12 Best Voice Activated Speakers
Are you searching for the best voice activated speakers, but so far haven’t found suitable options? We have scoured the marketplace and found 12 brilliant options that offer fast voice commands and audio quality. Each speaker has a mini-review, which you can read to get an understanding of the bonuses and minuses.
Furthermore, we have created three price categories, so no matter what budget you’re on you have options to choose from. Each product has a rating from 1 to 5, which you can see before reading the review. The rating is based on build quality, connectivity, audio quality, and microphone sensitivity. Therefore, if the quality rating is no up to your standards, you can skip and read a review that intrigues you.
If you’ve never bought a voice activated speaker before don’t worry because we’ve created a buying considerations section. There you will learn about multiple features the speaker can have, and based on that picking a suitable option will become easier. Even if you don’t buy from us at least you would have gained the necessary knowledge to buy elsewhere. We hope you enjoy reading this buyer’s guide as much as we did writing it, enjoy.
Budget |
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Echo 2nd Generation |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 1.81 Pounds |
Wattage: 21-Watts |
Has seven high-grade built-in microphones. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
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Bose Home 500 Speaker |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 4.65 Pound |
Wattage: 50-Watts |
Picks up voices from across the room. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
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Marshall Stanmore II |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 10.34 Pounds |
Wattage: 50-Watts |
Voice recognition is super accurate. |
Check Amazon |
Buying Considerations
Audio Quality
Voice Activation
Brand
Connectivity
Items by price:
Voice Activated Speakers Comparison Table
Make and Model | Weight | Wattage | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Echo 2nd Generation | 1.81 Pounds | 21-Watts | Check Price |
Harman Kardon Allure Speaker | 2.25 Pounds | 20-Watts | Check Price |
Echo Dot 3rd Gen | 0.66 Pounds | 15-Watts | Check Price |
ZOLO Halo Speaker | 1.05 Pounds | 5-Watts | Check Price |
DOSS E-go Speaker | 12 Pounds | 12-Watts | Check Price |
Eufy Genie Smart Speaker | 0.56 Pounds | 2-Watts | Check Price |
Bose SoundLink Revolve Speaker | 1.46 Pounds | 7.5-Watts | Check Price |
RIVA Concert Speaker | 3 Pounds | 50-Watts | Check Price |
Sonos One Gen 1 Smart Speaker | 4.08 Pounds | 110-Watts | Check Price |
GGMM Voice Activated Speaker | 2.87 Pounds | 20-Watts | Check Price |
Marshall Stanmore II Speaker | 10.34 Pounds | 50-Watts | Check Price |
Bose Home 500 Speaker | 4.65 Pound | 50-Watts | Check Price |
Best Voice Activated Speakers Under $100
Are you searching for the best voice activated speakers, but only have a budget of $100 to spend? We have searched the marketplace for the best budget options and found six excellent options. They offer sensitive microphones that pick up voices from across the room for easy use. Also, the built-in drivers produce great balance between the treble and bass. Some speakers have bass technology for people who enjoy enhanced lows.
1. Best Budget: Echo 2nd Generation
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Echo 2nd Generation is an excellent choice if you want a voice activated speaker because of its high-grade built-in seven microphones. The Echo uses a cloud-based service so that you can play music, ask questions, set timers, and control home smart devices. When activating the microphone, the speaker’s LED lights will go blue, which indicates that you can now command the device.
The built-in 0.6-inch tweeter provides excellent vocals, while the 2.5-inch woofer drivers deliver powerful bass. Using a wide frequency response of 30 – 20KHz the audio has a lot of detail that makes the music sound lifelike. Also, the dual speakers with Dolby processing technology that delivers 360-degree immersive audio.
The Echo 2nd Generation has multiple built-in buttons that help you adjust the device to your preferences. The device has a microphone off button if you don’t want to use voice commands. Also, you get to adjust the volume quickly by pressing the volume up or down buttons, which have icons printed on top.
