The best smart speakers 2022: top 10 ranking according to KP

Ivan Omelchenko

expert in the field of family budget saving

Over the past 5 years, many smart home speakers have appeared that can not only play music, but also set an alarm, order a taxi, read a story to children, help the elderly watch a movie and cook a delicious dinner. For a small fee, the user receives his own analogue of the butler Alfred, who served with Bruce Wayne in Batman.

Today, online stores are overflowing with smart gadgets, so we will help you choose the best option for your needs. We studied all the intricacies of the devices, compared different models from companies and prepared a rating of the best smart speakers of 2022.

The best smart speaker with Alice: Yandex.Station

A good multimedia console for the home

Pros: Yandex.Station is a home multimedia console speaker. It can be used as a player for a TV, speaker and voice assistant. In size, the device is slightly larger and heavier than its counterparts from other brands: the height is 231 mm and the weight is almost 3 kg. The design was developed in a California studio, and the portable speaker is assembled at the Harman/Kardon plant. The case is covered with fabric and is splash-proof according to IP57 standard.

On the top panel there is a backlit volume control ring and two buttons: calling the voice assistant and muting microphones at the hardware level (a gift for the paranoid). Five speakers with a total power of 50 W and two passive radiators with a diameter of 95 mm produce very good, high-quality sound, optimal for an apartment.

The smart speaker can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth 4.1 and listen to music even from the Zaycev.net website. A serious competitive advantage is the presence of an HDMI connector with the ability to connect to a TV or monitor. Support for streaming video with maximum quality 1080p has been implemented, including directly from the network (to the delight of all “Pirates”). Included with the device, the user receives 6 months of free subscription to Yandex.Plus and Amediateka.

The main advantage of Yandex.Station is the voice assistant Alice, which is the best choice today for the Russian-speaking part of the Earth. Artificial intelligence perfectly recognizes speech and can perform more than 300 commands, including: selecting music according to your mood, searching for videos by description, building routes, calling a taxi, providing information from the Internet, reading fairy tales to children, setting an alarm clock and much more. This is the best smart speaker in terms of price/quality ratio according to user reviews in 2022.

Cons: the appearance is brutal and does not fit with the gentle voice of Alice’s assistant.

LG WK-7Y

No fingerprints remain on the surface.

LG WK-7Y

LG WK-7Y will delight you with the new Meridian technology with exceptionally clear sound. Assistant Alice performs many commands: changes the temperature on the air conditioner, dims the volume of the TV, turns on the lights and performs other commands that relate to smart home functions. She can also joke and report on traffic jams and weather conditions. Thanks to the Clear Vocal mode, even at maximum volume, the performer's voice will not be distorted. If you set the Enhanced Bass mode, the tone of the bass guitar and drum beats will be enhanced. Available Bluetooth (4.0), Wi-Fi.

The weight of the smart speaker is 1.9 kg with dimensions of 135x211x135 mm. The elegant appearance of the speaker will fit into any interior. Using the “F” touch button, you can switch from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi. The gadget does not slide on the surface at maximum volume, thanks to the rubberized stand. At the bottom of the column you can find a Reser button and a DC connector.

Main characteristics

Number of channels: 1.0
Power: 30W
Number of stripes: 1
Voice assistant: Alice
OS support: Android/iOS
Material: plastic
Control: touch
Dimensions: 211x135x135 mm

Equipment

LG WK-7Y
Ya.Plus music subscription for three months

Video review

Meridian technology.
Assistant Alice.
"Smart Home" function.
Detailed, clear sound.
There are no fingerprints left on the coating.

Works only from the network.
No HDMI output.
Afraid of moisture.

The best Yandex smart speaker: Yandex.Station Light

A bright device with its own “Character”

Pros: the youngest device in the Yandex line of smart speakers. The cost of the device is less than 4,000 rubles, so it will be an excellent gift for a friend or parents when you don’t know what to buy or how to surprise them. The body is made entirely of plastic, with the exception of the rubber backing on the bottom. The quality of materials is a solid five, there’s nothing to complain about. The main connector is USB Type-C.

At the top of the acoustics there is a multifunctional LED indicator, four microphones and the same number of touch keys (+/- sound, pause and mute). The wireless speaker is available in six colors and each of them corresponds to a preset of the “character” of Alice’s voice assistant, which slightly influences her responses.

The sound is provided by one wide-range speaker with a diameter of 40 mm and a power of 5 W, so the device cannot be classified as audiophile equipment: it is very difficult to enjoy the entire range of low, mid and high frequencies. But the smart speaker sounds better than Yandex.Station Mini - we must admit that.

The optimal use of the device is playing background music while playing board games or tasting craft beer with a friend. On Yandex.Station Light you can turn on the radio or fairy tales, which makes it an ideal choice for the kitchen or children's room. In addition to music functions, the smart speaker offers the user control of a smart home: turn on the lights, start the coffee machine, turn off the irons, etc. The rest of the functionality is no different from Alice on a smartphone.

