10 Best Smart Speakers 2026 in the United States

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.

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 Sonos Move 2 is a versatile smart speaker that offers impressive audio quality and various features suited for both indoor and outdoor use. Its main strengths lie in its sound quality, with a new acoustic architecture that includes two tweeters for higher-fidelity stereo sound and dynamic bass, making music feel as vibrant as a live performance. The automatic Trueplay tuning feature ensures that the sound is optimized for its surroundings, enhancing the listening experience regardless of where you are.

With up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, the Move 2 also boasts excellent portability, aided by its built-in handle and durable, shock-absorbent materials that protect it from drops, spills, and dust. The speaker's IP56 rating means it can handle rain and dirt, although it is not waterproof, so full submersion should be avoided. Connectivity options are robust, featuring Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Airplay, and NFC, ensuring seamless integration with various devices and smart home systems.

The design is sleek and modern, with a white polycarbonate build that fits well in any setting. However, at 6.61 pounds, it is relatively heavy for a portable speaker, which might limit its convenience for some users. Additionally, while the speaker includes a charging dock with a detachable power cable, charging on the go requires a USB-PD power supply, which may not be as convenient for all users. The Sonos Move 2 is well-suited for those looking for a high-quality, durable smart speaker with excellent sound and ample connectivity options for versatile use in different environments.