Smart speakers have become an integral part of the modern home, offering easy voice control for a variety of functions. However, with so many choices on the market, consumers often have difficulty deciding which brand offers the best performance. Consumer Reports, as a credible independent agency, provides in-depth analysis based on sound quality, flexibility and ease of use.
These ratings are based on scores Consumer Reports gives to the latest smart speaker models from each brand. Additionally, to provide a comprehensive picture, reviews from other leading sites are included to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each product, helping consumers make more informed decisions.
Consumer Reports Ranking of the Best Smart Speaker Brands
Table of Contents
Here is the ranking of smart speaker brands from lowest to highest, based on Consumer Reports evaluations:
1. Google
Despite being a pioneer of voice assistants like Google Assistant and Google Gemini, Google sits at the bottom of this list of smart speaker brands. Its best models, the Google Nest Audio and Google Nest Hub Max, only earned an average score of 63 from Consumer Reports. Google’s average score was also pulled down by models like the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and the Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen), the latter being the lowest-rated current-generation smart speaker on Consumer Reports, at 44.
Google Nest Audio, which was launched in 2020, is considered capable of only producing sufficient volume for a medium-sized room. What Hi-Fi? and TechRadar also criticized the sound quality as being less powerful and not showing a significant improvement over its predecessor. Meanwhile, the Google Nest Hub Max (2019), with a 10-inch screen and camera, suffers from the lack of a privacy cover and compatibility issues with some services, according to CNET.
2. Amazon
Amazon, which popularized smart speakers with Alexa and the original Amazon Echo in 2014, only slightly beats Google in this ranking. The Amazon Echo (4th Generation) scored 65, slightly higher than Google’s best model. However, other models such as the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation) and Amazon Echo Pop have lower ratings (55 and 51 respectively), which lowers the brand’s overall position. The Amazon Echo Pop is even the third lowest rated model from Consumer Reports.
Amazon Echo (4th Generation) gets a perfect score in flexibility from Consumer Reports. However, its less cylindrical design was deemed to take up more space by Wired, which also noted the device’s difficulty in hearing voice commands when playing music. Rtings.com adds that this device has insufficient bass and volume.
3. Apple
Apple managed to overtake Google and Amazon by a narrow margin. Apple HomePod (2nd Generation) was the smart speaker with the highest score (66) out of the top two brands. However, Apple’s position in this ranking was affected by the Apple HomePod Mini‘s low score (50), which was the second-lowest score among all models reviewed by Consumer Reports.
The Apple HomePod (2nd Generation) performed well, especially when used in pairs with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos enabled. However, PCMag highlighted its high price. Forbes also noted the device’s limitations due to the lack of Bluetooth and physical buttons, as well as the need to be highly integrated with Apple’s ecosystem to get the most out of it.
4. Devialet
Devialet, an audio technology company from France, may not be as popular as the three brands below it, but it has managed to climb to a higher position. The Devialet Mania, which offers 360-degree stereo sound, was its only device reviewed by Consumer Reports and earned a score of 63, on par with the best models from Google, Amazon and Apple. With no lower-rated models pulling the average score down, Devialet excels.
At around $900, the Devialet Mania is the most expensive smart speaker on this list. Trusted Reviews praise the luxurious design, clear sound, and powerful bass. Tom’s Guide also noted the best sound quality and bass, as well as real-time adaptive technology that adapts sound output to the environment. However, both reviews agree that it is too expensive for most consumers.
5. Bose
Bose, known for its high-quality audio products, took the top three spots. Like Devialet, only one Bose smart speaker was reviewed by Consumer Reports, namely the Bose Portable Home. With a score of 65 and no other models bringing down the average, Bose made it into the top three.
This device is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and can function as a Bluetooth speaker when not connected to Wi-Fi. SoundGuys calls the Bose Portable Home light, portable, yet offers impressive bass and durability with an IPX4 rating. That said, the choice of streaming services is limited. CNET included it on its list of the best Bose speakers, praising it as the best portable speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth thanks to its sound quality, attractive design, and up to 12 hours of battery life.
6. JBL
JBL, a brand known for its sound quality and versatility, took second place. Consumer Reports reviewed three JBL devices, and all three impressively scored higher than any of the brand’s models under JBL. Topping the list is the JBL Authentics 500, which received Consumer Reports’ second-highest score (73) in the smart speaker category.
However, at around $750, the JBL Authentics 500 is also the second most expensive device after the Devialet Mania. These speakers feature a retro design, virtual Dolby Atmos, and automatic calibration that adapts performance to location. PCMag highlights Alexa and Google Assistant support, as well as multi-room audio capabilities. Meanwhile, 9to5Google, in its review highlighting the 270-watt audio output and fantastic sound quality, argues that the device’s high price is worth it.
7. Sonos
Sonos tops this list of smart speaker brands, continuing a trend where specialist audio companies outperform tech giants. Three Sonos devices were reviewed by Consumer Reports, and their ratings were good enough to beat JBL for the top spot. The Sonos Era 300 received the highest score (74) from Consumer Reports, with a perfect score for ease of use and was named the best-sounding smart speaker.
The Sonos Era 300 is part of the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set, one of the best home theater systems, and brings those qualities to its smart speaker functionality. The device can be used with Alexa or Sonos Voice Control, the brand’s digital assistants, but does not support Google Assistant. This was one of the weaknesses The Guardian identified, although they praised the high sound quality, spatial audio and broad support for music services. Wired, while not liking the angular design, also liked the same features, plus the smart speaker’s multi-room and multi-channel potential.
AcehGround reports that these rankings provide valuable guidance for consumers looking for smart speakers. This shows that specialist audio brands are now leading the way in innovation and sound quality, challenging the dominance of big tech companies. Purchasing decisions should consider specific needs for audio quality, desired ecosystem integration, and available budget.
