Best smart speakers for home 2020

Modern society actively uses high-tech devices in its life, including smart speakers, the demand for which is growing every day. This is facilitated by the functionality and usability of these gadgets. What smart speakers are there, what you should pay attention to when buying and how much they cost, the editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" will tell in this article.

What is a smart speaker

A smart speaker is a device with a built-in microphone and controls the computer. Gadgets connect both wired and wirelessly.

The basic principle of operation of a smart speaker is the implementation of voice control in order to:

• performance by the device of any function (for example, control of the humidifier operation);
• performing an assignment (in particular, answering questions posed or turning on music on command);
• control of other devices (eg lamps).

All in all, this smart speaker can be said to save tons of time and replace a bunch of tech.

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that a number of functions can be performed only if you have access to the Internet. In particular, the Internet is needed to order any products online.

How to choose the right smart speaker

The criteria for choosing a smart speaker, in general, do not differ from the criteria that apply to any purchased equipment.

Appearance

This is a comprehensive criterion that includes:

• weight;
• sizes;
• design;
• Colour.

Don't underestimate him. In particular, dimensions are of no small importance if the device is supposed to be used, for example, in nature. In this case, it is better to opt for a compact and lightweight model. If you plan to use it only in an apartment or house, then you can choose a larger option, but with better sound quality, and even try to choose a speaker design for the interior, especially since buyers note the variety of forms of these devices.

Sound reproduction quality

This is one of the main criteria of any column, which, like the previous one, can be called complex. It includes:

1. Device power. The sound volume depends on it. The unit of measure for power is watt (W). The higher the power value, the louder the gadget will sound and, as a rule, the larger its size. There are 3 types of speakers in terms of power:

• up to 2 W;
• 15 to 20 watts;
• from 40 to 60 watts.

2. Speakers and channels. Rather, their number. The more there are, the better and louder the sound will be. By the number of channels, the sound is divided into 3 formats:

• mono - 1 channel (refer to the most budget options);
• stereo 2.0 - 2 channels;
• stereo 2.1. - 2 channels plus a subwoofer, the maximum power of which can be 150W.

3. Frequency range. This characteristic is responsible for the sound quality. The most complete sound will be with a large range. Frequency range units: Hz, kHz.

Power method

As stated, there is a wired and wireless connection. In most cases, the gadget is powered by mains. Use of the device as a portable device requires a rechargeable battery or batteries. It should be borne in mind that the gadget will work with batteries for a short time. If you have a battery, you should pay attention to its power, since it is she who is responsible for the period of operation of the smart speaker without recharging. It should be borne in mind that when using the device outside the home, the battery power must be above 2200 mAh. This characteristic is indicated in the documentation in terms of the average loudness value.

Connection type and ports

There are 3 types of device connection:

• Bluetooth;
• NFC;
• wi-fi.

You should also pay attention to the ports that the device has. The more there are, the more possibilities the gadget has. The following connectors are used:

• usb - charging other devices, connecting flash cards;
• micro-usb - charging a smart speaker;
• micro SD - use of memory cards;
• AUX 3.5 - for using headphones;
• Lightning - for connecting to the IPhone.

Material

The cheaper material is used in the manufacture of the device, the shorter its service life will be. Inexpensive options are more susceptible to damage from external influences, sometimes even minor ones. Higher quality models are made of good plastic or have a metal case.

Functional

This is the answer to the question of what functions the device should be. Basically, preference is given to gadgets with multifunctionality and artificial intelligence, which are able to carry out human commands. They also pay attention to the number of devices that can be connected, and the range of the speaker.

Display availability

Not necessary, but a convenient criterion. When choosing such a model, it should be borne in mind that in this case it will have to be charged more often than similar options without a screen.

Control type

There are 3 types of smart speaker control:

• push-button (buttons are located on the device);
• using the remote control;
• via the installed mobile application (connection via Bluetooth or wi-fi is required).

Protection against moisture and dust

This is important if the gadget is going to be used outdoors. This characteristic is designated "IP x" and has a value range of 0 to 8. Accordingly, the higher the value, the higher the degree of protection.

