Introducing the ultimate guide to the future of home audio – "12 Amazing Smart Home Speakers For 2023". As technology continues to advance at an astonishing pace, the world of smart home speakers has transformed the way we interact with our homes. From voice-controlled assistants to immersive sound experiences, these innovative devices have become an integral part of our everyday lives. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the top 12 smart home speakers that are set to revolutionize our homes in 2023. Get ready to explore cutting-edge features, superior audio quality, and seamless integration as we unveil the leading contenders in the world of smart home audio.
Overall Score: 8/10
The YoLink SpeakerHub is a smart home speaker hub that offers audible notifications and customizable text-to-speech messages. With a compact and stylish design, this speaker hub can act as a driveway alert, security siren, water leak alarm, door chime, and more. It is easy to set up and does not compromise your privacy as it does not have a microphone. Simply connect it to WiFi and USB power for convenient use. The YoLink SpeakerHub requires an Android or Apple smartphone, stable WiFi connection, and USB power or an AC outlet for the power adapter. Enjoy the convenience and versatility of this smart speaker hub in your home or business.
Key Features
- Audible Notifications
- Customizable Tones and Messages
- Smart Design
- Private and Secure
- Requirements: Android or Apple smartphone, stable Wi Fi connection
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 2.95Lx2.95Wx0.91H
Pros
- Versatile functionality with customizable alerts
- Compact and stylish design
- Does not compromise privacy
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Weak speaker volume
- Mixed customer support experiences
- Confusing literature
The YoLink SpeakerHub is a reliable and versatile smart speaker hub that offers customizable alerts and notifications. While it may have some limitations, such as a weak speaker volume and mixed customer support experiences, its compact design and easy setup make it a convenient addition to any smart home. With its range of audible notifications and text-to-speech messages, it can fulfill various purposes, from security alerts to reminders. Just be aware of the potential challenges with support and confusing literature. Overall, the YoLink SpeakerHub is a valuable device for enhancing your smart home experience.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Fake Plants Smart Speaker Stand is a clever way to hide your smart speaker while adding a touch of green to your home decor. This discreet faux plant bluetooth speaker cover will hide your device in plain sight, blending into any room with its small decorative plant design. The fake house plant has strategically cut holes, allowing clear communication between you and your smart assistant, so you can easily give commands and enjoy your favorite music. The smart speaker stand is compatible with most smart speakers, including Apple Homepod Mini, Google Nest Mini, and Amazon Echo Dot. Simply place the artificial fake house plant over your bluetooth smart speaker, and use the universal aux and power cord cutout to hide cords away from sight. Give your smart speaker a makeover with this stylish and functional smart speaker stand.
Key Features
- ✔️ HINDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT – Our discreet faux plant bluetooth speaker cover will hind your smart speaker with a small decorative plant.
- ✔️ SPEAK EASY – Our fake house plant has holes cut out to ensure clear communication between you and your smart assistant. Also allowing your favorite jams to play clearly from the fake plant decor.
- ✔️ DECORATIVE PLANT – Now place your smart speaker stand anywhere around your home. Living room table, kitchen island, bathroom shelf, office desk, bedroom nightstand etc.
- ✔️ COMPATIBLE WITH MOST SMART SPEAKERS – Apple Homepod Mini, Google Nest Mini, Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen, 3rd Gen & 2nd Gen)
- ✔️ EASY TO USE – Simply place the artificial fake house plant over your bluetooth smart speaker. Use the universal aux and power cord cutout to hind cords away from sight.
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Hides your device and fits in with decor
- Super cute plant design
- Works as described
- Simple and cute
- Looks great on the counter
Cons
- May affect voice recognition
- Greenery isn't stable
- Chemical smell upon opening
The Fake Plants Smart Speaker Stand is a unique and practical accessory for smart speaker owners. It effectively hides your device in a decorative plant design, adding a touch of style to your living space. The cutout holes ensure clear communication with your smart assistant, making it easy to use voice commands. While some users mentioned issues with voice recognition and the stability of the greenery, overall, it is a great product that blends seamlessly with any home decor. Whether you want to disguise your smart speaker or simply add a decorative element to your space, this smart speaker stand is a smart choice.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
The khanka Hard Travel Case is designed specifically for the Bose Portable Smart/Home Speaker in Triple Black color. This case provides excellent protection for your speaker, with a soft interior that ensures your electronics and accessories are well-protected. It features a hand strap for easy carrying, and a classic zipper for convenient opening and closing. The case is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel. It also comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can purchase with confidence. Overall, this case is a practical and stylish solution for keeping your Bose speaker safe and secure.
