
The Best Smart Speakers of 2025: Which One Should You Buy?
July 23, 2025
Overview
In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, smart speakers have become a staple in modern homes. This comprehensive guide explores the best smart speakers of 2025, providing in-depth reviews, comparisons, and recommendations to help you find the perfect device for your needs. Whether you prioritize sound quality, voice assistant integration, or smart home compatibility, we'll help you navigate the latest features and technologies to make an informed decision and elevate your listening experience. Discover the top contenders in various categories, including sound quality, features, and value, ensuring you find the ideal smart speaker to enhance your home entertainment setup.
Senior Editor
Our top picks
The Best Smart Speaker for Audiophiles: Sonos Era 300, $449.00
The Best Smart Speaker for Smart Home Control: Denon Home 350 Speaker, $629.10
The Best Budget-Friendly Smart Speaker: Echo Pop, $21.99
The Best Smart Speaker for Voice Assistant Integration: Denon Home 150 Speaker, $179.10
Top Smart Speakers for Sound Quality
Explore the best speakers for audiophiles, focusing on impressive sound and clarity.

Bose SoundLink Max
$299.00
Ideal for music lovers on the move, the Bose SoundLink Max offers punchy sound, a robust build, and long battery life, great for prolonged adventures. However, its lack of Wi-Fi and voice assistant integration during our review might not fit everyone's needs, earning a score of 6. With its solid sound and intuitive design, it appeals to those valuing quality audio and independence from long-lasting tech trends.
The Good
• Delivers punchy, bass-heavy sound out of the box.
• Offers a 20-hour battery life with USB-C charging and phone-charging capability.
• Features a solid design with intuitive controls and a user-friendly Bose app.
The Bad
• Supports multi-point Bluetooth but lacks Wi-Fi and voice assistant integration.
• Priced at $399.95, it is more expensive than many top competitors.
• Lacks built-in microphones, making it unable to be used as a speakerphone.
Sound Quality: Excellent sound quality with punchy, bass-heavy output and expansive soundstage. / Smart Home Integration: None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: false / Voice Control: false

Echo Studio by Amazon
$199.00
Amazon's Echo Studio merges affordability with an engaging 3D sound experience, supported by broad streaming service compatibility. In our experience, its sound quality and deep bass stood out, although some aspects of bass refinement need improvement. Scoring 7.5/10, it's optimal for enhancing your sound system with spatial audio potential, though its limitations in smart home hub functionality should be considered.
The Good
• Supports a wide variety of streaming music services.
The Bad
• Bass could be tighter and more powerful.
• Lacks Z-Wave support, limiting smart home hub capabilities.
Sound Quality: Very good sound quality with deep bass, though slightly boomy; midrange somewhat hazy and treble slightly smeared. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
$699.00
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, with its wide and immersive soundstage, is a luxurious addition to any home theater setup. Despite its higher price, our testing noted its exceptional dialogue clarity enhanced by AI Dialogue Mode. While the absence of HDMI passthrough affects connectivity, this soundbar retains a sleek design and multi-room capabilities that audiophiles will appreciate. Though scoring a 7.5, its premium audio experience holds its ground against competitors.
The Good
• Sleek and compact design with a premium glass finish.
• Excellent dialogue clarity with AI Dialogue Mode.
• Wide and detailed soundstage with Dolby Atmos support.
The Bad
• Lacks low-end 'punch' and bass power without a subwoofer.
• Limited sensation of audio 'height' in Dolby Atmos content.
• High price point compared to competitors.
Sound Quality: Wide and detailed soundstage with clear dialogue; bass performance may lack depth without a subwoofer. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Sonos Era 300
$449.00
For audio enthusiasts, the Sonos Era 300 offers an unparalleled listening experience with its Dolby Atmos capabilities and six drivers. In our review, its exceptional detail in music reproduction stood out, creating a stunning 3D soundstage that rivals top performers. Although it lacks Google Assistant integration and may not satisfy bass-heavy preferences, its versatility in connectivity options ensures high-fidelity audio that commands your attention, earning it a robust 8.5 score.
The Good
• Exceptional sound quality with immersive Dolby Atmos support.
• Supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for versatile streaming options.
• Features a sleek, modern design that complements various home decors.
The Bad
• Limited voice assistant support, lacking Google Assistant integration.
• Requires the Sonos app to play Dolby Atmos content, which can be unintuitive.
• Priced higher than some competitors, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Sound Quality: Very Good overall sound quality with immersive Dolby Atmos support. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
Smart Speakers for Seamless Home Integration
Discover speakers that easily connect and control your smart home devices.

