WIRED just updated its comprehensive smart speaker buying guide, and Google's Assistant ecosystem continues to dominate despite Amazon's broader device lineup. The guide spotlights six categories with clear winners, but it's the voice assistant transition happening behind the scenes that could reshape the entire market.
WIRED's annual smart speaker roundup just dropped, and the results reveal a fascinating split in how the big three tech giants are positioning their voice assistant ecosystems. While Amazon continues to flood the market with Echo devices, Google's more focused approach is winning over tech reviewers.
The standout pick remains the Google Nest Audio, praised for its "compact, pillowlike shape and great sound that will easily fill small- and medium-size rooms," according to WIRED's Nena Farrell. But it's not just about audio quality - Google's ecosystem integration continues to edge out the competition.
"Google Assistant is our go-to smart speaker and helper of choice," Farrell writes, highlighting the assistant's superior search capabilities and cleaner interface compared to Amazon's ad-heavy displays. The publication notes that Google's displays "make for better photo frames thanks to Google Photos, and don't have such a crowded interface."
Interestingly, Amazon takes the mini speaker crown with its new Echo Dot Max, which packs "impressive sound and a smart home hub" into a 4-inch device. This represents a significant upgrade from previous Dot generations, suggesting Amazon is focusing on premium features even in its smallest form factors.
The third-party category went to JBL's Authentics 200, which supports both Google Assistant and Alexa simultaneously. "That makes this speaker particularly appealing for folks with a sprawling collection of smart products from both," the guide notes.
But the real story is happening behind the scenes with major voice assistant overhauls. Google announced that Gemini for Home is rolling out in early access, eventually replacing the current Google Assistant entirely. Unlike competing premium tiers, this new assistant will remain free, though Google is introducing subscription tiers for advanced features.
is taking a different approach with Alexa+, which will cost $20 per month once early access ends (though it's free for Prime members). The enhanced assistant promises more conversational interactions similar to ChatGPT, but comes with significant privacy trade-offs.
