Rating of smart speakers with Alice: 2022, reviews, five best models

Smart speakers help brighten up and make everyday life easier.

Most modern devices are configured not only to play your favorite music, but also to provide full assistance in household chores.

This could be informing about news, weather, reminding important things, setting a timer, alarm clock and other important little things.

Let's look at the ten most popular options for devices in this segment to understand their features, advantages and disadvantages.

Yandex.Station

Fifth place

★★★★☆

18000

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: mains
total power: 50 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
connectors: HDMI output
dimensions (WxHxD): 141x231x141 mm
Features: support for streaming video services, support for streaming audio services
weight: 2.9 kg

More details

pros

Appearance
Easy and quick installation
Fast work with requests

Minuses

No radio
No output to external speakers
HDMI only transmits images

"Yandex.Station" is a smart speaker with voice assistant Alice. She can recommend a movie, play it or play music, wake you up in the morning, remind you to call your mom or turn off the oven, turn on the radio, and answer millions of questions. Column knows a lot of fairy tales, children's songs and games, she is always ready to chat and easily finds a common language with children. The speaker is controlled by voice: Alice perfectly understands live speech and hears you even from another room.

LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK7Y

Seventh place

★★★★☆

11100

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: mains
total power: 30 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
dimensions (WxHxD): 135x211x135 mm
features: support for streaming audio services
weight: 1.9 kg

More details

pros

Great sound
Design

Minuses

No hdmi output
Doesn't connect to TV

Alice inside the LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK7Y model will turn on the lights, turn down the TV, change the temperature on the air conditioner and put on the kettle. It works with smart devices from Yandex and other manufacturers.

Key features of a small smart speaker

The simplest thing Mini can do is play music. Moreover, if you use this station as a regular Bluetooth speaker, then the smart functions become unavailable. “Alice” functions only when the speaker is connected via Wi-Fi. There is no particular point in using a mini-speaker for this purpose, since it sounds worse than similar wireless speakers from JBL.

The Station is much more interesting and useful when it uses a virtual assistant. “Alice” can perform many different commands: read the news, voice the weather forecast, search the Internet for answers to questions asked by the owner, play simple games with children and tell them fairy tales.

Recently, smart home control functions have become increasingly popular. Executing complex scenarios, such as controlling the temperature in a room, switching lighting to different modes, etc., is not yet possible for the smart assistant in the Mini Station. To do this, some advanced users connect the smart speaker to other control processor units and make appropriate changes to the software. Ordinary users can be content with only turning light bulbs and sockets on and off. Probably, in the future, Yandex will expand the functionality of its smart speakers, then the Stations will be able to fully manage the smart home system.

Perhaps the most original innovation for the small Station is the ability to control gestures. We already said above that a TOF sensor appeared on the top panel of the device. Now, to adjust the sound volume, you need to place your palm over the speaker body. To reduce the sound, the hand is lowered; to increase it, the hand is raised. The third and final gesture in the non-contact control toolkit is covering this compact washer with your palm. The sound is completely turned off. It should be expected that the developers will soon add to the list of gestures so that the Station can be controlled not only by voice, and Alice’s skills are constantly improving.

It’s great that a synthesizer mode, or more precisely a theremin, is implemented on the basis of gestures in a compact speaker. As a result, this round piece turns into a musical instrument, and you can play it with your hand. By raising your palm higher and lower, you can extract different sounds and compose simple melodies from them. This entertainment is very popular not only with children, but also with adults.

In general, the capabilities of the Mini can be expanded by connecting, for example, an external speaker system or Yandex.Module (media player) to the AUX connector. In the latter case, the Mini is needed as a control base. And here it will be comparable to the big Station, because, like it, it will be able to find movies and videos on the Internet and play them on TV.

Watch this video on YouTube

Prestigio Smartmate Mayak Edition

Ninth place

★★★★☆

5940

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: mains, battery (up to 9 hours)
total power: 6 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
connectors: audio output, audio input
dimensions (WxHxD): 93x113x93 mm
weight: 0.4 kg

More details

pros

Charges quickly and holds a charge for a long time
Sound, design

Minuses

Without charging, the battery does not last overnight
The sensitivity of the wifi module is below average

Smartmate is a smart speaker with Alice, the Yandex voice assistant. It will help you get things done faster, learn new things and have a good time. Alice will select and turn on music especially for you, wake you up for work, remind you of important things and answer millions of questions, even children’s ones. She knows a lot of fairy tales, is always ready to chat or play - and easily finds a common language with different family members. Alice also controls the smart home: she will hear you and turn on the lights, start the vacuum cleaner or change the temperature on the air conditioner.