Cons: no 3.5 jack connector.

Bang&Olufsen Beosound Level

Premium smart speaker from B&O.

Bang&Olufsen Beosound Level

The stylish Bang&Olufsen Beosound Level wireless speaker will delight you with powerful, clear sound, including modular components that ensure a long service life. A high-quality streaming module is the main one, because it is equipped with a signal processing chip, including wireless adapters + antenna array. The battery can operate at maximum volume for four hours, at moderate volume up to 16 hours.

The weight of the smart speaker is 3.3 kg with dimensions of 230x348x56 mm. The system power is 105 W, the frequency range is from 30 to 23000 Hz with a sensitivity of 96 dB. Aluminum body with pearl shavings. There are touch buttons on it. Dust and moisture protection IP54. The presence of 5 speakers (one two-inch and four four-inch). The speaker can be placed horizontally, or vertically if desired; it can be hung on a wall using a bracket.

Main characteristics

Number of channels: 2.2
Power: 105 W
Number of stripes: 1
Sensitivity: 96 dB
Frequency range: 39 – 23000 Hz
Materials: oak wood, knitted fabric, aluminum, polymer
Dimensions: 230x348x56 mm

Equipment

Bang&Olufsen Beosound Level
User guide

Video review

Supports Microsoft Swift Pair, also Google Fast Pair, Apple Fast Pair.
A full charge is achieved in three hours.
Battery life up to 16 hours.
Range of action from 5 to 30 square meters.
Protection against dust and moisture IP54.

No built-in microphone.
No support for voice assistants.
Design for everyone.

The best smart small speaker: Yandex.Station Mini

The best inexpensive home assistant

Pros: the smallest and most compact Yandex speaker with a voice assistant. This is one of the most affordable options for those who want to get acquainted with smart devices and Smart Home functions in 2022. The optimal placement of a wireless speaker is in the kitchen or bedroom to check the weather, traffic jams in the morning, set a timer for boiling eggs and listen to radio broadcasts with funny DJs. The price of Yandex.Station Mini is 5,500 rubles. and this is the most popular smart speaker in Russia.

The kit includes a power adapter, a cable for connecting to the network, and a set of stickers. The speaker is synchronized with the home network using the Yandex application; to do this, just bring your smartphone to the device and listen to the sounds of R2D2 from Star Wars. There is a button on the case that physically opens the microphone circuit, so that no one is guaranteed to overhear you. Volume control occurs using hand movements, as when playing a theremin - a feature that is no longer available on the acoustic market. Using the 3.5 mm input, any audio system can be made smart.

If you are an introvert and are afraid to talk with real people, then Yandex.Station Mini will support the conversation, tell a funny (but not always) joke and select music to suit your mood. The sound here is pumped by a 3 W speaker - the music does not crumble and feels quite tolerable.

Cons: Hand controls are sometimes glitchy.

Prestigio SmartVoice

Smart speaker with a subscription to VK Combo.

Prestigio SmartVoice

The TOP 10 ranking of the best smart speakers opens with Prestigio SmartVoice. She will delight you with her original design and voice assistant Marusya. Works only from the network, there is no battery. Power consumption is 3 W, the frequency range ranges from 180 Hz to 18 kHz. The device is equipped with a speaker with a diameter of 44 mm, as well as four microphones. There is an AUX connector, it is intended for headphones, an external mini-jack speaker system (3.5 mm), Micro-USB for charging. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi available.

The weight of the smart speaker is 170 grams with dimensions of 90x60 mm. Four colors - white, gray, blue, red. Control buttons can be found on the top surface of the smart speaker. A multi-colored LED indicator indicates the operating status of the device. Thanks to the silicone ring, which can be found at the bottom, the gadget does not slip on the surface.

Main characteristics

Number of channels: 1.0
Tuner type: digital FM
Voice assistant: Marusya
Power: 5W
Number of stripes: 1
Frequency range: 180 – 18000 Hz
Dimensions: 90x90x60 mm

Equipment

Prestigio SmartVoice
Manual
USB cable, also Micro-USB
“VK Combo” subscription for three months (Boom, VKontakte)

Video review

Original design.
Smart home function.
Assistant Marusya carries out many commands.
Voice calls via VKontakte.
Clear sound.

Battery missing.
Instructions in small print.
It doesn't connect to Bluetooth the first time.

The best smart speaker with Marusya: VK Capsule mini

Smarter assistant with the ability to read messages

Pros: a mini version of the Mail.ru smart speaker with an advanced assistant Marusya, who can do things that Alice has not yet learned. There is a small screen on the front panel of the gadget: by default, it displays the time, but you can display weather information and a cute face appears, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The built-in sensor adjusts the display brightness depending on the lighting. The smart speaker is powered from the mains via USB Type-C, so the speaker can be charged from a smartphone.

