TOP 10 best smart speakers in 2021. Part 1

Rating of the TOP 12 best smart speakers for 2021

This rating includes the best smart speakers that received the most positive reviews from users and experts.

Interface

Any device will connect to the Wi-Fi network, since the system will not be able to perform all its functions without the Internet. This same type of connection can be used to pair with other electronic devices. Many models use Bluetooth for this, a convenient connection that allows you to transmit sound directly. Some have HDMI, this type of connection is the future, the best smart speaker of 2021 should definitely support it. You can also find a 3.5 mm audio jack output, like in old simple music speakers, but now this is considered an outdated solution, so it is extremely rare.

How to choose a smart speaker?

If you decide to buy a smart speaker, then when choosing this little assistant, be sure to study the points described below:

• Method of nutrition . If you need a mobile gadget, then choose a model that can run on battery power. However, users note that currently those speakers that operate from the network are faster and more accurate.
• Number of speakers and their power . The larger the room in which the speaker will operate, the more speakers will be needed. Now on the market there are models from 1 to 6 pieces.
• Voice assistant . Russian teams understand only domestic products by voice. Therefore, if you are not strong in English, and voice control is most important to you, give up foreign models.
• Microphones . They accept the command and there must be several of them. It has been empirically proven that models with one microphone are more likely to make mistakes.
• Compatibility . The speaker must be compatible with the smart home ecosystem you use.

How does it work

The gadget works through voice control thanks to the built-in microphone. The speaker recognizes the owner's voice, answers questions, and carries out voice commands.

In addition, the device works via wifi signal and bluetooth latest versions. The speaker will report traffic jams, tell you the weather forecast, play music, and set an alarm.

There are also gadgets that are friendly with the smart home ecosystem and control appliances: smart sockets, light bulbs, kettles.

Using some devices, you can receive calls and send messages to contacts on your smartphone. And others act through social networks.

TOP 5 best smart speakers with Alice

Yandex.Station

At the very beginning of the rating, one cannot fail to mention the most popular smart speaker from Yandex. This is the best similar device that can be offered to the user in 2021. The company is constantly improving its development, taking into account the comments and wishes of customers.

The power cord is detachable from the speaker, so it can be placed anywhere in your home, moved from room to room, or taken out to the balcony.

The voice assistant will recommend music based on your previous questions, play your favorite song, tell you about the weather, find the answer to a question on the Internet, read a fairy tale, and if you use the HDMI connector, it will show you the video on one of the possible platforms: KinoPoisk, Yandex .On-air, YouTube.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart Home from Yandex.
• Powered by mains and battery.
• Power (total) - 50 W.
• Frequency range - 50 Hz to 20 kHz

pros

• sensitive microphone;
• work both from the mains and from the battery;
• working with video content;
• fast connection.

Minuses

• I would like an equalizer to customize the sound.

Yandex.Station Mini

How is a younger sister different from an older sister? More compact size and no HDMI connector designed for working with video content.

Otherwise, the developers retained all the main functions. That is, the mini version will set a timer, talk about the weather or look for a delicious recipe for dinner, turn on music, and add your favorite composition to your favorites. He will also analyze your taste and, based on an abstract request, select the most interesting single for you.

Interestingly, the station can be controlled not only by voice, but also by gestures. and if you activate the function with the command “Alice, give me sound,” then using gestures you can play a melody, like on a theremin.

The microphone is very sensitive, picks up voice well and recognizes commands. Well, he also really likes to chat with the owner.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart Home from Yandex.
• Works from the network.
• Power (total) - 3 W.
• Frequency range - 20 Hz-20 kHz.

pros

• compact size;
• quick setup and very simple control;
• sensitive voice recognition.

Minuses

• constant work from the network;
• short wire.

JBL Link Portable with Alice

The peculiarity of this device from JBL is that the speaker is a kind of hybrid.

It can work via Wi-Fi as a smart assistant and control panel for a smart home ecosystem, or become a regular portable speaker for outdoor recreation with friends. In this case, it is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

As already mentioned, this is not just a device for playing music; the speaker works with the Google Assistant program or Alice. It is also waterproof and resistant to rain, splashes and dust. If we compare it with competitors, then in terms of price and functionality this is one of the best options among hybrids.

In the package you will find a charging station (up to 8 hours of battery life). The sound is deep, with well-developed bass, and sound waves spread 360 degrees.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Yandex Smart Home.
• Powered by a battery.
• Power (total) - 20 W.
• Frequency range - 65-20,000 Hz.

pros

• deep sound;
• waterproof;
• work with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Minuses

• no compatibility with JBL Connect.

LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y

When surveying users about their smart speakers, many named this model from LG. Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y is the result of several years of development and experimentation.

A well-assembled case made of excellent materials, a balanced system, high sound quality. Moreover, he understands Russian speech and is friends with Yandex. It can become the control center of a smart home, controlling the operation of other devices, or pamper you with music and entertain you with playful chatter with the sarcastic Alice.

The speaker has very sensitive microphones, so it easily recognizes voices, even if the room is quite noisy. But the developers made a slight mistake with the placement of the speakers - they are not placed in a circle and therefore you have to spend some time to find the ideal place for good sound.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart home from Yandex.
• Works from the network.
• Power (total) - 30 W.

pros

• deep bass;
• clear and loud sound;
• universal in design, does not stand out from the interior.

Minuses

• sometimes loses Wi-Fi signal;
• no battery.

Prestigio Smartmate Mayak Edition

An affordable, very beautiful-looking smart speaker from this company rightfully takes a place in our ranking of smart speakers thanks to its high-quality sound and operation both on battery power (within 8-9 hours, depending on the volume) and on mains power.

In addition, there is a smart remote control that adapts the owner’s voice commands to the TV or split system through a powerful and modern infrared port.

This is an ideal home assistant that will play your favorite music, play an audio story for your child, or answer a stream of children's questions. To do this, just activate the “Beacon for Children” function and transfer control to the baby.

Voice control of connected home appliances is also available. For example, you can activate a robot vacuum cleaner, light a night light, or increase the temperature of the air conditioner.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Alice.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart Home from Yandex.
• Powered by mains and battery.
• Power (total) - 6 W.
• Frequency range - 180 Hz - 16 kHz.

pros

• one of the best functionality for families with children;
• pleasant appearance;
• fast and convenient setup.

Minuses

• sometimes the signal is lost;
• inconvenient location of the power button.

3. Prestigio Smartmate Mayak Edition

• voice assistant: Alice
• voice assistant language: Russian
• smart home ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
• mains powered, battery powered
• total power 6 W
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, audio output
• frequency range 180 Hz - 16 kHz
• features: smart remote control Perenio Red Atom and 3 months of Yandex.Plus subscription as a gift

This beautiful and inexpensive smart speaker features high-quality sound and long battery life (within 8-9 hours). It is equipped with a Perenio Red Atom smart remote control, which “translates” the user’s voice commands to the TV and air conditioner via an infrared port.

Prestigio Smartmate Mayak Edition will become a real pet in families with children. After all, Alice can tell a child a bedtime story, play a lullaby, and answer the most important children’s questions thanks to the “Beacon for Children” function.

Using a smart speaker from Prestigio and its voice assistant, you can control smart home appliances. For example, ask Alice to make the air conditioner cooler, or turn on the night light.

Pros : excellent functionality for families with children, bright and stylish appearance, easy setup.

Cons : the power button is inconvenient; users complain about Wi-Fi freezing frequently, which can cause problems when playing music.

TOP 2 best smart speakers with Marusya

Mail.ru Group Capsule

At some point, the Mail.ru company wanted to be recognized among smart speakers and did not want to work with Alice. Then the developers came up with their own voice assistant and named it Marusya.

The resulting column looks quite original, elongated in shape, with a luminous ring in the center. From this backlight you can understand how many tasks Marusya is currently processing and how carefully she will listen to the question from the owner. True, the brightness level cannot yet be adjusted.

Control is carried out via voice or touch panel. In this case, commands are recognized well, without any problems. But the voice of a person, if there is extraneous noise, is not yet clearly heard by young Marusya.

By the way, if you gently stroke the column, it begins to purr. Such a cute touch delighted many users. At the moment, the speaker does not have a connection to foreign and Russian music platforms and plays music only on the basis of a paid VKontakte subscription. By the way, upon purchase the company gives three months of use of this service.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Mail.ru Marusya.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart home from Mail.ru.
• Works from the network.
• Power (total) - 30 W.
• Frequency range - 50-20,000 Hz.

pros

• the design is very unusual and stylish;
• you can make calls on VKontakte;
• There is a carrying case.

Minuses

• poorly reads human speech;
• functionality at the initial stage of development.