Alice's secret commands

During my acquaintance with a personal computer, it was especially chic to find an unknown place in any game... a hidden place in Duke Nukem 3D or an Easter egg in GTA - the developers of Alice, don't be fools, also included hidden and unobvious functionality for the voice assistant!

Even as a schoolchild, I was left with an indelible feeling by the film “Route 60” and the ball that prompted the actions of the main character - Alice can do that too!

Firstly: you can ask to flip a coin (well, let’s face it, in times of contactless payments, the presence of a minted coin is not common). Just say “Flip a coin” and the virtual assistant will say whether it lands on heads or tails.

Secondly: Alice can use the “Divination Ball” (this is one of the skills). Just say “Ball of Destiny” and you can ask your question. Please note that you need to construct your question in such a way that it can be answered “Yes” or “No”

Alice, in response to the question about the advisability of writing a note about her, clearly made it clear - it’s better to do this, I hope without describing her hidden capabilities too much!

During the period of self-isolation, it can become sad and lonely (especially if you are alone), so you can cut off all the skills and make Alice your interlocutor. To do this, you need to say the cherished phrase:

- Alice, let's chat!

At this moment, the assistant will stop turning to external resources with his head - you can just chat with a nice girl! And also pour some wine and ask her to make a toast... (while working as an interlocutor, the skills do not work, so first tell her “stop talking,” and then you can order toast!)

If you know other features and capabilities of the virtual assistant, then you are welcome to comment, we will definitely add to the note. As an author, I will be very pleased to share functionality that has been overlooked

What can Alice do?

It is quite logical that the virtual assistant is well versed in its services and is very reluctant to integrate with third-party programs. You should understand that the functionality of the voice assistant may vary greatly depending on the device you are using. It would seem that mobile phones are just perfect... we all have a built-in microphone and a camera, and we spend most of our time using handheld devices. At home, lounging in a chair in front of a large monitor, you can move the cursor with the mouse.

What do I mean by this?! Unlike Siri, Alice is just an add-on (application) for Android or iOS and does not have such close integration with the system.

What is the problem with integration?!

Vasily Grigoriev (alimugik)

The trick with voice assistants is to use your smartphone hands-free when necessary. Due to deep integration into the system, the same Siri can work even on a locked device. To activate Alice on Android, you need to launch the application or use the shortcut button and only then command! On the other hand, using a voice assistant on a locked screen is contrary to the security and privacy of your data - in general, a double-edged sword!

If we think globally, the functionality with third-party services is quite limited and things like “Alice, remind me of what my wife wrote me to buy at the store on the way home”, as expected, she cannot. However, she copes with the simplest tasks like setting an alarm clock (again with restrictions - the Android version must be at least 4.4) without any problems... without any problems she will find the way home (although she will have to explain to her the first time where it is) and tell her where to eat.

DEXP Smartbox

When these lines were written, we could not find the DEXP Smartbox smart speaker with Alice on sale. However, we will add it to our review.

In terms of functionality, the DEXP Smartbox is very similar to the Irbis A, although their design is different. There is no HDMI connector or the ability to connect to a TV or monitor, but the speaker power is slightly higher than that of the Irbis A - 3 W.

DEXP Smartbox provides good audio quality, but speech recognition is not suitable for all users.

JBL Link Portable

Sixth place

★★★★☆

7760

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: battery (up to 8 hours)
total power: 20 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
dimensions (WxHxD): 88x170x88 mm
Features: support for streaming audio services, waterproof housing
weight: 0.735 kg

More details

pros

Good sound
Has a charging stand

Minuses

The stand charges very poorly
There are problems with teams

With a full-range speaker, the JBL Link Portable surrounds you with your favorite music, allowing you to enjoy clear highs, clear mids and deep bass. Listen to tens of millions of tracks from the Yandex.Music collection or stream sound from another device via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Voice assistant Alice can play music or tell a story - ask her anything and give instructions, play with her or just chat. The device operates without recharging for up to 8 hours. The speaker is protected from various incidents according to the IPX7 standard, so you can take it for a walk in the rain or to the beach.

The JBL Link Portable model does not need to be turned off while charging: just place the speaker on the docking station and continue listening to music or communicating with the speaker. The device looks as good as it sounds, so it will fit into any interior. To set up the speaker, you will need the free Yandex mobile application, available for iOS and Android devices.

Amazon Echo Dot 4th Gen

The fourth generation of Amazon Echo Dot is a stark departure from previous iterations, mainly due to its spherical shape, which certainly looks attractive. Apart from the new design, with this particular version you can tell the time instantly.

Don't let the Echo Dot 4th Gen's small size fool you. Although this device is intended for small spaces, it does have bass, and the volume of sound produced by the Echo Dot is impressive. You wouldn't expect high quality from something so small!