HomePod mini by Apple
$99.99
The HomePod mini by Apple squeezes impressive sound quality into a sleek, compact design, perfect for any Apple-centric home. Our review found its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem a major positive, supporting tasks like multi-room audio with ease. However, its limited third-party support and Siri's lackluster capabilities might disappoint those looking for more flexibility. Scoring a 7/10, it's a solid choice for those deeply embedded in Apple's ecosystem, but it may not appeal to those seeking broader support.
The Good
• Impressive audio quality for its compact size.
• Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem.
• Supports multi-room audio and stereo pairing.
The Bad
• Limited support for third-party music services.
• Siri lags behind competitors in virtual assistant capabilities.
• No physical microphone mute control.
Sound Quality: Fair overall sound quality with decent bass impact but some midrange and treble limitations. / Smart Home Integration: Apple HomeKit / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
Best Budget-Friendly Smart Speakers
Affordable options that deliver excellent sound without breaking the bank.

Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Smart Bulb
$31.99
Affordable and smart, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Smart Bulb offers improved sound and built-in sensors, making it a top recommendation. Our experience showed its limitations in portability and support for certain protocols, yet its compact design and competitive price leading to a score of 9 make it an unmatched value. It’s perfect for those prioritizing accessible smart home functionality and efficient use of space.
The Good
• Improved sound quality with clearer vocals and deeper bass.
• Built-in motion and temperature sensors for smart home automation.
• Compact design that fits easily into various spaces.
The Bad
• Lacks support for Matter and Thread protocols.
• No built-in display for visual interactions.
• Requires constant power supply, limiting portability.
Sound Quality: Enhanced audio with clearer vocals and deeper bass. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Sonos One SL Speaker
$279.32
For seamless integration with existing setups, the Sonos One SL delivers impressive sound quality and easy integration through existing Sonos systems. Our tests revealed its dependence on Wi-Fi and lack of Bluetooth, which could restrict versatility and scored it a 6.5. Suited to users who value exceptional audio clarity and existing Sonos infrastructure, it meets high expectations without the extra smart assistant features.
The Good
• Impressive sound quality for its size.
• Easy integration with existing Sonos systems.
• Compact and humidity-resistant design.
The Bad
• Lacks Bluetooth connectivity.
• Requires Wi-Fi for operation; non-functional without internet.
• No built-in voice assistant.
Sound Quality: Impressive clarity and detail with balanced treble and bass. / Smart Home Integration: None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: false

Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)
$49.99
The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) offers impressive, richer sound quality in a sleek package at a budget-friendly price. We found its superior voice recognition and stylish, compact design particularly impressive, ideal for tight spaces or wall-mounting. However, limited bass and ecosystem constraints may not suit audiophiles seeking depth or users with diverse smart home products. With a 7/10 score, it excels as an affordable option for Google Assistant enthusiasts.
The Good
• Enhanced audio quality delivers richer, clearer sound compared to its predecessor.
• Superior voice recognition with updated algorithms provides more accurate voice detection for efficient hands-free control.
• Compact and stylish design with a built-in wall mount offers flexibility in placement and saves counter space.
The Bad
• Limited bass response may not satisfy audiophiles seeking deep, impactful bass.
• Requires integration within the Google ecosystem for optimal performance, which might limit users with diverse smart products.
• Lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, restricting direct physical connections to other audio devices.
Sound Quality: Fair sound quality with subdued bass and somewhat hazy midrange. / Smart Home Integration: Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Echo Pop
$21.99
If you're after a compact yet capable smart speaker, the Echo Pop is a great entry point. It's an affordable option, perfect for small spaces where sound quality still impresses despite its size. During our review, we found it excels in delivering surprisingly good audio for ambient music and podcasts. While it may not match the power of larger Echo models, its budget-friendly price and Alexa integration make it a savvy choice for newcomers to smart homes.
The Good
• Compact design suitable for small spaces.
• Affordable price point.
• Decent sound quality for its size.
The Bad
• Lacks the warmth and bass of the Echo Dot (5th Generation).
• No Alexa Action button.
• Fewer hardware features than the Echo Dot.
Sound Quality: Decent sound quality for its size, but lacks warmth and bass compared to Echo Dot (5th Generation). / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
Best Smart Speaker for Multi-Room Audio
Create a whole-home audio experience with these top-rated multi-room speakers.

