
smart speakers
The Best Smart Speakers of 2025: Which One Should You Buy?
July 15, 2025
Overview
Dive into the future of audio with our comprehensive guide to the best smart speakers of 2025. We've meticulously researched and reviewed the latest models to bring you the most up-to-date information on sound quality, smart home integration, features, and value. Whether you're seeking a compact speaker for your bedroom, a powerful system for your living room, or a multi-room setup, we'll help you navigate the options and find the perfect smart speaker to elevate your listening experience and seamlessly integrate into your connected home.
Our picks
The Best Smart Speaker for Audiophiles: Echo Studio by Amazon, $199.00
The Best Smart Speaker for Smart Home Control: Denon Home 150 Speaker, $179.10
The Best Budget-Friendly Smart Speaker: Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen), $49.99
The Most Premium Smart Speaker System: Sonos Five Speaker, $549.00
The Best Smart Speaker for Multi-Room Audio: Denon Home 350 Speaker, $629.10
The Best Compact Smart Speaker for Small Spaces: Bose SoundLink Flex, $99.00
The Best Overall Smart Speaker of 2025: Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, $699.00
The Best Smart Speaker for Music Lovers: Sonos Era 300, $449.00
Top Smart Speakers for Sound Quality
Explore the best speakers for audiophiles, focusing on impressive sound and clarity.
8
Listful
Score
Bose SoundLink Max
$299.00
The Bose SoundLink Max is made for on-the-go audiophiles with its punchy, bass-heavy audio and robust, waterproof build. It boasts a 20-hour battery life, perfect for long adventures, yet the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and voice assistant features may fall short for some users. Despite a steeper price, its performance earns it an 8, making it a favorite for those prioritizing sound quality and durability above smart features.
The Good
• Delivers punchy, bass-heavy sound out of the box.
• Features a durable design with an IP67 rating.
• Offers a 20-hour battery life with USB-C charging.
The Bad
• Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and voice assistant integration.
• Weighs 2.13kg, making it less portable than some competitors.
• Priced at $299, which is higher than some alternatives.
Sound Quality: Delivers punchy, bass-heavy sound out of the box. / Smart Home Integration: None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: false / Voice Control: false
8.5
Listful
Score
Echo Studio by Amazon
$199.00
Amazon's Echo Studio provides a 3D sound experience like no other, marrying affordability with advanced audio tech. In our review, its wide streaming support and powerful sound delivery earned it an 8.5/10 rating. However, bass refinement could be improved, and its 3D audio capabilities can feel experimental. For those looking to enhance their sound system with spatial audio potential, it’s an excellent foundation for a sophisticated smart home.
The Good
• Supports a wide variety of streaming music services.
The Bad
• Bass could be tighter and more powerful.
• 3D music is more of a demo and less of a reality right now.
Sound Quality: Very good sound quality with powerful bass and clear highs. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
7.5
Listful
Score
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
• The soundbar delivers a wide and immersive soundstage, enhancing the listening experience.
• The soundbar features a sleek and compact design, fitting easily into various home setups.
• The AI Dialogue Mode effectively enhances voice clarity, making dialogues more intelligible.
The Bad
• The bass performance is lacking on some content, affecting the overall audio quality.
• The soundbar lacks HDMI passthrough, limiting connectivity options for users.
• The soundbar is priced higher compared to competitors, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Sound Quality: The soundbar delivers a wide and immersive soundstage with clear dialogues, though bass performance may be lacking on some content. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
8.5
Listful
Score
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 detail in music reproduction, elevating voices and instruments with clarity.
• Sound far exceeds expectations for its size, delivering distortion-free audio.
• Supports Dolby Atmos for immersive spatial audio experiences.
The Bad
• Limited support for voice assistants; lacks Google Assistant integration.
• Dolby Atmos playback requires using the Sonos app, limiting convenience.
• Bass response may be lighter than some users prefer.
