TOP 12 best smart speakers: rating 2020-2021 and which is the best one to choose with Alice for your home

Rating of the TOP 12 best smart speakers for 2021

This rating includes the best smart speakers that received the most positive reviews from users and experts.

Which smart speaker is better?

The first thing people pay attention to when buying a smart speaker is what voice assistant is built into the system. In Russia, Alice has gained the most popularity because she can fully distinguish her native speech. Sound quality is also one of the most important criteria when choosing a speaker. The presence of a battery will allow you to use the gadget not only at home, but also outdoors or at a party.

• The most popular smart device with Alice is Yandex.Station Mini. It is inexpensive and performs all the basic functions needed in such a device.
• Sonos One (Amazon Alexa) boasts the best sound among English-language models.
• Among the Russified devices, the leader was the LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y, the filling of which was worked on by Meridian employees.
• Elari SmartBeat is a reliable portable speaker with Alice. Thanks to the capacious battery, it will delight you with your favorite tracks for up to 8 hours without recharging.
• Prestigio Smartmate Lighthouse Edition is a budget smart gadget with a unique “Beacon for Children” skill.
• Google Home Mini is an inexpensive compact speaker with a huge number of options and its own smart home system.
• Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker is one of the best and fastest smart devices on the global market. The Xiao AI smart assistant and the proprietary Mi Home application are convenient. However, the model so far only works fully with native Chinese speakers.
• Amazon Echo Dot 3nd Gen are budget speakers that can be combined into a stereo pair and enjoy pleasant sound. The Alexa proprietary assistant surprises with the number of built-in options.
• HomePod is the choice of true fans of Apple technology. The model will ideally fit into the ecosystem of other brand devices and will delight you with its design and music quality.

Before purchasing, you should definitely test drive the speaker to understand how much you like its voice assistant and whether it’s comfortable to communicate with it. It is also important that the rest of the smart home equipment can synchronize with the new device. It is advisable to collect one ecosystem, be it Apple, Xiaomi devices, or gadgets powered by Google Home.

How to choose a smart speaker?

If you decide to buy a smart speaker, then when choosing this little assistant, be sure to study the points described below:

• Method of nutrition . If you need a mobile gadget, then choose a model that can run on battery power. However, users note that currently those speakers that operate from the network are faster and more accurate.
• Number of speakers and their power . The larger the room in which the speaker will operate, the more speakers will be needed. Now on the market there are models from 1 to 6 pieces.
• Voice assistant . Russian teams understand only domestic products by voice. Therefore, if you are not strong in English, and voice control is most important to you, give up foreign models.
• Microphones . They accept the command and there must be several of them. It has been empirically proven that models with one microphone are more likely to make mistakes.
• Compatibility . The speaker must be compatible with the smart home ecosystem you use.

What to choose: smart speaker or portable

When choosing between smart and portable speakers, they are based on the purpose of purchasing the device. The model with a voice assistant is primarily designed for use at home. It can be used to control music playback, home appliances, set reminders, and check the weather. This assistant will perform monotonous tasks for the user and help him in other ways. The purchase of a smart speaker is especially important if you plan to connect it to the smart home ecosystem. In this case, the advantages of this device increase dramatically.

If the user needs a simple speaker for music, then there is no point in buying a smart model. Besides, as a rule, the first one sounds better.

What does a smart speaker look like and how is it visually different from a portable one?

The classic speaker and the smart model have different types of designs. The first case is usually ergonomic. This is done to make the speaker convenient to take with you on trips or walks, depending on its purpose.

The smart speaker has a microphone at the top of the body, on top of which there are control buttons and/or a key to turn on the voice assistant. This was done so that the speaker could better “hear” voice commands.”