Denon Home 150 Speaker
$179.10
Delivering clarity and bass that defy its size, the Denon Home 150 is a compact powerhouse of sound. Our encounters revealed its strong high-resolution support and clear sound, even at high volumes. Despite this, limited smart assistant functionality and noticeable Bluetooth lag impacted its user-friendliness, earning a score of 7.5. For those desiring compact hi-fi audio with a few smart features, the Home 150 is a versatile, formidable choice.
The Good
• Delivers impressive bass for its compact size.
• Sound quality remains clear and crisp even at high volumes.
• Supports high-resolution audio formats including FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and DSD.
The Bad
• Smart assistant support is limited to basic voice controls.
• The HEOS app interface is basic and lacks modern design elements.
• Bluetooth playback experiences noticeable lag, making it unsuitable for video content.
Sound Quality: Impressive bass and clear sound even at high volumes. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,Apple HomeKit / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Echo Multi-room Music Bundle
$97.99
The Echo Multi-room Music Bundle offers commendable sound for its price, making it a snug fit for medium to large spaces. During our review, it was clear its two Echo Plus speakers provide solid clarity, though the system lacks the deep bass impact crucial for music enthusiasts. With a 6.5/10 score, it’s an affordable choice for those seeking a practical audio foundation, albeit with some compromise in bass depth.
The Good
• Provides a decent volume level in a medium to large sized room.
• The two Echo Plus speakers provide relatively good clarity and separation.
The Bad
• Lacks low-bass, so you don't feel the deep thump in bass-heavy music genres.
Sound Quality: Good overall sound quality with decent volume levels; however, lacks low-bass impact in bass-heavy genres. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Move 2 by Sonos
$449.00
The Sonos Move 2 is a powerhouse of portability, offering stellar sound and impressive 24-hour battery life, perfect for outdoor audio pursuits. We appreciated its simultaneous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality, though the high price and weight may be trade-offs for some. Earning an 8.5, it's tailored for those valuing robust, high-quality sound and longevity over more lightweight, travel-friendly options.
The Good
• Impressive 24-hour battery life for all-day use.
• Excellent stereo sound quality with wide soundstage.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work simultaneously for seamless switching.
The Bad
• High price point compared to other portable speakers.
• Heavy at 3 kg (6.6 lbs)—not ideal for backpack travel.
• No support for Google Assistant voice control.
Sound Quality: Excellent stereo sound quality with wide soundstage. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Sonos Roam
$143.00
The Sonos Roam delivers versatile connectivity and sound quality, rapidly becoming a must-have for on-the-go audio. We found its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility plus smart assistant integration notable, even though its 10-hour battery life could be improved. Scoring 7.5/10, it offers a reliable, durable choice for those needing a portable speaker that's at home indoors or outside.
The Good
• Supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for versatile use.
• Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
• Features an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof.
The Bad
• Battery life is limited to approximately 10 hours, shorter than some competitors.
• Requires a minimum 10W charger, which is not included.
• Automatic switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be inconsistent.
Sound Quality: Good overall sound quality with balanced mids, clear vocals, and decent bass. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
Compact Smart Speakers for Small Spaces
Perfect for bedrooms and offices; small speakers with big sound.

