Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallSonos Era 100 | ValueAmazon Echo Dot (5th gen) | KitchenAmazon Echo Show 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £180–£250 | £30–£55 | £90–£150 |
| Best for | Music | Value | Kitchen |
| Key feature | Great sound with Alexa support | Compact Alexa speaker | Screen for recipes and video calls |
| Assistant | Alexa | Alexa | Alexa |
| Connection | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | — | — |
| Speaker | — | 1.73" | — |
| Screen | — | — | 8" |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Sonos · Smart speakers
Sonos Era 100
Great sound with Alexa support.
- Buy it if
- music quality matters most
- Skip it if
- you want the cheapest option
Pros
- Excellent sound
- Stereo pairs
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Cons
- Pricey
- No Google Assistant
Key specifications
- Assistant
- Alexa
- Connection
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
Amazon · Smart speakers
Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen)
Compact Alexa speaker.
- Buy it if
- you want an affordable Alexa speaker
- Skip it if
- you want rich music sound
Pros
- Cheap
- Small
- Good for voice
Cons
- Small sound
- Bass limited
Key specifications
- Assistant
- Alexa
- Speaker
- 1.73"
Amazon · Smart speakers
Amazon Echo Show 8
Screen for recipes and video calls.
- Buy it if
- you want a screen for recipes and calls
- Skip it if
- you dislike screens
Pros
- Screen
- Video calls
- Smart home dashboard
Cons
- Ads on screen
- Bulky
Key specifications
- Screen
- 8"
- Assistant
- Alexa
Compare more Smart speakers on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
Smart speakers with Alexa and Google Assistant, compared on sound, smart home control and value. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- Pick the assistant that matches your other devices.
- Larger speakers sound much better for music.
- Screens add video calls and recipes.
Buying in the UK
Amazon Echo devices are heavily discounted in the UK on Prime Day and Black Friday – rarely pay full price.
Frequently asked questions
Alexa or Google Assistant?
Alexa works with the widest range of smart home devices; Google Assistant is stronger for questions and Google services.
Are smart speakers always listening?
They listen for the wake word locally and you can mute the microphones at any time.