Smart speakers have come a long way since their debut a decade ago, trailing behind their less intelligent Bluetooth siblings. But with the rise of voice command assistants like Siri, Assistant, and Alexa, these speakers have now become the cool kids on the block.
So, in this article, we’re going to get smart about smart speakers. We’ll show you how they differ from regular Bluetooth speakers, what they can do, and why you need one in your life. Plus, we’ll fill you in on the latest and greatest models available in the Indian market. Get ready to upgrade your listening experience with some seriously smart technology!
Table of Contents
1. Amazon echo(4th gen)
You can ask Alexa to play music from Amazon Music, Hungama, Spotify, Jio Saavn, Apple Music, among others. Alexa also allows you to voice control compatible smart appliances like lights, ACs, TVs, geysers, and even extend the experience to non-smart appliances using smart plugs (sold separately).
The built-in motion detection and temperature sensor are useful features that let you turn on the light when you enter the room or switch on the AC when it gets hot. You can easily set these experiences using routines in the Alexa app. The Echo Dot 5th Gen with Alexa can manage your day by setting reminders, paying bills, adding items to the shopping list, and much more. Alexa speaks both English and Hindi.
You can use the All-New Echo Dot as a standalone speaker or pair it with your phone to use it as a Bluetooth speaker. Echo Dot also comes with multiple privacy controls, including a mic off button.
The All-New Echo Dot 5th Gen is also designed with sustainability in mind. It has 50% post-consumer recycled plastics, 100% post-consumer recycled fabric, and 100% recycled die-cast aluminum. Amazon is also building new wind and solar farms to produce clean energy equivalent to the electricity used by this device.
Overall, the All-New Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2023 release) is an excellent smart speaker that is easy to set up and use, and packed with features. Whether you’re a music lover, smart home enthusiast, or someone who wants a personal assistant, this device is definitely worth checking out.
What Smart Speaker Can Do?
Smart Speakers are speakers that come with built-in artificial intelligence. This means you can ask them to turn on lights, set reminders, or even ask them random questions, and they’ll respond. Each smart speaker has a wake word, which triggers an algorithm that allows the device to communicate with its server. When you say the wake word, the device records your command, sends it to the server, which processes it, and then sends a response back to the smart speaker.
Bluetooth Speakers vs Smart Speakers
Bluetooth speakers are a simple way to amplify the sound from your device without the need for an additional app. They come in small, portable sizes, as well as larger tabletop models. Smart speakers, however, have built-in voice assistants that can access various audio sources, such as music streaming services, podcasts, and Internet radio, without needing to pair with another device. While some smart speakers have Bluetooth support, few are battery-powered for portability.
Despite their once-premium price tag, smart speakers are now more affordable and made by many big brands. In this post, we’ll review the best portable and home smart speakers available in India.
Best Smart Speakers in India
2. Amazon Echo Studio
When it comes to smart speakers, the Echo by Amazon is a brand that needs no introduction. At the top of the Echo line-up is the Echo Studio, complete with built-in Alexa and premium features. With a promise of unparalleled audio quality and a comprehensive smart home experience, the Echo Studio does come with a hefty price tag. However, it definitely lives up to its promises, making it the best sounding Echo device yet.
Featuring a 5-speaker system with 5 drivers, including a 51mm mid-range and a 133mm subwoofer that fires downwards, the Echo Studio is a powerhouse. Equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Alexa, it delivers impressive performance across the board. The speaker handles lows and highs with precision, and its three mid-range drivers perform beautifully. The subwoofer is also impressively powerful.
Also Read : Best Bluetooth Speakers For Home in India
Notable features
1. It has a 5 speaker best in class audio system in the smart speaker subcategory.
2. You Can pair it with Dolby atmos home theater system when paired with the Fire TV stick.
3. Supports 3d audio.
3. Apple Homepod
For the diehard Apple fans out there, there’s one smart speaker that’s specifically designed for you. Meet the beautifully crafted HomePod. Like any other Apple device, it’s seamlessly integrated with other Apple products, making it a breeze to use. Powered by Apple’s A8 processor, which was developed for the iPhone 6, the HomePod delivers exceptional audio quality with rich bass and crisp highs and lows.