Criteria for choosing smart speakers

When choosing a speaker with a voice assistant, consider the following criteria:

1. Frequency range. This parameter affects the sounds in which frequencies the smart speaker plays. Low frequencies are responsible for playing bass, and high frequencies are responsible for classical and orchestral compositions. It is desirable that the frequency range be no narrower than 80-20000 Hz (ideally 20-20000 Hz).
2. Number of speakers and their total power. The larger the area of ​​the room in which the speaker will be placed, the more speakers will be needed. There are models on the market with from 1 to 6 speakers inside.
3. Ecosystem and supported assistant language. The purchased speaker must be compatible with the smart home ecosystem that the person uses. The main ecosystems include the Yandex smart home or Amazon Alexa.
4. Microphones. They are responsible for receiving commands, so it is advisable to have several of them. It has been proven that devices powered by a single microphone are more likely to make mistakes.
5. Type of food. Based on the type of power supply, smart speakers can be wireless or networked. The first ones operate from a built-in battery, the charge of which lasts for several hours. The second ones are powered from the network. They are less mobile, but are used continuously.
6. Dimensions and weight. Dimensions must be selected based on where the column will be used. For example, if you buy it for your home, then the size is not so important (as a rule, the larger the device, the better and louder it sounds). If you need a mobile speaker that you can easily carry with you, select models weighing up to 0.3 kg.
7. Streaming services. Among the smart speakers there are models that support streaming services: Apple Music, VKontakte, YouTube, Spotify and others.

TOP 5 best smart speakers with Alice

Yandex.Station

At the very beginning of the rating, one cannot fail to mention the most popular smart speaker from Yandex. This is the best

a similar device that can be offered to the user in 2021.
The company is constantly improving its development, taking into account the comments and wishes of customers.
The power cord is detachable from the speaker, so it can be placed anywhere in your home, moved from room to room, or taken out to the balcony.

The voice assistant will recommend music based on your previous questions, play your favorite song, tell you about the weather, find the answer to a question on the Internet, read a fairy tale, and if you use the HDMI connector, it will show you the video on one of the possible platforms: KinoPoisk, Yandex .On-air, YouTube.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart Home from Yandex.
• Powered by mains and battery.
• Power (total) - 50 W.
• Frequency range - 50 Hz to 20 kHz

pros

• sensitive microphone;
• work both from the mains and from the battery;
• working with video content;
• fast connection.

Minuses

• I would like an equalizer to customize the sound.

Yandex.Station Mini

How is a younger sister different from an older sister? More compact size and no HDMI connector,

designed for working with video content.

Otherwise, the developers retained all the main functions. That is, the mini version will set a timer, talk about the weather or look for a delicious recipe for dinner, turn on music, and add your favorite composition to your favorites. He will also analyze your taste and, based on an abstract request, select the most interesting single for you.

Interestingly, the station can be controlled not only by voice, but also by gestures. and if you activate the function with the command “Alice, give me sound,” then using gestures you can play a melody, like on a theremin.

The microphone is very sensitive, picks up voice well and recognizes commands. Well, he also really likes to chat with the owner.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart Home from Yandex.
• Works from the network.
• Power (total) - 3 W.
• Frequency range - 20 Hz-20 kHz.

pros

• compact size;
• quick setup and very simple control;
• sensitive voice recognition.

Minuses

• constant work from the network;
• short wire.

JBL Link Portable with Alice

The peculiarity of this device from JBL is that the speaker is a kind of hybrid.

It can work via Wi-Fi as a smart assistant and control panel for a smart home ecosystem, or become a regular portable speaker for outdoor recreation with friends. In this case, it is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

As already mentioned, this is not just a device for playing music; the speaker works with the Google Assistant program or Alice. It is also waterproof and resistant to rain, splashes and dust. If we compare it with competitors, then in terms of price and functionality this is one of the best options among hybrids.

In the package you will find a charging station (up to 8 hours of battery life). The sound is deep, with well-developed bass, and sound waves spread 360 degrees.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Yandex Smart Home.
• Powered by a battery.
• Power (total) - 20 W.
• Frequency range - 65-20,000 Hz.

pros

• deep sound;
• waterproof;
• work with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Minuses

• no compatibility with JBL Connect.

LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y

When surveying users about their smart speakers, many named this model from LG. Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y

is the result of several years of development and experimentation.

A well-assembled case made of excellent materials, a balanced system, high sound quality. Moreover, he understands Russian speech and is friends with Yandex. It can become the control center of a smart home, controlling the operation of other devices, or pamper you with music and entertain you with playful chatter with the sarcastic Alice.

The speaker has very sensitive microphones, so it easily recognizes voices, even if the room is quite noisy. But the developers made a slight mistake with the placement of the speakers - they are not placed in a circle and therefore you have to spend some time to find the ideal place for good sound.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart home from Yandex.
• Works from the network.
• Power (total) - 30 W.

pros

• deep bass;
• clear and loud sound;
• universal in design, does not stand out from the interior.

