10 Best Wifi Enabled Speakers 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a compact wifi-enabled speaker with a 5.5” display that offers a variety of features suitable for smart home integration. It excels in sound quality for its size, with improved bass and clearer vocals, making it a good choice for streaming music, podcasts, and shows. The small display also provides a convenient way to view information like news, weather, and incoming calls at a glance, adding a visual element to the audio experience. Connectivity options include dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth, ensuring seamless integration with other devices in your home.

Additionally, it supports a variety of smart home devices through WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, and Matter, enhancing its versatility in a connected home environment. The multi-room capability allows you to control and stream to other Echo devices across your home, and the built-in Alexa voice assistant enables hands-free operation and voice commands. The device includes a 2 MP camera for video calls and home monitoring, although the camera's resolution is modest. Portability is somewhat limited by the need for a constant power supply, but the compact size makes it easy to move around within a home.

The design is modern and the build quality is robust, with an emphasis on sustainability through the use of recycled materials. The accompanying app offers extensive software support, enhancing usability with features like photo display and accessibility options. On the downside, the small screen may not be ideal for watching videos for extended periods, and the camera's resolution might not satisfy users looking for high-quality video calls. Furthermore, its need for a stable WiFi connection and power supply limits its flexibility compared to truly portable speakers. In summary, the Echo Show 5 is well-suited for users looking for a compact, multifunctional device that combines a smart speaker with a visual display, especially those invested in Amazon's ecosystem.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a versatile wifi-enabled speaker that excels in several key areas. One of its standout features is sound quality, enhanced by spatial audio technology that creates an immersive listening experience, making it suitable for music streaming and video playback. The 8-inch HD touchscreen adds a visual element, allowing you to enjoy content from platforms like Prime Video and Netflix, alongside its robust sound capabilities. With its 13 MP camera, video calls are clear and engaging, benefiting from noise reduction and auto-framing features for a more natural conversation experience.

When it comes to connectivity, the Echo Show 8 shines as it functions as a smart home hub, supporting various protocols like Zigbee and Matter, which can simplify controlling compatible devices. The inclusion of Bluetooth and dual-band WiFi ensures stable connections, but note that it doesn't support ad-hoc networks. Portability is somewhat limited due to its size and weight, making it better suited for stationary use at home rather than taking it on the go.

The design is sleek and modern, with an emphasis on sustainability thanks to the use of recycled materials. Privacy features are also commendable, offering multiple controls to manage microphone and camera use effectively, which is a significant concern for many users today. A few drawbacks exist, such as the reliance on specific subscription services for music, which can be a limitation. Additionally, while it integrates well with smart home devices, users must ensure that their existing devices are compatible with the various protocols supported.

The Amazon Echo Dot (newest model) stands out as a solid choice for a WiFi-enabled speaker. Its primary strength is its improved audio experience, providing clearer vocals and deeper bass, making it suitable for listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts in various rooms like bedrooms, dining rooms, and offices. The Echo Dot supports multiple streaming services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify, in addition to Bluetooth connectivity, offering versatile listening options.

Voice assistant integration with Alexa is another highlight, allowing users to control smart home devices, get weather updates, and set timers hands-free. The built-in motion and temperature sensors add functionality for home automation routines. Privacy features include a microphone off button and the ability to manage voice recordings, which may appeal to users concerned about data security. Design-wise, the compact and sleek charcoal appearance ensures it fits neatly in any room.

However, it may not be the best option for users seeking a speaker with high portability, as it needs to be plugged in. Also, while the Echo Dot supports multi-room audio with other Echo devices, it requires an Amazon ecosystem for full functionality. The device includes app and software support through the Alexa app, which is user-friendly and accessible across multiple platforms. The guaranteed software security updates for at least four years ensure longevity. The Echo Dot is ideal for users who want a stationary WiFi-enabled speaker with great sound quality, smart home integration, and privacy features.