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Best Smart Speakers for 2025

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best smart speakers for every need
Published: Invalid date
Last Updated: February 12th, 2025

🔊Smart speakers are becoming a staple in modern homes. They play music, control other smart devices, and assist with daily tasks using just your voice. But with so many options out there, picking the right one can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Don't worry—we’ve got you covered.

We’ve sifted through tons of expert reviews and user feedback to bring you the best smart speakers for 2024. Whether you need something for great sound, smart home integration, or staying within your budget, we’ve found a top pick for you.

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Overall Best: Sonos Era 100

Sonos Era 100 - Black - Wireless, Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker Black 1-Speaker

The Sonos Era 100 is our top pick for 2024—and for good reason. This compact speaker delivers exceptional audio quality, featuring newly enhanced tweeters and a 25% larger woofer that brings better bass and stereo sound. One standout feature is its built-in room tuning technology, which adjusts audio output to perfectly fit your space. Versatile connectivity options include support for Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, making it adaptable to various smart home systems. It also excels in multiroom audio and is compatible with nearly every streaming app available. At $249, it includes a user-friendly interface with a large volume slider and a microphone mute switch for added privacy. According to our research, users appreciate its seamless integration and stellar sound, making it a top-tier choice for any home.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$249.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sonos Era 100 Black? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are common issues with the Sonos Era 100?
The Sonos Era 100 is a popular speaker known for its great sound and easy integration with other Sonos gear. But like any device, it has a few common hiccups to watch out for. Here's the scoop from our research on some typical issues people run into with the Era 100, especially if you're planning to hook it up to a turntable or other external audio sources. ### Turntable Connection If you're thinking about connecting your turntable to the Sonos Era 100, it's good to know that you'll need a [Sonos Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for this. This adapter plugs into the speaker's USB-C port and lets you use a 3.5 mm auxiliary cable. The catch? This adapter usually doesn't come in the box and costs around $19.99, so you’ll have to grab one separately. It's a bit annoying if you were expecting a complete package. ### Adapter Quality and Compatibility Our research shows that the [Sonos Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) does its job well overall, but having to buy it separately has frustrated some folks. The good news is, once you have it, it seems like most people have no issues getting their turntables to work flawlessly with the Era 100. ### Sound Quality Issues For the most part, the Era 100 delivers outstanding audio, but a few folks have noticed that the sound quality can vary when switching between streaming services and local audio. This might mean tweaking some settings or updating the Sonos app to keep everything sounding top-notch. ### Wireless Connectivity Wireless connectivity can be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes. While the speaker does support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, some people have reported occasional drops, especially if there are a lot of wireless devices around. Usually, resetting the speaker or updating its firmware clears this up, but it's worth keeping in mind if your home network is crowded. ### Overall Thoughts All in all, the Sonos Era 100 is a fantastic speaker, but be prepared to get a separate [Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) if you're using a turntable. Also, you might face some minor sound quality and connectivity issues. Even with these quirks, the Era 100 is a solid choice for anyone wanting to level up their sound setup within the Sonos ecosystem.
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Does the Sonos Era 100 support voice assistants?
Yeah, the Sonos Era 100 does support voice assistants, specifically [Amazon Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Damazon%2Balexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and Sonos Voice Control, as the manufacturer describes. However, it doesn't support [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bassistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) right now. This is apparently due to ongoing legal issues between Google and Sonos. So, if Google Assistant is a must for you, you might want to check out other options. But with Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, you can still do a lot—like play music, check the news, and control smart home devices hands-free. If Google Assistant is super important to your setup, maybe look into older Sonos models like the [Sonos One](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which do support Google Assistant. Overall, the Sonos Era 100 is pretty solid in terms of sound quality and connectivity. It might just come up short if you're all-in on Google Assistant. According to our research, many people find Alexa and Sonos Voice Control pretty handy and easy to use, so it still packs a punch even without Google Assistant.
🔊
How easy is it to set up the Sonos Era 100?
Setting up the Sonos Era 100 is generally pretty easy, but there are a few things you might want to know to make the process smoother. The manufacturer mentions that it comes with a USB-C port that supports line-in via an adapter, which opens up options like connecting a turntable or CD player. Just a heads-up, though: the [Sonos USB-C Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is sold separately, so you'll need to get that if you want to use the Aux input feature. Keep that extra cost in mind. Once you have the adapter, setting things up is straightforward. You'll plug the adapter into the USB-C port on the speaker and then connect your audio source with a 3.5mm auxiliary cable. However, according to our research, there might be a slight delay when using the adapter, which could mess with audio/video sync, especially if you're connecting to something like a [MacBook Pro](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmacbook%2Bpro%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It's something to be aware of if timing is super important for what you’re doing. Overall, the Sonos app makes the entire setup pretty user-friendly. You can handle all your settings and configurations through the app, which helps seamlessly integrate your devices into the Sonos ecosystem. Plus, the app offers guidance and tips if you run into any issues. The speaker also has Trueplay technology, which tunes the sound to your room for the best audio experience. So, while the extra adapter might be a bit of a hassle and can cause a minor delay, the overall setup process for the Sonos Era 100 is pretty simple. Whether you're tech-savvy or just want to plug and play, everything should be easy enough to get up and running—just be ready for that extra purchase if you need the Aux input.
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🥈
Runner-up: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Amazon Echo (4th Gen) | With premium sound, smart home hub, and Alexa | Charcoal Charcoal Echo