Minuses

• sometimes loses Wi-Fi signal;
• no battery.

Prestigio Smartmate Mayak Edition

An affordable, very beautiful-looking smart speaker from this company rightfully occupies a place in our rating

smart speakers thanks to their high-quality sound and operation both from a battery (within 8-9 hours, depending on the volume) and from the network.

In addition, there is a smart remote control that adapts the owner’s voice commands to the TV or split system through a powerful and modern infrared port.

This is an ideal home assistant that will play your favorite music, play an audio story for your child, or answer a stream of children's questions. To do this, just activate the “Beacon for Children” function and transfer control to the baby.

Voice control of connected home appliances is also available. For example, you can activate a robot vacuum cleaner, light a night light, or increase the temperature of the air conditioner.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart Home from Yandex.
• Powered by mains and battery.
• Power (total) - 6 W.
• Frequency range - 180 Hz - 16 kHz.

pros

• one of the best functionality for families with children;
• pleasant appearance;
• fast and convenient setup.

Minuses

• sometimes the signal is lost;
• inconvenient location of the power button.

The best premium smart speakers

LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y

The Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y boasts high-definition audio. Undoubtedly, true music lovers will appreciate this advantage! The product is made in the shape of a barrel. Color: elegant black. There is a convenient control panel on the top wall. Working on the basis of the Alice voice assistant, the speaker is capable of not only entertaining the user in every possible way, but also saving his time. All thanks to the possibility of remote control of equipment. In close cooperation between LG and Meridian, it was possible to create technology for optimal reproduction of melodies. Thus, the Clear Vocal option provides the opportunity to enjoy the vocal data of your favorite artist, without extraneous sounds. For lovers of bass and drum sounds, there is an Enhanced Bass mode that will increase the volume of individual instruments. At the same time, the speaker power is 30 W. There is support for streaming audio services. 2 built-in microphones are capable of recognizing user speech. Data can be transferred via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. On various resources, users give high marks to the gadget from LG. Basically, buyers are delighted with the good sound and stylish design. However, some are upset by the lack of a built-in battery and periodic freezes during operation.

Advantages

• Stylish
• Great sound
• Frequencies can be adjusted
• Ease of management
• Sensitive microphone

Flaws

• May freeze
• Works only from the network

Sonos One (Amazon Alexa)

Amazon Alexa model from Sonos One. Its main advantage is the high-quality sound of your favorite tracks. The portable product can be ordered in black or white. A convenient and intuitive control panel is located on the top wall of the device. The Alexa voice assistant is installed here, which supports many entertainment services and has a fairly developed intelligence. In addition, with the help of it you can give commands to home appliances remotely, thereby simplifying your life. There are many services for music lovers here, for example, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Spotify and others, thanks to the unique Amazon assistant. Special attention should be paid to high-quality sound - the speaker perfectly reproduces both bass and high frequencies, without distortion. The unique Echo Dot speakers are responsible for this. You can connect devices via a Wi-Fi module. 6 microphones “catch” every user command. To summarize, I would like to note that the speaker from Sonos One will be an excellent companion for a true music lover. It is loud and conveys various sounds well. However, future owners should take into account the fact that they will have to “talk” to her in English.

Advantages

• Exquisite Design
• High-quality case materials
• Moisture protection
• Loud noise
• Reaction speed

Flaws

• Installation difficulties
• "Speaks" in English

Yandex.Station Max

Essentially, this is the classic “Yandex.Station” at maximum speed. The "Max" version can do everything the same as the original model. However, the manufacturer and users say that the sound quality has improved slightly. There is no autonomous power supply, portability is very low. This is the same home device that cannot be used outside the home (if there is no outlet and Wi-Fi in the new place). Unlike the first generation, the new device added more powerful speakers (65 W versus 50 W), an HDMI 2.0 port, which allows you to transmit video at 4K HDR, a headphone jack, a gigabit Ethernet port (you can connect to the Internet via a wire, and not via Wi-Fi). Also, “Station.Max” received a small LED screen on which the time, weather information and emotions of the speaker are displayed (for example, an emoticon of regret that the gadget could not answer the user’s question). A remote control has been included for more convenient navigation in the “Station” interface when connected to a TV. The remote control also has a microphone and a button to call “Alice” - it is made so that the speaker can hear the owner even if he is in another room.

