Best smart speakers в 2026 year, which made it into the smart speaker ranking – wireless speakers with a voice assistant: mini, medium, and large. Smart speakers are the best option for home use, and models with batteries can be taken outdoors for recreation, walks, and travel. Smart speakers are suitable for anyone looking for portable speaker with a voice assistant for internet searches, streaming video playback, and smart home control. Wireless speakers are ranked based on the following parameters: sound quality (57%), speaker volume (14%), functionality (14%), and build quality (14%) (how we rate). The top smart speakers include 10 best models costing $45 – $485.
Sound quality in a large speaker is better than in medium and especially small speakers. The sound is influenced by the quality and number of drivers. For example, the JBL Authentics 500 uses a 3.1 audio system and is suitable for any music genre, with a total output power of 270W, which is enough for a large room. Models with 1-2 drivers are less versatile in genre performance or are suitable for background music listening. See the end of the ranking for how to choose a smart speaker.
Which smart speaker is best to choose? Pay attention to the type and number of voice assistants: Google and Alexa are suitable for Android and Apple, Siri only for Apple. Support for two assistants is desirable, as you can choose the best one. Mains-powered smart speakers are designed for home use only; the speakers have no protection against dust and water. Models with batteries can be used at home and moved freely without needing to reconnect power. They can be used outdoors, the body is resistant to dust and water according to IPx7 or IP67. A smart speaker with a clock or screen; motion, humidity, or temperature sensors are an added bonus for ease of use.
See other related rankings:
- Main ranking of the best wireless portable speakers.
- Best Bluetooth speakers under $100
- Best music speakers — large
- Best wireless speakers — mini
- Best JBL speakers
- Best non-Bluetooth and Bluetooth speakers for computers
- Best acoustic systems — wired music speaker
EMMA — Experts + Methodology + MyChoozers + Algorithm.
Every model goes through identical tests; the score is calculated automatically with fixed weights — a spot in the rating cannot be bought.
Ranking of the best smart speakers (2026) – TOP 10:
1. Denon Home 150Smart wireless speaker — with Ethernet port
Denon Home 150 is a smart wireless speaker for home use. The speaker has built-in Google and Alexa voice assistants. You can add popular streaming services for audio streaming to the HEOS functional app. With an Ethernet port, the speaker can work anywhere without Wi-Fi coverage. And the USB-A port allows you to play various media formats from any storage device. If desired, you can connect the speaker to any audio system via the 3.5mm jack. The portable speaker has no build defects, and the materials look high-quality and durable.
Sound. The sound is great and well-balanced. Powerful and pleasant bass, clean and detailed vocals, moderately bright highs. The speaker is ideal for various music genres. At high volume, a balance shift is observed. Therefore, the optimal volume level is 50-80%, which is enough for a medium-sized room.
- High-quality and detailed sound.
- Ethernet port and 3.5 mm AUX.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. USB-A for local music playback.
- Balance shift at high volume.
2. Sonos Era 100The best smart speaker in 2026
Sonos Era 100 is the best smart speaker for home with three voice assistants: Sonos, Google, and Alexa. The smart speaker has three ways to transmit audio: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired. In Wi-Fi mode, it transmits audio streams without compression or loss of quality. In Bluetooth mode, it transmits audio directly from your phone or tablet. And via cable, it works like a regular wired speaker. Audio calibration technology automatically adjusts the sound based on the room’s acoustics. And external controls allow you to perform all basic functions without using your phone.
Sound. Balanced sound with a touch of warmth. Lows are muted, lacking the required body and vibration, yet they’re punchy enough for rhythmic tracks. Mids are even, while vocals are clear and quite detailed. Highs are slightly lacking, which you can easily fix with the EQ. The speaker features an excellent, omnidirectional soundstage that reproduces stereo sound. Volume headroom is enough for a medium-sized room, though some distortion is noticeable at high volume.
- Pleasant omnidirectional sound.
- Room acoustic correction.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Precise voice command recognition.
- Bass-light.
- Powered exclusively via the power grid.
- Alexa voice assistant only.
- Audio latency of 170-230 ms.
- No water and dust resistance.
- As an alternative — Sonos Era 300. More output power, 6 drivers with Class D amplifier — 4 tweeters, 2 woofers.
3. Apple HomePod (2nd generation)Best speaker for home — smart home + night light
Apple HomePod (2nd generation) is the best speaker for home with a stylish design and quality materials. The built-in voice assistant is only Siri, so the smart speaker is better suited for Apple product users. It’s a smart home speaker with humidity and temperature sensors, and the necessary information is displayed in the proprietary iOS app. The app also offers convenient control of smart home devices and setup of operating scenarios. It’s also a smart speaker night light thanks to its bright color control panel. All necessary controls are located on the external panel. The best smart speaker for home features room audio analysis technology that considers the room’s acoustics.