The presence of a Russian-speaking voice assistant

What kind of voice assistant will be in the purchased product depends on the manufacturer. Mostly, smart speakers use an English-speaking assistant. Thus, if you do not know enough English, the use of the column is likely to cause difficulties. In this case, you should stop your choice on the Yandex or Google gadget.

Additional functionality

There are various models of smart speakers on the market with some additional functions. The most common among them is the backlight, which is used for ease of control or as a light music. Also, the device may have such functions as:

• FM radio;
• panoramic audio (360 ° audio playback);
• speakerphone (the ability to talk by phone or Skype using a speakerphone);
• equalizer (sound quality setting);
• management and control of gestures.

Manufacturer

When answering the question of which company is better to buy a smart speaker, it should be borne in mind that the product of well-known companies producing similar products has a higher quality.

Price

Considering that smart speakers are a relatively "young" product on the market, the cost of such devices, with proper quality, is above average.

Top manufacturers

According to buyers, the rating of manufacturers producing high-quality smart speakers includes the following companies:

1. Sony. A well-known Japanese manufacturer of high quality branded products, including audio equipment, sold all over the world.
2. Amazon. An American brand that is one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers.Amazon was the first to launch mass production of smart speakers.
3. Marshall. An English company that guarantees the quality of the manufactured goods.
4. JBL. Another well-known American company with excellent recommendations in the portable acoustics market. The products of this company have the best reviews. The advantage is the ratio of the price and quality of the goods sold.
5. Apple. Despite the fact that smart speakers of this world famous American company have a small market share, this does not affect the quality of products and the popularity of models of this brand.
6. Xiaomi. A young Chinese brand specializing in the production of electronics. Today it is a dynamically developing company whose products are popular.
7. Google. It is not surprising, but the product of the "search engine" has its own niche of buyers, who appreciated the level of perception of voice commands by devices, although questions about the products of this manufacturer sometimes arise.

A selection of the best smart speakers for 2020

Which smart speaker should you buy for home use? We present a rating of the best gadgets and their characteristics with user assessment, carried out on a 5-point system.

Apple HomePod

User reviews score - 5.

Parameters:

Nutrition	from the network
CPU	Apple a8
Connection	wi-fi, bluetooth
Built-in voice assistant / language	Siri / English
Woofers	1
Tweeters	7
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	6
Width / Height / Depth, mm	142/172/142
Weight, gr	2500
Additionally	multiroom, touch panel for control

A high-quality product with a laconic design with AirPlay support and prompt processing of received commands by the home voice assistant.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

You can buy this gadget at a price of 29,000 rubles.

Harman / Kardon Citation One

User reviews score - 5.

Parameters:

Nutrition	mains / battery
Connection	wi-fi, bluetooth
AirPlay support	Yes
Built-in voice assistant / language	Google Assistant / English
Woofers	1
Tweeters	1
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	2
Width / Height / Depth, mm	140/188/140
Weight, gr	2000
Additionally	subwoofer

A popular model with an interesting design and high sound quality. Reasonable ratio of price and quality allows you to compete with gadgets with similar parameters.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost of such a column is 13,800 rubles.

Yandex.Station - smart speaker with Alice

User reviews score - 4.5.

Parameters:

Nutrition	from the network
Connection	Bluetooth, wi-fi,
Output interfaces	HDMI
Built-in voice assistant / language	Alisa / Russian
Woofers	1
Tweeters	2
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	7
Width / Height / Depth, mm	141/231/141
Weight, gr	2900
Additionally	support for streaming video services, functions in the "Smart Home" system

An interesting option, presented in several colors with good functionality and a voice assistant that accepts Russian commands.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

You can buy Yandex Station at an average price of 10,500 rubles.

Google Home Mini

User reviews score - 4.5.

