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If chosen correctly, a smart speaker could be the centrepiece of your home entertainment system, which can also double as a hub to control smart devices. However, one has to buy the right smart speaker that works best with their existing products.
If you are planning to buy a new smart speaker, here are a few things to keep in mind to get the best deal.
In India, the smart speaker segment is primarily dominated by two brands — Amazon and Google. Similarly, Apple also makes smart speakers that are good, but they aren’t as popular as the Alexa and Google Assistant-powered smart speakers, primarily owing to the pricing.
Most smart speakers also allow users to control various smart devices like lights, air conditioning, television, and more. On top of that, they can also be used as alarm clocks. Similarly, if you are looking for a smart speaker that will be a part of your entertainment system, then it’s probably best to consider smart speakers that are slightly on the bigger side.
Coming to the Alexa-powered smart speakers can be used by both Android and iPhone users. On top of that, Amazon also offers these smart speakers in various form factors, which include the Echo Show, a smart speaker with a display, Echo Dot, a compact smart speaker, or even the Echo Studio, a large smart speaker with an emphasis on audio quality.
If you are looking for an affordable smart speaker, going with an Echo Dot might be the right choice. In fact, the latest generation of Echo Dot even comes with a digital clock. Despite its compact form factor, the Echo Dot offers good audio quality, and if you frequently shop on Amazon, the smart speaker will also announce updates regarding your open orders, and you can also stream ad-free music.
Besides, Amazon recently announced next-generation Alexa-powered smart speakers with generative AI capabilities, which are also available in kid-friendly designs.
If you are an iPhone user, who also happens to have a strong Apple ecosystem, then we suggest the HomePod. Apple’s HomePod comes in two form factors, the big HomePod and the HomePod mini.
As the name suggests, the HomePod (review) is a great single-speaker system that offers excellent audio quality, which costs Rs 32,900. In fact, two HomePods can be paired to experience a true stereo experience. However, if you plan on building a smart home ecosystem around the HomePod, just make sure that the smart gadgets are compatible with HomeKit.
Similarly, if you are looking for the most affordable smart speaker from Apple, then consider the HomePod mini, which is priced at just under Rs 10,000. The HomePod mini offers 360-degree audio, and it is also available in five attractive colours, including orange and yellow.
Lastly, there are Google Assistant-powered smart speakers. While Google makes first-party Nest mini speakers, brands like Lenovo and Xiaomi also offer affordable Google Assistant-powered smart speakers, and these are best meant for Android smartphone users.
The Xiaomi Google Assistant-powered smart speaker is one of the best budget models to consider. It offers good audio quality, has a digital clock, and it even supports Bluetooth, allowing users to pair their smartphones and laptops with speakers for wireless music streaming. Similarly, the Nest mini is an affordable made-by-Google smart speaker, which can also be wall-mounted.
