Smart speakers have revolutionised the way we interact with our homes, offering convenience, entertainment, and connectivity all through simple voice commands. In 2024, the market for smart speakers continues to grow, with new models offering enhanced features, better sound quality, and improved integration with smart home ecosystems. Here, we explore the best smart speakers available this year, including options compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
Sonos Era 100
The Sonos Era 100 stands out as a top choice for smart speakers in 2024. With its 9/10 rating from WIRED, it brings stereo sound and enhanced bass, thanks to new tweeters and a 25 percent larger woofer. The built-in room tuning feature, which adjusts the EQ based on room acoustics, ensures optimal sound quality. This smart speaker supports Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2, making it versatile for any smart home setup.
Key Features:
- Stereo sound with improved bass
- Built-in room tuning for optimal EQ
- Supports Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2
- Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity
- Can be used as surround speakers with Sonos soundbars
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Amazon’s Echo (4th Gen) continues to impress with its bold bass and 360-degree sound. Rated 8/10 by WIRED, it’s perfect for any room, filling spaces with rich audio. Alexa integration makes it easy to set timers, get weather updates, and more. A physical button to turn off microphones ensures privacy when needed.
Key Features:
- 360-degree sound with bold bass
- Compact design for any room
- Alexa integration
- Physical button to turn off microphones
Google Nest Audio
The Google Nest Audio, another 8/10 WIRED favorite, offers great sound quality in a compact, pillow-like design. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized rooms and excels when used as a stereo pair. Google Assistant integration allows for easy control of smart devices, setting timers, and accessing information through voice commands.
Key Features:
- Compact design with excellent sound
- Google Assistant integration
- Easy pairing with other Google devices
- Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms
Sonos Roam
For those on the go, the Sonos Roam is an excellent portable smart speaker. Rated 9/10 by WIRED, it combines the Sonos ecosystem’s simplicity with portability. It supports both Google Assistant and Alexa, and offers Bluetooth connectivity for use outside Wi-Fi range. With a rugged design and IP67 rating, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
- Portable with Bluetooth connectivity
- Supports Google Assistant and Alexa
- 10 hours of listening on a full charge
- Rugged design with IP67 rating
Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 is the ultimate choice for experiencing spatial audio. With a 9/10 WIRED rating, it delivers audio mixed with more than two channels, providing an immersive listening experience. It can also function as Dolby Atmos surrounds in a home theater setup. The Era 300’s ability to tune itself to your room ensures high-quality sound in any space.
Key Features:
- Supports spatial audio
- Can be used as Dolby Atmos surrounds
- Self-tuning for room acoustics
- Big, confident bass and detailed highs
New UK Law Enhances Smart Speaker Longevity
A new UK law passed in April 2024 mandates better security measures and transparency about product support. Manufacturers must now provide clear information on how long smart speakers will receive software updates, addressing concerns about devices becoming obsolete. This law aims to ensure that smart speakers, like those from Sonos, Amazon, and Google, will remain functional and secure for longer periods.
Smart speakers have become an essential part of modern homes, offering a blend of convenience, connectivity, and high-quality audio. The Sonos Era 100 and 300, Amazon Echo (4th Gen), Google Nest Audio, and Sonos Roam represent the best options for 2024, each bringing unique features to the table. Whether you prioritize portability, sound quality, or smart home integration, there’s a smart speaker to fit your needs. Be sure to use the provided affiliate links to make your purchase and enjoy the enhanced audio and smart capabilities these speakers offer.
An Observer 