Advantages

• Loud noise
• Laconic design, fits into any interior
• Ability to stream video to TV in 4K
• One year of free subscription to Yandex.Plus
• There is a screen
• Availability of remote control

Flaws

• Relatively high price
• Doesn't work without Wi-Fi or plugged in

Sonos One

This device is a high-quality and reliable speaker. Amazon Alexa acts as a voice assistant. The gadget is easy to configure and install. To do this, you just need to plug it into a power outlet and launch the proprietary application. After this, you just need to follow the instructions. First, you need to create an account, after which the application will automatically detect the audio system and connect it to the Wi-Fi network. If there is no wireless connection or its quality is poor, you can use a cable. The peculiarity of the voice assistant that is built into the speaker is that it is not so easy to use. The method of recognizing requests and responding to them has its own characteristics, which will take a long time to get used to. But if you learn how to do this, you can fully enjoy all Amazon services. The microphone is highly sensitive, allowing it to pick up commands even at maximum volume of the music being played.

Advantages

• good price
• Great integration with voice assistant
• simple controls
• automatic software update
• excellent sound quality

Flaws

• Bluetooth not supported

TOP 2 best smart speakers with Marusya

Mail.ru Group Capsule

At some point, the Mail.ru company wanted to be recognized among smart speakers and did not want to work with Alice.

Then the developers came up with their own voice assistant and named it Marusya.

The resulting column looks quite original, elongated in shape, with a luminous ring in the center. From this backlight you can understand how many tasks Marusya is currently processing and how carefully she will listen to the question from the owner. True, the brightness level cannot yet be adjusted.

Control is carried out via voice or touch panel. In this case, commands are recognized well, without any problems. But the voice of a person, if there is extraneous noise, is not yet clearly heard by young Marusya.

By the way, if you gently stroke the column, it begins to purr. Such a cute touch delighted many users. At the moment, the speaker does not have a connection to foreign and Russian music platforms and plays music only on the basis of a paid VKontakte subscription. By the way, upon purchase the company gives three months of use of this service.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Mail.ru Marusya.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart home from Mail.ru.
• Works from the network.
• Power (total) - 30 W.
• Frequency range - 50-20,000 Hz.

pros

• the design is very unusual and stylish;
• you can make calls on VKontakte;
• There is a carrying case.

Minuses

• poorly reads human speech;
• functionality at the initial stage of development.

Prestigio Smartvoice

Compact and lightweight (just over 170 grams) smart speaker with voice assistant Marusya. Accepts

voice commands, 4 microphones quickly pick up the owner’s voice. There is also a control panel on the top cover.

The sound is quite clear, without interference even at maximum volume, with pronounced bass. It quickly finds the network signal and keeps it at the same level, so the speaker’s operation is almost uninterrupted.

In this case, the gadget is connected to both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which means it can be considered a hybrid and act as a regular portable speaker connected to a smartphone.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Marusya.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart Home Mail.ru.
• Works from the network.
• Power (total) - 5 W.
• Frequency range - 180 Hz-18 kHz

pros

• compact and lightweight;
• four microphones for receiving commands;
• supports streaming audio services.

Minuses

• Sometimes the high frequencies are not enough.

TOP 5 best smart speakers in terms of price/quality ratio

Apple HomePod

One of the most popular smart speakers in 2021 was the model from Apple. Experts and users in

One vote gives high marks for quality sound.

The sound is deep and spacious, the performers' voices are not distorted and sound natural, and the bass is excellent. Therefore, it can be safely recommended to fans of any musical genre.

Another advantage of the model is that it is very easy to connect and customize. Siri instantly learns to recognize the voice of the device owner and picks it out even from the farthest corner of the room.

But it was impossible to do without shortcomings. The fact is that the speaker can only work with services related to the brand, and they have much less capabilities than the same Google Assistant.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Apple Siri.
• English language.
• Works from - from the network.
• Power (total) - 40 W.
• Frequency range - from 60 to 20 thousand Hz.

pros

• good sound;
• no noise, excellent volume levels;
• simple controls;
• recognizes voice well.

