Voice activated assistants have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering users a hands-free way to interact with technology.
These devices, also known as smart speakers, are equipped with voice recognition technology that allows users to control various aspects of their home and entertainment systems, as well as access information and entertainment without having to lift a finger.
One of the most popular voice activated assistants on the market is the Amazon Echo, which is powered by Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa.
Google Home, which is powered by Google Assistant, is another popular option. These devices are available in a range of sizes and styles and offer a variety of features, including music streaming, smart home control, and voice-activated search.
When considering a voice activated assistant, it’s important to pay attention to the device’s compatibility with other smart home devices you may already own, as well as its sound quality and voice recognition accuracy.
Additionally, some devices may have additional features, such as the ability to make phone calls or send text messages.
We spent hours researching and testing a variety of voice activated assistants to identify the ones that offer the best combination of features and usability.
Best Voice Activated Assistants
We have researched and tested the top voice activated assistants on the market to bring you the best options available. These assistants can help you with everything from playing music to controlling your smart home devices, and even ordering groceries.
Our team has evaluated each product based on its features, ease of use, and overall performance to ensure that you get the most out of your investment. Here are our top picks for the best voice activated assistants.
ECOXGEAR EcoEdge Pro Bluetooth Speakers
We highly recommend the ECOXGEAR EcoEdge Pro Bluetooth Speakers for anyone looking for a portable, waterproof speaker with great sound quality and LED party lights.
Pros
- The IPX7 waterproof rating makes it perfect for outdoor adventures and pool parties, and the Bluetooth 5.0 technology allows for wireless streaming up to 100 feet away.
- The LED Party Lights feature adds a fun and lively visual experience to any gathering, with 20 different modes that sync with your music.
- The EcoTalk button allows for easy activation of Siri and OK Google voice assistants, providing hands-free control of your audio experience.
Cons
- The speaker may be a bit heavy for some users, weighing in at 1.5 pounds.
- The LED Party Lights feature may drain the battery faster than expected.
- The speaker may not be as loud as some users would like, despite the 20W Max speaker with a large bass enhancing passive woofer.
The ECOXGEAR EcoEdge Pro Bluetooth Speakers deliver big sound in a slim and rugged design, making it the ideal companion for all your adventures.
Its long playtime ensures your favorite tunes keep playing all day long, and the EcoCast compatibility allows you to pair up to 100 units together for a mind-blowing stereo sound.
The sound quality is exceptional, with crystal clear sound that fills every corner of your room or outdoor space. The speaker is also stylish, with a sleek and modern design that will complement any decor.
Overall, the ECOXGEAR EcoEdge Pro Bluetooth Speakers are a top-rated speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality, durability, and style. It’s the perfect portable speaker for music lovers who value sound quality, durability, and style.
Globe Electric Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack
We highly recommend the Globe Electric Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack for those who are looking for an easy-to-use voice-activated lighting solution for their home.
Pros
- Control your smart devices using just your smartphone with the free GLOBE SUITE App.
- No hub required; simply download the GLOBE SUITE App, connect to your home Wi-Fi, and sync your bulb.
- Using your Google Assistant or Alexa, you can control your smart bulbs with just the sound of your voice.
Cons
- The GLOBE SUITE App is barely functional on iOS.
- Every few weeks, the app forgets which lights it’s paired to, and so you have to re-pair them.
- The setup process could be simpler.
Setting up the Globe Electric Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack is a breeze. You can easily control the lighting ambiance of each room using the App to automatically dim your bulb for a romantic dinner or brighten your bulb for working in the office or kitchen.
The bulbs are dimmable and tunable from a warm white 2000-kelvin to a bright white 5000-kelvin.
You can also create a Trigger Scene that controls many devices with one tap or create an Automatic Scene that will only activate when your set conditions are met.
For example, you can turn on the Smart Bulb to 75% when it is raining. The Globe Electric Smart Bulbs plus the Globe Suite App let you make your homework for you.
The Globe Electric Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack is an affordable and easy-to-use solution for smart home lighting. We recommend it for anyone who wants to automate their lights and control them with their voice or smartphone.
Delta VoiceIQ Module
We highly recommend the Delta VoiceIQ Module for anyone looking to upgrade their Delta Touch2O faucet.
This device allows you to control your kitchen sink faucet with voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant, making it a convenient and hands-free addition to your smart home.
Pros
- Voice-activated commands make it easy to control water flow and temperature without touching the faucet
- Customizable commands allow you to set specific amounts of water to dispense for tasks like filling a coffee pot or watering plants
- Easy installation with LED indicator lights to ensure proper Wi-Fi connection
Cons
- Requires an under-sink outlet that is not controlled by a switch
- Only compatible with Delta Touch2O faucets manufactured after January 2018
- Cannot set the temperature of the water, only the amount dispensed
The Delta VoiceIQ Module is a great addition to any smart home. The installation process is straightforward and can be completed in just eight easy steps. Once installed, the device is ready to be paired with your voice-enabled smart home device like Alexa or Google Assistant.