To get access to the internet you must keep the Echo near your modem because otherwise, the Wi-Fi connection won’t be as strong. Also, the device may not pick up words correctly, which can become frustrating.
To summarize, the Echo 2nd Generation is an excellent choice because of the seven built-in microphones that pick up words from across the room. The 0.6-inch and 2.5-inch drivers provide great balance between the highs and lows. The device is easy to use because of the built-in buttons and the LED light that goes blue when voice commands are activated.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 1.81 Pounds |
360-degree audio: Yes |
Wattage: 21-watts |
The Pros |
---|
Seven high-grade built-in microphones |
Easy to use |
Immersive audio |
The Cons |
---|
Must keep Echo near Wi-Fi modem to keep connection stable |
Sometimes doesn’t pick up words correctly |
2. Harman Kardon Allure Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Harman Kardon Allure Speaker provides accurate audio thanks to the wide frequency response of 60 -20KHz. The total output wattage is 20-watts, which means the speaker can output audio super loudly. The 1.75-inch drivers are tuned well to provide an excellent balance between the vocals and bass. Also, the drivers provide 360-degree surround sound audio that immerses you into the music.
The speaker has built-in Amazon Alexa that lets you command the device with your voice. Alexa allows you to play whatever songs you want, ask questions, and control home smart devices. Also, the speaker has a built-in battery that provides up to 10-hours of playback time, which makes this option portable.
Furthermore, the built-in Bluetooth provides stable connections throughout the listening period, which means you can play music from devices such as smartphones and tablets. The build quality is great since it uses premium materials that ensure a long lasting product. The design looks great thanks to the stylish black and LED lights.
This is the portable version of the Allure series, which means it won’t have as much power and bass as the non-portable version. Also, to keep Bluetooth connections stable make sure there are no objects in the way because otherwise, the transmitted signals will become distorted and cut out.
To summarize, the Harman Kardon Allure Speaker is a great choice because it provides up to 10-hours of playback time. The built-in Amazon Alexa provides voice control and gives you the feature to ask questions. The speaker design looks great because it uses a black and LED light style. Also, the drivers are tuned well and provide a 360-degree surround sound experience.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 2.25 Pounds |
360-degree audio: Yes |
Wattage: 20-watts |
The Pros |
---|
60-20KHz frequency response |
10-hours of playback time |
Immersive audio |
The Cons |
---|
Not as loud as non-portable option |
3. Echo Dot 3rd Gen
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Echo Dot 3rd Gen is an excellent budget choice because it uses premium materials to ensure a long-lasting product. The speaker design uses fabric that gives off a home feeling and goes well with all setups. Also, you get three designs to choose from, which gives you more personalization.
The speaker has a built-in microphone that lets you turn on apps, adjust the volume, and shuffle between songs with your voice. You can connect up to two speakers to the Echo Dot 3rd Gen, which means you can make a home theater system. Also, you can connect with devices such as smartphones to play music directly.
The Echo Dot 3rd Gen has a total of four buttons that let you adjust the volume, mute microphone, and record. To activate voice control say “Alexa” and the Echo Dot 3rd Gen should light up blue waiting for a command. Alexa has more than 50,000 skills and counting. Therefore, the speaker will never become outdated.
The Echo Dot 3rd Gen uses 15-watts of power, which is not as much as some of the other budget options in this category. The compact size means the drivers are a lot smaller. Therefore, the bass won’t pack a punch like other speakers.
To conclude, the Echo Dot 3rd Gen is a great choice because it uses high-quality materials that ensure a long-lasting product. You get a total of three designs to choose from, which offers you more personalization. The built-in microphone picks up words correctly so you can customize the audio easily.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.66 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 15-watts |
The Pros |
---|
Compact design |
Stylish design |
Can connect up to two speakers to the Echo |
The Cons |
---|
15-watts of power not as much as other options |
Bass not that great |
4. ZOLO Halo Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The ZOLO Halo Speaker uses professionally tuned drivers with bass ports to improve the lows dramatically. The total power of the speaker is 5-watts, which means it can easily fill up a room with bass. The overhanging voice coil and copper driver ring deliver efficiency and pinpoint clarity so that the audio sounds clear throughout the listening period.
