What to look for
- Pick your assistant first: Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri.
- Music lovers should prioritise sound and AirPlay or Spotify Connect support.
- A built-in Matter or Thread hub simplifies adding smart lights and plugs.
- Check privacy controls such as a mic-off button.
How much to spend
Typical prices run from £29 to £199. Budget models cover the basics; spending more usually buys rich stereo sound for any room. Only pay for features you will use.
Who should skip what
- Skip the Sonos Era 100 if you mainly want a cheap voice assistant
- Skip the Amazon Echo Dot if you want room-filling music; a bigger speaker sounds much better
- Skip the Amazon Echo Studio if you prefer Google or Apple’s ecosystems
- Skip the Apple HomePod mini if you use Android; HomePod needs an iPhone or iPad to set up
Buying tips
Echo speakers hit their lowest prices on Prime Day and Black Friday, often bundled with smart bulbs. Sonos sales are rarer, so watch holiday events.
Our picks
See all our best smart speakers in the uk for more options.
Recommended products
Best budgetAmazon · Smart speakers
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Alexa everywhere for less.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Most people
- Typical price
- £29–£49
Pros
- Low price
- Clearer sound than older Dots
Cons
- Small sound
Best for musicSonos · Smart speakers
Sonos Era 100
Rich sound and multiroom.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Music lovers
- Typical price
- £159–£199
Pros
- Excellent sound for its size
- Stereo drivers
Cons
- Sonos app has had reliability issues
Best big Alexa speakerAmazon · Smart speakers
Amazon Echo Studio
Spatial audio and a hub.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Big sound with Alexa
- Typical price
- £159–£199
Pros
- Big, room-filling sound
- Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos
Cons
- Large
Frequently asked questions
Which smart speaker sounds best?
Among compact speakers, the Sonos Era 100 sounds best for music. For bigger rooms, the Echo Studio or a pair of Sonos speakers fills the space.
Do smart speakers always listen?
They listen locally for a wake word and only send audio after hearing it. Every major speaker has a mic-off button.
Can I pair two speakers for stereo?
Yes. Two matching Echo, Sonos or HomePod speakers can be paired as a stereo set.