It seems like every unexampled wireless speaker on the market comes with a representative assistant now . Since 2014 , when Amazon announced the Echo , the idea of a smart speaker has select the contrivance world by storm . Apple has finally thrown its lid into the ring with the release of the HomePod , leaving us to enquire which overbold speaker is the best smart speaker . So we prove them to rule out .
While regular speakers just play music , overbold speakers impart a wider orbit of thoughtfulness to the table . If the speaker unit is badly designed and punishing to use , you ’ll detest it . legal character , of course , is very significant — but it ’s not quite predominate . And if does n’t do the sassy stuff and nonsense well , you might as well get a steady speaker .
So afterwe reviewed the HomePod , we put it to the trial against an raiment of other chic speaker system , including theAmazon Echo , theGoogle Home Max , theUE Megablast , theSonos Play:5 , and theSonos One . You might be surprised by who came out in advance .
All photos: Adam Clark Estes / Gizmodo
Design
Before you even listen to a smart speaker system , you ’re pay off attention to the design . This thing is going to inhabit in your home , so it should be pretty . But it should also be easy to practice and operational .
The balance between mannequin and function knock a hatful of loudspeaker out of contestation . The Amazon Echo is just ugly . The Sonos Play:5 need a facelift and does n’t have a voice - powered assistant on board . The Google Home Max is freehanded , but too big . The HomePod looks capital but has no ancillary input . Sonos One is flowing as hell , but not quite our favorite .
Out of all the speakers we tested , the UE Megablast has our favored intention . Not only does the speaker look and sense slap-up , but it ’s also portable and wondrous durable . you could throw it across the room without break it or even messing up your music . you could also throw it in a swim pocket billiards because it ’s waterproof .
All photos: Adam Clark Estes / Gizmodo
Winner : UE Megablast
Sound Quality
Yes , yes , audio fidelity is super important for any speaker . However , with the new saucy speakers on the market , you ’ll encounter a intimate trade - off with size and sound . base on unsubdivided physics , gravid talker tend to offer better bass , because the subwoofer can merely move more air . little speaker unit , meanwhile , tend to scramble with loud volume . That ’s part of why the Amazon Echo immediately loses . ( It also more often than not sounds speculative . ) Meanwhile , the self-aggrandising Google Home Max is too freshwater bass - heavy , and the portable UE Megablast sounds good but not over-the-top .
The HomePod is special , especially when it come to the tone and clarity of the bass . It wo n’t rattle your tooth out of your head , but you ’ll directly notice how well the HomePod carries humble frequency sound . The highs are also great thanks to seven tweeter wrapped around the bottom of the speaker . However , the midrange seems to be missing completely .
That ’s where Sonos steps in . The Sonos One allow for well balanced sound that can fill a way , while the Sonos Play:5 is a openhanded flourishing party factory . The basso in either speaker does n’t have that almost noteworthy quality of the HomePod , but on the whole , the Sonos tuning will sound well for most people .
achiever : Sonos Play:5 and Sonos One
Smarts
Let ’s get this out of the way : Siri is not very smart on the HomePod right now . For whatever reason , Apple decided to limit its capabilities to farm animal apps like Calendar , conditions , and Messages . So you’re able to transmit a text edition , but you ca n’t search the entanglement . You ’re also limited to using Apple Music or iTunes if you want to control music with your interpreter . you may use third political party avail like Spotify over AirPlay only , as the HomePod does not have Bluetooth . Pretty dense right field ?
Speaking of dumb , the Sonos Play:5 does n’t have a interpreter - enable assistant at all . It can sort of be impudent if you link it to a Sonos One or another chic verbalizer like an Amazon Echo Dot or a Google Home Mini . But since it ’s not an all - in - one resolution , it was the first talker to get get rid of in this struggle .
The HomePod also falls shortsighted on compatibility with other gadgets in your place because it only works with new HomeKit - enabled accessories . Speakers with Amazon Alexa oeuvre with the most number of devices , while those with Google Assistant are a tight second .
That bequeath you with the pick between Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant on the other smart speakers . The exception , however , is with the Sonos One , which already offers Alexa and plan to summate Google Assistant later this year . At that item , you get the best of both public . That means the Sonos One offers the most versatility and functionality for now .
Winner : Sonos One
The Very Best Smart Speaker
Best Design
UE Megablast
Best Sound
Sonos Play:5 and Sonos One
Best Smarts
Sonos One
Winner
Winner Winner
If every gadget you own and every service you pay for is made by Apple , you might love the HomePod . It really is a singular speaker with a unparalleled auditory sensation . Siri is also a unique assistant in that she ca n’t do that much . I intend , hey , you might be into that !
But for most the great unwashed there ’s a better solution . Go Sonos , my admirer . The original wireless speaker brand still makes first-class speakers that sound terrific . And the way the party is offering an undefendable ecosystem when it comes to artificially thinking supporter is rightfully fantastic .
AlexaAmazon EchoAppleBattlemodoGoogle HomehomepodSONOS
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