Sound. The speaker offers a well-balanced frequency response with moderate, non-fatiguing bass that provides enough thump for rhythmic tracks. Its soundstage is good, with consistent loudness from all sides, and it has enough headroom for a medium-sized room. Distortion at maximum volume is minimal.
- Pleasant, balanced sound.
- Automatic room-calibrated sound tuning.
- Built-in Siri voice assistant.
- Great voice command recognition accuracy.
- Bluetooth is used only for initial setup. Uses Wi-Fi 4.
- Integration only with Apple devices.
- AC power only.
- No dust and water resistance.
- As an alternative — Apple HomePod Mini. Lower sound quality, no microphone for acoustic sound calibration in the room.
4. Bose Smart Speaker 500Smart speaker with clock — with mini screen
Bose Smart Speaker 500 is a smart speaker with a clock, a durable aluminum body, and a useful screen. The screen displays music track covers, time, volume level, and current pairing information. This is convenient, as even the newest smart speakers are released without a screen. The smart speaker and clock are equipped with two voice assistants – Google Assistant and Alexa. The owner’s voice is clearly recognized in noisy environments, which is another plus. The control panel allows you to perform all actions except answering and ending calls.
Sound. The frequency balance leans heavily into the mids. Lows are lacking, which means bass hits on rhythmic tracks don’t have enough punch or volume. The highs are also subdued, and the sound isn’t quite bright enough. Where this speaker really shines is its omnidirectional audio and a gorgeous soundstage. It gets loud enough to fill a large room and power a big party. Crank it all the way up, though, and you’ll notice some distortion and a loss of detail.
- Built-in Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistants.
- Convenient and functional controls. Built-in screen.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth audio latency up to 90 ms.
- Headroom is enough for a large room.
- Good voice recognition.
- Mid-range focused sound.
- No dust and water resistance.
- The voice assistant only works over a Wi-Fi network.
- Audio distortion at maximum volume.
5. Sonos Roam 2Smart WiFi speaker — works over the internet
Sonos Roam 2 — a smart WiFi speaker with an excellent combination of sound and features. The smart speaker uses Wi-Fi connection for audio transmission with minimal compression. The sound is pleasant and does not distort at maximum volume. And 80% volume is enough for comfortable listening. The smart WiFi speaker is equipped with a battery, making it suitable for use at home and outdoors: with friends, in nature, or on the road. The smart Wi-Fi speaker is durable and reliable. The body is resistant to dust and water according to IP67.
Sound. You get a balanced and detailed response across all frequencies, with no excessive or boomy bass, even at top volume, meaning bass lovers might not be thrilled. Thanks to the natural reproduction, it handles any genre well, especially acoustic and vocal tracks.
- Balanced sound signature.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Functional companion app.
- Battery life up to 10 hours.
- Might not appeal to bassheads.
- Main features rely on the Wi-Fi connection.
- See the review of the previous generation Sonos Roam.
6. Google Nest AudioSmart speaker with voice assistant — for Android and iOS
Google Nest Audio is a smart speaker with the Google voice assistant. A functional proprietary app is available for Android and iOS owners. In the app, you can adjust the sound with the equalizer, control the speaker, and combine it with a second speaker for a stereo pair. The speaker with a smart assistant can stream audio from other sources and perform various commands, including internet searches. The smart speaker recognizes voice from a long distance, but voice recognition works worse in noisy environments. The build quality and materials are excellent, available in five neutral body colors. The controls are convenient and functional. There is a physical button to force-turn off the speaker when privacy is important.
Sound. The frequency balance leans toward the mids, leaving the lows and highs slightly recessed. While it handles any content just fine, it shines brightest with acoustic and vocal tracks, podcasts, and audiobooks. The soundstage is mediocre, presenting audio in mono, but you get good directivity and even sound overall. Headroom is average, making it a solid fit for small rooms and offices. Push the volume, though, and you’ll notice distortion and a loss of detail.
- Built-in Google Assistant.
- High voice recognition level.
- Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Recessed lows and mids.
- Bluetooth audio latency up to 250 ms.
- Average volume level.
7. JBL Link PortableJBL smart speaker — affordable and high-quality
JBL Link Portable is a JBL smart speaker for desktop and portable use. You can use the speaker at home, or take it outdoors thanks to the built-in battery. The speaker is water-resistant according to IPx7 and will not break if fully submerged in water. JBL Link Portable is an affordable smart speaker with high-quality sound, capable of streaming audio from various streaming platforms. In the proprietary app, you can combine two speakers to get pleasant stereo sound.
