How to Choose the Best Bluetooth Speaker with Voice Assistants

Your Guide to buying the best Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants

Overview

Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and ease of use. With the ability to connect to a variety of devices, create playlists, and more, these speakers offer a range of features to make your life easier. For those looking for a convenient way to listen to music, answer calls, and control their smart home devices, a Bluetooth speaker with a voice assistant is a great choice. In this buying guide, we'll go over the features to look for when shopping for a Bluetooth speaker with a voice assistant, the different types available, and how to choose the one that best meets your needs.

Key features

  1. Connectivity: Check the range of the Bluetooth connection as well as whether the speaker supports other wireless connection standards, like Wi-Fi.
  2. Audio Quality: Consider the audio fidelity of the speaker, including the power and features such as an equalizer.
  3. Voice Assistant: Evaluate which voice assistant the speaker uses and how compatible it is with other devices and services.
  4. Battery Life: Look for how long the speaker can last on a single charge and whether it supports quick charging.
  5. Portability: Consider how lightweight and durable the speaker is, as well as whether it includes a carrying case.
  6. Price: Compare the cost of the speaker to similar models, and decide if the features justify the price.
  7. Software Features: Examine the speaker’s accompanying app, and determine what features it offers.
  8. User Reviews: Read reviews from other users to get a better idea of how the speaker performs in real-world conditions.

See the most popular Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Compact Design - Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants are typically quite small, making them easy to transport and fit into tight spaces.
  • Voice Control - Voice assistants allow you to easily control your speaker by using voice commands, making it easy to manage your music, podcasts, and other audio from across the room.
  • Multi-Functional - With voice control, Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants are able to do a variety of tasks, from playing music, to setting alarms, to providing weather updates.
  • Multilingual - Voice assistants are capable of recognizing and responding to multiple languages, making them a great choice for those who speak multiple languages.
  • Smart Home Integration - Many Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants can be connected to other smart home devices, allowing you to control your home environment with voice commands.

Cons

  • Cost: Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants tend to be more expensive than regular Bluetooth speakers.
  • Compatibility: Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants may not be compatible with all devices.
  • Updates: Regular updates may be required to ensure that the product is compatible with the latest features.
  • Privacy: Voice assistants may collect personal data, so users should be aware of the privacy implications.
  • Accuracy: Voice recognition technology is not always accurate, so users may have to repeat their commands for the speaker to understand.
  • Noise: Background noise can interfere with voice recognition accuracy, so it may not work well in areas with a lot of noise.

Best alternatives

  1. Wireless speakers - Speakers that are not tethered to one device, instead relying on a Bluetooth connection.
  2. Portable speakers - Speakers that are usually small and rechargeable, designed for on-the-go listening.
  3. Home theater systems - Speakers designed for use in a living room or other designated area, with multiple components for surround sound.
  4. Smart speakers - Speakers with integrated voice-assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to control music, home automation, and other functions.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Bluetooth Adapter - A device used to connect a Bluetooth speaker with voice assistant to other devices.
  • Voice Assistant - A voice-recognition device, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri, used to control Bluetooth speakers.
  • Auxiliary Cable - A 3.5mm audio cable used to connect a Bluetooth speaker with a device such as a laptop or phone.
  • Remote Control - A device used to control certain features of a Bluetooth speaker such as volume or playback.
  • Power Adapter - An adapter used to supply power to a Bluetooth speaker.

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants?
    The primary benefits of Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants is convenience and ease of use. With voice assistants, you can control your audio experience with just your voice. This allows for hands-free control over music playback, volume control, and more. It can also be very helpful for controlling other connected devices in your home, such as lights, thermostats, and more.
  2. What are the differences between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers?
    The primary differences between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers are range and sound quality. Bluetooth speakers have a limited range of up to 30 feet, whereas Wi-Fi speakers can provide a much wider range. Additionally, Bluetooth speakers provide lower sound quality compared to Wi-Fi speakers, as Wi-Fi speakers are typically larger and more powerful.
  3. What features should I look for in a Bluetooth speaker with voice assistant?
    When shopping for a Bluetooth speaker with voice assistant, it’s important to consider several features. First, consider sound quality - look for features such as high-definition audio and noise cancellation. Additionally, consider the range of the speaker and the number of supported voice assistants. Make sure the speaker supports your preferred voice assistant and that it offers a wide range of compatible services and integrations. Finally, consider the speaker’s design - make sure it is durable and waterproof, and if you are looking for a portable speaker, make sure it has a long battery life.
  4. What is the best Bluetooth speaker with voice assistant?
    The best Bluetooth speaker with voice assistant is subjective, as it depends on your individual needs and preferences. Generally, however, look for a speaker with high-definition audio, a wide range, and support for your preferred voice assistant. Additionally, consider features such as durability, waterproofing, and portability, depending on your needs.

Trivia

Recently, Amazon's Alexa gained the ability to respond to the query, "Alexa, can you rap?" with a few bars of hip-hop. The response has been reported to be surprisingly good and is sure to put a smile on the face of potential Bluetooth speaker shoppers. This feature was announced in April 2019 and is sure to offer more entertainment options for owners of Bluetooth speakers with voice assistants. Source: https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/25/18516077/amazon-alexa-rapping-rap-lyrics-can-you-rap-feature

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.