However, if you don’t have an Apple Music subscription, you’re rather limited when it comes to music streaming. It's also the only smart speaker on the market with Siri built-in, as Apple discontinued the bigger HomePod in early 2021, and stocks are no longer available. It's far cheaper than some might expect, packing mighty sounds and an elegant design for under $100 / £100 / AU$150. Although, unlike the best smart displays, they don’t allow you to view a live feed from the camera.įor anyone looking to enter the Apple smart ecosystem, or who has an Apple Music subscription, this is the smart speaker to go for. Some even allow you to converse with anyone in the camera’s field of view too.
The best smart speaker can even double as a chime for the best video doorbells or home security cameras, playing a tone to alert you that motion has been detected or the doorbell has been pressed. Using just one command, you can ensure your smart lights illuminate to the right brightness for the time of day, or lamps connected to a smart plug or switch turn on to create a cozy ambiance. Smart speakers can prove an affordable way to control your smart home devices without reaching for your smartphone too.
However, smart speakers from third-party names such as Bose or Sonos ensure there’s a choice as to which voice assistant you can use. Smart speakers manufactured by the brand behind the relevant voice assistant will only come with their own virtual helper installed. The best smart speakers offer access to either Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.