Our top pick is the Sonos One (Gen 2), perfect for audiophiles who want seamless voice control and accurate smart home integration. This speaker's winning combination of Alexa integration and crystal-clear audio makes it our number one choice.
We loved how seamlessly the Sonos One integrates with other smart devices in our testing, making it a breeze to control and monitor your entire smart home system.
This buying guide is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their smart home setup or get started with AI-powered devices. If you're new to smart homes, this roundup will help you navigate the market and find the best device for your needs.
However, if you're already satisfied with your current setup or don't have a large budget, consider skipping these high-end options and opting for more affordable alternatives. In that case, we recommend checking out our budget-friendly picks from last year's guide.
Best for: Audiophiles who want high-quality audio and seamless smart home integration. Price: [$199 at Amazon] What we liked: The Sonos One's crystal-clear audio and ability to integrate with multiple music services. We also appreciated its compact design and easy-to-use interface.
What annoyed us: The controls take a week to get used to, but once you're familiar, it's smooth sailing. Also, the device can be quite loud when using voice commands.
Best for: Small spaces or those who want a compact display. Price: [$49 at Amazon] What we liked: The Echo Show 5's compact design and ability to display visual reminders. We also appreciated its affordable price point.
What annoyed us: The device can be finicky with voice commands, sometimes taking multiple attempts to register.
Best for: Families or those who want a central hub. Price: [$199 at Amazon] What we liked: The Link View's high-quality audio and sleek design. We also appreciated its ability to integrate with multiple smart devices.
What annoyed us: The device can be slow to respond to voice commands, and the interface takes some getting used to.
Best for: Large families or those who want a high-end smart display. Price: [$299 at Amazon] What we liked: The Smart Display 8's high-resolution display and ability to integrate with multiple devices. We also appreciated its sleek design.
What annoyed us: The device can be pricey, and the interface takes some time to get used to. Additionally, it's not as compact as other options on this list.
| Product | Display Resolution | Google Assistant Integration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos One (Gen 2) | - | √ | $199 |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) | 1024x600 | √ | $49 |
| JBL Link View | 1280x720 | √ | $199 |
| Lenovo Smart Display 8 (2nd Gen) | 1920x1080 | √ | $299 |
We recommend starting with the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen), which offers a compact display and affordable price point.
Yes, some devices allow you to switch between different voice assistants. Check the product description or manufacturer's website for more information.
Most devices require a stable internet connection to function properly. However, some may have offline capabilities, so be sure to check the product description before purchasing.
Our top pick is the Sonos One (Gen 2), followed closely by the JBL Link View and Lenovo Smart Display 8 (2nd Gen). If you're on a budget, consider the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) as a solid starting point. With this guide, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect AI-powered smart home device for your needs.
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