Sound. The speaker has a pleasant bass sound with good sub-bass, without a noticeable imbalance toward the lows. The mids and highs are clear, moderately bright, and well-balanced. You get good natural timbre and detail retrieval with minimal distortion at high volume. The speaker is versatile and handles any music genres well.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support.
- Built-in voice assistant.
- Pleasant appearance.
- No AUX port.
- Low battery life.
- Bluetooth version 4.2.
- Inconvenient indicator lights.
8. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)Smart talking speaker — compact and functional
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) is a smart talking speaker for home with the Alexa assistant. At the voice assistant’s command, it will play your favorite track or playlist from a streaming service. Moreover, the music does not interfere with the assistant understanding the owner’s commands. And for the convenience of multiple owners, the speaker’s backlight intensifies towards the voice giving the command. The Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker is equipped with motion and temperature sensors and can control smart home devices that support the Alexa assistant.
Sound. The frequency balance leans toward the mids. Low-frequency instruments sound weak and lack expression. Treble is also in short supply. Vocals sound good and clear, and I have no complaints about the mid-range instruments. Audio is reproduced in mono while filling the room nicely. Headroom is enough for a medium-sized room. As you crank the volume, distortion increases and detail retrieval drops.
- Compact dimensions.
- Good voice assistant accuracy.
- Convenient controls. Wi-Fi 5.
- Motion sensor and temperature sensor.
- Lacks lows and highs.
- Average volume level.
- No dust and water resistance.
- As an alternative — Amazon Echo Studio. 5 drivers with omnidirectional sound.
- As an alternative — Amazon Echo (4th Gen). 3 drivers, 3.5mm jack.
- As an alternative — Amazon Echo Pop. Larger driver size — 49.5 mm. No detection or temperature sensors.
9. JBL Authentics 500Large smart Bluetooth speaker — with 3.1 audio system
JBL Authentics 500 is a large smart Bluetooth speaker for home use in a retro style. The speaker has two common voice assistants built-in: Google and Alexa. If desired, you can link any streaming service and play your favorite content on command. The large smart speaker is equipped with a 3.1 audio system with three tweeters, three mid-range drivers, and a subwoofer. Combined with Wi-Fi 6, audio is reproduced without compression or loss of quality. And with room calibration technology, the smart Bluetooth speaker automatically adjusts the sound based on the current room.
Sound. The speaker features built-in auto-calibration that adapts to your room’s acoustics. It kicks on automatically every time you plug the speaker in. The frequency balance leans toward the lows, but the bass doesn’t mask the mids and highs. Directional drivers create a wide soundstage, and there’s enough volume headroom for large rooms. At maximum volume, you’ll notice audio distortion and a loss of detail.
- Pleasing and detailed sound.
- Built-in voice assistants and integration with music streaming services.
- Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6.
- AUX jack, Ethernet, USB-C port.
- Automatic sound tuning.
- High Bluetooth audio latency, reaching up to 250 ms.
- Voice assistant available only over Wi-Fi.
- As an alternative — JBL Authentics 300. No mid-range drivers, built-in 4800 mAh battery.
- As an alternative — JBL Authentics 200. No mid-range drivers, less power — 90W.
10. B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)Smart speaker for kids — with accurate command recognition
B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is a smart speaker for kids with the Alexa voice assistant. Moreover, the voice assistant excellently recognizes voice from a long distance and in noisy environments. This compact portable speaker is perfect for home and outdoors. The battery charge will reliably last for a day of use. And with IP67 dust and water resistance, you can use it in nature, by the water, or on various trips.
Sound. The speaker’s strong suit is its mids. Vocal and acoustic tracks, podcasts, and audiobooks sound great. Lows and highs are insufficient. The sound lacks brightness and richness, offering no drive or rumble in bass-heavy tracks. The built-in presets in the companion app help improve the sound.
- Quality voice assistant performance.
- Class D amplifier.
- Great mid-range performance.
- Lacks lows and highs.
- Distortion and loss of detail at high volume.
- Battery life up to 5 hours at high volume.
- Charging time of nearly 5 hours.
Which smart speaker to buy in 2026?
What smart speakers are currently on the market and which one is worth buying? It’s easiest to identify a few key characteristics and base your choice on them.