Prestigio Smartvoice

Compact and lightweight (just over 170 grams) smart speaker with voice assistant Marusya. Receives commands by voice, 4 microphones quickly pick up the owner’s voice. There is also a control panel on the top cover.

The sound is quite clear, without interference even at maximum volume, with pronounced bass. It quickly finds the network signal and keeps it at the same level, so the speaker’s operation is almost uninterrupted.

In this case, the gadget is connected to both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which means it can be considered a hybrid and act as a regular portable speaker connected to a smartphone.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Marusya.
• Russian language.
• Ecosystem - Smart Home Mail.ru.
• Works from the network.
• Power (total) - 5 W.
• Frequency range - 180 Hz-18 kHz

pros

• compact and lightweight;
• four microphones for receiving commands;
• supports streaming audio services.

Minuses

• Sometimes the high frequencies are not enough.

Yandex.Station Mini

• voice assistant: Alice
• voice assistant language: Russian
• smart home ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
• mains power
• total power 3 W
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, audio output
• frequency range 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Unlike its “big sister”, which took first place in the smart speaker rating, Yandex.Station Mini does not have an HDMI connector. Accordingly, it will not be able to play video content.

Otherwise, the younger version has the same functions as the original device (sets a timer, tells the news, turns on your favorite music and adds the desired track to your favorites, reports the weather, etc.). In addition, it is friendly with smart home devices from the Yandex and Xiaomi ecosystems.

Yandex.Station Mini can be controlled not only by voice, but also by gestures. And with the command “Alice, give me sound,” you can even play music with gestures, like on a theremin.

Pros : recognizes speech well, easy to use, compact.

Cons : you cannot adjust the alarm volume, Bluetooth does not turn on if there is no Internet connection, short wire, must be constantly connected to an outlet,

TOP 5 best smart speakers in terms of price/quality ratio

Apple HomePod

One of the most popular smart speakers in 2021 was the model from Apple. Experts and users unanimously give high marks for high-quality sound.

The sound is deep and spacious, the performers' voices are not distorted and sound natural, and the bass is excellent. Therefore, it can be safely recommended to fans of any musical genre.

Another advantage of the model is that it is very easy to connect and customize. Siri instantly learns to recognize the voice of the device owner and picks it out even from the farthest corner of the room.

But it was impossible to do without shortcomings. The fact is that the speaker can only work with services related to the brand, and they have much less capabilities than the same Google Assistant.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Apple Siri.
• English language.
• Works from - from the network.
• Power (total) - 40 W.
• Frequency range - from 60 to 20 thousand Hz.

pros

• good sound;
• no noise, excellent volume levels;
• simple controls;
• recognizes voice well.

Minuses

• no Russian language;
• work only with Apple services.

Harman/Kardon Citation One

One of the most inexpensive smart speaker models from this company for 2020. Control is carried out by Google Assistant voice commands, and communication is supported via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless channels.

Music lovers note that the sound of the speaker is at a decent level, clear, quite loud and spacious. At the same time, the bass is deep and the high notes really ring.

Once you connect the speaker to the network, you can immediately start working with it. The fact is that Google Assistant instantly detects the device, asks for a Wi-Fi password, and then asks you to do a little training. To do this, you only need to chat a little with the new tenant of your house so that he learns to recognize your voice and understand commands.

It's nice that you have access to a large number of music platforms that work with this assistant.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Google Assistant.
• English language.
• Powered by a battery.
• Power (total) - 40 W.
• Frequency range - from 40 to 20,000 Hz.

pros

• high sound quality;
• several columns can be assembled into a system;
• easy setup;
• elementary control.

Minuses

• does not always give an answer in Russian.

Xiaomi Mi AI Mini Speaker

Sometimes it seems that brand developers sit at a meeting and approach expanding the range like this: “We will do more and better, and we will ask for little money.”

This is a very reliable, well-built gadget with an amazing volume level and six microphones that instantly pick up the owner's voice. Instant connection with other brand gadgets, can be controlled via an application on your phone. And the price is significantly lower than similar competitors.

But the problem is still there. The speaker is not suitable for the Russian market, as it recognizes only Chinese.

But surprisingly, the demand for it is very high precisely due to the ability to control it via phone. Because the sound quality and volume really deserve respect.

Main characteristics:

1. Voice assistant - Xiaomi Smart Assistant.
2. Language: Chinese.
3. Ecosystem - Xiaomi.
4. Powered by network.
5. Power (total) - 5 W.
6. Frequency range - from 60 to 18 thousand Hz

pros

• goes well with brand gadgets;
• nice design and high-quality assembled body;
• loud;
• 6 microphones;
• can be controlled via smartphone.

