For some people, their names will never quite be the same again. If you’re named Alexa, Siri, or, erm, Google, you’ll have had to get used to people shouting out your name at random moments, or your smart speakers firing up every time anyone tries to say your name.
Siri may have been the first big voice assistant, but Alexa was the first to really make voice assistants truly mainstream. Even Great Aunt Bertha who struggles to operate a smartphone can use Alexa. Alexa soon became so popular that she wasn’t just found in Amazon’s own Echo devices. Before long, other manufacturers started adding Alexa into their own products.
How to set up Alexa on your Sonos system: Control music with just your voice
You can play music on your Sonos speakers just by asking Alexa, even if she’s not built-in.
This is great news if you’re an audiophile. The majority of Echo smart speakers and smart displays are designed to be affordable rather than to produce epic sound. The Amazon Echo Studio aside, the audio from our Echo devices is best described as functional rather than spectacular. Thankfully, there are a lot of speakers with superior sound quality out there, some of which come with Alexa built-in. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of Alexa functionality and high-quality sound, then here are some of the best Echo alternatives out there.
Our picks for the top Alexa speakers
Sonos Era 100
1. Best Alexa speaker overall
A Bluetooth and Wi-Fi smart speaker with great stereo sound
The Sonos Era 100 takes the excellent Sonos One and adds stereo sound, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C line-in. Comes with Alexa built-in alongside Sonos’ own voice control.
- Offers stereo sound
- Line-in for sources such as turntables
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Line-in requires additional dongle
- Sonos voice control only availabe in English and French
Sonos regularly updates its speakers, and each generation is better than the next. The Sonos Play:1 was a great speaker, but the Sonos One improved upon it. The Sonos One is still a great option if you’re looking for a speaker with Alexa built in. However, the Sonos Era 100 is yet another step forward, making it our top Amazon Echo alternative.
It offers stereo sound compared to the mono Sonos One, and as well as Wi-Fi and AirPlay compatibility, you can also play music via Bluetooth or the USB-C line-in, although you’ll need an additional adapter for a wired connection. As well as Alexa baked in, you can also use Sonos’ own voice control, although it’s only available in US English and French. Quel dommage.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (Second Generation)
2. Most stylish Alexa speaker
A stylish portable speaker with great sound quality.
$199 $279 Save $80
A beautiful speaker from Bang & Olufsen that looks great on any desk or table, but is also easily portable. The sound quality you expect from the Danish company, with looks to match.
- Beautiful looks
- Bang & Olufsen quality sound
- Waterproof
- Doesn’t come cheap
- Strap can get in the way
The Danish high-end electronics company is renowned for creating stylish audio products with stunning quality and a price tag to match. If you’ve always thought that B&O audio gear was beyond your means, however, then look again.
The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that somehow manages to make something that’s essentially the same form as an old Echo Dot look like a stylish piece of home décor. It’s smart enough to adorn any desk, but it’s also a great portable option, with a leather strap to ensure it doesn’t get dropped. There’s Alexa built in and the sound quality you’d expect from B&O.
Bose Home Speaker 500
3. Best Alexa speaker for larger rooms
A compact powerhouse that can fill a room with stereo sound
This powerful speaker has more than enough grunt to fill the largest room with stereo sound. The built-in screen lets you see what’s playing directly on the speaker.
- Enough power to fill a large room
- Stereo sound
- Built-in screen
- Not the best-looking speaker
- More expensive than most
Whilst smart speakers can look stunning, it’s certainly not a requirement for producing awe-inspiring sound. The Bose Home Speaker 500 is never going to be described as beautiful, but what it lacks in looks, it more than makes up for in sound performance. It can easily fill a large room with high-quality stereo sound.
Even if you’re in a large room, you don’t have to worry about the speaker not picking up your voice commands, thanks to the eight-microphone array. It’s also the only speaker on this list to include a screen. Rather than having to ask Alexa what’s playing, you can see the music artwork directly on the speaker.
Sonos Era 300
4. Best Alexa speaker for spatial audio
A brilliant speaker that produces incredible immersive spatial audio
The Sonos Era 300 can produce incredible immersive spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, thanks to the six drivers positioned around the speaker. The result is sound that truly fills the room.
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- USB-C line-in
- Unusual design may not appeal to all
- Line-in requires additional dongle
The Sonos Era 300 is unique on this list, and that’s not just due to the highly unusual design. It’s also because this is the only speaker on the list that can offer spatial audio with Dolby Atmos from a single speaker. With six drivers positioned all around the speaker that bounce the sound in all directions, you get an impressively immersive sound experience.
The unusual shape may not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s a design born out of necessity to create the stunning spatial audio. Just like the Sonos Era 100, you can play music over Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, and there’s also a USB-C line-in port, so you can connect to your turntable using an appropriate adapter.
Marshall Uxbridge
5. Best retro Alexa speaker
Great sound in an iconic package
A speaker designed around the iconic Marshal look, with sound to match. Physical bass and treble buttons let you tweak the sound to your liking.
- Iconic Marshall style
- Physical bass and treble controls
- Great sound
- Has to be plugged in at all times
- Other speakers offer more for the price
A smart speaker that offers great sound, has Alexa built-in, and looks incredibly cool? Yes, please. The Marshall Uxbridge Home Voice Speaker covers all bases, thanks to its classic design based on the iconic Marshall amplifiers. It has the sound quality you’d expect from Marshall, and you can even fine-tune the bass and treble using the rocker buttons on the top of the speaker.