The built-in sensitive microphone picks up your voice from across the room so you can adjust the volume, shuffle between songs, and ask questions without the need to be next to the device. The speaker can integrate with most home smart devices for easy use. Also, you can connect up to six Halo speakers simultaneously for a home speaker system.
The speaker design looks great because it uses a glossy black finish that goes well with all home decors. The LED light located on top of the speaker will go blue, which indicates that the device is ready to take a command. Also, you’ll get an 18-month warranty that covers breakdowns and accidental damages.
Using a total 5-watts, the speaker isn’t as loud as other options, so if you need a loud system, consider our other budget options. Also, to create a home speaker system, you’ll need six of these speakers, which can get pretty expensive.
To summarize, the ZOLO Halo Speaker is a great choice since it provides powerful bass thanks to the low-frequency technology. The built-in microphone is super sensitive so that you can command the speaker from across the room. You can create a home speaker system because the ZOLO Halo Speaker allows up to six connections simultaneously. Also, you’ll get an 18-month warranty that covers accidental damages.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 1.05 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 5-watts |
The Pros |
---|
18-month warranty |
Sensitive microphone |
Stylish design |
The Cons |
---|
Not as loud as other options |
Creating a speaker system can get expensive |
5. DOSS E-go Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The DOSS E-go Speaker is Alexa enabled, which means you can control the device with your voice. Alexa grants you multiple features such as picking what songs to listen to, ask questions, turn on apps, and much more. The speaker can control smart devices around your home and comes with an app for different languages.
The speaker is built to last using a waterproof case with a certified rating of IPX6, which means you can submerge it under water up to 1-meter for 30-minutes. The compact size means that it’s easily portable and takes up little space. The built-in battery produces up to 8-hours of playback time and even more when playing 50% of the volume.
The speaker offers multiple methods of connection such as Bluetooth. With Bluetooth technology, you can enjoy wireless freedom without annoying cables. The built-in AUX port lets you connect 3.5mm compatible devices. Therefore, if you don’t have Bluetooth this is a great alternative. Also, you can connect via a micro SD card, which can store thousands of songs depending on the GB size.
The DOSS E-go Speaker only comes in two color designs, so you don’t get much personalization. Also, if you’re looking for a home option, this isn’t a great choice since the compact size can’t produce very loud audio.
To conclude, the DOSS E-go Speaker is a great outdoor choice because of the compact size and 8-hours of battery life. The speaker has multiple methods of connection such as Bluetooth, AUX, and micro SD card. The built-in Alexa lets you control the speaker with your voice by adjusting the volume, shuffling between songs, and muting when needed.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 12 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 12-watts |
The Pros |
---|
Portable design |
Multiple methods of connections |
8-hour battery life |
The Cons |
---|
Only two designs to choose from |
Not a great home option |
6. Eufy Genie Smart Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Eufy Genie Smart Speaker is voice controlled with integrated Amazon’s Alexa, which makes it super easy to use the device. Alexa lets you adjust the volume, check the weather, listen to music, and control smart home devices. The voice control technology has over 10,000+ skills, which includes features such as ordering a pizza or buying items online.
The built-in 2-watt driver delivers a dynamic range of treble and bass. The ultra-wide frequency response provides a lot of detail when listening to music. The speaker build quality is excellent because it uses durable materials to ensure a long-lasting product. The blue LED lights up when activating Alexa, which gives the speaker a unique look.
The Eufy Genie Smart Speaker offers multiple methods of connection such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is great because you can connect wirelessly with your smartphone without the need for annoying wires. On the other hand, you can connect to your home Wi-Fi to gain access to the internet.
The 2-watts of power isn’t a lot, which means you won’t experience super loud audio like other speakers. Also, the speaker feels cheap when touching, but that is expected for a budget option.