However, the HomePod is designed to work exclusively with Apple products, meaning you won’t be able to pair it with non-Apple devices. Additionally, to fully unlock its music functionality, you’ll need an Apple Music subscription. Unfortunately, you also can’t ask Siri to play music from third-party apps like Spotify, Gaana, or Saavn, which might make it a tough sell for non-Apple users. Nonetheless, the HomePod’s superb music quality and top-notch build quality make it one of the best options on the market.
Also Read : Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers in India
Notable features
1. Speaker design is best in class
2. Siri voice recognition accuracy is better than Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.
3. Amazing sound quality.
4. Google Home
Google Home may have entered the smart speaker game a little late, but it’s still a strong contender. With Google Assistant built-in, this speaker is easy to use and can be controlled via the Google Home app. Unlike its Amazon competitor, the Echo, Google Home boasts sleek design that blends seamlessly into any environment.
With access to various streaming services like Google Play Music, YouTube Music, and Spotify, as well as Chromecast capabilities, Google Home has one of the largest song libraries of any smart device on the market. While it may not have the best sound quality, Google Home gets the job done.
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Notable features
1. Has a minimalistic and simple design
2.Excellent voice recognition
3. Very versatile in its usage.
5. Sony SRS-XB402M
Sony has once again proven that its audio gadgets are capable of delivering the best experience in the market. The Sony smart speaker boasts a stylish fabric finish design with front and back firing speakers. To connect to Alexa, simply use the Sony Music center app. Plus, it has a built-in battery, making it function as a regular Bluetooth speaker.
When it comes to audio quality, the speaker delivers rich bass and sharp clarity that would satisfy any audiophile. It is also impressively loud and dust and water-resistant, making it a versatile gadget for any occasion. While the price may be a bit steep, it’s definitely worth considering for its jack-of-all-trades capabilities.
Notable features-
1. One of the best sounding smart speakers.
2. IP67 water and dust resistant
3. Rich and refines bass.
6. Marshall Action 2 (with Alexa)
If you’re a fan of vintage aesthetics and desire a smart speaker that looks like an old radio or music instrument, the Marshall smart speaker is an excellent choice. With a robust and tactile design and a brushed metal bottom, it’s built to last.
This speaker packs a punch and can get extremely loud, with an impressive bass signature. However, when compared to its competitors, other aspects of its audio performance may fall short. Despite this, connectivity is smooth and straightforward, making it a solid choice for those looking for a retro-inspired smart speaker.
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Notable features
1. Classic retro look with modern details.
2. Alexa integration is very hassle-free.
3. Solid bass.
7. Bose Home Speaker 300
Bose home speaker 300 is everything you’d expect from a Bose branded smart speaker to be., it’s Amazing. The sound clarity is one of the best in the business while also offering a powerful bass effect as well. This speaker is really loud and the thumping bass effect adds to this experience.
It comes in an Aluminium case and just looks stunning. However, Alexa integration isn’t as smooth as that of the echo devices but it does its job regardless.
Also Read : Best Bluetooth Speakers Under Rs. 1000
If you’re looking for a smart speaker with the industry best audio quality then this should definitely be on your list.
Notable features
1. Top of the line sound quality and rich audio experience
2. A Compact and stunning design
3. Supports Apple Airplay
8. Sonos Play One
Sonos one lets you pair two units for multi room audio or playing stereo sound. Being a sonos speaker the audio output is really good. It has both google assistant and Alexa built in hence bringing together best of both worlds. It also comes with Airplay 2 support which allows you to control your smart speaker using iPhone or any device using Siri.
Also Read : 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers Under Rs 2000
Hence if you’re prepared to pay the price premium over Google and Amazon’s First party offerings, the One is the best speaker bar none.