Sound Quality: Exceptional detail and clarity with immersive spatial audio capabilities. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / 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.
7
Listful
Score
HomePod mini by Apple
$99.99
The HomePod mini by Apple brings remarkable sound quality into a compact package, making it a charming addition to any Apple-centric home. We found its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem to be a standout feature, supporting effortless multi-room audio via AirPlay. However, its limited support for third-party services and Siri's less effective capabilities compared to competitors might be a concern. Scoring 7/10, it's a solid choice for Apple users despite noted constraints.
The Good
• Impressive audio quality for its compact size.
• Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem.
• Supports multi-room audio with AirPlay.
The Bad
• Limited support for third-party music services.
• No physical microphone mute control.
• Siri lags behind competitors in functionality.
Sound Quality: Impressive audio quality for its compact size, delivering balanced and clear sound. / 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.
7
Listful
Score
Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Smart Bulb
$31.99
The Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Smart Bulb excels in adding vibrant sound and smart lighting to your space for an unbeatable price. With enhanced audio clarity and built-in sensors for automation, it's an ideal choice for small spaces, despite its reliance on Wi-Fi and modest bass. Scoring 7/10, it offers remarkable value for those prioritizing practicality and affordability in their smart home setup.
The Good
• Enhanced audio drivers deliver improved bass and clarity.
• Built-in motion and temperature sensors enable automated routines.
• Compact and sleek design with a soft-touch finish.
The Bad
• Lacks deep bass due to its compact size.
• Requires a constant power supply as it is not battery-operated.
• Some features require a stable Wi-Fi connection, which might be a limitation in areas with unreliable internet.
Sound Quality: Enhanced audio drivers deliver improved bass and clarity. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
6
Listful
Score
Sonos One SL Speaker
$279.32
For high-quality sound without voice control, the Sonos One SL offers a fantastic experience with its dual amplifiers and impressive audio clarity. During our tests, its support for multi-room audio via SonosNet proved seamless. However, at a higher price and lacking built-in microphones, it scored a 6/10, making it best suited for users focused on sound quality and integrated Sonos systems over smart assistant features.
The Good
• Delivers high-quality sound with two Class-D amplifiers, a woofer, and a tweeter.
• Supports multi-room audio through SonosNet mesh network.
The Bad
• Lacks built-in voice control due to the absence of microphones.
• Priced higher than some competitors without offering voice assistant capabilities.
Sound Quality: High-quality sound with two Class-D amplifiers, a woofer, and a tweeter. / Smart Home Integration: None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: false
7.5
Listful
Score
Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)
$49.99
The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) is a budget-friendly smart speaker that punches above its weight in terms of sound quality. During our review, its clear and pronounced audio impressed us, particularly given its compact size. Google Assistant integration makes smart home control a breeze, but some users have experienced connectivity issues and its lack of a display limits functionality. While it scores slightly higher at 7.5/10, it remains an eco-friendly, cost-effective option.
The Good
• Compact size allows placement in various locations.
• Sound quality is clear and loud for its size.
• Easy to set up and use with Google Assistant.
The Bad
• Lacks a 3.5mm audio output jack for external speakers.
• Some users report connectivity issues with the Google Home app.
• No screen or display for video streaming.
Sound Quality: Clear and loud for its size, with improved bass over the previous generation. / Smart Home Integration: Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
6.5
Listful
Score
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 ideal for small spaces.
• Surprisingly good sound quality for its size.
• Affordable entry point into smart speakers.
The Bad
• Lacks the audio power of larger Echo models.
• No 3.5mm audio output for external speakers.
• Limited bass response due to compact size.
Sound Quality: Surprisingly good for its size, suitable for ambient music and podcasts. / 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.
7.5
Listful
Score
Denon Home 150 Speaker
$179.10
Compact yet powerful, the Denon Home 150 Speaker impressed us with its rich bass and balanced sound, scoring a respectable 7.5. It's versatile with high-resolution audio support and integrates seamlessly through Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. However, our experience highlighted its limited smart assistant capabilities and occasional Bluetooth lag, which may be a drawback for those looking for advanced voice control.