Key Features
- Khanka Hard Travel Case for Bose Portable Smart/Home Speaker ,Just One Case !
- Soft interior to ensure Electronics and accessories protected.
- Hand Strap For keeping your devices safe and handy,Lightweight.
- Classic zipper convenience for easy in Opening and Closing.
- Backed by 100% Money back Guarantee, this is totally risk-free buy; CLICK the Orange button to Order Now!
Specifications
- Color: Triple Black
- Dimension: 11.50Lx5.30Wx5.10H
Pros
- Provides excellent protection for Bose speaker
- Includes hand strap for easy carrying
- Lightweight and compact for travel
- Stylish design
- Backed by a money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not stable when placed on a table or solid surface
The khanka Hard Travel Case is the perfect accessory for anyone who wants to protect their Bose Portable Smart/Home Speaker. Not only does it provide excellent protection, but it also offers convenient features like a hand strap and a classic zipper. The case is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel. Its stylish design adds a touch of elegance to your speaker. Additionally, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. The only downside is that it may not be very stable when placed on a table or solid surface. Overall, this case is a must-have for Bose speaker owners.
Overall Score: 9/10
Looking to save some space in your home? The WALI Outlet Shelf Wall Holder can help you with that. This innovative shelf allows you to use an existing outlet as an additional shelf, giving you more space to place items like Smart Home Speakers, Power Tools, Toothbrushes, and more. With its sturdy design, it can support up to 10 lbs of weight, ensuring that your items are securely held. Installation is a breeze, simply replace the outlet cover with this outlet holder and you're good to go. The sleek and modern design of this shelf makes it a perfect fit for any room or wall. Say goodbye to cluttered countertops and floors and hello to more space with the WALI Outlet Shelf Wall Holder.
Key Features
- Ergonomic Design: Use an existing outlet to create an additional shelf
- Easy Installation: Installation only takes a few minutes
- Space Saving: Free up floor and countertop space
- Flexible Use: Perfect for Smart Home Speakers, Power Tools, Toothbrushes, and more
- Package Includes: 1 x WALI Outlet Shelf, 1 x Mounting Hardware Kit, 1 x User Manual
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 4.84Lx1.29Wx6.22H
- Size: 1 Pack
Pros
- Sturdy platform supports up to 10 lbs
- Sleek and modern design complements most rooms
- Experienced and friendly customer support available
Cons
- May not fit all types of outlets
The WALI Outlet Shelf Wall Holder is a game-changer when it comes to saving space in your home. Its ergonomic design allows you to utilize existing outlets as additional shelves, freeing up valuable countertop and floor space. With its sturdy construction, it can support up to 10 lbs of weight, making it suitable for a variety of items. The sleek and modern design ensures it will blend seamlessly with any room or wall. Although it may not fit all types of outlets, the WALI Outlet Shelf Wall Holder is a must-have for anyone looking to declutter their living spaces and have convenient access to their smart devices or power tools.
Overall Score: 7.8/10
The Cerbiut Computer Speaker Sound Bar is a powerful, portable audio device that enhances your listening experience. With its easy-to-use design and versatile connectivity options, you can quickly connect it to various devices and enjoy your favorite movies, music, and games. The advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology ensures seamless pairing with compatible devices, while the dynamic RGB light display adds a fun element to your audio experience. The sound quality is rich and powerful, thanks to its dual speakers, and the compact size makes it highly portable. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, this speaker is perfect for all your entertainment needs.