A big plus is the presence of a 3.5 mm jack connector, through which external acoustics can be connected if the 5 W speaker built into the gadget is not enough. The VK Mini Capsule can be used as a standard Bluetooth speaker and play whatever your heart desires. The device can be controlled both by voice and by touch buttons on the top panel (the latter do not have a tactile response, which makes them difficult to use in the dark).

Setting up the capsule takes place through your VK account and will take no more than a minute. Voice assistant Marusya knows a lot of commands, some of which are really interesting. She can give a weather forecast, read a saved to-do list for today, tell you how long to go to work taking into account traffic jams, repeat your last order at Delivery Club or order food at McDonald's. Marusya can read messages from VKontekte, as well as convert voice responses into text form. Spotify Connect is supported - you can stream music from the service without using a smartphone.

Mini Capsule mail.ru is an interesting entertainment for a child. The column in Russian will give all competitors a head start. In addition to funny jokes and songs, the device offers children interactive fairy tales, homework help, and basic English language training.

Cons: none.

What parameters should you pay attention to when choosing?

It is worth noting! First, let's briefly dwell on the important points, without which it will not be possible to get the full range of useful properties from the device:

Voice assistant. At the moment, the most advanced voice assistant in Russian is Alisa. It is present on most of the best modern devices, but there are also other options, for example, Google Assistant, Siri, Marusya, etc. English-language options from market leaders are an excellent choice, but this requires giving all commands in English, which is not convenient for everyone.
Sound. The main purpose of smart devices is to reproduce sound. Obviously, this parameter needs to be given maximum attention. The entire experience of using the device will depend on the number of speakers and the quality of the sound they produce.
Price. Most devices have a low or moderate price. The “leader” of high cost among the market is products from Apple. It has its advantages, but it doesn’t always make sense to overpay for them. The acceptable cost range for a high-quality device is between 5-10 thousand rubles.
Nutrition. There are models for working only in apartment conditions, since they are powered exclusively from the network. The second part of the market is designed for use outside the home - in the countryside and nature.
Functional. If the device is purchased only for listening to music, then there is no point in overpaying for unnecessary options. However, you should study all the capabilities of the devices, since this is a relatively new segment in the development of technology. Therefore, many convenient functions have not yet entered the everyday life of most people.

Best JBL smart speaker: Link Portable

Good portable bluetooth speaker

Pros: the main advantage of JBL Bluetooth speakers is its portability, which all branded Yandex models lack. For 8500 rub. the user receives high-quality sound, mobility and all the goodies of the Alice voice assistant. One JBL speaker is enough for an entire apartment of 50-60 m2. You can take the device to the toilet and listen to music, fortunately the battery lasts for 8 hours.

Inside the fabric case there is a 20 W broadband speaker, which provides 360° sound, which is enough for indoor music listening. The device is charged at the docking station, and on the case there is an additional connector for the cord (in case of recharging from a power bank). Like any good portable speaker, it is waterproof according to the IPX7 standard, so you can take it to the beach or to the pool. JBL Link Portable works with 5 GHz Wi-Fi - a small thing, but nice.

You can talk to the Alice voice assistant about anything, give instructions or play. She can tell the children a fairy tale, play a pleasant bedtime lullaby, or entertain them with riddles about animals while driving in the car.

Cons: no input for connecting external speakers and TV.

How to connect to a phone or computer?

The algorithm for connecting a smart speaker to any external device is identical, but has certain nuances. For example, to synchronize a gadget with a phone you need to:

Turn on Bluetooth on the speaker itself or ask the voice assistant about it;
activate it on your phone;
from the list of devices that appear for connection, select yours;
wait for the connection to occur;
After that, you can play any melodies and sounds through a portable device.

To connect the speaker to a PC you need to do the following:

As in the first case, activate Bluetooth on all devices in use, start searching for all available models, select yours;
wait for connection, enjoy music in high quality.

General points on working with the device and other devices were outlined above. Everything is as simple and clear as possible. If you have any questions when working with such acoustics or something doesn’t work out, you can always find the necessary information in the instructions or turn to the Internet/specialists in stores/hotline for help.

Top smart speaker: Yandex.Station Max

60 W power, 4K video and LED screen

Pros: the largest and most powerful device in the Yandex line of smart speakers. Visually, it differs from other models in its large LED screen, capable of showing various animations: a clock in rest mode, degrees when asking for weather, an equalizer while playing music (4 options) and others. On the rear panel, the Max Station has an AUX output for connecting third-party speakers and a port for 4K video. On top there is a touch-sensitive “twist” for changing the sound and a physical button to mute the microphone. Everything feels very premium and rich.

The sound is three-way and is produced by five speakers with a total power of 65 W. There is Dolby Audio, which greatly increases the pleasure of watching movies. In comparison with other Yandex home speakers, the sound is well pumped and the bluetooth device can be considered a worthy shelf monitor for an apartment. AC/DC, Dora, Depeche Mode - they all sound equally great. The price in online stores with delivery is 21,000 rubles, but for this money the user receives maximum functions, quality and design.