To summarize, the Eufy Genie Smart Speaker is an excellent choice because it delivers fast connections with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology. The device has built-in Amazon Alexa, which means you can control the speaker with your voice. With Alexa, you can order food, ask for the weather, and play songs. Also, you get a free 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 0.56 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 2-watts |
The Pros |
---|
12-month warranty and lifetime technical support |
Easy to use |
Durable design |
The Cons |
---|
Feels cheap |
Not super loud |
Best Voice Activated Speakers Under $200
Are you looking for the best voice activated speakers that are easy to use and provide excellent audio, but so far haven’t found an ideal option? We have done the research and found four brilliant speakers with sensitive built-in microphones that accurately take in the voice commands. The audio quality is almost lifelike with these speakers thanks to the well-tuned drivers.
7. Bose SoundLink Revolve Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Bose SoundLink Revolve Speaker is an excellent choice because it provides great balance between the highs and lows. The built-in drivers provide a 360-degree surround sound audio, which drastically improves the experience. Also, you can pair two speakers together for a home theater system.
The speaker is built to last using premium materials that ensures a long-lasting product. The speaker case is waterproof with a certified rating of IPX4. The speaker has Bluetooth technology so you can connect wirelessly with your smartphone or other compatible devices. The connection range is 30-feet, so you don’t have to keep the speaker and your Bluetooth device close to each other.
Furthermore, the speaker is compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, which means you can control the device with your voice. With voice control, you can select which song you want to listen to, check the weather, and adjust the volume. Also, you get to choose between two color designs for more personalization.
Creating a theater system with the Bose SoundLink Revolve Speaker can get pretty expensive since you’ll need to purchase an additional speaker. Also, leaving the speaker in too much water for long periods will damage the drivers inside.
To summarize, the Bose SoundLink Revolve Speaker is a great choice because it provides accurate 360-degree audio. The device is compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, which means you can control the speaker with your voice. The speaker case is waterproof with a rating of IPX4 so that you can take it to water-based areas.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 1.46 Pounds |
360-degree audio: Yes |
Wattage: 7.5-watt |
The Pros |
---|
Compatible with Siri and Google Assistant |
Waterproof rating IPX4 |
Two designs to choose from |
The Cons |
---|
Creating a speaker system can get super expensive |
Too much water will damage the drivers |
8. RIVA Concert Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The RIVA Concert Speaker is a great choice since it has built-in Amazon Alexa. The built-in microphone picks up voices from across the room for easy controllability. With Amazon Alexa, you can switch between songs, ask questions, check the weather, and use more than 50,000 applications.
RIVA’s patented Trillium Audio technology uses physics to its advantage to produce excellent sounding audio. The speaker comes with its app, which you can use to tune the drivers by adjusting the bass and treble. The app has more features such as connecting devices, playing music from Spotify, and setting up Alexa.
The RIVA Concert Speaker offers multiple methods of connection so that all devices are compatible. The built-in Bluetooth technology provides stable connections throughout the listening period. For non-Bluetooth devices, you can use a 3.5mm AUX cable to stream HD audio. Also, the speaker is splashproof so you can take it to water-based areas.
The speaker only comes in two styles, so you don’t get a lot of personalization with this option. Also, the speaker has a wireless option, but batteries are sold separately.
To summarize, the RIVA Concert Speaker is a great choice because it delivers supreme audio thanks to the RIVA Trillium technology. The device offers multiple methods of connection, such as Bluetooth and AUX. The built-in Alexa lets you ask questions, shuffle between songs, adjust the volume, and use over 50,000 applications. Also, the speaker comes with an app that lets you tune the audio to your preferences.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 3 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 50-watts |
The Pros |
---|
Splashproof |
Comes with an app |
Easy to use |
The Cons |
---|
Doesn’t come with batteries |
Only two styles to choose from |
9. Sonos One Gen 1 Smart Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Sonos One Gen 1 Smart Speaker delivers supreme audio thanks to the high-grade drivers. The super wide frequency response helps the woofer and tweeter driver provide a balanced audio signature. The audio can get ultra-loud because the amplifier puts out 55-watts per channel, which leads to the 110-watt overall output.