Key Features
- Easy to Use
- Quick Pairing
- Dynamic RGB Light Display
- Rich & Powerful Sound
- Portable & Long-lasting
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 15.00Lx2.20Wx2.75H
- Size: 16 inch
Pros
- Easy setup and connectivity
- Versatile input options
- Vibrant RGB lighting
- Powerful and immersive sound
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Misleading description as a sound bar
- Average sound quality
- Short battery life
- Limited Bluetooth range
- No option to turn off LED lights
The Cerbiut Computer Speaker Sound Bar is a decent audio device with its easy usability and dynamic RGB lighting. While it falls short as a true sound bar, it excels as a portable Bluetooth speaker with versatile connectivity options. The sound quality is satisfactory, though not exceptional, and the compact size allows for easy portability. However, the short battery life and limited Bluetooth range may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable speaker to enhance your audio experience on the go, the Cerbiut Computer Speaker Sound Bar is worth considering.
Overall Score: 9.1/10
The Outlet Wall Mount Stand/Holder for Echo Dot 3rd Generation is designed to keep your smart speaker organized and free up space in your home. It features built-in cable management to hide messy wires and create an elegant look. The mount plugs directly into the outlet, making it easy to install in any room. It securely holds your Echo Dot, preventing it from falling. The mount does not muffle the sound and provides a better audio experience. With its easy installation and disassembly, you can quickly set up and adjust the mount as needed. Overall, this wall mount stand is a practical and convenient solution for enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of your Echo Dot.
Key Features
- Built-in Cable Management
- Outlet Plug Wall Mount
- Hold Your Smart Speaker Firmly
- No Muffled Sound
- Easy to Install or Disassemble
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 7.30Lx4.10Wx1.50H
- Size: 1 Pack
Pros
- Keeps cords organized and hides mess
- Easy plug-in installation
- Securely holds the Echo Dot
- Does not affect audio output
- Simple installation and disassembly
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
The Outlet Wall Mount Stand/Holder for Echo Dot 3rd Generation is a must-have accessory to enhance the functionality and appearance of your Echo Dot. It effectively hides messy wires and keeps your smart speaker secure. The mount does not compromise the audio quality and is easy to install and adjust. Although the instructions could be better, the overall experience of using this mount is highly positive. It is a reliable and practical solution for anyone looking to declutter their space and improve the aesthetics of their Echo Dot. Get the Outlet Wall Mount Stand/Holder for Echo Dot 3rd Generation and enjoy a cleaner and more organized home.
Overall Score: 9/10
The WALI Outlet Wall Mount is a practical and elegant solution for mounting your Echo Dot 3rd Gen onto an existing power outlet. It features a sleek low-profile design that complements any wall or furniture, and the cable management system hides messy wires neatly behind the mount. The mount is designed to hold the Echo Dot securely without blocking sound, and it is pet-proof and child-proof. With no assembly required, this mount is easy to install and provides a tidy and convenient way to keep your Echo Dot off the counter or table. The WALI Outlet Wall Mount is available in black and comes with 1 pack in the package.
Key Features
- Exclusively for Echo Dot 3rd Gen
- Practical design with improved acoustic quality
- Sleek low profile design
- Cable management for hiding messy wires
- Pet-proof and child-proof
- No assembly required
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 2.01Lx4.06Wx7.60H
- Size: 1 Pack
Pros
- Practical and functional design
- Easy installation
- Improves acoustic quality
- Sleek and stylish
- Keeps the cord neatly tucked in
- Pet-proof and child-proof
Cons
- May require additional adhesive to secure to the wall
The WALI Outlet Wall Mount is a must-have accessory for Echo Dot 3rd Gen owners. With its practical design, it provides an elegant solution to keep your device off the counter or table while improving sound quality. The sleek low profile design and cable management system add to the overall aesthetic appeal. It is easy to install and offers pet-proof and child-proof features. The only minor drawback is that it may require additional adhesive to securely attach to the wall. Overall, this mount is a great addition to any smart home setup.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
The WALI Wall Bathroom Shelf is a sleek and practical accessory that allows you to create extra storage space while keeping your cords organized. It features an ergonomic design that fits over standard vertical duplex GFCI decorative outlets, supporting up to 20lbs (9kg) of weight. The built-in cable management system keeps cords neatly coiled and out of sight, while the horizontal raised grooves securely hold devices in place. The shelf also includes detachable bottom hooks for holding lightweight items like keys or tags. With its modern design, this shelf is a stylish addition to any room. It comes in a pack of two and includes all the necessary mounting hardware.