The advantages of a modern smart device include support for 4K video and the presence of a control panel. Among the special functions of the Alice voice assistant, it is worth highlighting the morning show, an intelligent selection of music, podcasts and news. The station can distinguish a child's voice and produce only children's content (convenient if there is a growing child in the house). And if you already have other Yandex smart speakers, then you can link them into stereo pairs and enjoy surround sound.

Cons: not found

The best smart speaker with a clock: Yandex New Station Mini

New for 2022 with a small screen

Pros: the new Yandex Station Mini 2022 has grown in size, but at the same time retained the aesthetics and format of the previous version. On top there are four microphones and a touch panel for volume control and track control. On the back there is a physical microphone mute button, a mini jack for output and a power connector. Behind the fabric covering is a screen that can show the clock, weather, timer and animation when playing music. The model is available in four colors: red and blue were added in 2022.

As far as Alice's capabilities are concerned, everything is standard: you can turn on the radio, music, read fairy tales to children, control the Smart Home, find out the time, find recipes, set alarms and much more. There are no surprises in the New Mini Station - inside is Alice, who has been working at Yandex for a couple of years. What really pleases is Bluetooth version 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 GHz. Identical speakers can be combined into stereo pairs to separate the left and right sound channels.

The speaker power in the New Station increased to 10 W, which undoubtedly benefited the sound quality. You can use the device as a Bluetooth receiver and send music to a serious speaker system. In the kit, the user receives a three-month subscription to Yandex Plus.

Cons: Limited customization flexibility in the app.

Best smart speaker capsule: VK capsule

Ideal for listening to music on VK

Pros: Mail.ru smart speaker with a smart assistant on board, which focuses on integration with the VK social network. The design of the device is more compact and neater than Yandex.Station. A light indication is integrated into the case, which shows the volume level and highlights information about the status of the device. It is worth noting the microphone mute button (gives you complete confidence that no one is listening to you) and the NFC module.

Together with the VK capsule, 6 free months of listening to VKontakte music are provided, and this is a savings of 1000 rubles. The feature of the model is a smart system for selecting music based on user preferences. The volume is adjusted using the touch panel on the top cover, where you can also swipe tracks or pause them. A two-channel system with a total power of 30 W (two speakers of 76 and 20 mm) is responsible for the sound. For a small size, the Capsule sounds very decent.

To recognize voice commands, there are six microphones that operate at a distance of up to 7 meters. In Bluetooth mode, you can stream music from any application, including YouTube, Soundcloud, Spotify and Apple Music. Another feature of the Capsule is the ability to make calls to users on VK; just say the name of a friend, and the assistant Marusya will establish a connection.

The VK capsule will be a good purchase for children: it plays fairy tales, shares interesting information, plays educational games, white noise or the sound of rain. She also purrs like a kitten if you pet her.

Cons: none found. We recommend purchasing to those who feel sorry for 14,000 rubles. to Yandex.Station.

Sonos One Gen2

The best smart speaker of 2022.

Sonos One Gen2

The winner of the TOP smart speakers rating is Sonos One Gen2. This is a super-powerful, compact smart speaker with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants. With their participation, you can find out the news, play the desired musical compositions, set an alarm, including getting answers to your questions. It is possible to combine both speakers in stereo, achieving detailed stereo sound. The original design and compactness allows the smart speaker to fit into any interior.

The compact smart speaker weighs 1.85 kg with dimensions of 161.45x119.7x119.7 mm. The speaker's microphone is activated by a bright LED indicator. Ideal tuning of digital amplifiers (Class D) taking into account speaker drivers. The result is detailed, clear, crisp, rich sound with deep bass. You can use the following music services: Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, also Audible, Pand, including Amazon Music and others.

Main characteristics

Type: minisystem
Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa
Quantity: 1.0
Number of stripes: 2
Control: touch
Multiroom: yes
Dimensions: 161x120x120 mm

Equipment

Sonos One Gen2
User guide
power unit
Meter Enternet cable, also HDMI

Best smart speaker with assistant: Prestigio Smartmate Mayak Edition

The best device for summer parties

Pros: Prestigio Smartmate is a 2-in-1 device: it is both a smart and portable speaker, which received a place in the rating based on customer reviews. Inside the case there are two 2200 m batteries, providing autonomy up to 9 hours. You can take the device to the dacha, barbecue or a walk in the park, without thinking about connecting it to the network. The integrated assistant Alice from Yandex is able to select the optimal music for the user, remind about important events, joke and play with children. Alice will find a common language even with her old grandfather and remind him to take his pills.

