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5 Best Smart Speakers (2026): Alexa, Google, Apple
Wired has published its 2026 guide to the best smart speakers, comparing offerings from Amazon, Google and Apple after testing nearly every model released over the past decade. The guide matters because most buyers already lean towards one of these three "ecosystems" depending on their phone or existing devices, and voice assistants have recently gained AI upgrades that change how the speakers perform. The update highlights Google's first new smart speaker in years, reflecting renewed competition in a category that had otherwise stagnated.
The top picks are the Google Home Speaker (£/$100, best for Google users), the Amazon Echo Dot Max (£/$100, best Alexa speaker) and the Apple HomePod Mini (£/$129, best Apple speaker). The reviewer praises the Google Home Speaker's sound quality and design, borrowed partly from the HomePod Mini and older Nest Mini, and notes it now runs Google Gemini by default instead of Google Assistant, offering more natural, human-like responses, albeit sometimes verbose. However, several advanced Gemini and camera features are locked behind new "Google Home Premium" subscription tiers costing $10–$20 per month ($100–$200 annually).
In short
- Wired's 2026 guide ranks Amazon, Google and Apple smart speakers.
- Google Home Speaker named top pick, now powered by Gemini AI.
- Some Gemini features require a paid Google Home Premium subscription.
Explained simply
Smart speakers are devices you place in your home that listen for voice commands and connect to the internet to play music, control other smart devices, and answer questions. These devices have become more sophisticated with artificial intelligence, allowing for more natural and conversational interactions.
Most people choose a smart speaker based on what other devices they already own—iPhone users typically prefer Apple, Android users often choose Google, and those with Amazon devices use Alexa speakers. This is because each company's ecosystem works best when you're using their products and services together, creating a natural incentive to stick with one brand.
The smart speaker market had grown fairly static over recent years, but competition has renewed thanks to new artificial intelligence features that change how these devices perform. Companies are also increasingly putting advanced features behind paid subscription services, which affects what customers get for their money.