10 Best Smart Speakers 2025 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 Amazon Echo Show 5 is a compact smart speaker that stands out for its integrated display and enhanced sound quality. With a 5.5-inch screen, it not only allows users to listen to music and podcasts but also view news, control smart home devices, and make video calls, making it a versatile addition to any home. The sound quality is notably improved with richer bass and clearer vocals, enhancing the listening experience, especially for music lovers and those who enjoy streaming shows.

One of its key strengths is smart home compatibility, as it seamlessly integrates with a variety of smart devices, enabling users to manage lights, thermostats, and more from one central hub. The built-in camera facilitates video calling, which is perfect for keeping in touch with family and friends. Additionally, its privacy features, including a camera shutter and mic controls, will give users peace of mind regarding their personal data.

The device does have some limitations. While the sound is impressive for its size, audiophiles with higher expectations might find it lacking compared to larger, dedicated speakers. The 5.5-inch screen, while useful, may feel small for those looking to watch videos or view details in high resolution. Furthermore, the camera and microphone functionalities, while beneficial, may not appeal to everyone due to privacy concerns. In terms of design, the Echo Show 5 is sleek and modern, fitting easily into various spaces without taking up too much room. However, it relies heavily on a WiFi connection for full functionality, which could be a hurdle for users with a weak internet signal. For those looking for a smart speaker that is not just about music but also offers a visual interface and smart home control, the Echo Show 5 is a solid choice, especially in the growing smart home environment.

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.