The acoustics work in a smart home system, so it can be connected to a coffee machine and asked to make a cappuccino using voice commands. You can attach a speaker to an infrared heater and change the temperature in the room without leaving the couch. The body of the model includes four microphones, which allows you to control it in a noisy place and from a distance of up to 8 meters, without raising your voice. The design of the device was developed jointly with the Mayak radio station, it is neutral and will easily fit into any interior.

Smartmate can be connected to your phone and tablet using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. With the latter option, you can play music from any source without worrying about subscriptions, renewals, or copyrights. There is an AUX output, which is very rare in 2022. At a cost of 6,000 rubles. the user receives 3 months of free subscription to Yandex.Music.

Two stereo speakers with a total power of 6 watts are responsible for the sound quality. It won’t let you hear the guttural wheezes of the lead singers of rock bands, but it will definitely pump up a large group at a party.

Cons: none identified.

Sonos Five

Smart speaker with the ability to combine into a stereo pair.

Sonos Five

The Sonos Five is a smart, feature-rich, stylish speaker with an elegantly curved design that fits into any decor. It is not for nothing that she took an honorable place in the ranking of the best. A wireless modern device allows you to get a stereo pair with detailed sound. The product is available in two colors: black and white. Fingerprints remain on the plastic coating, but are easily removed. On the top panel there are three touch buttons with which control is carried out, as well as an indicator. Six speakers are visible under a dense plastic grille.

The dimensions of the smart speaker are 203x364x154 mm and weighs 6.36 kg. The column can be positioned vertically or horizontally. This will not affect the quality of the sound. Connection interface in three options: Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable, also using a 3.5 mm mini-Jack. There is moisture protection, but no IP rating.

Main characteristics

Number of channels: 2.0
Processor: 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
Speakers: 3 woofer-midrange speakers, 3 tweeters
Amplifiers: 6 digital amplifiers
Material: plastic
Moisture protection: yes
Dimensions: 203x364x154 mm

Equipment

Sonos Five
Manual
Charging cable

Video review

Clear, detailed, high-quality sound.
Possibility of combining into a stereo pair.
Easy controls.
Good development of bass and midrange.
High quality build.

No support for voice assistants.
No microphone.
No Bluetooth.

Best Xiaomi smart speaker: Redmi Xiao Ai Speaker Play

To call with colleagues via Zoom

Pros: unlike most smart speakers in Russian, covered with fabric, the Xiaomi model is a solid rectangular candy bar made of durable plastic. Therefore, pets will not confuse it with a scratching post (which sometimes happens with devices from other brands). The gadget is presented in four colors, among which it is worth noting the light green color, unique for this type of electronics. The front panel has multiple perforations, which perfectly transmits sound waves. Case dimensions – 142x82x70 mm.

Power is supplied using a 12 V adapter, which is included in the kit (Chinese plug). These are stationary acoustics that require a constant connection to the network. Autonomous battery operation is not provided here. Three control buttons are on the top panel: they increase/decrease the volume and also turn on the microphone. Synchronization with other devices occurs via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

According to users, this is the best, powerful, compact speaker with good sound, which can be bought for up to 2000 rubles. Brilliant highs, detailed mids and rich lows are delivered by a 1.75-inch driver, proprietary CrystalWave audio technology and a 350cc acoustic chamber. U-shaped air duct design improves bass quality by 30%. The model is ideal for organizing home conferences, Zoom calls and work meetings.

Cons: not portable, cannot be used with a power bank or phone charger. There is no Russian or English language, voice control is only possible in Chinese.

Sonos Roam

Excellent column with moisture protection.

Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam is a quality portable speaker with a 4-core processor, Bluetooth connectivity and a range of 9 meters. The device is made of metal, plastic and silicone. When connected to Wi-Fi, Alexa works, as well as Google Assistant, including the Sonos S2 application. Autonomous operation of the built-in Li-ion battery within 10 hours. There is dust and moisture protection IP67. Available in two colors: “Moon White”, “Black Shadow”.

The smart speaker weighs 430 grams with dimensions of 168x62x60 mm. The original triangular shape will fit perfectly into any interior. The connection status is indicated by a bright LED. It is possible to place the speaker both horizontally and vertically, thanks to the silicone feet. Connection is possible via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 technology. Detailed clear sound with deep bass thanks to the Racetrack speaker.

Main characteristics

Number of channels: 1.0
Number of stripes: 2
Equalizer: yes
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Moisture protection: IP67
Material: plastic
Dimensions: 168x62x60 mm

Equipment

Sonos Roam
Manual
USB-C charging cable

Video review

Dust and moisture protection IP67.
AirPlay 2 technology.
Crisp, clean, detailed sound.

The matte finish leaves fingerprints.
Sound does not play at 360 degrees.
Design for everyone.

The best smart speaker for children: Yandex.Station Mini “Frozen”

To the delight of children and parents

Pros: miniature Yandex smart speaker with themed figures based on the cartoon “Frozen”. The portable speaker comes with a Type-C charging cable, a power adapter and three toys of the main characters of the Disney cartoon: Olaf the snowman, princesses Anna and Elsa. In addition to the figurines, children will enjoy an interactive game dedicated to Anna’s Birthday. Participants must use their voice to determine the course of history and solve riddles.