The Good
• Delivers impressive bass and balanced sound quality for its compact size.
• Supports high-resolution audio formats including FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and DSD.
• Compatible with various music streaming services via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth.
The Bad
• Limited smart assistant functionality, offering only basic voice controls.
• Bluetooth connectivity may experience noticeable lag and occasional stuttering.
• Lacks native voice assistant functionality; setup requires additional steps through the HEOS app.
Sound Quality: Impressive bass and balanced sound quality for its compact size. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
6.5
Listful
Score
Echo Multi-room Music Bundle
$97.99
The Echo Multi-room Music Bundle presents a versatile audio setup with substantial bass impact. Our experience highlighted the enhancement provided by the subwoofer, though without it, the system can lack clarity with overly prominent bass. With Alexa-powered smart home capabilities and scoring 6.5/10, this bundle is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a well-rounded, budget-friendly audio foundation, aware of its strengths in bass and light on nuance.
The Good
• The Echo Sub provides powerful, resonant low-end, enhancing the overall music experience.
The Bad
• The Echo Plus alone lacks the depth and clarity of a full home audio system without the subwoofer.
• The bass can be overly prominent and boomy, affecting the balance of the sound profile.
Sound Quality: Good overall sound quality with impactful bass, though it can be prominent and boomy. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
7
Listful
Score
Move 2 by Sonos
$449.00
Experience unparalleled portability with the Move 2 by Sonos, delivering robust stereo sound anywhere. During our review, its standout features—prolonged battery life and environmental durability—made it a fascinating option for outdoor enthusiasts. However, at a higher price and without Google Assistant support, it may not be ideal for every smart home setup. Scoring 7/10, it’s best suited for those prioritizing portability over budget.
The Good
• The Move 2 delivers heart-pumping stereo sound with crisp vocals and detailed instrument articulation.
• The Move 2 offers up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge.
• The Move 2 is designed to withstand spills, splashes, rain, dirt, humidity, and sun.
The Bad
• The Move 2 is priced at $449, which is higher than many competitors.
• The Move 2 does not support Google Assistant.
• The Sonos App has a confusing user interface, making it difficult to find exactly what you're looking for.
Sound Quality: The Move 2 delivers heart-pumping stereo sound with crisp vocals and detailed instrument articulation. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
7
Listful
Score
Sonos Roam
$143.00
The Sonos Roam sets a high standard for portable sound with its compact, versatile design. Our experience with its rich, detailed audio and seamless integration into Sonos systems confirmed its appeal as a go-anywhere companion, scoring 7/10. While its Wi-Fi-dependent smart features and limited battery life pose limitations, it's perfect for those seeking a durable speaker that thrives both indoors and outdoors.
The Good
• Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable.
• Seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem enhances multi-room audio experiences.
• Supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for versatile streaming options.
The Bad
• Limited battery life of approximately 10 hours may not suffice for extended use.
• Voice assistant functionality is only available when connected to Wi-Fi, not over Bluetooth.
• Charging requires a 10W or higher power adapter, which is not included.
Sound Quality: Rich, detailed sound with clarity and depth; automatic Trueplay tuning optimizes audio in any environment. / 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.
6.5
Listful
Score
Bose SoundLink Flex
$99.00
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers a rugged, durable design perfect for those seeking an adventurous spirit in their portable speaker. Its affordable price and IP67 water resistance make it a compelling option, although our experience shows manual sound adjustments are needed for optimal performance. While not the longest-lasting with a 12-hour battery, it's a solid choice for quick outings or as an everyday companion.
The Good
• Rugged and durable design with IP67 water resistance.
The Bad
• Sound quality requires manual EQ adjustments for optimal performance.
• Limited battery life of 12 hours compared to competitors.
