Which Smart Speaker Is Right for You?

By Sara Coughlin

Updated on April 30, 2024

Anyone who listens to music, audiobooks, or podcasts around the house should have a speaker that captures the quality of their audio. And it’s even better if that speaker also comes with smart capabilities, like a voice-controlled assistant that can create lists, edit your calendar, and send messages without interrupting your listening experience. With today’s smart speaker technology you can have it all, without spending big money on the most expensive and complex tech on the market.

If you’ve been considering what to gift the podcast enthusiast, audiobook aficionado, or music lover in your life­, these feature-rich, easy-to-use smart speakers make a nice upgrade to computer speakers, speakers without smart capabilities, or headphones alone. Check out this guide to find their smart speaker match.

Don’t forget the reliable Wi-Fi. Start with fast fiber internet. If you’re upgrading to smart sound, this is the time to upgrade to a fiber connection that comes with a state-of-the-art router. And, once you’re a Frontier Fiber customer, you can enroll in Frontier ForMe Rewards and get great discounts on lots of popular connected devices.

For the multi-tasker: Amazon Echo

The Echo provides users with all the hands-free conveniences of a smart assistant, plus the joys of on-demand audio. Voice controls can change or adjust the music, set timers, make lists, check the weather, call your contacts, and play the news. Meanwhile, the speaker itself produces high-quality sound that Amazon notes can sync with other Echo devices around the house.

The Echo checks all the essential boxes for a smart speaker, allowing users to enjoy their music and podcasts while getting stuff done. Finally, with its double-digit price tag, the Echo is a rarity in the pricey smart speaker market.

For the audiophile: Sonos Era 300

This smart speaker plays albums, playlists, streaming radio, and podcasts with ultra-crisp clarity. Engineered to capture a song’s complexity at any volume and equipped with spatially-aware tuning technology, it more than earns Sonos’ enduring reputation for stunningly high-quality audio. When you plug it in and set it up with the app, the technology will analyze the acoustics of your and optimize the speaker’s EQ.

The Sonos Era 300 can be controlled by touch, voice commands, the Sonos app, or Apple AirPlay 2, and it comes with Amazon Alexa already built in, allowing users to ask questions, set alarms, and check their calendar without missing a beat.

For the bass enthusiast: Amazon Echo Studio

The Amazon Echo Studio can produce a crystal-clear range of sound, from bumping bass to never-tinny high notes, while cultivating a sense of space and depth. Like the standard Amazon Echo, this device is Alexa-ready and compatible with major streaming apps like Pandora, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal. Setting the Echo Studio apart is its ability to stream in lossless audio formats like HD, Ultra HD, and select songs in spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

Because this speaker packs a serious sonic punch, it’s great for linking with your TV audio or for use in large spaces. You can find similar (and potentially higher caliber, more complex) sound quality from a brand like Sonos, but if you want powerful bass and all-consuming sound, the Echo Studio should be a top contender.

For the apartment-dweller: Google Nest Audio

No matter your living situation, Google Nest Audio (an upgrade to the original Google Home) will help ensure that your sound quality is optimal for your space. Programmed to intelligently adjust its equalizer settings to fit its surroundings (say, if it’s positioned directly against a wall or in a small space), this speaker saves you the hassle of troubleshooting its placement in your home. Google Nest will link to your Spotify or YouTube Music accounts.

For the aesthetically conscious: Apple HomePod

Between its rich bass, high-definition audio, and streamlined design, this smart speaker looks as good as it sounds. The HomePod provides users with a rich listening experience that can be controlled through other Apple devices (Apple TV, iPhones,Macs, IPads or Siri commands).

While the HomePod is only directly compatible with Apple Music, you can AirPlay from an iPhone to any HomePod, This is an excellent pick for anyone who’s an Apple loyalist, but it might not be as good a fit for someone who doesn’t already use the rest of Apple’s suite of hardware. Note: There’s also a HomePod mini that comes in five different colors.

Stay connected to home with Frontier Fiber

When you power your smart home with the best fiber internet connection, you can rest assured you have reliable access to your smart devices whenever you want to be in touch. Learn about the advantages of Frontier Fiber. Frontier Fiber is available in select areas—check here to see when it’s available at your address. And check out Frontier’s SmartMarket for a great selection of quality smart home devices.

Product availability and features may have changed and are subject to change. Additional subscription fees are required for music streaming services and other features.