10 Best Smart Speakers 2025 in the United States

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.

The Sonos Era 300 is a wireless smart speaker designed to deliver an immersive listening experience with its advanced Dolby Atmos support and six strategically placed drivers that create spacious, multi-directional sound. This makes it a strong choice if you value high-quality, room-filling audio for music or movies. It supports Alexa and Sonos’s own voice control, allowing hands-free operation with an emphasis on privacy. The microphone setup is good for voice commands, although the speaker is best used in quieter environments to ensure responsiveness.

Connectivity options include WiFi streaming, Bluetooth pairing, and a line-in adapter for connecting external audio devices like turntables, which adds to its versatility. For smart home integration, it works well within ecosystems that support Alexa and AirPlay, and it can be paired with other Sonos speakers for multi-room setups or surround sound with compatible Sonos soundbars, enhancing its appeal for home theater enthusiasts. The design is modern and compact enough for tabletop use, but at nearly 10 pounds, it’s not very portable. It lacks water resistance, so it’s best kept indoors.

Additional features like regular software updates, access to Sonos Radio, and high-resolution audio support add value without complicating use. The product comes at a premium price, and if you don't need Dolby Atmos or multi-room features, simpler smart speakers might offer better value. The Sonos Era 300 is best suited for users who want premium sound quality combined with smart features and are invested in a versatile home audio system.

The Amazon Echo Dot Max is designed to deliver powerful, room-filling sound that adapts to your space, making it an excellent choice for those who want richer audio than the smaller Echo Dot models provide. Its bass is nearly three times stronger, offering deep tones and clear playback for music lovers. The built-in smart home hub supports popular protocols like Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, allowing you to control compatible lights, locks, and other smart devices without needing extra hubs. Alexa+ Early Access offers a more conversational and proactive voice assistant experience, helpful for daily tasks, reminders, and entertainment. Microphone quality is enhanced with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a physical microphone off button, which is reassuring for privacy-conscious users.

Connectivity options are robust, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, plus integration with Amazon's eero mesh Wi-Fi system to improve coverage and reduce buffering. The device supports pairing with other Echo speakers and Fire TV devices to build multi-room audio or home theater setups. In terms of design, the Echo Dot Max is slightly larger than typical Echo Dots, but still compact enough to fit comfortably in most rooms. It also features sensors for presence and temperature detection, enabling smart routines triggered by your environment. Its audio output is two-way mono rather than true stereo, which might be a downside for audiophiles seeking full stereo separation.

This smart speaker is well suited for users who want superior sound quality, solid smart home control, and enhanced Alexa features, but it could be more than necessary for those seeking a simple, basic voice assistant device.