Minuses

• Chinese firmware.

Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)

Another representative of a small and budget smart speaker. However, its compact size did not affect its functionality in any way.

If you have a connected Google Home ecosystem, then this baby will quickly connect to the interface and cope with the control of all devices necessary for everyday life. In addition, the speaker can work with a huge number of streaming audio platforms.

The sound is reproduced very clear and deep, well-developed at all frequencies. The speaker will find the desired song on the Internet or the required audiobook in the library. There is LED backlighting and setup takes just a few minutes. Works with various models of smartphones and computers.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Google Assistant.
• English language.
• Ecosystem - Google Home.
• Works from - from the network.
• Power (total) - 5 W.
• Frequency range - from 50 Hz to 20 thousand Hz.

pros

• high-quality manufacturing;
• can be controlled by light touches;
• responds quickly to commands;
• excellent sound quality.

Minuses

• no Russian language;
• You cannot connect headphones.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen

This is the third version of the smart speaker from this company. The model was released in 2021 and was in the shadows for some time and did not even appear in Russian stores. Before this, the gadget could only be ordered on foreign online stores.

In fact, this is a very compact speaker that, if necessary, can even be put in a deep pocket. Its weight does not exceed 300 grams. The small size affected the power of the device, so the developers installed only one stereo speaker, but as many as four microphones. At the same time, the sound quality is very decent, as is the volume.

It quickly responds to voice commands, can work in a smart home system and control connected devices. There is also a small panel with buttons at the top of the column. Or you can download a special application to your smartphone.

Main characteristics:

• Voice assistant - Amazon Alexa.
• English language.
• Works from - from the network.
• Power (total) - 1.2 W.
• Frequency range - from 20 Hz to 20,000 kHz.

pros

• picks up quickly and holds the signal well;
• excellent volume level;
• high-quality sound at all frequencies;
• you can send a message or receive a call.

Minuses

• you need to register on Amazon;
• works only from the network.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen

Amazon's smart speaker is truly smart. It connects to a smart home system and can turn lights on and off, control electrical and household appliances, and you can also talk to it. The assistant's name is Alexa, which is activated by saying her name. She will tell you about world news, the weather, remind you of important matters, turn on the alarm or wake you up in the morning and much more. The speaker can play various tracks from YouTube and Amazon Video. Unfortunately, the assistant does not recognize Russian speech, so if you know English, the gadget will definitely suit your taste.

Pros:

1. Small speaker size and weight;
2. Good sound quality;
3. Decent build;
4. Can be connected via Bluetooth and wired;
5. Can be connected to audio systems.

Minuses:

1. There is no Russian version.

Which voice assistant is better?

If we talk about features in general, then the best voice assistant is Google Assistant.

Google Assistant carries out commands as accurately as possible, searches for information, and does not be sarcastic, like the same Alice or Siri. If at first the “girls’” jokes seem funny, then after a while they begin to cause irritation, especially if it is a response to a misunderstood command.

But for full voice control without knowledge of English, it is better to choose a smart speaker with a domestic representative - Alisa or Marusya. By the way, the latter even knows how to purr.

Buyer's Guide: Questions and Answers

What is a smart speaker

A smart speaker is a speaker that is equipped with a voice assistant and can control some household and electrical appliances in the house, provided it is connected to the smart home network. Speakers are different, as are voice assistants.

What a smart speaker can do

A smart speaker will help you make a list of important things to do, make purchases in a store, make a call via Skype, remind you of an important matter, tell you about the latest news in the world, tell a joke, play with words and give a detailed answer about the weather. The speaker can be connected wirelessly or wired to a smartphone, TV, PC and laptop.

Through the speaker you can listen to music, watch content videos and movies. Just take into account the fact that not all speaker models are equipped with this feature. Some can only work with applications, for example, KinoPoisk.

The most modern models have such advanced artificial intelligence that you can talk to them like a real person.

How to choose

To choose a quality speaker, you need to know more about them.

Russified versions

There are a lot of different smart speakers on sale, each of which has its own price and capabilities. But the first thing you need to pay attention to is the ability to talk to the speaker in Russian.

Many top brands release speakers into the world without Russian language support, where the main language is English, so if you speak English well and understand it by ear, then you can purchase any device on the modern market.