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) earns our runner-up spot thanks to its excellent balance of sound quality and smart home capabilities. This speaker features an improved 360-degree audio design, providing clearer highs and deeper bass. Its modern ball shape blends effortlessly into any room decor. One of its key advantages is the built-in Zigbee hub, which allows you to directly control compatible smart home devices. Priced at approximately $99, it offers the full suite of Alexa features, making it a versatile and cost-effective option for most households. Multiroom audio compatibility and convenient controls like a microphone mute button further enhance its appeal. Our research indicates that users love its comprehensive functionality and superior audio performance, solidifying its position as a strong runner-up.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$64.99 at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Charcoal

For those looking to save without sacrificing essential features, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is our budget pick. Despite its compact size and affordable price of around $50, this smart speaker doesn’t skimp on capabilities. It supports all standard Alexa functions, from voice-controlled smart home management to music streaming and answering questions. The Echo Dot's updated design and improved speaker performance deliver surprisingly good sound quality, making it perfect for smaller spaces like bedrooms or kitchens. Our research shows that users are impressed by its value for money and effective smart functionalities, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Lowest at Amazon
$49.99 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$29.99 at Lowe's

More Answers

Still curious about the Echo Dot (5th Gen)? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

Why is my Echo Dot having trouble scanning the QR code during setup?
Ugh, the QR code setup can be so finicky\! You're definitely not alone in having trouble with this—it's honestly one of the most common complaints people have about setting up the newer [Echo Dots](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B8V1LZ3?tag=shopsavvy-20). The good news is that it's usually something simple causing the problem. ## What's Usually Going Wrong ### The Lighting Is Being Weird Nine times out of ten, it's a lighting issue: - **Too dark:** Your phone camera can't focus properly - **Too bright:** Glare bounces off the Echo Dot and confuses the camera - **Mixed lighting:** Like having a window and fluorescent lights—your camera gets confused about what's what ### The Camera Can't Focus This happens more than you'd think: - Your phone lens might have fingerprints on it (happens to the best of us) - You're holding the phone too close or too far away - Your camera is hunting for focus and never quite gets there ### App Gremlins Sometimes the Alexa app just needs a kick in the pants: - Old cached data is messing things up - The app needs an update - Something's running in the background hogging the camera ## Quick Fixes That Actually Work ### Fix Your Lighting - Move to a room with good, even lighting (kitchen counters are usually perfect) - Turn on some lamps if it's dim - If it's super bright outside, move away from windows - Try holding your hand above the Echo Dot to block harsh overhead light ### Get Your Camera Game Right - Clean your [camera lens with a microfiber cloth](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=microfiber+cleaning+cloth&tag=shopsavvy-20) - Hold your phone about 8-10 inches away from the QR code - Keep your hand steady for a few seconds (don't move around) - Make sure the QR code takes up about half of your camera screen ### Give the App Some Love - Close the Alexa app completely and restart it - Make sure the app is updated (check your app store) - On Android, you can clear the app's cache in Settings > Apps > Alexa ## When QR Code Just Won't Work Don't panic\! You can totally skip the whole QR code thing: 1. **Go Manual:** There's usually a "set up manually" option in the app 2. **Use the Web:** Go to alexa.amazon.com and set it up there instead 3. **Try a Different Phone:** Sometimes a friend's phone will work when yours won't ## The Nuclear Option If nothing's working and you're getting frustrated: 1. **Factory reset the Echo Dot:** Hold down