The speaker has built-in Amazon Alexa so you can control the speaker with your voice by adjusting the volume, asking questions, and checking the weather. Alexa is compatible with over 50,000 applications, which makes the voice-controlled speaker easy to use. Also, the speaker has multiple buttons located on the top that let you skip between songs and adjust the volume.
The speaker can connect to other Sonos audio devices. Therefore, you can create a home speaker system that is voice controlled. The speaker design looks great because of the sleek materials the feels and looks premium. Also, for more personalization on your behalf you get two colors to choose from.
The Sonos One Gen 1 Smart Speaker is a great choice, but creating a speaker system with this option can get super expensive. To create a system, you can only use Sonos speakers so you can’t go with other brands. Also, mounting the speaker onto a wall can be tricky, and accidental falls will damage the drivers.
To summarize, the Sonos One Gen 1 Smart Speaker is an excellent option because of the well-tuned drivers. The audio can get super loud thanks to the total power output of 110-watts. The speaker is easy to use because it has built-in Amazon Alexa that has access up to 50,000+ application. The speaker is compatible with other Sonos products so you can create a home speaker system.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 4.08 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 110-watts |
The Pros |
---|
Easy to use |
Two designs to choose from |
Excellent audio quality |
The Cons |
---|
Can only create a speaker system with Sonos products |
Accidental falls can easily damage the drivers |
10. GGMM Voice Activated Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The GGMM Voice Activated Speaker provides an excellent balance between the highs and lows thanks to the frequency response of 50 – 20KHz. The output wattage is 20-watts, which is great for home use as the drivers can fill a room with audio. The speaker has a built-in equalizer the lets you adjust the bass and treble to your preferences.
The built-in Alexa lets you control the speaker with your voice for easy use. The technology lets you quickly ask questions, check the weather, order food, and select music. The speaker has multiple built-in buttons that let you answer calls, adjust the volume, and shuffle between songs. Also, the Wi-Fi frequency is 2.4GHz, which provides fast and clear connections for fast Alexa responses.
The speaker has built-in Bluetooth so you can play music directly from your smartphone and other compatible devices. Also, you can create a speaker system and add up to 16 audio devices to play music. The built-in 6600 mAh battery provides up to 15-hours of playback time, which makes the GGMM Voice Activated Speaker a great portable option. Also, the PU strap makes the speaker convenient to carry around and is removable for home use.
Creating a speaker system can get pretty expensive, so make sure you have enough money to invest. Furthermore, you only get two speaker designs to choose from, which isn’t a lot compared to other speakers.
To summarize, the GGMM Voice Activated Speaker is a brilliant outdoor choice thanks to the 6600 mAh battery that brings up to 15-hours of playback time. The frequency response of 50 – 20KHz means that you’ll hear a lot of detail in the audio. The speaker has a built-in EQ that lets you customize the audio by adjusting the bass and treble. Also, you can use the GGMM app to create a speaker system with up to 16 audio devices.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 2.87 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 20-watts |
The Pros |
---|
15-hour battery life |
50 – 20KHz frequency response |
Built-in EQ |
The Cons |
---|
Creating a speaker system can get super expensive |
Only two speaker designs |
Best Voice Activated Speakers Under $500
Are you looking for the best voice activated speakers, but haven’t found a suitable option that’s ideal for you? We have searched the marketplace for premium options that provide quick voice command reactions and excellent audio quality. The drivers with these speakers are tuned well to deliver excellent balance between the bass and treble. Also, some speaker have a built-in equalizer that lets you customize the audio to your preferences.
11. Top Pick: Marshall Stanmore II Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Marshall Stanmore II Speaker is an excellent choice because it has a built-in equalizer that lets you customize the bass and treble. The audio can get super loud since it has a total power of 15-watts. Also, the audio has a lot of detail that makes it sound almost lifelike thanks to the 50 – 20KHz frequency response.