Sound Quality: Good sound quality, but requires manual EQ adjustments for optimal performance. / Smart Home Integration: None / Multi-Room Audio Capability: false / Voice Control: false
8.5
Listful
Score
Sonos Era 100
$179.00
In our review, the Sonos Era 100 impressed us with its exceptional sound quality and compact form, earning a high score of 8.5. It supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, offering plenty of flexibility for streaming. While it does come at a higher price than some competitors, the lack of Google Assistant might be a downside for a few users, but its overall performance makes it a strong contender in today's audio landscape.
The Good
• The Sonos Era 100 offers excellent sound quality in a compact design.
• The Sonos Era 100 supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Bad
• The Sonos Era 100 is priced higher than some competitors.
• The Sonos Era 100 lacks support for Google Assistant.
Sound Quality: Excellent sound quality with rich bass and clear details. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa,Apple HomeKit / 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.
9
Listful
Score
Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker (Chalk)
$74.00
Offering rich, immersive sound, the Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker shines with a high score of 9 due to its unbeatable value. Integrated with Google Assistant, it allows for intuitive control of your smart home, although users may experience initial setup challenges due to default Spanish settings. While loud microphone notifications can disrupt, it remains an excellent budget-friendly choice for seamless streaming and voice control.
The Good
• Rich, immersive sound with clear highs and deep bass.
• Integrated with Google Assistant for hands-free control of smart home devices.
• Seamless streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Bad
• Loud notifications about microphone status can be disruptive.
• Some units may default to Spanish language settings, making initial setup challenging.
• Absence of promised accessories like the keychain LED in some packages.
Sound Quality: Rich, immersive sound with clear highs and deep bass. / Smart Home Integration: Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
8
Listful
Score
Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
$249.99
The Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) by Amazon is an impressive blend of audio and visual smart home capabilities. Its rotating screen enhances media interactions, following users for seamless viewing during video calls. We appreciated its robust smart home integration, though its higher price point and space requirements can be a drawback. Earning an 8/10, it’s ideal for those who value cutting-edge tech and functionality, despite its motion tracking occasionally lagging.
The Good
• The Echo Show 10 offers a rotating screen that follows the user, enhancing interaction during video calls and media consumption.
• The device integrates seamlessly with various smart home devices, allowing voice control over lights, thermostats, and security cameras.
• The built-in camera enables remote home monitoring via the Alexa app, providing peace of mind when away from home.
The Bad
• The motion tracking feature can be slow to respond and may not always follow the user accurately.
• The device's size and rotating mechanism require significant space, which may not be suitable for all environments.
• Some users have reported that the screen rotation feature is more of a novelty and may not be useful for everyone.
Sound Quality: Good overall sound quality with decent bass impact; provides adequate volume for medium-sized rooms but may strain at higher volumes. / Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
7.5
Listful
Score
Google Nest Hub Max
$229.00
The Google Nest Hub Max combines audio and visual features into an all-encompassing smart display. Its 10-inch screen is perfect for video calls and streaming, and Google Assistant integration enhances smart home control. In contrast, its sound quality, scoring 7.5/10, could be overshadowed by competitors like the Echo Show. While the camera lacks in low-light scenarios, it still offers a compelling mix of affordability and functionality.
The Good
• The 10-inch touchscreen display offers clear visuals and is ideal for watching videos or displaying photos.
• The device supports voice commands for various streaming services, enhancing user convenience.
• The device integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant, providing a robust smart home experience.
The Bad
• The built-in camera lacks night vision, limiting its effectiveness as a security device in low-light conditions.
• The camera's Face Match feature can be unreliable, occasionally failing to recognize users accurately.
• The sound quality is good but doesn't match the fullness and power of some competitors like the Amazon Echo Show.
Sound Quality: Good sound quality with clean high notes and deep bass, though may distort at high volumes. / Smart Home Integration: Google Assistant / Multi-Room Audio Capability: true / Voice Control: true
Topics
Share
More Guides
Latest Articles