And now about the sad thing. Although Amazon speakers support Apple Music, this does not apply to Russian Apple IDs. But this smart speaker supports Spotify (and you don’t even have to pay a subscription). You can also use Deezer, but with a limited set of commands.

Connection and operation

The main setup of the Elari SmartBeat speaker is to connect to Yandex services. The operating instructions are included with the device and provide an overview of the main functions of the equipment. After removing the device from the package, you need to connect it to the network. To do this, use the cable included in the kit, as well as the microUSB input on the back of the speaker. Next, you can press and hold the power button to turn it on for 2 seconds.

To set up Elari SmartBeat, the first time you turn it on, you need to do the following.

Make sure the battery is fully charged. On average, the process takes about 30 minutes.
Turn on the device and wait until the indicator ring on the wireless speaker body lights up.
Download and open the Yandex application, it is adapted for mobile phones or tablet PCs. There are versions for iOS, Android. Log in to your account; if you don’t have one, create one. This is necessary for the correct operation of the device.
Find the name of your speaker in the “Devices” section.
Activate the connection and follow the instructions that appear on the screen. You will have to enter a password in the application and indicate the network to which the speaker will be connected. This is only possible in the 2.4 GHz band; you should be more careful when choosing.

When successfully connected to your home Wi-Fi network, the device will beep. Sometimes connecting devices takes some time - this is necessary for updating the software. You can reboot the wireless speaker using the same power button

It is worth paying attention to the indication. When the speaker is turned on, it emits a white flickering signal

Red indicates loss of Wi-Fi connection, green indicates volume control. The purple ring is lit when the voice assistant is active and ready to communicate.

You can turn on Bluetooth only from voice mode with the command “Alice, turn on Bluetooth.” This phrase allows you to activate the desired module, while the functions of the device itself also remain available.

In the next video you will find a review of the Elari SmartBeat column with “Alice”.

Price

New models are constantly appearing on the market, however, at the moment the range of choice is not very wide. If you choose from the official assortment for Russia, it will become even narrower. When choosing from all offers, including so-called gray sellers, the minimum cost will be 3-4 thousand. It won't be a speaker, but rather just a smart speaker. Within ten thousand you can buy something more advanced; the cost of the most functional ones starts from 15 thousand. A speaker that costs 3 thousand rubles cannot be as technologically advanced as one that costs five times more.

Yandex New Station Mini (with clock)

First place

★★★★☆

6990

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: mains
total power: 10 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
connectors: audio output
dimensions (WxHxD): 97x54x97 mm
Features: built-in screen, support for streaming audio services
weight: 0.26 kg

More details

pros

Quality sound range
Versions with and without screen
AUX input is no longer located under the power cable
Positive

Minuses

No USB-C
Road column
You have to shout for Alice to hear while the music is playing

The first place in the ranking is occupied by the voice assistant: Yandex Alice, Smart Home Ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home, connectors and interfaces: audio output, wireless communications: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, power type: mains, type: smart speaker, total power: 10 Watts, features: built-in screen, support for streaming audio services

Sonos One Gen2

You can buy many smart speakers with Amazon Alexa. There's also a good choice for those who need Google Assistant. But if you want a smart speaker that gives you a choice between these two options, then the Sonos One is ideal. With this smart speaker, you can run either Alexa or Google Assistant, or easily switch between them.

The far-field microphone array easily hears voice commands from anywhere in the room, even when music is playing. If you have concerns about privacy, Sonos guarantees that when the microphone light is off, you are definitely not being listened to (we're talking about the device's speakers, of course).

With AirPlay 2, you can stream any audio from your Apple device directly to your smart speaker. You can also use Internet radio or your favorite music service, or the Sonos app to listen to music.

Sonos One can be used in areas with high humidity, such as a bathroom. However, the speaker is not waterproof, so you should not take it with you in the shower or take it outside in the rain.

ELARI SmartBeat

Eighth place

★★★★☆

5990

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: mains, battery (up to 8 hours)
total power: 5 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
connectors: audio input
dimensions (WxHxD): 84x150x84 mm
features: support for streaming audio services
weight: 0.4 kg

More details

pros

Loud noise
There is AUX

Minuses

Takes a long time to charge
The quality leaves much to be desired.

ELARI SmartBeat is a smart portable Bluetooth speaker with voice assistant Alice, which can work without recharging for up to 5 hours in Wi-Fi mode and up to 8 hours in Bluetooth mode.

By connecting the speaker to the Internet via the Yandex application, you can ask the speaker to play the sound of a fire or any music (free for the first three months with a subscription to Yandex.Plus), turn on the radio, set an alarm or remind you in time about an important event or meeting, tell you about the weather or provide information on other issues. And if you want, you can just chat with Alice.