With the VoiceIQ Module, you can easily command your faucet to turn on, dispense a specific amount of water, or fill a container. This makes tasks like filling a coffee pot or watering plants much more convenient. The LED indicator lights also make it easy to troubleshoot any issues with your Wi-Fi connection.
However, it’s important to note that the Delta VoiceIQ Module requires an under-sink outlet that is not controlled by a switch. Additionally, it is only compatible with Delta Touch2O faucets manufactured after January 2018. While it can dispense a specific amount of water, it cannot set the temperature of the water.
Overall, the Delta VoiceIQ Module is a great investment for anyone looking to upgrade their Delta Touch2O faucet and add some convenience to their daily routine.
Delta Faucet Trinsic VoiceIQ Touchless Kitchen Faucet
If you’re looking for a kitchen faucet that can be voice-activated and also has touchless technology, the Delta Faucet Trinsic VoiceIQ Touchless Kitchen Faucet is a great option.
Pros
- You can use your Alexa or Google Assistant to power this Delta touchless kitchen faucet. You can command the smart faucet to turn on, pour metered amounts of water like 1 cup, or even set custom commands to fill your coffee pot or water bottle.
- You can touch anywhere on the kitchen faucet spout with your wrist or forearm to start and stop the flow of water or use the single-handle manually. The TempSense LED indicator light changes color to reflect the water’s temperature.
- The patented DIAMOND Seal Technology reduces leak points and lasts 2X as long as the industry standard, ensuring leak-free operation for the life of the chrome kitchen faucet.
Cons
- The flow of water is not very strong compared to other models in the market, which may be a concern for some users.
- The features can be extremely frustrating or not functional for some users.
- It is not the cheapest option in the market.
This kitchen faucet is easy to install and fits single-hole or 3-hole kitchen sink configurations. For 3-hole installation, you can purchase the optional deck plate RP64070 separately. InnoFlex PEX supply lines are integrated into the kitchen faucet for one less leak point.
The Delta pull-down kitchen faucet with Touch-Clean spray holes allows you to quickly and easily wipe away calcium and lime build-up with a touch of a finger, so there’s no need to soak or use chemical cleaners.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality kitchen faucet with voice-activated and touchless technology, the Delta Faucet Trinsic VoiceIQ Touchless Kitchen Faucet is a good choice.
Philips Hue White Filament A19 2pk
If you’re looking for a smart bulb that combines vintage style with modern control, the Philips Hue White Filament A19 2pk is worth considering.
Pros
- Enjoy the retro-style of vintage bulbs with the smart features of Hue.
- Control up to 10 lights in a single room with Bluetooth-enabled light fixtures and the Hue Bluetooth app.
- Set the right mood with soft warm white light that’s fully dimmable.
Cons
- The Hue Hub (sold separately) is required for Echo (1st Gen) and Echo Dot (1st Gen).
- The bulbs emit relatively little light, so they may not be ideal for large rooms.
- The bulbs are a bit expensive compared to non-smart alternatives.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Philips Hue White Filament A19 2pk, and we were impressed by its combination of vintage style and smart features.
The bulbs feature a thin, elegant spiral that provides an all-around glow, reminiscent of Edison bulbs. They emit a soft warm white light that’s fully dimmable, allowing you to set the perfect mood for any occasion.
Using the bulbs is easy thanks to the Hue Bluetooth app, which allows you to control up to 10 lights in a single room. You can also use voice commands to control the bulbs with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant when paired with a compatible device. Note that the Hue Hub is required for Echo (1st Gen) and Echo Dot (1st Gen).
While the bulbs are a bit expensive compared to non-smart alternatives, we think they’re worth the investment if you’re looking for a smart bulb with vintage style and modern control. The only downside is that they emit relatively little light, so they may not be ideal for large rooms.
Overall, we’re happy with our purchase and would recommend the Philips Hue White Filament A19 2PK to anyone looking for a stylish and functional smart bulb.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing a voice-activated assistant, there are several factors you should consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Voice Recognition Accuracy
The most important feature of any voice-activated assistant is its ability to accurately recognize and respond to voice commands.
Look for a product that has a high accuracy rate, especially if you have an accent or speak quickly. Some products are better at recognizing certain accents or languages, so make sure to check if the product you are interested in supports your language.
Compatibility
Make sure that the voice-activated assistant you choose is compatible with the devices and platforms you use. Some products only work with specific operating systems or smart home devices, so check the compatibility list before making a purchase.
Features
Consider the features that are most important to you. Do you want a voice-activated assistant that can control your smart home devices, play music, or answer questions? Look for a product that has the features you need, and don’t pay extra for features you won’t use.
Privacy and Security
Voice-activated assistants are always listening for commands, so it’s important to choose a product that takes privacy and security seriously. Look for a product that allows you to disable the microphone when not in use, and that stores your data securely.
Price
Voice-activated assistants come in a range of prices, so it’s important to determine your budget before making a purchase. Remember that the most expensive product isn’t always the best, and that you can often find great deals on older models.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best voice-activated assistant for your needs and enjoy the benefits of hands-free control of your smart home devices, music, and more.