Smart speakers are becoming more popular as each year goes by. Amazon is at the forefront with the Echo, followed by the Google Home and the new player to join the smart speaker scene, the Apple HomePod.
Choosing one is really a matter of personal preference. If you like to shop online you might choose the Echo with the help of Amazon. Getting a Google Home might help you more with your research with its massive source of information, and the Apple HomePod is the ideal device to go along with your other Apple devices.
Here are a few more things to know about the three smart devices that can help you decide which one to buy.
The features of the smart speakers
All three smart speakers are capable of doing basic things by activating their respective wake trigger; saying “Alexa” for the Echo, “Ok Google” to the Home and “Hey Siri” for the HomePod. From there, you can ask the device for the current weather, set an alarm or even play the music of your choice, depending on what device you’re using.
Amazon is the only one currently offering a screen with their devices; the Echo Show which sports a 7-inch touchscreen monitor and the Echo Spot, which has a smaller 2.5-inch screen. This means owners of these devices not only can hear the songs they want to hear but also see the lyrics that go with it, in addition to watching movie trailers and whatnot.
However, it’s worth mentioning that Google removed their video-sharing platform – YouTube, from the Echo Show. Google currently has no plans for developing their own smart speaker with its own screen but they haven’t ruled out the idea just yet.
The mini smart speakers
Amazon also has the Echo Dot, which Google rivaled with their Home Mini.
Both devices may not offer the best sound experience but there are ways around it.
The Echo Dot has a headphone jack which can be connected to headphones. Alternatively, Echo Dot owners can also connect their devices to Bluetooth speakers. Meanwhile, the Home Mini features neither the 3.5mm headphone jack nor the Bluetooth connection.
However, it can connect wirelessly to Chromecast Audio-capable speakers.
The price tags
Amazon recently slashed the price of their Amazon Echo to just $99.99, according to USA Today. It’s the cheapest device among the three, with Google offering Home at $129.99 and Apple’s HomePod sells at $349. However, there have been a few upgrades to the devices.
Amazon introduced the Echo Plus, the updated version of the original Echo device that has a built-in smart home hub. The new smart speaker sells at $149.99. Meanwhile, Google unveiled their Home Max which costs $399.