The built-in Amazon Alexa lets you control the speaker by only using your voice. The far-field microphone array for smart voice recognition and noise cancelation will make conversations clear. Plus, this means that Alexa will hear you across the room in clear audio so you won’t have to keep repeating yourself like other voice-activated speakers.
The speaker design looks excellent using a retro design that goes well with all home decors. The black design with gold trims gives the speaker a premium look that will last for generations. The build quality is nothing short of excellent since it uses durable materials for a long-lasting product. The four legs underneath prevent the speaker from scratching, which means you can place it on any surface.
The Marshall Stanmore II Speaker is not a budget option, so make sure you have enough money to invest. Also, the speaker doesn’t feature 360-degree surround sound audio, so you’re not fully immersed In the audio.
To conclude, the Marshall Stanmore II Speaker is one of the best options because it provides supreme audio quality. The frequency response of 50 – 20KHz means that you’ll hear a lot of detail in the audio. The voice recognition is super accurate, which means you can control the speakers from across the room.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 10.34 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 50-watts |
The Pros |
---|
Voice recognition is super accurate |
Stylish design |
Four legs underneath don’t scratch surfaces |
The Cons |
---|
Not a budget option |
Doesn’t have 360-degree audio |
12. Best Value: Bose Home 500 Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Bose Home 500 Speaker fills up any room with impressive audio thanks to the built-in premium drivers. The integrated Amazon Alexa lets you control the audio with your voice, which makes the speaker super easy to use. Under the case are eight custom-designed microphones that pick up voices in loud environments. Also, you can turn off the microphones and continue to use the speaker’s other features.
The speaker can connect to Wi-Fi, which gives you access to the weather reports, music apps, and other must-have features. The built-in Bluetooth technology lets you connect with compatible devices such as your smartphone to play music. On the other hand, if you don’t have a Bluetooth device you can use an AUX cable, which provides stable connections throughout the listening period.
The speaker design looks pristine and goes well with all home decors. You get to choose between two color styles, which gives you more personalization. The speaker is easy to use because it has built-in buttons that let you control the audio. Also, the speaker comes with a Bose application that lets you adjust the drivers, play music, and regulate the volume.
The Bose Home 500 Speaker is not a budget speaker, so make sure you have enough to invest in this setup. Also, the speaker doesn’t have 360-degree surround sound audio.
To summarize, the Bose Home 500 Speaker is a brilliant choice because it provides supreme audio thanks to the well-tuned drivers. The built-in Alexa technology lets you customize the audio to your preferences. The eight super sensitive microphones can pick up voices in loud environments. Also, you get the Bose sound app that lets you adjust the audio, customize the bass/treble, and shuffle between songs.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 4.65 Pounds |
360-degree audio: No |
Wattage: 50-watts |
The Pros |
---|
Picks up voices from across the room |
Stylish design |
Multiple methods of connection |
The Cons |
---|
Not a budget option |
Doesn’t have 360-degree audio output |
Contents
- Buying Considerations
- Audio Quality
- Voice Activation
- Brand
- Connectivity
- Items by price:
- Voice Activated Speakers Comparison Table
- Best Voice Activated Speakers Under $100
- 1. Best Budget: Echo 2nd Generation
- 2. Harman Kardon Allure Speaker
- 3. Echo Dot 3rd Gen
- 4. ZOLO Halo Speaker
- 5. DOSS E-go Speaker
- 6. Eufy Genie Smart Speaker
- Best Voice Activated Speakers Under $200
- 7. Bose SoundLink Revolve Speaker
- 8. RIVA Concert Speaker
- 9. Sonos One Gen 1 Smart Speaker
- 10. GGMM Voice Activated Speaker
- Best Voice Activated Speakers Under $500
- 11. Top Pick: Marshall Stanmore II Speaker
- 12. Best Value: Bose Home 500 Speaker