Otherwise, the smart speaker is no different from the standard Yandex.Station Mini. The device has four microphones and a modest 3 W speaker, so you shouldn't expect phenomenal sound quality from it. There is a 3.5 mm jack for connecting to external speakers. Using the device, you can turn your home theater into the center of a smart home. The speaker connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi and performs voice commands using the built-in Alice assistant.

A Bluetooth speaker for children with Alice can set reminders, search for information on the Internet, play music, wake up the user in the morning and play games with children. The device does not have a built-in battery; it requires a constant connection to the network. If your kids love the characters from the cartoon Frozen, and you've heard the song "Let It Go" at least 1000 times, then you definitely need this speaker.

Cons: none.

Bottom line

Of course, not all smart speakers are included in this selection. It’s simply impossible to write about everyone - such devices come out too often. The smart speaker is a trend with a capital T. Even those who are far from such devices have already noted this. A smart speaker is not only a device for reproducing sound, but also a source of information that controls a smart home and an assistant in organizing leisure and work. When choosing such a device by a domestic buyer, the following important points are:

the ability of the voice assistant to understand the Russian-speaking user and maintain communication with him;
the functionality of the unit for solving everyday problems, work issues and leisure activities;
support of certain services in Russia;
sound quality of speakers when playing music;
design features of the product, its ergonomics.

Best Budget Smart Speaker: JBL Link Music

For little money with Alice and powerful sound

Pros: inexpensive smart speaker with support for Yandex Alice from the mastodon of the music industry - JBL. For 6500 rub. the user receives home acoustics with voice assistant support. Carrying the gadget around the house or taking it with you on the bus to scare pensioners with Russian rap will not work - it is designed for stationary placement with constant connections to the network. In terms of tactile sensations, the body material is much more pleasant than Yandex.Station.

Physical controls are minimal: buttons for audio control, Bluetooth activation, and an Alice key on the top panel. The main interaction takes place via voice commands in Russian (praise Yandex!). With voice, vocal and compositions where there are more mid frequencies, the smart speaker plays divinely. All thanks to the 64 mm wideband speaker.

All known audio formats are supported, including Flac and Opus for audiophiles. The volume of the best portable speaker is such that in just a couple of hours you can expect a police presence from the neighbors, so it is enough for a room of 30-35 m2. Smart home control has been implemented and it is worth noting that it runs without glitches, command execution is 10/10. The model operates in smart and Bluetooth speaker mode simultaneously. Therefore, you can listen to millions of tracks from the Yandex.Music library or upload tracks from a VK or Spotify playlist to it.

All the tricks of working with Alice are also in place: you can give voice commands, listen to fairy tales (relevant if you have children), play riddles, find information on the Internet, or just chat. The best option for introverts and anyone who doesn’t like to leave the house.

Cons: There is no moisture protection, which users are accustomed to in JBL devices.

Denon Home 350

Expensive speaker with a Class D amplifier.

Denon Home 350

The TOP 5 of our smart speaker rating continues with the Denon Home 350. This is an original new generation powerful wireless acoustic system. Equipped with high-quality stereo speakers, including digital amplification, and a fairly robust body. The original flagship with the HEOS multi-room system with subwoofer support, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2.

The weight of this model is 6.3 kg with dimensions of 380x225x180 mm. The smart speaker has a solid appearance with the Denon logo on the front panel and a status indicator below. The device is equipped with good speakers and digital amplifiers, so the sound is clear, powerful and loud. The backlight of the touch buttons is adjusted taking into account the increase and decrease in brightness, including the decay rate.

Supports voice assistants Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Main characteristics

Number of channels: 1.0
Speakers: 6 (2 tweeters, 2 midrange speakers, 2 woofers)
Amplifiers: Class D
Internet radio: yes
Control: touch
Voice systems support: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri
Dimensions: 380 x 225 x 180 mm

Equipment

Denon Home 350
User guide

Video review

Detailed, clear sound.
Good build quality.
Voice Siri, also Google Assistant, including Amazon Alexa.
Clear bass.
HEOS app.

Chromecast feature missing.
Heavy weight.
No headphone jack.

Best Apple smart speaker: HomePod mini

A device that can surprise

Pros: Apple’s most current development for today in terms of smart speakers, which can be bought in online stores for 11,000 rubles. The gadget uses a fabric braid, like the large HomePod. On top there is a large screen with animation and touch controls. Inside the case there is a wide-range speaker and a passive radiator that provide 360-degree sound reproduction, so the device will be heard in any part of the room.