Functional Features

The most necessary and practical functional features include a timer, alarm clock, weather forecast, news review, the ability to remind you of important events and create a to-do and shopping list. Some assistants can freely carry on a dialogue with the user, tell a joke, play games or give advice.

Another important point is the ability to connect the speaker to the “smart home” system, which will ultimately allow you to control household and electronic appliances in the future. She can even turn the lights on and off at your command. There are models that allow calls via Skype.

It is worth purchasing a speaker with sensitive microphones and the ability to detect the user's voice. In this case, regardless of the surrounding noise or many voices, the speaker will only respond to the user's voice.

Sound quality

Still, it is important that a smart speaker sounds good, especially if you like to listen to different music. It should be equipped with high-quality speakers and support low and high frequencies equally well.

Design

The external design can be different: multi-colored body, black and white, stylized wood and others. If backlighting is important to you, then it is better to purchase a model that has it. Thanks to a large selection of speaker designs, you can definitely choose the best one for the interior of your apartment.

Smart speaker Mail.ru Group Capsule

The only column in our rating that works on Mail.ru’s proprietary voice assistant – Marus

. But more on that later; first, let’s look at the sound.

This model has quite a powerful 30 W

, and the manufacturer took care of both low- and high-frequency speakers, as well as passive radiators.
The device reproduces frequencies in the range from 50 to 20,000 Hz,
so the sound saturation will also be quite good.
They also took care of supporting streaming audio services.

The device is equipped with 6 microphones

, allowing you to pick up voices even at great distances.
The speaker is powered from the mains; no battery power is provided. As for the smart home system, this model is built only into the Mail.ru proprietary ecosystem.

Average price: 7900 rubles.

Average rating: 4.3 stars.

Pros:

• clear sound
• nice appearance,
• ease of control,
• subscription to the VKontakte Music service as a gift.

Minuses:

• microphones do not pick up sound well when playing music.

Google Home

The compact, modern design allows the Google desktop speaker to fit into any interior. The skirt with the protective grille can be easily removed, revealing 2 wide-field speakers with a diameter of 51 mm - an excellent solution for a body with dimensions of 96x143x96 mm. Google Home can be distinguished from other speakers by its original beveled end, on which touch controls are located, implemented by analogy with the Mail.ru capsule: rotation – volume adjustment, short press – power on and pause, long press – activation of the voice assistant. There is also an additional mechanical button on the case to turn on the microphone. Google Assistant responds to the call sign “Hey Google” and, in response to a corresponding English-language request, can tell you about the weather, wake you up at a specified time, remind you of an important task, or find the right music. You can play tracks from Spotify, Youtube and Google Play, as well as broadcast via Google Cast, for example, from a smart TV. Another useful option is synchronizing the speaker with home acoustics through the Google Home application of the same name (to do this, you need to create a group of devices in the application). You will have to pay up to 11,000 rubles for an English-language column.

Advantages:

• 6 months free subscription to YoutubeRed;
• sleek design;
• high-quality assembly and expensive materials;
• excellent sound quality for its size;
• high voice assistant AI (ability to understand the context of a conversation).

Flaws:

• no mini-jack;
• You cannot output music from external media via Bluetooth;
• English-speaking voice assistant;
• does not support personalization (different accounts) and does not recognize voices;
• works only from the network;
• you need an adapter for a plug;
• you cannot configure news sources and radio waves (American by default);
• You cannot take it with you on a picnic.

Google Home is a high-quality speaker with intelligence tailored to the United States. Without basic English, it is basically impossible to master this gadget, just as there is no way to customize it to the needs of a Russian resident. English-speaking music lovers can get better sound for less money (Harman/Kardon Citation One), and those who want a multifunctional Russian-speaking speaker pay an extra 2 thousand and take Yandex Station.

Smart speaker LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y

A smart speaker of a classic format, providing good quality and sound power of 30 W.

There are no low-frequency speakers here;
only mid- and high-frequency speakers
, due to which the bass may be somewhat clipped compared to the sound of analogue devices.

Yandex Alice voice assistant installed

, so the device operates in Russian.
To pair with a smartphone, you need to install a proprietary application, after which the speaker connects via Bluetooth. There are only 2 microphones here.
Alice will hear well, however, when playing music at medium volume, she stops picking up.

Average price: 10,400 rubles.

Average rating: 4.3 stars.

Pros:

• high quality sound,
• nice classic design,
• ease of use and connection.

Minuses:

• weak microphones (when playing music),
• cut bass.