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Best Smart Speakers for 2025: We Tested Alexa, Google, Apple and Sonos

07 Feb

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The smart speakers above are our current favorites, but you still have lots of other options if you’re looking for something specific in audio performance. Read our breakdown of Alexa versus Google Assistant versus Siri if you’d like to learn the pros and cons of each and decide on a smart home device based on its platform.

In the past year or so, we have seen several new smart speakers (namely the Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo Pop, the Sonos Era 100 and the Era 300), but most of the models out there have been available for much longer. The Era 100 is the pick of these new speakers, and although the $40 Pop is interesting in its way, the Dot (fifth gen) offers more features for only $10 more.

If you like the idea of ready-to-listen tech but want something more visual, check out our list of the best smart displays. Smart displays essentially combine a smart speaker with a touchscreen so you can watch videos on YouTube, make video calls, scroll through pictures and control your smart home gadgets with a touch. Amazon and Google both have several options worth considering in the category.

Read more: Best Smart Displays

Figure out what platform or features you’d like, and you should be able to quickly narrow down your options and find the best smart speaker for you and your family.

Are there any stereo smart speakers?

Yes; nearly every Amazon Echo smart speaker can stereo pair with another Echo speaker. The list is quite long, so take a look at Amazon’s stereo device compatibility page. You’ll find a list of which speakers can pair with each other for stereo sound. 

All of Google’s smart speakers can be stereo-paired, as long as they’re identical models. Google’s Nest Audio speaker is the best bet for stereo pairing, and a two-pack of these speakers often provides a discount off the $99-per-speaker MSRP. 

You’ll be able to set up the speakers in your Google Home app and tell Google which speaker is right and which is left. Bass and treble settings are also adjustable from the Home app. 

Apple’s HomePod and HomePod Mini can be paired with identical speakers for left and right-channel stereo listening. You can also pair your HomePods with your Apple TV for surround sound theater. The smaller speakers won’t blow you away, but it’s a nice extra feature. 

If building out a stellar home theater system is your biggest smart speaker priority, Sonos offers the best audio quality, in our opinion. Two Sonos speakers (of the same model) can be stereo-paired, or you could trade up for its excellent selection of smart soundbars (Beam or Arc) or general soundbars. 


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