Minuses

• no Russian language;
• work only with Apple services.

Harman/Kardon Citation One

One of the most inexpensive smart speaker models from this company for 2021. Management is carried out

Google Assistant voice commands, and communication is supported via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless channels.

Music lovers note that the sound of the speaker is at a decent level, clear, quite loud and spacious. At the same time, the bass is deep and the high notes really ring.

Once you connect the speaker to the network, you can immediately start working with it. The fact is that Google Assistant instantly detects the device, asks for a Wi-Fi password, and then asks you to do a little training. To do this, you only need to chat a little with the new tenant of your house so that he learns to recognize your voice and understand commands.

It's nice that you have access to a large number of music platforms that work with this assistant.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Google Assistant.
• English language.
• Powered by a battery.
• Power (total) - 40 W.
• Frequency range - from 40 to 20,000 Hz.

pros

• high sound quality;
• several columns can be assembled into a system;
• easy setup;
• elementary control.

Minuses

• does not always give an answer in Russian.

Xiaomi Mi AI Mini Speaker

Sometimes it seems that brand developers are sitting in a meeting and approaching product range expansion like this:

“We will do more and better, and we will ask for little money.”

This is a very reliable, well-built gadget with an amazing volume level and six microphones that instantly pick up the owner's voice. Instant connection with other brand gadgets, can be controlled via an application on your phone. And the price is significantly lower than similar competitors.

But the problem is still there. The speaker is not suitable for the Russian market, as it recognizes only Chinese.

But surprisingly, the demand for it is very high precisely due to the ability to control it via phone. Because the sound quality and volume really deserve respect.

Main characteristics:

1. Voice assistant - Xiaomi Smart Assistant.
2. Language: Chinese.
3. Ecosystem - Xiaomi.
4. Powered by network.
5. Power (total) - 5 W.
6. Frequency range - from 60 to 18 thousand Hz

pros

• goes well with brand gadgets;
• nice design and high-quality assembled body;
• loud;
• 6 microphones;
• can be controlled via smartphone.

Minuses

• Chinese firmware.

Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)

Another representative of a small and budget smart speaker. However, the compact size does not

did not affect its functionality.

If you have a connected Google Home ecosystem, then this baby will quickly connect to the interface and cope with the control of all devices necessary for everyday life. In addition, the speaker can work with a huge number of streaming audio platforms.

The sound is reproduced very clear and deep, well-developed at all frequencies. The speaker will find the desired song on the Internet or the required audiobook in the library. There is LED backlighting and setup takes just a few minutes. Works with various models of smartphones and computers.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Google Assistant.
• English language.
• Ecosystem - Google Home.
• Works from - from the network.
• Power (total) - 5 W.
• Frequency range - from 50 Hz to 20 thousand Hz.

pros

• high-quality manufacturing;
• can be controlled by light touches;
• responds quickly to commands;
• excellent sound quality.

Minuses

• no Russian language;
• You cannot connect headphones.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen

This is the third version of the smart speaker from this company. The model was released in 2021 and for some time

was in the shadows and did not even appear in Russian stores. Before this, the gadget could only be ordered on foreign online stores.

In fact, this is a very compact speaker that, if necessary, can even be put in a deep pocket. Its weight does not exceed 300 grams. The small size affected the power of the device, so the developers installed only one stereo speaker, but as many as four microphones. At the same time, the sound quality is very decent, as is the volume.

It quickly responds to voice commands, can work in a smart home system and control connected devices. There is also a small panel with buttons at the top of the column. Or you can download a special application to your smartphone.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Amazon Alexa.
• English language.
• Works from - from the network.
• Power (total) - 1.2 W.
• Frequency range - from 20 Hz to 20,000 kHz.

pros

• picks up quickly and holds the signal well;
• excellent volume level;
• high-quality sound at all frequencies;
• you can send a message or receive a call.

Minuses

• you need to register on Amazon;
• works only from the network.

TOP 10 best smart speakers

The smart speaker works on the principle of executing voice commands. They can be launched using a special command, for example:

• Hello Alice.
• Hey Siri.
• Okay Google.

If you want to change the key phrase, most manufacturers provide this option. However, there is a nuance according to which commands in Russian only accept columns from Google and Yandex.

