The smart display market just got reshuffled. Wired has crowned Google's Pixel Tablet as the best smart display of 2025, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape dominated by Amazon's Echo Show series. The tech publication's comprehensive testing reveals how the market is evolving beyond traditional voice-first devices.
Google's Pixel Tablet just claimed the smart display crown, according to Wired's latest buying guide. The publication's comprehensive testing positions Google's tablet-turned-smart-display ahead of Amazon's entire Echo Show lineup, signaling a major shift in how consumers think about connected home screens.
The victory comes as the smart display market faces an identity crisis. Meta killed its Portal line that reviewers once praised, while Google stopped issuing software updates for third-party smart displays, leaving many devices in digital limbo. "We're not sure how long they'll be worth it, or even exist, in their current form," Wired's Nena Farrell writes in the guide.
For traditional smart displays, Amazon's Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) takes the top spot at $150. The device features an 8-inch HD screen, 13MP camera with auto-framing, and built-in smart home hub capabilities. Wired praised its balance of features and price point, making it the sweet spot for most households looking to add a voice-controlled screen to their kitchen or living room.
The recommendation comes as Amazon prepares to launch Alexa+, a premium version of its voice assistant powered by generative AI. The new service will cost $20 monthly or be included free with Amazon Prime membership. Early access begins next month, starting with Echo Show devices including the recommended Show 8.
Google's strategy shift toward the Pixel Tablet reflects broader market consolidation. The device functions as both a standalone Android tablet and a smart display when docked, offering versatility that dedicated smart displays can't match. This dual-purpose approach addresses concerns about the long-term viability of single-purpose smart displays.
The market uncertainty extends beyond hardware. Amazon reportedly lost $10 billion on Alexa in 2022, leading to significant layoffs across the voice assistant team. Despite continued hardware releases, the financial pressures raise questions about sustained investment in the category.
Smaller displays also made Wired's list, with Google's Nest Hub securing a spot at $100 for users who don't need a camera. The second-generation device offers sleep tracking and gesture controls using radar technology, though Wired notes the sleep tracking quality "isn't great."