Notable features
1. Rich sound clarity as you’d expect from a Sonos device.
2. Support for both Alexa and google assistant.
3. Supports Airplay 2 out of the box.
9. Amazon Echo (3rd gen)
Ever since the first echo powered by Alexa came to the scene in 2014, it surprised everyone with its user-friendly features and a capable voice assistant. Now in its third generation Amazon Echo is looking better than ever. It is cylindrical in shape with circular top and matches the aesthetic of the lower priced echo dot. Just like the echo plus before it, the 3rd generation echo sounds admirably good. Its bass has an audible punch and can work in stereo with a second one too.
Microphone array has also been improved for a much sweeter experience with the voice assistant Alexa. It doesn’t exactly match the sound clarity of the above expensive ones but regardless it is very good for its price.
Also Read : 10 Best 4.1 Channel Speakers in India
This is easily one of the best mid-range smart speakers out there.
Notable features
1. Perfect mid-range offering with good balance of high-quality audio and features.
2.Improved microphone over last gen.
3.Good bass response and loud.
10. Amazon echo dot ( 3rd gen)
The echo dot provides the same Alexa capabilities as all other echo devices but at a significantly lower price. If you don’t need a powerful speaker in a room and just want to get the job done then this echo dot is a solid option. Despite its size the echo dot sounds really good and definitely better than the other cheaper options available.
The echo dot trades in all plastic sides of its predecessors for a cloth covered finish with softer, more rounded edges which makes it fit right into your home.
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At an inexpensive price the 3rd gen Echo dot is the most affordable way to get Alexa into your home.
Notable features
1. Loud for its size.
2. Significantly improved audio quality.
3. Best affordable smart speaker powered by Alexa.
11. Mi Smart Speaker
Lots of good smart speakers are priced above the 5000 rupee price point which makes them difficult to recommend to someone who wants good quality audio with some smart features baked in at an affordable price. This is where Xiaomi comes in which aims to deliver good audio experience without sacrificing smart features. It is good looking and well-built with a minimalistic look. The smart speaker uses Google assistant for its smart functionality.
In terms of audio output, this speaker provides performance similar to that of larger smart speakers all while priced lower than them. The sound is loud enough and the bass is rich.
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Hence with decent loud sound, stable and reliable connectivity and capable google assistant integration the Mi smart speaker is easily the best smart speaker you can buy for this price.
Notable features
1. Affordable and reliable even for the low price.
2. User friendly and well built.
3. Relatively loud audio.
12. Google nest mini
The nest mini is the updated version of Google mini from previous gen and directly competes with the Amazon echo dot. It’s small, affordable and provides all the smart features that its bigger sibling does and that too at a lower price point. It has a top firing 40mm driver and also has Chromecast functionality built in which means you can cast music or a video straight from a smart tv.
Music from the speaker is very middling. It has good clarity in mid-range that’s perfect for speech reproduction but it’s not very musical, especially in the high or bass ranges.
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At the low price of this model, it is a wonderful way to get yourself started with Google assistant and integrate into the google ecosystem.
Notable features
1. It is wall mountable.
2. Much improved voice recognition
3. Affordable.
Concluding thoughts
There are other various brands that manufacture smart speakers but every one of them have a major flaw which makes them difficult to recommend. The above list covers everything from the top of the line hardware to the mid-range options and down to the budget ones as well. The above brands are well known in the Audio department which makes them easy to recommend.
You may have to spend a little more but rest assured that you will be getting a top-quality Smart speaker which you can easily rely on for a long time and their Smart and quality of life features make them stand out in the crowd. We hope this article helps you in deciding the best Smart speaker in the market according to your budget.
Written By Rahul Singh : Twitter
This content is collaboratively crafted and vetted by Shubham, a Mechanical Engineering specialist. His passion for unraveling the intricacies of machinery and consumer electronics mirrors his avid interest in gaming. With his wealth of expertise, Shubham adeptly navigates readers through the complexities of audio, home appliances, and everyday products, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable shopping journey. For every product you read about on this site we do rigorous research and testing behind the scenes to bring you the best value for money options. For any query directly reach out to me at my personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shubhamgarg8024/
