The best smart speakers and displays in the market today

BusinessToday.In

Oct 25, 2019,
Updated Oct 25, 2019 5:41 PM IST

1- Echo Dot 3rd Gen: Rs 3,999

Having been the best-selling Alexa-powered device from Amazon's portfolio, the Echo Dot not just answers all your queries but can be used to control Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices too. This compact circular speaker with a fabric design looks good and has four microphones to pick up the command from any corner of the room. Available at Rs 3,999, the Echo Dot third generation often retails for Rs 2,499 during Amazon sales.

2- Echo Input: Rs 1,999

Do you already own a speaker and do not wish to invest in a smart speaker? Echo Input will help you upgrade your existing speaker into a smart one. This small circular device is powered by Amazon Alexa and will bring all the features to your existing speaker available on Echo Dot or Echo. You can pair it with your existing speaker via 3.5mm audio cable (included in the box) or over Bluetooth.

3- Echo Dot with clock: Rs 5,499
The Echo Dot with clock comes with a bright LED display that shows time, outdoor temperature, and timer or alarms. The addition of the display makes it convenient to be placed next to the bed, on the living room table or even on the kitchen counter. The LED display automatically adjusts based on the brightness of the room, so you can easily see the time or just ask to see the outdoor temperature or to set a morning alarm or cooking timer. Plus, you can tap the top of the speaker to snooze an alarm.

4- Google Mini: Rs 2,799

The entry-level Google Mini retailing for a discounted price of Rs 2,799 is a decent-looking smart speaker with fabric on the top. Google Assistant is powered by the company's search engine, and the response is far superior in comparison to the ones answered by the competition. Just like the Echo Dot, even this one can be used to control compatible smart devices. It also works with Chromecast, that is, it can stream tunes and TV shows on TV or speakers right from the comfort of where you are sitting.

5- Google Nest Hub: Rs 9,999

Smart displays are an extension of smart speakers but they come with a screen that makes content consumption easy. The Google Nest Hub is an elegant, cameraless and connected home multitool powered by Google Assistant. This is an excellent combo of a smart speaker and a smart display paired with Google Photos. It also works as a digital photo frame. You can ask all you want (time, weather, traffic and appointments) and it will instantly respond to your voice commands. You can view it on the touchscreen.

6- Echo 5: Rs 8,999

Amazon's Echo Show 5 comes with a 5.5-inch display with 960x480 p resolution, which is visible from across the room. The display also adjusts the brightness automatically, which comes handy at night, especially in dark. It is of the perfect size and it could easily fit in on a nightstand, TV-unit, study tablet, kitchen counter or anywhere you can think of. The addition of the physical mic mute button and camera shutter addresses privacy concerns, helping Echo Show finding a place in bedrooms. This one belongs to the Amazon Echo family and is powered by Alexa. It is retailing for a discounted price of Rs 5,499 during festive sales.

7- Bose Home Speaker 500: Rs 35,100

If you are planning to buy a premium and powerful smart speaker, consider Bose Home Speaker 500. This is a premium-looking Bluetooth speaker with two custom drivers pointing in opposite directions to bounce sound off the walls. While it has tap controls on the top, the speaker can be controlled using voice commands (supports Alexa) or using the Bose Music app. The company also has Alexa-powered soundbars.