Best Smart Speaker of Amazon, Google and Apple

Amazon, Google, and Apple are the three major companies that are fighting to have the best smart speaker. Amazon was one of the first companies on the market with their Alexa. However, does being the first also mean being the best?

This blog is a comparison of the three smart speakers. Detailed product reviews from the Amazon Echo, Apple Homepod and Google Nest Audio are availble for more information. The table compares some technical features of the three speakers.

Amazon

Echo (4th Generation)

The Amazon Echo is in its 4^th Generation. It adopted a cylindrical shape and the new design offers more possibilities to place the speaker anywhere, as it is not as high. The smaller design does not negatively impact the sound quality. This smart speaker delivers clear highs, dynamic mids and a deep bass for rich, detailed sound.

The main benefit of the Amazon Echo speaker is that it uses Alexa as a voice assistant. Objectively, Alexa is the best voice assistant out there, outperforming Google Assistant or Siri. Alexa performs a multitude of tasks like setting alarms, playing music, answering questions. Alexa can be connected to your Amazon account, offering the best option for shopping and package tracking.

Amazon Echo is also a hub for your smart home and can control smart home features. A few examples include Amazon Music, Amazon shopping, Apple music, Spotify, Deezer, Philips Hue, Ring, Audible and radio stations. Additionally, different Echo devices can be paired in various rooms of the household to communicate with other family members via the speaker.

Amazon Echo Studio and Echo Dot

Amazon also released the Echo Studio which performs the same features of the Amazon Echo but comes with a better sound. Subsequently it is also more expensive (£164.99).

The Echo Dot (5th Generation) is a smaller version of the Amazon Echo. This smart speaker has all features of the Amazon Echo but has a slightly lower audio quality as it is smaller. Nonetheless, it is significantly cheaper than the Amazon Echo and worth a consideration.

In total, for £109.99, the Amazon Echo differentiates itself from competitors by having the best voice assistant and offering great value for money.

Apple

Homepod

After Apple discontinued their first Homepod generation in 2021, they launched their second generation in 2023. The design of the Apple Homepod is aesthetically pleasing and gives a premium product impression. Additionally, a detachable plug is available, which allows to position the Homepod around furniture easily.

The Apple Homepod has two major crtique points. Firstly, the audio quality underperforms and compared to the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Audio, it has the worst sound. Secondly, Siri as a voice assistant does not perform as well as Alexa or Google Assistant.

The Apple Hompeod is relatively expensive as it costs £299. For a ride or die Apple fan, the Apple Homepod is ideal. If not, you will have problems, since the Homepod can only be connected with other Apple products or Airplay. Similarly, Apple Homepod can be connected with HomeKit, which is Apple’s smart home platform.

If you are a true Apple fan that wants an Apple speaker, consider purchasing the Apple Homepod Mini (£99). This one is significantly smaller but can still perform most tasks. Therefore, the Homepod Mini offers the better value for money.

Rumours are spreading that Apple will release a new smart speaker in 2024, which has a 17cm large screen. This may change the game of smart speakers and increase Apple’s positioning. Until then, the Apple Homepod is underperforming and there are competitors that are cheaper and better.   

Google

Nest Audio

The Google Nest Audio is one of the smart speakers that performs better. It has a sleek, minimalistic design that uses fabric covers. Additionally, the bottom of the smart speaker is made from rubber, which gives it more stability when music is played.

Google Nest Audio has massively improved their audio performance from their previous generation. Sound is clear, loud, and punchy, which can give your home a concert atmosphere. Nest Audio uses Google Assistant as its voice assistant. This is the second best voice assistant (after Alexa) and it can be integrated with other smart home devices for a seamless smart home experience.

Finally, criticism of the Nest Audio include the missing compatibility with Alexa. Additionally, there is no 3.5mm audio output or input and the bass does not perform as well at higher volumes. Nonetheless, the Google Nest Audio offers excellent value for money (£99).

Sooo… What is the Best Smart Speaker?

To summarise, in terms of audio quality, Google Nest Audio and Amazon Echo perform similarly well. The Nest Audio struggles with producing a good bass, whilst the Echo does not have much treble finesse.  In total, the Amazon Echo performs slightly better, as it has the better voice assistant. Apple does underperform with their voice assistant and sound quality. However, if you are a big Apple fan then you will seek great satisfaction with Apple’s smart speaker.