Bose SoundLink Flex
$99.00
For those seeking durability and clear sound without breaking the bank, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a strong contender. Its water and dustproof design impressed us, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. However, during our review, we noted its lack of stereo sound and customizable EQ settings, which affected its versatility, leading to a score of 7. Perfect for everyday use and quick outings, it's a reliable option that prioritizes simplicity over advanced features.
The Good
• The SoundLink Flex delivers clear vocals and a rich, bass-forward sound signature.
• The speaker is both water and dustproof, enhancing its durability for outdoor use.
• Its portable design makes it suitable for both desk use and on-the-go listening.
The Bad
• The SoundLink Flex lacks user-adjustable EQ settings, limiting sound customization.
• At high volumes, the bass can flirt with distortion, affecting sound clarity.
• The speaker's monaural output may not satisfy users seeking stereo sound.
Sound Quality: Rich, bass-forward sound with clear vocals; potential distortion at high volumes. / Smart Home Integration: None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: false / Voice Control: false

Sonos Era 100
$179.00
The Sonos Era 100 combines rich audio and versatile connectivity in a compact design, making it a solid fit for small spaces. Our experience highlighted its support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, although the lack of Google Assistant and tricky setup might deter some. Scoring an impressive 8, it shines for tech-savvy users looking for upgraded audio quality, with the option for enhanced stereo sound by pairing two units together.
The Good
• Enhanced sound quality with twin tweeters and a larger woofer for richer bass.
• Supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for versatile connectivity options.
• Compact design fits well in various spaces like bookshelves and countertops.
The Bad
• Setup process can be finicky and may require multiple attempts.
• Lacks support for Google Assistant, limiting voice assistant options.
• Stereo effect from a single speaker is limited; pairing two units is recommended for better stereo imaging.
Sound Quality: Enhanced with twin tweeters and a larger woofer for richer bass. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
The Best Smart Speaker for Voice Assistants
Find out which smart speaker integrates best with your preferred voice assistant.

Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker (Chalk)
$74.00
The Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker delivers vibrant sound with integrated Google Assistant for convenient control. Our tests noted issues with setup and LED lights that may annoy some users, which contributed to its score of 6.5. Despite this, its balanced audio output and rich bass make it a valuable pick for budget-conscious users seeking seamless connectivity and hands-free smart home control.
The Good
• The speaker delivers rich, immersive sound with clear highs and deep bass.
• Integrated Google Assistant allows hands-free control of smart home devices and music playback.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity provide seamless streaming from various services.
The Bad
• Some users reported difficulty changing the default language settings.
• The device may announce 'by the way the mic's off' loudly when microphones are turned off.
• Bright red LEDs remain on when the microphone is disabled, which some find intrusive.
Sound Quality: Rich, immersive sound with clear highs and deep bass. / Smart Home Integration: Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
$249.99
Amazon's Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) stands out with its innovative rotating screen that follows you, perfect for video calls and dynamic content viewing. In our tests, its dual utility as a security camera also impressed, despite some imperfections in sound quality and motion tracking. While it earned a score of 7.5/10, its price tag and space requirements could deter some. It's ideal for those embracing cutting-edge smart home interaction.
The Good
• The Echo Show 10 features a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen that follows the user, enhancing video calls and content viewing.
• The device can function as a security camera, allowing users to monitor their home remotely via the Alexa app.
The Bad
• The Echo Show 10's sound quality is decent but may sound strained at higher volume levels.
• The rotating screen feature may be unsettling for some users who prefer a stationary display.
• The device's motion tracking can be slow and may not always follow the user accurately.
Sound Quality: Good overall sound quality; decent volume in medium-sized rooms but strained at higher volumes. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true

Google Nest Hub Max
$229.00
The Google Nest Hub Max combines large-screen convenience with good audio, enhancing both interaction and smart home control. We appreciated its substantial 10-inch display and smart integration, though privacy concerns due to a camera lacking a physical shutter could be a drawback for some. Receiving a score of 7/10, its integration and visual display make it a versatile choice, tempered by limitations in security functionality in low-light situations.
The Good
• The device offers a large 10-inch HD touchscreen display, enhancing user interaction and visibility.
The Bad
• The built-in camera lacks night vision capabilities, limiting its effectiveness as a security device in low-light conditions.
• The device's camera lacks a physical shutter, which may raise privacy concerns for some users.
Sound Quality: Overall good sound quality; suitable for near-field listening and small rooms. / Smart Home Integration: Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true