3 microphones are responsible for user interaction, and the fourth is directed inward and dampens parasitic vibrations of the speaker so that the sound from the speaker is as clear as possible. A separate U1 chip provides connection with Apple devices and data transfer where there is no Wi-Fi at a speed of 27 Mbit/s. The main feature of the chip is that you can turn on music on your iPhone, bring your smartphone to the speaker, and the track will literally flow into the acoustics. Moreover, such magic is possible with all streaming services (YouTube, Spotify and others).

HomePod mini sounds decent, it is a little less sophisticated than the large Apple model, but it confidently outperforms all the small Yandex and Mail.ru devices. The smart assistant can flip through tracks, adjust the sound, control a smart home, talk about the weather, and also transmit voice messages from one speaker to another, that is, act as an intercom. Speaker box works in English.

Cons: the best compact speaker with good sound, but due to the lack of Russian language its functionality is limited.

Best smart speaker without a subscription: Harman/Kardon Citation One

Initial Hi-Fi sound level

Pros: the external design of the 40 W two-way speakers is extremely minimalistic. The case is a 188mm tall barrel with a gray aluminum top that feels reminiscent of an Apple MacBook. At the top there are touch control buttons. Acoustic fabric is used as finishing, which transmits sound waves without any loss.

The smart speaker is configured using the Google Home App (takes a few minutes), after which the Google Assistant voice assistant becomes available, which is no different from what is installed on Android phones. This will allow owners of Samsung, Xiaomi or Oppo smartphones to remain within the same ecosystem. The smart speaker can be integrated into a smart home system for voice control of lighting, heating and household appliances. Synchronization of all devices occurs automatically.

The device can operate via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. With the latter connection option, more than 300 music services become available, including radio, podcasts and music services. In addition, the acoustics can be used as a soundbar - you can output sound from various applications (YouTube, mobile games, AudioBook Player) to it. Smart features: check the weather, set an alarm, recognize a song, find a bread recipe.

The main advantage of Smart speakers is the quality of sound that fits in a small case. Harman/Kardon managed to achieve a harmonious sound for music of different genres: the portable device copes well with jazz and rock of the 80s, shows a bright middle in techno and powerful bass in rap of the 00s. Citation One is suitable for placement in a room of 20-25 m2; several home gadgets can be combined into a stereo pair. The sensitivity of the microphones is better than that of Google Home mini and reaches a range of 5-6 meters.

Cons: Russian voice control language has not yet been implemented.

Top 10 rating according to KP

Apple HomePod (average price 27.5 thousand rubles)

Apple HomePod .
Photo: market.yandex This column was released back in 2017, but is not officially sold in Russia. But it’s not difficult to buy it - gray trucks are actively selling HomePod. A smart speaker will fit perfectly into the Apple ecosystem, but with devices running Android, Windows, or just smart TVs, there are many limitations inherent in technology from Cupertino. And if you have an iPhone, use Apple TV and Music, then you can enjoy the “Apple magic.” But with two important caveats - the Siri voice assistant on HomePod does not understand Russian, and the speaker requires an Internet connection via a Wi-Fi router that supports the 802.11ac standard. A design that will definitely decorate your home, a well-developed sound picture

High price and inability to buy in Russia from official suppliers, not useful if you do not have Apple devices

Irbis A (average price 3.3 thousand rubles)

Irbis A. Photo: irbis
An inexpensive version of a smart speaker that works with the Alice voice assistant from Yandex. The device was created with the participation of the Russian search giant and its functionality in a truncated form resembles Yandex.Station. The sound of the device is quite simple, even compared to Bluetooth speakers for less money. Irbis A may not hear you, especially if the speaker is located somewhere above the sound source; the microphones here are not as sensitive as in the Station. But there is a 3.5 mm audio jack for a wired connection. Of course, Irbis A is compatible with Android and iOS devices, as well as PCs. Unfortunately, such a compact speaker did not have a built-in battery, which could distinguish it favorably from its competitors. However, the low price of admission to the world of smart speakers makes up for a lot.

Affordable price, there is a 3.5 mm audio output

The sound is frankly weak

3. Amazon Echo Dot 3nd Gen (average price 5 thousand rubles)

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen.
Photo: amazon This is the third generation of smart speakers from the Amazon online store. As in the case of the Apple device, the Echo Dot is not officially sold in Russia, but gray trucks are bringing the device to our market. In general, Amazon produces a whole line where the Echo Dot occupies the niche of a compact device. Amazon Alexa acts as a virtual assistant here. Perhaps the main drawback of Alexa for our people is the lack of support for the Russian language. However, if you have at least a basic knowledge of English, then you will like the speaker and it is quite possible to control it with your voice. There is only one speaker in the compact speaker, but it produces loud and clear sound. By the way, in the third generation, you can combine a pair of smart speakers into one stereo system.