Key Features
- Ergonomic Design: Creates extra shelf space using existing outlet
- Built-in Cable Management: Neatly coil and hide cables away
- Practical Elegance: Sleek modern design compliments any room
- Flexible Environment: Suitable for various rooms and walls
- Package Includes: 2 x WALI Outlet Shelf, Mounting Hardware Kit
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 5.60Lx4.60Wx6.80H
- Size: 2 Pack
Pros
- Easy to install and good for echo
- Nice material and clean install
- Perfect for ring indoor camera
- Convenient for small spaces
Cons
- Doesn't fit in some spaces
- Metal plate doesn't sit flush
- Difficult to snap together
- Product design requires alterations for some outlets
The WALI Wall Bathroom Shelf is a versatile and practical solution for adding storage space to any room. With its ergonomic design and built-in cable management, it offers a sleek and organized way to store your devices and cords. While it may not fit in every space perfectly, it is still a reliable option for creating extra shelf space and decluttering your countertops and floors. The shelf’s modern design and affordable price make it a great addition to any smart home or tech-savvy individual. Overall, the WALI Wall Bathroom Shelf is a functional and stylish accessory that can enhance the organization and aesthetic of your living space.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Cerbiut Computer Speaker Sound Bar is a versatile and user-friendly speaker that delivers an immersive audio experience. With easy connectivity options, including Bluetooth, AUX, TF card, and USB inputs, you can enjoy your favorite movies, music, and games with ease. The dynamic RGB lighting adds a fun and engaging element to your listening experience. The sound quality is impressive, with rich and powerful sound from two 52mm full-range speaker drivers and dual bass diaphragms. The compact and portable design, along with a long-lasting battery, makes it perfect for outdoor activities. Overall, this speaker is a great choice for those looking for convenience and high-quality sound.
Key Features
- Easy to use with USB-B interface and 3.5mm audio cable
- Quick pairing with Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Dynamic RGB light display with four lighting modes
- Rich and powerful sound with two 52mm full-range drivers
- Portable and long-lasting with 5 hours of battery life
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 16.50Lx2.67Wx2.36H
Pros
- User-friendly and easy to set up
- Versatile connectivity options
- Vibrant RGB lighting adds excitement
- High-quality sound with minimal distortion
- Compact and lightweight for portability
- Long-lasting battery for outdoor use
Cons
- Misleading product description regarding bass and modes
The Cerbiut Computer Speaker Sound Bar is a reliable and versatile speaker that offers convenience and high-quality sound. While it may not fulfill the description’s claims about bass and modes, it still delivers impressive audio performance. The easy connectivity options and compact design make it perfect for various settings, whether you’re at home or on the go. The vibrant RGB lighting adds a touch of fun to your listening experience. Overall, if you’re looking for a user-friendly speaker with rich sound and portability, the Cerbiut Computer Speaker Sound Bar is a solid choice.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Sintron Outlet Wall Mount Holder is a smart home accessory designed specifically for the Echo Dot 3rd Generation. It provides a convenient and neat solution for mounting your Echo Dot to the wall, freeing up counter space and creating a cleaner look. The wall mount also features cable management, keeping the cords organized and hiding them from view. With easy installation and no drilling required, the Sintron wall mount is perfect for any room in your home, including bathrooms and kitchens. It enhances the audio experience by allowing the Echo Dot to transmit stronger and more realistic sound. Keep your Echo Dot safe and sound while enjoying the benefits of a clutter-free space.