To recognize speech instructions, a microphone is built into the speaker. Such gadgets are placed in rooms where they spend the most time. In order for the portable speaker to work correctly, you must have a wireless connection to the Internet.

The main functions performed by the compact speaker are the following:

1. answers to simple queries;
2. search for a place using maps;
3. setting a reminder, alarm clock or timer;
4. turning on music or radio from a smartphone or via the Internet;
5. control of other devices, for example, switches or household appliances, in the case of organizing a smart home;
6. entertainment, such as socializing or playing games;
7. launching TV series or movies from paid services or YouTube if the device is connected to a TV.

Apple HomePod

In the list of the best smart speakers, this model has one of the best sound qualities due to the presence of seven tweeters and a subwoofer. This device is able to automatically determine the location in space and distribute sound accordingly throughout the room, which allows it to surpass most of its competitors in this parameter.

The design of the speaker is at a high level, which is typical for all Apple devices. The only caveat of using the speaker is that it is only compatible with electronics of this brand.

Siri acts as a voice assistant here. Commands will need to be given in English, because she does not understand Russian. In addition, this voice assistant is practically useless in Russia, due to the fact that most Apple services do not work here.

Advantages:

• voice control;
• excellent sound;
• the ability to transmit commands via a smartphone;
• chic appearance;
• presence of a voice assistant.

Flaws:

• Russian language is not supported;
• high price.

Yandex.Station

Against the backdrop of a large number of similar gadgets that are unable to fully meet the requirements of Russian users, this domestic device has taken its rightful place in the ranking of smart speakers. This is a column with the Alice voice assistant, which not only recognizes the context of given commands well, but is also capable of self-learning.

All its other functions are the same as those of competing products. This gadget allows you to search for answers to queries, news, play music, report the weather, and traffic conditions on the roads. It is planned in the near future to equip the speaker with the ability to turn on the TV and read fairy tales to children. This device comes with access to major online cinemas and an annual subscription to the company's music service.

Recommended for those consumers who prefer to use all the modern capabilities of the speaker without unnecessary headaches.

Advantages:

• presence of an HDMI port;
• training opportunity;
• durable aluminum housing;
• mobility;
• combination of cost opportunities;
• perfectly recognizes speech;
• speed of work;
• Availability of a Russian-speaking voice assistant.

Flaws:

• many questions regarding functionality;
• There may be certain complaints about the sound of the device.

Sonos One

This device is a high-quality and reliable speaker. Amazon Alexa acts as a voice assistant. The gadget is easy to configure and install. To do this, you just need to plug it into a power outlet and launch the proprietary application. After this, you just need to follow the instructions.

First, you need to create an account, after which the application will automatically detect the audio system and connect it to the Wi-Fi network. If there is no wireless connection or its quality is poor, you can use a cable.

The peculiarity of the voice assistant that is built into the speaker is that it is not so easy to use. The method of recognizing requests and responding to them has its own characteristics, which will take a long time to get used to. But if you learn how to do this, you can fully enjoy all Amazon services. The microphone is highly sensitive, allowing it to pick up commands even at maximum volume of the music being played.

Advantages:

• good price;
• excellent integration with voice assistant;
• simple controls;
• automatic software update;
• excellent sound quality.

Flaws:

• Bluetooth is not supported.

Harman/Kardon Citation One

This device is an excellent wireless speaker with voice control, which, judging by reviews, is the TOP device among all similar devices in 2021.

In terms of design, the smart speaker is a cross between Sonos One and Apple HomePod. It has a cylindrical shape, and on its upper edge there are touch controls. The entire design is made in a minimalist style with upholstery in a special fabric in black or gray.

At the base of the gadget you can find a panel with power and USB connectors, as well as buttons that allow you to reset the device to factory settings. The speaker is equipped with high-frequency and mid-frequency speakers with a total power of 40 W. The Chromecast built into the speaker will allow you to access a large number of different services, as well as a media library located within your home network. Wireless connection is provided using Bluetooth version 4.2.

This speaker is recommended for users who want maximum sound quality, maximum functionality, at a reasonable cost.

Advantages:

• high power;
• excellent sound;
• built-in Chromecast;
• combination of price and quality;
• stylish design.

