best smart speaker with display

In today’s fast-paced world, smart speakers have become an integral part of our homes, seamlessly blending into our daily routines. But what if your smart speaker could do more than just play music and answer questions? Enter the smart speaker with a display, a device that elevates your smart home experience by adding a visual dimension. These speakers aren’t just about audio anymore; they offer visual feedback, let you watch videos, control smart home devices with a touch, and even make video calls. If you’re considering adding one to your home, it can be difficult to know where to start. Don’t worry; we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best smart speakers with displays available today, explore their features, and help you find the perfect one to match your needs.

Why Choose a Smart Speaker with a Display?

Before we jump into the specifics, let’s talk about why you might want a smart speaker with a display in the first place. Unlike their screenless counterparts, these devices offer a richer, more interactive experience. Here are just a few reasons why a smart speaker with a display is a worthwhile investment:

• Visual Information: Seeing is believing. Display speakers provide visual feedback, which is especially useful when asking for things like the weather, recipes, or directions.
• Video Content: From streaming your favorite shows to catching up on news, these devices provide a compact, convenient screen for video consumption.
• Video Calling: Stay connected with family and friends through seamless video calls directly from your smart speaker.
• Smart Home Control: Manage your smart home devices with ease through touch-enabled interfaces, adding a layer of intuitive control.
• Digital Photo Frame: Display your favorite pictures when the speaker isn’t actively being used, turning it into a personal digital photo frame.
• Interactive Features: Engage with apps, play games, and utilize features that simply aren’t possible with traditional audio-only speakers.

The Top Smart Speakers with Displays on the Market

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the best smart speakers with displays available today. We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each device to help you make an informed decision.

Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)

The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) stands out with its unique rotating display. This feature allows the screen to follow you as you move around the room, ensuring you always have a clear view of the content. The 10.1-inch screen is sharp and vibrant, making it perfect for video calls, watching videos, or viewing photos. The audio quality is impressive as well, thanks to dual tweeters and a woofer, providing full, rich sound. The device is also highly responsive, easily handling commands and navigating through menus. Furthermore, it excels as a smart home hub with intuitive control of compatible devices and features like Zigbee and Sidewalk support. The only potential downside is its higher price point compared to some alternatives, but for those who value its unique features and premium performance, it’s well worth the investment.

Pros:

• Unique rotating display that follows you
• Excellent audio quality
• Responsive and intuitive interface
• Great for video calls and smart home control

Cons:

• Higher price point

Google Nest Hub Max

The Google Nest Hub Max is a powerhouse of a smart display, focusing on family communication and home security. The built-in Nest Cam is a standout feature, allowing you to monitor your home remotely and participate in video calls with a high-quality camera and wide field of view. The 10-inch screen is bright and clear, making it ideal for watching videos or looking at photos. The device integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Meet. It’s also highly effective at managing smart home devices with its intuitive touchscreen interface. The audio performance is solid, thanks to its dual tweeters and woofer, though it may not match the pure sound quality of some dedicated audio-focused speakers. The Nest Hub Max is an excellent option for families looking for a multi-functional device with video call and security capabilities, though the lack of a physical camera shutter might be a concern for some users.

Pros:

• Built-in Nest Cam for home security
• Excellent video conferencing capabilities
• Great for families with Google ecosystem
• Seamless integration with Google services

Cons:

• No physical camera shutter
• Audio may not be as high quality as some rivals

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile smart display without breaking the bank. With an 8-inch screen, it’s the perfect size for countertops, desks, or nightstands. The improved camera delivers better video call quality, and the audio is surprisingly robust for its size. It can handle streaming video, playing music, and controlling smart devices with ease. It has also been optimized to work well with the Alexa voice assistant and makes use of all of Alexa’s capabilities. The device also features a physical camera shutter for added privacy. While it may not have the rotating screen of the Echo Show 10, the Echo Show 8 strikes a great balance between price, performance, and features, making it a top pick for most users.

Pros:

• Great value for the price
• Good sound quality
• Improved camera for better video calls
• Physical camera shutter for privacy

Cons:

• No rotating display

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) offers a more compact and aesthetically pleasing design with a focus on digital photo frames and sleep tracking. Its 7-inch screen is perfect for bedside tables, living rooms, or kitchens. The device is not equipped with a camera, which is a conscious choice to offer extra privacy, and this is something to consider if video calls are essential to you. Its standout feature is sleep tracking, which uses the Soli radar technology to monitor your sleep patterns and provide personalized insights. The device also excels at displaying Google Photos and controlling smart home devices using the touch screen. While the audio quality is solid, it’s not the main highlight. If you’re looking for a smart display with a sleek design and sleep-tracking features, the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is a great choice.

Pros:

• Sleek, minimalist design
• Sleep tracking features using Soli radar
• Great for digital photo frames
• Good smart home integration

Cons:

• No camera for video calls

Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the most compact and affordable of Amazon’s display speakers. With its 5.5-inch screen, it’s perfect for nightstands, small desks, or other tight spaces. While it lacks some of the premium features of its larger siblings, it still delivers all the essential functions: access to Alexa, video calling, and smart home control. The audio is adequate for basic listening, and the device is highly responsive. The camera has improved for better video quality, and like the Echo Show 8, this device also has a physical camera shutter. The Echo Show 5 is an ideal choice for users looking for a compact, affordable smart speaker with display capabilities, especially for bedside use.

Pros:

• Very affordable price
• Compact and ideal for small spaces
• Good for basic video calls
• Improved camera and physical privacy shutter

Cons:

• Smaller screen and audio quality

Lenovo Smart Clock Gen 2

The Lenovo Smart Clock Gen 2 is designed for the bedroom. It prioritizes simplicity and usefulness as a clock, alarm, and smart speaker. The 4-inch display is not designed for videos but it does display time, weather, and other useful information. The device integrates the Google Assistant and this means that you have access to the smart features. The Lenovo Smart Clock Gen 2 has an ambient light feature and wireless charging options that are also very useful additions. If you want a smart clock for your bedroom, then the Lenovo Smart Clock Gen 2 is the device that you need.

Pros:

• Compact and perfect for the nightstand
• Ambient light feature
• Wireless charging options
• Affordable

Cons:

• Small screen is not suitable for videos

Making Your Decision

Choosing the best smart speaker with a display comes down to understanding your needs and priorities. Here are some key factors to consider before making a purchase:

• Screen Size: Do you need a large screen for viewing videos, or will a smaller display suffice for basic information and controls?
• Audio Quality: How important is high-fidelity audio to you? If music is a priority, consider models with better sound performance.
• Camera Quality: If you plan to make frequent video calls, the quality of the camera is an important factor.
• Privacy: Look for features such as physical camera shutters or consider a display without a camera, depending on your privacy concerns.
• Smart Home Integration: Which ecosystem do you use the most, Alexa or Google Assistant? Choose a device that is compatible with your smart home setup.
• Price: Set a budget and consider the best value you can get for that price point.
• Primary Use: Are you looking for a kitchen companion, a bedside clock, or a family communication device? Choose a speaker that is best suited for its primary purpose.

Smart speakers with displays offer a unique blend of audio and visual interaction that can enhance your smart home experience. They provide a more engaging and intuitive way to interact with technology, making them a valuable addition to any modern home. By understanding your priorities and carefully evaluating your options, you’re sure to find the perfect device that fits your lifestyle.