Key Features
- Speaker Wall Mount – Designed for Echo Dot 3rd Generation
- Perfect Cord Arrangement – Provides a cleaner look and protects from damage
- No Drilling Holes And Screws – Easy installation without any drilling
- No block to Sound – Does not affect the sound performance
- Awesome Speaker Companion – Enhances the audio experience
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 0.79Lx0.79Wx0.39H
- Size: For Echo Dot 3
Pros
- Convenient wall mounting solution for Echo Dot 3rd Generation
- Frees up counter space and provides a cleaner look
- Easy installation without drilling holes
- Protects Echo Dot from potential damage
- Enhances sound performance
Cons
- Instructions for cord winding could be improved
- Limited space for storing the cord
The Sintron Outlet Wall Mount Holder is a great accessory for anyone looking to optimize space and enhance the audio experience of their Echo Dot 3rd Generation. Its convenient wall mount design not only frees up counter space but also provides a cleaner and more organized look. The cable management feature helps keep the cords out of sight, while the seamless case protects the Echo Dot from any potential damage. With easy installation and no drilling required, it can be effortlessly placed in any room of your home. Overall, this wall mount holder offers practicality and style, making it a valuable addition to your smart home setup.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Costyleen Echo Dot Wall Mount Holder is a clever accessory designed specifically for the 3rd generation of Echo Dot. It provides a space-saving solution while also offering built-in cable management to eliminate messy wires. With its tailored design, the holder securely holds the Echo Dot on the wall without affecting audio output. This wall mount holder is simple to install and can be used in various rooms of your home. Hang it vertically on the wall to enhance visibility and sound effects, providing an improved listening experience. Available in black, this holder is a practical and stylish addition to any smart home setup.
Key Features
- Speaker Wall Mount – Outlet Wall mount holder case Designed for 3rd Generation ONLY (Device is not included).
- Simple But Multifunctional – No drilling holes or screwing, easily mount anywhere while hiding the cable And say goodbye to long ugly cord Saving your space and elegant decorate your home.
- Tailored design makes the hook portion fit more snug to the wall plug, which secures your device on wall firmly, Hold your speaker firmly and never influences the audio output, Fit your smart speaker perfectly.
- Better mobility visibility and sound effects-Hang the speaker vertically on the wall, when the music is played, the speaker can make a louder sound instead of yelling on your back, providing y listening experience.
- Easy to install and suitable for the bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, garage and all the places in your home.
Specifications
- Color: Black
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Built-in cable management
- Securely holds Echo Dot without affecting audio quality
- Enhances visibility and sound effects
Cons
- Does not hide the plug portion of the Echo Dot
- Could have clearer installation instructions
- The wire wrapping part can be sharp
The Costyleen Echo Dot Wall Mount Holder is an excellent accessory for anyone looking to save space and keep their 3rd generation Echo Dot organized. With its sleek design and built-in cable management, it offers a practical solution for mounting your Echo Dot on the wall. The holder securely holds the device while allowing for improved visibility and sound effects. While it may not hide the plug portion of the Echo Dot, this is a minor drawback compared to the overall functionality and convenience it provides. If you’re tired of messy wires and want to elevate your smart home setup, the Costyleen Echo Dot Wall Mount Holder is a must-have accessory.
Overall Score: 8/10
The ECHOGEAR Outlet Shelf 2 Pack is a perfect solution to save space and organize your home. It can hold small electronics or anything else up to 10 lbs, which is three times more than its competitors. It works well with a variety of devices like smart speakers, Sonos, mesh Wifi, and electric toothbrushes. The shelf has a built-in cable management compartment that neatly wraps your cords. Installing it is super easy and safe, similar to replacing an outlet cover. The package includes standard wall plate covers for an industrial look and Decora wall plate covers for style. Overall, the ECHOGEAR Outlet Shelf 2 Pack is a great addition to your smart home setup.
