The best smart speakers of 2026: music to our ears

The smart speakers mentioned above are our current favorites, but you still have other options if you’re looking for something specific in audio performance. Options not included in this list include:

Apple HomePod: I really like the sound of the HomePod, which is probably the best in the business, but it’s simply too expensive for the average budget at upwards of $250 to $300 — which is why Apple released a mini version. The smaller HomePod doesn’t have the same amazing sound, but it’s much less expensive, which is why it ended up on the list.

Echo Dot 4: I really like this Echo Dot and use it in my home, but it’s starting to become an older model and I’m not sure how long Amazon will sell it since there are newer models like the Echo Dot Max.

Echo display 11: This smart display delivers surprisingly good sound thanks to its updated design, but it’s more focused on the 11-inch screen, which is why it ended up in my picks for the best smart displays instead.

Sonos Era 100: Sonor era 100 It has amazing sound for $199but if you really want a premium model, why not go ahead and get the top-of-the-line Sonos Era 300? I’d choose the higher-end Sonos option for this list if your budget wasn’t an issue, but the 100 is still an option for those who like Sonos features but want a lower cost.

Bose SoundLink Home: Bose home speaker It looks great But the “Home Page” moniker is a bit misleading. This is a portable Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t have any smart capabilities and can’t even link to the Bose app, so it’s excellent for this list.

Wim pro: The Wiim Pro is an interesting smart speaker receiver if you already have speakers you like and want to give them Alexa/Google/Siri capabilities, but it’s not actually a smart speaker itself, so it didn’t make this list. I’m also waiting Wim’s voicewhich is a standalone smart speaker of its own and could win a spot if tested well.

Google Nest Audio: Google Nest Audio is the latest from Nest Try a bigger smart speaker. There’s nothing wrong with that, especially with its $100 price tag, but I liked the design and sound of the larger smart speakers if you want to go big. For Nest fans, this is still a viable option. In the end, I chose the smaller Nest Mini as a great deskside companion.

Denon Home 150: I’ve chosen the more versatile Sonos over the audio-video-friendly Denon brand for this list. However, if your home entertainment system uses Denon products and you’re very happy with them, it’s worth checking out this $199 smart speaker from the same manufacturer.