Parameters:

Nutrition	from the network
Connection	Bluetooth, wi-fi
Built-in voice assistant / language	Google Assistant / English
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Width / Height / Depth, mm	98/42/98
Weight, gr	200
Additionally	works with the "Smart Home" system

This is also a model with a choice of colors, but in a much more compact size. The functionality of the voice assistant and its ability to self-learn, combined with a more than reasonable price, will please you.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

It is possible to purchase Google Home Mini at a price of 3500 rubles.

Amazon Echo Dot 3nd Gen

User reviews score - 4.5.

Parameters:

Nutrition	from the network
Connection	wi-fi, bluetooth
Output interfaces	headphone jack, audio out
Built-in voice assistant / language	Amazon Alexa / English
Broadband speakers	1
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	4
Width / Height / Depth, mm	99/43/99
Weight, gr	300
Additionally	receiving calls and sending messages from a smartphone;
	simultaneous work with a similar gadget (Echo Dot 3);
	Works with Echo Sub

Compact smart speaker of modern design with high-quality sound and functionality that allows you to connect to devices of the system "Smart House».

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Average price - 4200 rubles.

Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker

User reviews score - 4.5.

Parameters:

Nutrition	from the network
Connection	wi-fi, bluetooth
Built-in voice assistant / language	Xiaomi Smart Assistant / Chinese
Tweeters	2
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	6
Width / Height / Depth, mm	88/210/88
Weight, gr	640

An inexpensive high-quality gadget with good sound, pleasant appearance and an easy-to-use application.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Cost - from 3000 rubles.

LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y, with Alice inside

User reviews score - 4.5.

Parameters:

Nutrition	from the network
Connection	wi-fi, bluetooth
Built-in voice assistant / language	Alisa / Russian
Woofers	1
Tweeters	1
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	2
Width / Height / Depth, mm	135/211/135
Weight, gr	1900
Additionally	operates in the Yandex Smart Home system

This option belongs to popular models and will be appropriate in almost any interior. At the same time, users note that the computer version of Alice works much more efficiently.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Buying such a smart speaker will cost an average of 9,000 rubles.

Irbis A - smart speaker with Alice inside

User reviews score - 4.

Parameters:

Nutrition	from the network
Connection	wi-fi, Bluetooth,
Output interfaces	audio output, headphone jack
Built-in voice assistant / language	Alisa / Russian
Broadband speakers	1
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	2
Width / Height / Depth, mm	88/52/85
Weight, gr	200
Additionally	works in the Yandex Smart Home system

Compact budget gadget compatible with Android 5.0 and iOS 9.0.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The minimum cost of such a smart speaker is 1990 rubles.

Sonos One (Amazon Alexa)

User reviews score - 4.

Parameters:

Nutrition	from the network
Connection	wi-fi
Built-in voice assistant / language	Amazon Alexa / English
Woofers	1
Tweeters	1
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	6
Width / Height / Depth, mm	120/161/120
Weight, gr	1850
Additionally	functions in the "Smart Home" system

Convenient and easy-to-use speaker system that successfully interacts with the smart assistant from Amazon.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Average cost - 20,500 rubles.

Elari SmartBeat with Alice inside

User reviews score - 4.

Parameters:

Nutrition	mains / battery
Connection	Bluetooth, wi-fi
Output interfaces	audio output
Built-in voice assistant / language	Alisa / Russian
Speakers (broadband)	1
Support for streaming audio services	Yes
Microphones	4
Width / Height / Depth, mm	84/150/84
Weight, gr	400
Additionally	works in the "Smart Home" system

Decent modern and inexpensive gadget with voice assistant Alice from Yandex. The column can be powered from the network, and can be used as a portable device.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Where can I buy

Smart speakers, like other household appliances, can be purchased at any electronics market, specialized stores and online stores. When making a remote purchase, in order not to make mistakes when choosing, you should carefully read not only the description and characteristics of the goods and customer reviews, but also the terms of payment, delivery and return.

A smart speaker is a convenient modern gadget, the popularity of which is only growing every day. This is explained, among other things, by the possibility of using it both as a conventional column and as a device that controls other equipment and other processes. If you have experience with smart speakers, share them and your tips in the comments.