Children are delighted to communicate with a speaker that can play with them words, cities, tell a fairy tale, play their favorite soundtrack and much more. Alice is constantly developing and updating, new features and content become available automatically.

Thanks to the 5 W broadband speaker, the speaker sounds good and produces good bass, and its portability, autonomy and beautiful design make the device “yours” anywhere in the house - in the kitchen, bedroom, living room and even in the bathroom. And not only at home: SmartBeat will delight you with your favorite tracks at a picnic, party or in the car, if there is a WiFi signal nearby, including from your phone or router.

Yandex.Station Light

Third place

★★★★☆

3500

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: mains
total power: 5 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
dimensions (WxHxD): 90x55x90 mm
features: support for streaming audio services
weight: 0.23 kg

More details

pros

Beautiful design
Sound

Minuses

No 3.5 jack
Sometimes he thinks for a long time

Yandex.Station Light is a bright and compact smart speaker that is controlled by voice and touch buttons. It will perfectly decorate the interior and will be able to entertain the child: the matte body is pleasant to hold in your hands, and the colors will please the eye. Alice in Station Light has her own character - it depends on the color of the device. To use Station Light, you need an Internet connection via Wi-Fi and a Yandex account.

Yandex.Station Mini

Second place

★★★★☆

4990

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: mains
total power: 3 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
connectors: audio output
dimensions (WxHxD): 90x45x90 mm
features: support for streaming audio services
weight: 0.2 kg

More details

pros

Understands Russian well
Easy to learn to use
Can control a smart home

Minuses

It’s inconvenient to reconfigure to another Wi-Fi
The speaker does not hear well if it plays music loudly

Yandex Station Mini is a compact smart speaker with voice assistant Alice. With her, any corner of the apartment will be as you want - festive, cozy, noisy, calm. Tell the speaker what to do, or even show it: volume can be adjusted with gestures. The column will help you start the day with a good song and the latest news, will advise you on music and tell you the weather forecast, look for interesting recipes and light garlands. She knows a lot of fairy tales and is always ready to chat or play. Listen to what you like. You can choose the songs yourself or rely on the Mini Station to find music specifically for you. Say what you want. If your hands are full, ask Station Mini to help: she will turn on the radio, find a good recipe and remind you about the oven. You can also just chat with the speaker.

Yandex.Station Max

Fourth place

★★★★☆

19600

Briefly about the product

voice assistant: Alice
assistant language: Russian
ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
power supply: mains
total power: 65 W
wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
connectors: audio output, HDMI output, Ethernet (RJ-45)
dimensions (WxHxD): 141x231x141 mm
Features:Remote control, support for video streaming services, built-in screen, support for audio streaming services
weight: 2.7 kg

More details

pros

Great sound
Ease of setup

Minuses

No equalizer
Poor internet connection system

New and most powerful smart speaker with Alice. With LED display, three-way audio and 4K video. Get the most out of music, cinema and communication with Alice. Bass, mid and high frequencies are played from five different speakers so you can hear every instrument. Place a speaker in each room, and they will all play in multiroom mode - both small and large, and Station Max. She will not only recommend a movie for the evening, but will also show it on the big screen. You have access to films and TV series with a Plus Multi subscription with Amediateka, as well as videos that she finds on the Internet.

SberPortal

“Yes, this is a display, not a column,” the reader may be indignant. And he will be absolutely right. However, this black sheep (in appearance) in the ranking of smart speakers can do the same thing as other devices with smart assistants inside. And after much hesitation, I still included this new product in the top 10.

SberPortal has built-in acoustics from the famous audio brand Harman Kardon, a camera with 4K resolution that recognizes the owner by sight and keeps him in the frame during video calls via Telegram.

You can control playback and call the Sber Salute smart assistant without words, with just gestures.

The capabilities of the smart assistant from Sber are similar to Alice, Siri and other “colleagues” - it will answer a question, find the recipe you need, set a timer or alarm, turn on a movie (the device is integrated with the Okko online cinema and the Smotryoshka IPTV service), turn on music through the SberZvuk streaming service and perform many other tasks.

Google Nest Audio

After a long wait, Google has finally released the successor to the Google Home smart speaker - Nest Audio. And this time she suits a wider range of people because she brings the perfect combination of intelligence and sound.

The updated version has a significantly more powerful speaker than Google Home, helped by its 19mm tweeter and 75mm midrange driver. This design is much better suited for music reproduction than its successor, as it is 76% louder and has 50% increased bass.

You can also pair the Nest Audio with another similar speaker for stereo sound, or place multiple speakers in different rooms to play your favorite tunes everywhere.