Best Smart Speakers 2019
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Bluetooth speakers have become very popular over the past few years, but we saw an explosion of smart speakers last year. It seems that everyone is clamoring for a chance to talk to Alexa and Google Home and get a bit of that “I’m living in the future” feel. So which are the best smart speakers for 2018?
Best Sound Quality in a Smart Speaker: The Sonos One
Sonos speakers are already known for their superb sound quality. Now, you can pick up a Sonos speaker with Amazon Alexa built-in. It’s basically a Sonos Play:1 and Echo Dot combined into one unit!
Best Cheap Smart Speaker: The Eufy Genie
Typically priced less than the Echo Dot, the Eufy Genie brings Alexa into your home. You can control the same smart home devices that you can with a normal Echo speaker. You can also enjoy streaming music services such as Pandora, Spotify and TuneIn.
Eufy Genie without Bluetooth ( only for iOS)
Echo Dot (2nd Generation) - Black
Best Portable Smart Speaker: JBL Link 20
The JBL Link 20 has Google Assistant built-in and can stream Pandora and Spotify over WiFi anywhere around your home. When you’re away from WiFi, it can still function as a regular non-smart Bluetooth speaker. Sound quality is excellent and the battery can last up to 10 hours.
JBL - LINK 20 Smart Portable Bluetooth Speaker with the Google Assistant built in - Black
Runner Up: FABRIQ Riff
The FABRIQ Riff is a small Alexa-enabled speaker that can easily be carried with you. Unfortunately, Alexa is not always listening (she requires a button press) and battery life is somewhat short at 4-5 hours, but the Riff has very good sound quality and can directly stream iHeart Radio and Amazon Music via WiFi.