a 5.5-inch touchscreen that adds a visual layer to Alexa’s voice assistant capabilities. It’s great if you want to see weather updates, news, video calls, or control smart home devices with ease. Its sound has improved with deeper bass and clearer vocals compared to earlier models, so it’s good for casual music listening or podcasts in small to medium rooms, though it won’t deliver powerful audio like bigger speakers. The two built-in microphones pick up your voice quite well, even when music is playing, which helps Alexa respond accurately.

Smart home integration is strong, supporting WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, and the newer Matter standard, so it can connect with many kinds of smart devices like lights and thermostats. The device also supports Amazon Sidewalk, which helps maintain connectivity in tricky WiFi spots but can be turned off if privacy is a concern. Speaking of privacy, the Echo Show 5 includes multiple controls such as a microphone/camera off button and a camera shutter, plus options to review and delete your voice recordings, adding peace of mind.

Connectivity includes dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth for streaming audio or connecting to Bluetooth speakers. The compact design with recycled materials makes it a smart choice if you want something that fits neatly on a nightstand or kitchen counter without taking much space. While the small 2 MP camera is fine for basic video calls, it won’t offer high-quality images. The screen size is also limited compared to larger Echo Show models, so if you want a bigger display for watching videos or detailed controls, this might feel a bit cramped. This device suits users looking for a privacy-conscious, space-saving smart speaker with added visual features and solid smart home control. It blends good sound, convenient hands-free voice assistance, and helpful accessibility features, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.