Best smart speakers: Which is right for your home?

Working from home and using a smart speaker — Getty Images

Turning your home into a smart home can feel daunting. After all, there seems to be a smart version of everything -- smart doorbells, smart lights, and even smart refrigerators. But the truth is, it's actually pretty easy to build a smart home: All you need is the right smart speaker. Here are our picks for the best smart speakers available right now.

Top products in this article:

For fans of Alexa: Amazon Echo, $70 (reduced from $100)

$70 at Amazon

For fans of Google Assistant: Google Nest Audio, $64 and up

$64 at Walmart

For fans of Siri: Apple HomePod mini, $99

$99 at Walmart

While smart speakers are built for listening to music or podcasts, they also give you the ability to control your home by voice command. Amazon, Google and Apple all make great options. So, which smart speaker is right for you?

Generally, you should buy the smart speaker that uses the voice assistant you're most comfortable and familiar with using. If you like using Google Assistant, you should consider the Nest. If you're obsessed with Apple iOS and Siri, stick with the Apple HomePod Mini. And fans of Amazon's Alexa won't go wrong with the many Amazon Echo devices available on sale right now.

Below are some of the most popular smart speakers from Amazon, Google and Apple that you can snag for $100 or less. Read on to find out what makes each speaker unique.

Amazon Echo

The fourth-generation Amazon Echo is one of the most affordable ways to start a smart home, especially now that it's on sale at Amazon. The smart speaker offers Alexa voice controls for music, compatible lights, appliances, smart thermostats, locks, sensors and more. Use your voice to set timers, reminders and alarms.

Buy more than one speaker to play synchronized music across Echo devices in different rooms. Or, use the Echo with compatible Fire TV devices to create a setup for your home-theater audio. You also use it to call others who have the Alexa app, or an Echo device. Choose from three colors.

Amazon Echo, $70 (reduced from $100)

$100 at Amazon

Want an even more affordable option? Try the Amazon Echo Dot, a smaller version of the Echo. Unlike the Echo, the Echo Dot has an LED clock display, but it doesn't offer Dolby audio. Choose from three colors. It's currently on deep discount right now ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2022.

Amazon Echo Dot, $28 (reduced from $50)

$28 at Amazon

Google Nest Audio

The Google Nest Audio adapts to your environment to make your music and more sound better. And to get it to play your songs, playlists, podcasts and audiobooks from streaming services, all you have to do is ask. Buy several of these 30-watt speakers to play the same music in different rooms of your home. Or, use your team of Google Nest Audio devices to broadcast messages, chat between rooms and make calls. Available in several colors. Prices vary by color.

Google Nest Audio, $64 and up

$64 at Walmart

You should know there's also a miniature, 15-watt version of the Google Nest Audio. With the Google Nest Mini, you can ask your Google Assistant to play your favorite songs from Spotify, YouTube Music and more. Or, use the device to stream music from your phone. Ask it to tell you the weather or news, and to set timers and alarms. You can hear your personalized schedule, commute times, reminders, and more with Voice Match. The Google Nest Mini works with thousands of compatible smart lights, smart thermostats and smart TVs -- and all you have to say is, "Hey, Google." Find it in four colors.

Google Nest Mini, $49

$49 at Walmart

And attention, Sam's Club members! Your membership gives you access to special (lower!) prices on the Google Nest Mini.

$35 at Sam's Club

Apple HomePod Mini

The Apple HomePod Mini is a great smart speaker for those who want to stay within the Apple-Siri ecosystem -- and, natch, are willing to pay extra for the privilege.

You can place several Apple HomePod Minis throughout your house for a connected sound system, and to work with Siri to control your smart home. The HomePod Mini's voice-recognition feature allows everyone in the house a personalized experience. And you can essentially hand off audio by bringing your iPhone in close proximity to the HomePod Mini. Choose from five colors.

Apple HomePod Mini, $99

$99 at Walmart