JBL Link Portable with Alice

Despite the fact that most people associate the JBL brand with a bright youth style, this model is much closer in spirit to the Harman/Kardon company. It has a strict design and soft, one might even say, faded colors, fabric braiding and a minimum of decorations.

This smart speaker is great for taking on the road. It is equipped with IPX7 protection, which allows you to not be afraid to take it with you to the beach or to the pool. You also don’t have to worry about the speaker breaking due to rain. The device provides good battery life with a 4800 mAh battery. This is enough for about 6-7 hours of work.

The smart speaker is recommended for those who like to take music with them on the road and who prefer to listen to high-quality sound reproduction.

Advantages:

• stylish design;
• good volume;
• high-quality sound;
• excellent autonomy;
• responds responsively to requests;
• Perfect for listening to any genre;
• good degree of protection;
• Availability of a Russian-speaking voice assistant.

Flaws:

• lack of support for Chromecast and AirPlay.

Google Home

Customer reviews confirm that the Google Home Bluetooth speaker has one of the best price-quality ratios. The device allows you to program up to six different profiles. It is controlled both by voice commands and by a touch panel located on the top edge of the column. It also has a single button designed to mute the microphone.

Google Assistant is installed here as a voice assistant, to activate it you just need to say the standard “Okay, Google”. There is no Russian language support in this device.

The external design of the speaker is quite attractive, made in two colors with a beveled top edge. It can connect to a TV to watch videos, and also integrate with most smart home systems.

Advantages:

• good functionality;
• pairing speed with other Google devices;
• integration with smart home systems;
• stylish design.

Flaws:

• does not support Russian language.

Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker

The Xiaomi smart speaker is a stationary system that is powered exclusively via the network. Its compact dimensions will not allow it to take up much space, and its strict design will ensure compatibility with any interior.

The control panel of the gadget is located on the top edge and has a touch mechanism. There is also an array of six microphones, which ensures high-quality transmission of commands from anywhere in the room.

Thanks to its compatibility with other devices from this company, this cheap speaker integrates perfectly with a smart home based on the Xiaomi environment.

Advantages:

• good functionality;
• integration with the Xiaomi environment;
• decent sound quality;
• low cost.

Flaws:

• menu in Chinese.

ELARI SmartBeat

This model is a good speaker with a built-in Russian-language voice assistant, Alice. Unlike many more expensive gadgets, this speaker is not a media platform that allows you to stream video to your TV.

ELARI SmartBeat is just a speaker that transmits sound. But the device is equipped with a built-in battery with a capacity of 3200 mAh, allowing you to use it as a portable speaker. The gadget can be connected to playback devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 or AUX.

Advantages:

• support for Russian-speaking teams;
• sensitive microphone;
• convenient control;
• possibility of use in portable mode;
• subscription to Yandex.Music.

Flaws:

• simple design.

Mail.ru Group Capsule

Externally, the device is not similar to any of this review. In its shape, it really resembles a capsule, almost completely covered with fabric. There is a large ring-shaped indicator light on the front panel. The unique design of this speaker is that it looks both interesting and unique without drawing attention to itself. This allows it to fit harmoniously into any interior. The speaker is equipped with the Marusya voice assistant, which supports Russian-language commands and makes it easy to find what you need online.

Advantages:

• modern design;
• Russian-speaking assistant;
• sound is well implemented;
• good functionality.

Flaws:

• The voice assistant is damp.

Yandex.Station Mini

This smart speaker has one of the best prices among all the gadgets from this review. The design of the device is made in a minimalist style. It has a cylindrical shape with notches on the upper surface.

On the side surface you can find only one button, designed to mute the microphone with a short press and switch operating modes with a long press.

Advantages:

• good price;
• good functionality;
• gesture control;
• Availability of a Russian-speaking voice assistant.

Flaws:

• not very good sound quality.

Which voice assistant is better?

If we talk about features in general, then the best voice assistant is Google Assistant.

Google Assistant carries out commands as accurately as possible, searches for information, and does not be sarcastic, like the same Alice or Siri. If at first the “girls’” jokes seem funny, then after a while they begin to cause irritation, especially if it is a response to a misunderstood command.

But for full voice control without knowledge of English, it is better to choose a smart speaker with a domestic representative - Alisa or Marusya. By the way, the latter even knows how to purr.