Virtual assistants have come into our lives to make our lives easier, no doubt about it. However, as with most electronic devices, the variety of options is so wide that it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this article we compare the 5 best Alexa speakers of this year, so that you have all the information you need to guide your decision. Are you ready? Don’t miss our review!
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Alexa speakers: which one offers the best performance?
Before we start, let us tell you that all the speakers we review below integrate Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa. The differences between them relate to technical performance, functionality and syncing range. Shall we get started?
1) Amazon Echo – The standard Alexa model
In all ranges there is a basic, simple model, on which modifications are introduced, and in this case it is the Amazon Echo. Some users prefer to opt for simple options that do not involve added difficulties, as in this case. However, this does not mean that it is not being updated, because it is now in its 4th generation and we can see how its design has clearly been revamped. The shape has changed from cylindrical to spherical, a radical change in which personal taste plays a fundamental role.
If we delve deeper into the innards of the speaker, we can’t help but evaluate the sound technology. The Amazon Echo has a 76 mm (and 3.0 inch) woofer and two tweeters, reinforced with Dolby technology. It also has 7 built-in microphones to pick up every command we give it, even if there is background noise. The built-in Digital Home controller allows you to simultaneously manage different Zigbee-enabled smart devices from the speaker. Finally, you can choose from white, blue-grey or anthracite designs.
2) Amazon Echo Dot – The little brother
Just as smartphones have their smaller ‘lite’ version, in the case of Alexa speakers it is the Amazon Echo Dot with integrated clock. It has fewer features than the Amazon Echo, but is lighter and more manageable, making it a perfect alternative for travel. Its functions include answering simple questions and requests such as the time, setting an alarm or alarm clock, or changing the playlist. For this it has an LED indicator, which gives it a more technological look.
The 41 mm speaker is front-facing, which is new for this fourth generation. This gives the sound a much higher quality and projection. Finally, it integrates 4 microphones to receive our commands.
3) Amazon Echo Spot – Your alarm clock
We understand that the alarm clock is not your favourite device, but in this case, the Amazon Echo Spot is much more. As well as integrating the clock and alarm clock functions, it allows you to make video calls with users who have another compatible Echo device, the Alexa app or Skype. By integrating Alexa, it also allows you to control your other synchronised home devices, and displays information such as weather, news summaries or the latest movie releases, as you ask it to, on the built-in screen.
There are four noise-cancelling microphones on this device, which improves the range from which it can pick up your voice. Of course, the quality of music playback is no better than the Amazon Echo. The design is very distinctive, with a flattened top dial, and you can choose between black and white.
4) Amazon Echo Show – Integrated audio and video
This is the most complete device of all in terms of functionality, as it provides video as well as audio. In fact, you can choose between different screen sizes: 5, 8, 10 and 15 inches. However, be careful which one you choose, as the price is very different. The integrated camera on the front is 2 MP for the 5-inch, but goes up to 13 MP for the larger sizes. Consequently, the resolution also changes, ranging from 960 x 480 pixels to 960 x 480 on the 15-inch.
Turning to sound, they come with one or two speakers of up to 2 inches. In the case of the 3rd generation Amazon Eco Show 10, for example, there are two 1-inch tweeters and one 3-inch woofer. In terms of design, the options revolve around black, white and anthracite.
5) Amazon Echo Studio – Enhanced audio technology
In reality, this model is just an additional version of the Amazon Echo, which features improved sound quality thanks to Dolby 5.1 and Dolby Atmos technology. The design also changes, with a cylindrical shape and black colour. It has five loudspeakers: three 25 mm mid-range speakers, a 51 mm tweeter and a 133 mm woofer.
Like the Amazon Echo, it features the Zigbee controller to control other devices in the home. In addition, it automatically analyses the acoustic characteristics of your home and adjusts playback based on this analysis to deliver the most appropriate sound at any given moment.
Our conclusion: the best Alexa speaker is…
The differences in the features built into each model mean that the decision depends primarily on your needs and priorities. For example, if you are looking for a simple speaker and you don’t need it to include technological extras, you would opt for the Amazon Echo or the Echo Dot, where factors such as design and aesthetics come into play. However, if you are looking for a speaker and you also appreciate the inclusion of a screen, the Amazon Echo Show is the one that best suits this need.
On the other hand, if the most important thing for you is the alarm clock function, we recommend you stick with the Amazon Echo Spot. Or, if you prefer to spend a little more money on sound quality, the Amazon Echo Studio is unrivalled.
Generally speaking, they all integrate Alexa, so you won’t find many differences when it comes to the virtual assistant, which is the same. Therefore, the decision will be based on the added functionality you prioritise.
Criteria to take into account when choosing the best Alexa Speaker
You already know that everyone has their own needs, but there are some general aspects in which you can evaluate the performance of each model to decide which one fits, or doesn’t fit, what you’re looking for. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Sound quality: this is essential when buying a speaker. It is worth noting that none of the protagonists of our review have bad quality, but it is true that the Echo Studio is a step above the rest thanks to the 5 integrated speakers and the Dolby Atmos system.
- Screen: you’ve already seen that some models have a screen so you can display information such as the weather or news. If you only want a screen for occasional use, the Echo Spot’s screen may be enough for you. On the other hand, if you’re going to use the speakerphone for video calls or even watching movies, you’ll have to choose the Echo Show.
- Design: one of the differences that stand out at first glance is the design, and as you can see, it differs from one speaker to the next. The Amazon Echo has a rounded shape, while the Echo Studio is cylindrical, and the Echo Show is rectangular. The same goes for the colours, although all of them are usually available in white, black or anthracite.
- Drop-in: this is one of the features offered by some Alexa devices. It is used to connect the device to another device in the same range that your friends and people close to you may have.
- External applications: you should know that Alexa has agreements with some companies so that you can request a third service through this device. For example, ordering a taxi or a pizza, for which Alexa is in charge of making the request.
Which are the best-selling Alexa speakers on Amazon?
If you still have any doubts, we recommend you take a look at the most popular Alexa speakers on Amazon, as well as the opinions that users have left about them.
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