the volume down and mic mute buttons for 20 seconds 2. **Start completely fresh:** Sometimes the device itself gets confused ## Real Talk Amazon's QR code setup is supposed to make things easier, but when it doesn't work, it's actually more annoying than the old method. The manual setup works just fine and honestly isn't that much more complicated—you just type in your Wi-Fi password like you would with any other device. Don't let a stubborn QR code ruin your day\! Skip it and get your [Echo Dot](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B8V1LZ3?tag=shopsavvy-20) working the old-fashioned way. Once it's set up, you'll forget all about the setup drama anyway.
Does the Echo Dot 5th gen have a 3.5mm audio output port?
Nope, no 3.5mm port on the [Echo Dot 5th generation](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B8V1LZ3?tag=shopsavvy-20), and honestly, this is probably the biggest bummer about the newer models. If you're coming from an older Dot where you could just plug in your favorite speakers, this change is going to sting a bit. ## When Did This Happen? Amazon started removing the 3.5mm port with the 4th generation back in 2020, and they kept it gone for the 5th gen. So if you have a 3rd generation or older, you got lucky with that port\! **Had the port:** 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Echo Dots **Don't have the port:** 4th and 5th generation Echo Dots ## Why Did Amazon Do This? Look, I get why they did it, even if I don't love it: - **Saves money** on manufacturing (every little component adds up) - **Makes it smaller** and easier to design - **Pushes you toward wireless** (which, let's be honest, most people use anyway) - **Fewer things to break** (those ports do wear out over time) But still... sometimes you just want to plug something in\! ## Your Options Now ### Go Bluetooth (The Obvious Choice) Most people end up using [Bluetooth speakers](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bluetooth+speakers&tag=shopsavvy-20) anyway, and it works pretty well: - Pairs easily with most speakers and headphones - No cables to deal with - You can move your phone around without unplugging anything - Quality is fine for most people (not audiophile level, but totally decent) ### Get Creative With What You Have If you already have speakers you love: - **[Bluetooth adapter](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bluetooth+audio+adapter&tag=shopsavvy-20):** Plug one of these into your old speakers and boom, they're wireless - **Keep your old Dot:** Use your 3rd gen specifically for your wired speakers - **Upgrade your speakers:** Time to finally get those [Bluetooth speakers](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=powered+bluetooth+speakers&tag=shopsavvy-20) you've been eyeing ### Amazon's Other Options If wired audio is really important to you: - **[Echo Studio](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9Y3ZMC?tag=shopsavvy-20)** has better audio and more connection options - **[Regular Echo](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XKF5RM3?tag=shopsavvy-20)** (the bigger one) has better built-in sound - **[Echo Show](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=echo+show&tag=shopsavvy-20)** devices often have better audio capabilities ## The Real Talk Is it annoying? Yeah, especially if you had a perfect setup with your 3rd gen Dot. But most people adapt pretty quickly. Bluetooth has gotten really good, and the convenience of wireless usually wins out. If you're super attached to your wired speakers, you might want to hunt down a [3rd generation Echo Dot](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=echo+dot+3rd+generation&tag=shopsavvy-20) while they're still available, or just bite the bullet and get a [Bluetooth adapter](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bluetooth+receiver+adapter&tag=shopsavvy-20) for your existing speakers. The [Echo Dot 5th generation](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B8V1LZ3?tag=shopsavvy-20) is a great device, but Amazon definitely made this decision with wireless users in mind.
What are the sound quality improvements in the 5th generation compared to previous models?
