Smart speakers

Smart speakers are voice-controlled speakers that stream music, answer questions, set timers and control other smart home devices. They suit anyone building a connected home or wanting an easy way to play audio in a kitchen, bedroom or living room. Typical types include small speakers for a shelf or desk, larger models built to fill a room, and speakers with a screen.

How to choose a smart speaker

Voice assistant. Pick the assistant that matches the phone and smart home devices you already use, because that decides which apps, lights, plugs and music services work smoothly. Changing assistant later usually means setting up your devices again.

Sound quality and size. A small speaker is fine for news, timers and background music, but it will sound thin for a lounge or an open-plan room. If music matters, look for a larger cabinet, stereo output or the option to pair two speakers as a left and right set.

Connectivity. Wi-Fi is needed for voice commands and streaming services, while Bluetooth lets you play audio straight from a phone or laptop when the network is down. Support for the Matter standard helps a speaker work as a hub with devices from different makers. Multi-room support is worth checking if you want the same music in several rooms.

Privacy and extras. Look for a physical microphone mute switch, which cuts off listening more reliably than a software setting. A built-in screen adds recipes, video calls and camera views, but it takes up more space and is not needed for music or basic voice control.

Types of smart speaker

• Speakers without a screen: the most common type, controlled by voice or an app, and the simplest choice for music, radio and podcasts.
• Smart displays: a speaker with a touchscreen, useful in kitchens and on bedside tables for timers, video calls and viewing smart home cameras.
• Portable smart speakers: models with a battery that can move between rooms or outdoors, usually switching to Bluetooth when away from Wi-Fi.
• Soundbar and multi-room speakers: larger units with voice assistants that link to a television or to other speakers around the house.

Specific brands are not listed for this category at the moment, so compare makes on assistant support, sound quality and how long they provide software updates.

Smart speaker FAQ

Do smart speakers work without an internet connection?

Most smart speakers need an internet connection for voice commands, streaming and smart home control. Without it, many models can still play audio over Bluetooth from a phone or laptop. Basic functions such as alarms may continue to work on some models, but this varies.

Can I use a smart speaker as a normal Bluetooth speaker?

Yes, most smart speakers include Bluetooth, so you can pair a phone, tablet or computer and play audio directly. This is useful when your Wi-Fi is down or when you want to play something from an app the speaker does not support. Check the specification list for Bluetooth before buying.

Are smart speakers always listening?

Smart speakers keep their microphones active so they can detect a wake word such as the assistant's name, but they are designed to process commands only after hearing it. If this concerns you, choose a model with a physical mute button and review the voice history settings in the companion app. Placing the speaker away from private conversations also reduces the risk of accidental activation.

Can I connect several smart speakers in one home?

Yes, many smart speakers can be grouped so the same music plays in several rooms, or paired as a stereo set in one room. Grouping usually works best when all the speakers use the same voice assistant and the same Wi-Fi network. Mixing different makers is often limited, so check multi-room support before buying a second speaker.