Alexa is built in and the far-field microphone array ensures that you won’t have any problems being heard over the rock music blaring from your Marshall. One thing that should be noted before you buy is that this isn’t a portable speaker; it won’t work without being plugged into a power source.
Sonos Roam
6. Best portable Alexa speaker
A portable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker that can pack a punch
A Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker designed to be taken on the go. Great for the outdoors, but it can also integrate well with other Sonos speakers in your home.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Integrates with other Sonos speakers
- Alexa only works when connected to Wi-Fi
- Battery life not always as long as advertised
If a portable speaker with Alexa smarts is what you’re looking for, then you can’t go far wrong with the Sonos Roam. It’s a highly portable speaker that can play music over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, although you’ll need to use a Wi-Fi connection to use Alexa. The Sonos Roam also supports Google Assistant, although you can only use one option at a time.
It also has some neat features when used with other Sonos speakers. If your Sonos Roam is playing, hold it close to another Sonos speaker, and hold the Roam’s play button. The music will now magically get passed to the other speaker. You also have the option to pull audio from another Sonos speaker for even bigger sound on the go.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker
7. Best Alexa speaker for outdoor parties
A great little portable speaker with 360 degree sound
$350 $400 Save $50
A portable speaker that offers 360-degree sound, making it the perfect option for outdoor parties. Stream music over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in the sound quality that you expect from Bose.
- 360 degree sound
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Water resistant
- Charging cradle sold separately
- Voice commands can sometimes get missed
Another great portable option is the Bose Portable Smart Speaker. You can stream music over Wi-Fi when you’re at home or use the Bluetooth connection when you’re out and about. The 360-degree design fires sound in all directions, so it can be any party’s centerpiece.
There’s a built-in handle for when you’re on the go, and you can use either Google Assistant or Alexa to control your music with your voice. With a battery life of up to 12 hours and water resistance to protect against splashes, it’s a highly versatile option.
JBL Authentics 500
8. Best splurge Alexa speaker
An Alexa speaker that looks as good as it sounds.
A powerful speaker with classic retro looks, the JBL Authentics 500 has more than enough power to get the party started. It doesn’t come cheap, but there’s both Alexa and Google Assistant on board.
- Classic design
- Powerful bass
- Room-filling sound
- Expensive
- Limited controls
If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can get your hands on the JBL Authentics 500. This is a stunning-looking speaker, with the retro looks of the old JBL hi-fi speakers of old, including the padded grille. It’s a large speaker but will look great in most rooms.
Good looks aren’t all that’s on offer, however; the JBL Authentics 500 has sound to match. With some serious grunt and impressive bass, it’s all you need to get the party started in even the largest rooms. You can set up both Alexa and Google Assistant and interact with either as the mood takes you.
Best Alexa speakers: The bottom line
The Sonos Era 100 is the third generation of what was already an excellent speaker in the Sonos Play:1. Alongside the Alexa voice control that appeared in the Sonos One, it’s added stereo sound, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C line-in, making it our top choice for the best Alexa speaker. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Sonos Roam does a great job of producing decent sound from such a small speaker.
Sonos Era 100
Editor’s Choice
A Bluetooth and Wi-Fi smart speaker with great stereo sound
The Sonos Era 100 takes everything it learnt from the Sonos One that it replaces and has given it a make-over, both internally and externally for one seriously impressive little speaker.
How did I choose the best Alexa smart speakers?
When compiling this list, there were a few things I took into account. I wanted to include a range of speakers, from portable speakers such as the Bose Portable Smart Speaker to the spatial audio of the Sonos Era 300. I also wanted to include a range of price points, and of course, the selection needed to include speakers that offer great sound.
How to choose an Alexa smart speaker
If you’re looking for an Alexa smart speaker, there are plenty of options out there, but not all of them may be the right choice for your needs. There are a few considerations that you’ll need to make when choosing the best Alexa smart speaker for your circumstances.
How is the Alexa smart speaker powered?
The way that your speaker is powered is an important consideration, as it can severely limit how you use your speaker. For example, if you’re looking for a speaker to use in your bathroom, then you’re going to need one that runs without needing to be plugged in. The same goes if you’re planning to take your speaker outside.
For portable speakers, battery life is also a consideration. Not all portable speakers offer the same battery life, so you should make the best choice based on how you intend to use your portable speaker.
What size speaker will I need?
All the speakers on this list can produce enough sound to fill a typical-sized room, but if you’re planning on using your speaker in a larger space, then you’ll want something with plenty of power to carry to the furthest corners. As a general rule of thumb, the larger the speaker, the more sound you’re going to get, but you should also consider the speaker’s output power when making your choice. Look for the power output (measured in watts) in the speaker’s specifications; the higher the power output, the more sound you’ll get.
What music streaming services can I use with an Alexa speaker?
Not every Alexa speaker will work with every streaming service, so if you have a subscription to a music streaming service, you should check that it’s supported before you make your purchase. In addition, some speakers may not allow you to control some supported streaming services, such as Apple Music, when using Alexa voice control. The best bet is to search through customer reviews to check if other users have issues with your streaming service of choice.
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