Key Features
- Saves space and organizes your home
- Holds up to 10 lbs
- Built-in cable management compartment
- Easy and safe installation
- Includes standard and Decora wall plate covers
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.32Lx4.77Wx6.84H
Pros
- Holds more weight than competitors
- Works well with various devices
- Easy to install with included hardware
- Includes multiple wall plate covers
Cons
- May not fit larger screen pads
- May require properly installed electrical outlet box
- Limited space for bulky plugs
The ECHOGEAR Outlet Shelf 2 Pack is a reliable and practical solution to declutter your home and create a clean, cord-free look. It offers excellent weight capacity, versatility with different devices, and easy installation. The built-in cable management compartment is a convenient feature, and the included wall plate covers add a touch of style. While it may have some limitations for larger devices or bulky plugs, overall, it provides a space-saving and organized solution for any home. Whether you want to showcase your smart speakers or keep your charging cords tidy, the ECHOGEAR Outlet Shelf 2 Pack is a smart addition to your smart home setup.
Buyer's Guide: Smart Home Speakers
Welcome to our Buyer's Guide on smart home speakers! If you're looking to transform your living space into a futuristic haven where your voice can control everything from music to lighting, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll explore the exciting world of smart home speakers and help you make an informed decision. So grab a cup of coffee, put on your virtual assistant, and let's get started!
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for a smart home speaker, keep these essential features in mind to ensure you get the most out of your purchase:
- Voice Assistant Integration: Look for smart speakers that seamlessly integrate with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. This will allow you to control your speaker and other connected smart devices using voice commands.
- Audio Quality: Consider the speaker's audio performance and features like audio-enhancing technologies, multiple drivers, and sound profiles tailored for specific music genres. After all, you want your smart speaker to sound as good as it looks!
- Connectivity Options: Ensure that your chosen speaker can connect to your home's Wi-Fi network for seamless streaming of music and other content. Additionally, check if it offers Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input, or compatibility with streaming devices for enhanced versatility.
- Smart Home Compatibility: If you already have smart home devices like smart lights, thermostats, or security cameras, make sure your smart speaker is compatible with them. Look for compatibility with popular smart home platforms like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, or Apple HomeKit.
- Design and Size: Smart home speakers come in various shapes and sizes, so choose one that blends well with your home decor. Consider the speaker's dimensions, color options, and any additional features like touch controls or display screens.
- Multi-Room Audio: If you want to synchronize multiple speakers across different rooms, make sure your chosen speaker supports multi-room audio. This will allow you to play music simultaneously or set up different speakers for individual rooms.
Comparison of Popular Smart Home Speakers
Here's a quick comparison of some popular smart home speakers to give you a taste of what's available in the market:
- Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation)
- Voice Assistant Integration: Alexa
- Audio Quality: Decent sound quality, but not as powerful as larger Echo devices
- Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio output
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with a wide range of smart home devices
- Design and Size: Compact sphere-shaped design, various color options
- Google Nest Audio
- Voice Assistant Integration: Google Assistant
- Audio Quality: Rich and balanced sound, with adaptive audio adjusting to your environment
- Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in
- Smart Home Compatibility: Integrates with Google Nest devices and popular smart home platforms
- Design and Size: Modern fabric-wrapped design, available in multiple colors
- Apple HomePod mini
- Voice Assistant Integration: Siri
- Audio Quality: Impressive audio performance with 360-degree sound
- Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit devices
- Design and Size: Compact spherical design with a fabric mesh exterior
Frequently Asked Questions about 12 Amazing Smart Home Speakers For 2023
No, smart home speakers rely on an internet connection to access voice assistant services and stream content. However, some speakers may have limited offline functionality.
It depends on the speaker and its compatibility with other speakers or audio systems. Look for speakers that offer multi-room audio or those that can be paired for stereo sound.
Smart home speakers activate their microphones when triggered by a wake word, such as “Hey Siri” or “Alexa.” While they listen for these wake words, most of the conversation is not recorded or stored unless explicitly requested.
Yes, many smart home speakers offer hands-free calling features. They can connect to your smartphone to make calls using voice commands.
No, smart home speakers can be used independently to play music, answer questions, or set reminders. However, their functionality expands when connected to other smart home devices for controlling lights, thermostats, etc.
While no device is entirely immune to hacking, reputable smart home speaker brands employ security measures to protect your privacy. Regularly updating the firmware and using strong Wi-Fi passwords can further enhance security.