WIRED has released its updated buying guide for the best smart speakers of 2025, featuring comprehensive reviews of devices from Amazon, Google, and Apple. The guide highlights the Google Nest Audio as the top overall pick while introducing new recommendations including the JBL Authentics 200 as the best third-party option and repositioning the Sonos Era 100 for audiophiles seeking premium sound quality.
WIRED just reshuffled its smart speaker recommendations for 2025, and the changes reveal how rapidly the voice assistant landscape is evolving. The tech publication's comprehensive buying guide maintains Google's Nest Audio as the top overall pick, but introduces significant changes to address both hardware updates and the shifting assistant ecosystem.
The most notable addition is the JBL Authentics 200, now positioned as WIRED's top third-party smart speaker recommendation. Priced at $200 on Amazon, this speaker tackles a growing consumer pain point by supporting both Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa simultaneously. "That makes this speaker particularly appealing for folks with a sprawling collection of smart products from both," WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell writes in the updated guide.
The recommendation reflects broader industry fragmentation as voice assistants become more specialized. While Amazon continues expanding its Echo ecosystem, Google is transitioning to its new Gemini for Home assistant, creating uncertainty for consumers invested in existing smart home setups.
Sonos faces a different challenge with its Era 100, which WIRED repositioned from overall favorite to "best for sound quality" at $219. The speaker lost Google Assistant compatibility that its predecessor offered, leaving users with only Alexa support despite superior audio performance. "My only complaint is the lack of Google support, and I expect that to remain true as Google switches from Google Assistant to Gemini for Home," Farrell notes.
The timing coincides with major ecosystem transitions. Google announced Gemini for Home is rolling out in early access, eventually replacing Google Assistant entirely. Unlike Amazon's Alexa+, which will cost $20 monthly, Gemini for Home remains free with optional premium tiers.
Amazon isn't standing still either. The guide details four new Echo devices launching October through November 2025, including the Echo Dot Max ($100) promising "three times the bass" and the third-generation Echo Studio ($220) with improved audio processing.
For budget-conscious buyers, Amazon's fifth-generation Echo Dot maintains its $50 price point as WIRED's budget pick, though the guide notes availability issues with Google's competing Nest Mini. "The Nest Mini ($49) is out of stock in most colors and hasn't been updated since 2021," potentially signaling Google's focus on its upcoming Google Home Speaker launching spring 2026.
Privacy concerns continue shaping the market. Amazon eliminated local voice processing in March 2025, requiring all Alexa interactions be sent to cloud servers. The change affects all Echo users regardless of Alexa+ subscription status, highlighting the trade-offs between advanced AI features and data privacy.
The guide's detailed comparison table reveals how fragmented the smart speaker market has become. While Amazon's Echo lineup offers the broadest device selection, Google's ecosystem provides better integration with search and photo services. Apple's HomePod speakers deliver premium audio but remain limited in smart home compatibility.
For consumers choosing between ecosystems, WIRED emphasizes examining existing device preferences and smart home plans. "The easiest way to choose which smart assistant to add to your house is one you're already using in some capacity," the guide advises. The recommendation becomes more complex as voice assistants evolve and compatibility shifts.
The updated guide also addresses durability concerns after Sonos faced criticism in 2020 for ending software support on older devices. While newer regulations in the UK now require manufacturers to disclose support timelines, most smart speaker buyers still face uncertainty about long-term viability.
WIRED's testing methodology includes microphone range tests, audio quality across multiple music genres, smart home device integration, and extended real-world usage. The publication keeps devices for months of evaluation, providing insights beyond initial impressions that often dominate tech reviews.
WIRED's updated smart speaker guide reflects an industry in transition, with voice assistants evolving rapidly and device compatibility shifting. The emphasis on dual-assistant speakers like the JBL Authentics 200 suggests consumers are hedging bets against ecosystem lock-in. As Google transitions to Gemini and Amazon pushes paid Alexa+ features, the smart speaker market is moving from simple device purchases toward ongoing service relationships. For consumers, the guide's key message is clear: choose based on your existing ecosystem, but prepare for change as voice AI continues evolving at breakneck pace.