Amazon really stepped up their game with the [Echo Dot 5th generation](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B8V1LZ3?tag=shopsavvy-20)'s sound quality\! If you've been using an older Dot and wondering if the upgrade is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes. ## What Actually Changed **The Speaker Got Bigger** Amazon managed to fit a larger driver into the same compact size, and wow, what a difference it makes. We're talking about roughly double the volume output compared to the 4th generation, and that's before you even get into the quality improvements. **Smarter Audio Processing** They completely rewrote the software that handles audio processing. Think of it like getting a better DJ who knows exactly how to make your music sound good through this particular speaker. ## How It Really Sounds ### Coming from the 4th Generation? You'll immediately notice the difference. The bass actually has some presence now (not subwoofer level, but way better), and Alexa's voice sounds so much clearer. Plus, you can actually turn it up loud enough to hear across the room without it sounding terrible. ### Upgrading from 3rd Gen or Older? This is like going from a transistor radio to a [decent Bluetooth speaker](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bluetooth+speakers&tag=shopsavvy-20). The improvement is honestly impressive for such a small device. ## What It's Actually Good For **Perfect for:** - Having Alexa conversations from across the room - Listening to podcasts while you're cooking - Background music that doesn't need to be perfect - Voice calls with family (surprisingly clear\!) **Pretty good for:** - Casual music listening in your bedroom or office - Streaming your favorite radio stations - Audiobooks (great voice clarity) **Still not great for:** - Pumping bass-heavy music (it's still tiny\!) - Filling large rooms with sound - Critical listening if you're picky about audio ## The Real Talk Look, it's still an [Echo Dot](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B8V1LZ3?tag=shopsavvy-20)—it's not going to replace your [soundbar](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=soundbar&tag=shopsavvy-20) or [bookshelf speakers](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bookshelf+speakers&tag=shopsavvy-20). But for what it is (a compact smart assistant that also plays music), Amazon finally made one that doesn't sound like it's coming through a tin can. If you're using it mainly for smart home control and the occasional podcast, you're going to love the upgrade. And if music is important to you but you're tight on space, this little guy will actually surprise you with how decent it sounds now. The biggest win? You can finally have a conversation with Alexa without having to stand right next to it or shout across the room\!
View All Answers for

Best for Apple Ecosystem: Apple HomePod Mini

For those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple HomePod Mini is the ideal smart speaker. Priced at around $99, it pairs seamlessly with Apple Music and HomeKit, offering impressive sound quality despite its small size. The HomePod Mini boasts excellent vocal clarity and balanced bass, elevating your audio experience. As a hub for smart home automation, it allows you to control compatible devices effortlessly using Siri. Users appreciate its integration with Apple’s ecosystem and the high-quality sound it delivers. This compact powerhouse is perfect for Apple aficionados looking for seamless smart home management.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best Portable Smart Speaker: Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam - Black - Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker Single Black

If portability is your priority, the Sonos Roam is a fantastic choice. This petite speaker, priced at $179, delivers exceptional sound quality and supports wireless charging. It's compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, providing versatile voice control options. The Roam offers up to 10 hours of battery life and can effortlessly switch between Wi-Fi at home and Bluetooth on the go. Its IP67 rating for water and dust resistance ensures it can handle outdoor conditions, making it an excellent companion for trips and outdoor activities. Users appreciate its durability, portability, and robust audio performance, making it a reliable choice for those who are always on the move.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$179.00 at Adorama
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