Stylish appearance, clear sound and the ability to create a stereo system

Lack of Russian language support

Google Home (average price 9 thousand rubles)

Google Home.
Photo: market.yandex One of the most advanced and functional smart speaker options in 2022. The success of Google gadgets lies in deep integration with the company's services and the Android OS. By the way, a year ago the “good corporation” Russified its voice assistant Google Assistant. Coupled with the capabilities of the search engine, this provides huge advantages. True, you will have to Russify the column yourself (instructions are available online), but even after that it will not be completely in Russian. Google Home has support for the IFTTT web interface: it can be used to connect smart devices, such as radio-controlled sockets and thermostats, into a single system.

High quality, Russification, although not complete

Not officially supplied to Russia

Sonos One (average price 19.9 thousand rubles)

Sonos One.
Photo: sonos A smart speaker from the American manufacturer Sonos is not cheap and in this parameter can compete with products from Apple. True, the speaker can be bought in Russia with an official guarantee. The gadget uses Amazon's voice assistant - Alexa. The main focus of Sonos One is on sound. There are two speakers here - one high-frequency, the second - low-frequency. Two class D amplifiers are used, based on pulse width modulation and producing deep bass. The speaker does not support the Bluetooth protocol; you will have to listen to music only via Wi-Fi.

One of the best sounds in the class, there is an official guarantee

The price will scare off many, no Bluetooth

Google Home Mini (average price 3.6 thousand rubles)

Google Home Mini.
Photo: market.yandex A very compact version of a smart speaker from Google, which still works with the Google Assistant voice assistant. The 200g weight hints at portability, but there is no internal battery. But the power comes through a completely standard microUSB connector, which means the gadget can be powered from a powerbank. In fact, the small column has the same functionality as the “big sister” - read out the weather forecast and notifications from the calendar, answer questions, manage smart home systems, and more. We saved money here on acoustics, so you shouldn’t expect much from the Google Home Mini as a music device. But you can choose the color of the column - there are six of them.

Affordable price, does everything that older models of smart speakers from Google do

Not the most sensitive microphones

JBL Link 300 (average price 15.5 thousand rubles)

JBL Link 300. Photo: jbl
An expensive solution from a well-known audio equipment manufacturer. Powered by the Google Assistant voice assistant. JBL would have betrayed itself if the speaker did not have good sound - the low-frequency and high-frequency speakers produce a power of a considerable 50 W. The speaker can be fully controlled from the Google Home app and has Chromecast built-in, allowing you to stream audio from your mobile device to equipment throughout your home. Or even turn on a synchronized TV. By the way, despite only two built-in microphones, the speaker recognizes voice commands well.

Speaker from a brand specializing in acoustics, excellent sound

Expensive and rarely available for sale

Yandex.Station (average price 9.9 thousand rubles)

Yandex.Station.
Photo: market.yandex The gadget from the Russian search giant, which caused a lot of noise, appeared in 2022 and, according to the authors’ plans, was supposed to take a significant share of the nascent smart speaker market. The past year has made adjustments to these plans - the device turned out to have some nuances, and there were also questions about the software. In the active column you can add the proprietary voice assistant Alice, which interacts well with a Russian-speaking user; good sound for acoustics in this price category; sensitive microphones (information security advocates may not like this); deep integration with Yandex services. There are also disadvantages - the speaker cannot output sound via HDMI; very poor work with the world's main video hosting site, YouTube; tailored to work with Russian video services, for example, ivi; failures to work with many smart home systems. Also, some users encountered poor-quality assembly and defects. For example, one of the buyers received a Station with two microphone mute buttons.

Works adequately with the Russian language, deep integration with popular Yandex services

Crude software, there are sconces

Elari SmartBeat (average price 5.9 thousand rubles)

Elari SmartBeat.
Photo: elari The product from a Chinese brand in Russia was developed in partnership with Yandex. Therefore, it is not surprising that the voice assistant here is Alice, with all its pros and cons. Elari SmartBeat also has a “killer feature” - the presence of a built-in battery, which means true portability. However, there are two nuances if you are going to actively use the device outside the living room - the speaker charges rather slowly and is completely devoid of moisture protection. The Russian language is recognized well by the device, and the microphones are sensitive even to quiet voices. The SmartBeat passive is not the most outstanding sound quality; users complain about crackling, wheezing and distortion. This is not the best option for listening to music in high quality.

Full work with Russian language, built-in battery

There are complaints about the sound quality of the speaker

Amazon Echo Show 2nd Gen (average price 25.5 thousand rubles)

Amazon Echo Show 2nd Gen.
Photo: market.yandex A real multimedia combine and also the flagship of the Amazon line of smart speakers. There is a real 10-inch touch display with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels, on which you can even watch YouTube. The voice assistant in the gadget is the same Alexa, which stubbornly does not work with the Russian language. Good sound, sensitive microphones and two cameras are included. A good center for managing a smart home, but services from Amazon that are unavailable in our country and the complete lack of Russification make us think about the rationality of choosing this device.

A true center for smart home control, excellent multimedia capabilities

Doesn't understand Russian, price