- Voice Assistant. This is the core of any smart speaker. For most people in our region, models with a Russian-language assistant will be suitable. After all, we choose smart speakers not to improve our English, but to simplify our lives. 😉 Among Russian-language voice assistants, the most developed is currently Yandex’s Alice (available in many speakers from different manufacturers). There’s also Marusya from Mail.ru (currently only in one or a couple of speakers), but it still lags in functionality and overall ease of use. However, if you still prefer English, there are options, although not always fully functional in our region due to regional restrictions. But a speaker can be smart without direct voice assistant support, as exemplified by the first one on the list. 😛
- Form Factor. What kind of smart speaker do you want to buy: large or small, portable or stationary? Most smart speakers are stationary and only work from mains power. After all, when setting an alarm, it’s highly undesirable for the battery to die overnight. 😉 But there are also options with portable use scenarios (usually a docking station + internal battery). Some people want to take the speaker with them sometimes, while others don’t need it. This also depends on the size: if it’s a simple “hockey puck” or a large “boombox,” they don’t need a battery at all, no one will want to take them out of the house.
- Musicality or Functionality. If smart features are important to you, it’s enough to choose a suitable voice assistant, find a compact model with it “inside,” and purchase it. Why overpay for high-quality drivers if you just want a smart home hub or a toy for kids and entertainment for yourself? But if sound quality is your top priority, then you should pay attention to purely musical models that can play content from various streaming services, have high-quality audio components, and flexible playback control options.
How much does a good smart speaker cost – prices
The price of a smart speaker can vary widely. In our ranking, it ranges from $60 to $525. It can be said that, on average, smart speakers are not really cheap at all. And it’s worth looking at budget models very carefully: some may develop critical problems after a month or two of use.
The most optimal, one might say, smart speaker costs $60-100. These are models with decent sound (for background listening) and wide smart functionality. Anything more expensive means models with higher sound quality. If you need a smart speaker that is pleasant to listen to not just in the background, they all cost over $100-150. And models with really good sound cost more than $300.
What are the advantages of a smart speaker – how does it differ from a regular Bluetooth speaker?
The advantages of a smart speaker are quite obvious: a voice assistant with its functionality (alarms, internet search, tips, games, reminders, and a lot more), smart home control (if you have one, of course). But it’s worth noting the obvious: a regular Bluetooth speaker for about $100 provides better sound quality than a smart speaker for the same money. Smart speaker control is usually implemented by voice, and a few basic functions are assigned to buttons or gestures.
Some smart speakers have a well-thought-out app through which they can be fully controlled even without voice commands. The smart speaker at the top of this ranking, whose voice assistants are not yet supported in our region, can be turned into a fantastic music center with a wide range of capabilities through its proprietary app. Regular Bluetooth speakers can’t do that either.
What can a smart speaker do – capabilities and what can it do?
Let’s list the main things a smart speaker can do (on average):
- Internet search.
- Quick answers to some questions.
- Reminders, alarms, to-do lists.
- Entertainment (games, fairy tales for children, etc.).
- Just chat (many voice assistants can now hold a decent conversation).
- Using some services. Ordering taxis, food. Limited, but developing.
- Calling in messengers. Also a developing area.
- Controlling other smart home devices. From a simple “turn off the light” to complex scenarios.
- Other capabilities. Tips, recipes, TV control, image search, and more, depending on the specific device.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to connect a smart speaker to a phone?
1. Turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on your phone, activate the smart speaker.2. Go to the Bluetooth menu and add a new device. For Wi-Fi connection, enter the access point password. Connecting the smart speaker may take some time.3. Install the proprietary app.4. Follow the instructions in the app to connect and set up the speaker.
How does a smart speaker work?
Smart speakers primarily work on the following principle:1. The speaker records the user’s command or request. 2. The request is processed and sent to the server for analysis and recognition.3. After processing the request, the command is executed.
How to set up a smart speaker?
1. To set up a smart speaker, download the manufacturer’s proprietary app. 2. Open the proprietary app. Grant permissions for operation.3. You may need to register an account, optionally or mandatorily.4. In the main menu of the app, you can add various services.5. Open the settings and configure the necessary operating parameters for the smart speaker.
How to connect a smart speaker to a TV?
You can connect a smart speaker in one of three ways: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and via a 3.5mm cable. Method 1 via Bluetooth:1. Activate Bluetooth on the speaker and TV.2. On the TV, go to the add new device menu. 3. Wait for the speaker to appear and pair it with the TV. Method 2 via Wi-Fi:1. Connect the TV and smart speaker to the same Wi-Fi network.2. Open the manufacturer’s proprietary app and establish a connection. Method 3 via 3.5mm cable:1. Turn on the smart speaker.2. Connect the 3.5mm cable to the speaker, and the other end of the cable to the TV.