This article compares Amazon’s Echo devices to Google’s smart speakers to determine which one consumers should buy. Both companies offer speakers in various sizes and colors, and it all comes down to personal preference. Amazon’s Echo devices work with a wider range of smart home devices, making them the winner for compatibility. However, Google Assistant is more accurate at understanding context, making it the winner for voice control. Amazon has a wider range of speakers with bigger sound systems and higher volumes, making them a better choice for those who care about sound quality. Finally, Amazon has a wider range of affordable options, making it a better choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Amazon vs. Google: Which Smart Speaker Should You Buy?
Introduction
Amazon and Google are currently the two biggest players in the smart speaker industry. Both companies offer a range of smart speakers, each with different features and capabilities. But which one should you choose?
In this article, we’ll compare Amazon’s Echo devices to Google’s smart speakers and help you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Appearance
Amazon’s Echo devices come in various shapes and sizes, from the compact Echo Dot to the Echo Show with a built-in screen. All Echo devices have a circular ring on the top that lights up when Alexa is active. They come in a range of colors, from black to white to softer neutral tones like sandstone and heather gray.
Google’s smart speakers, on the other hand, typically resemble a small, sleek cylinder or a squashed sphere. All Google devices have four colored lights that light up when Google Assistant is active. They come in a few muted colors – chalk, charcoal, and sand – that blend in well with any home décor.
Winner: Personal preference.
Both companies offer speakers in various sizes and colors, so it all comes down to personal preference.
Compatibility and Integration
Amazon’s Echo devices work with a wide range of smart home devices, including lights, locks, thermostats, and more. They can also be used to make calls and send messages to other Echo devices or phones via the Alexa app.
However, Amazon’s Echo devices do not work as well with Google’s services, such as Google Calendar or Google Maps. In addition, there are some notable omissions, such as Spotify and Apple Music, which are only available on the Echo devices if you sign up for the premium version of the service.
Google’s smart speakers work seamlessly with Google services, including Google Calendar, Google Maps, and YouTube. They also work well with smart home devices that support Google Assistant. However, Google’s range of compatible devices is smaller than Amazon’s, so you may need to check if your specific devices are compatible.
Winner: Amazon.
Amazon’s Echo devices work with a wider range of smart home devices, and the Alexa app is more widely used than Google Home.
Voice Control
Both Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant are top-notch voice assistants that can understand natural language and carry out tasks seamlessly. Alexa has over 100,000 skills available, while Google Assistant has slightly fewer, but it is generally more accurate at understanding context and answering questions.
Winner: Google.
Google Assistant is the clear winner for its accuracy and ability to understand context, making it more suitable for answering questions and carrying out tasks without explicit instructions.
Sound Quality
Both Amazon and Google have various versions of their smart speakers with different speaker systems, so the sound quality can vary. Amazon’s range of speakers includes options with larger speakers and subwoofers, while Google’s speakers generally have a more well-balanced sound.
Winner: Amazon.
Amazon has a wider range of speakers with bigger sound systems and higher volumes, making them a better choice for those who care about sound quality.
Price
Amazon’s Echo devices are typically cheaper than Google’s speakers, with the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) being the most affordable option. Google’s Nest Audio is cheaper than the premium Echo devices but is still pricier than the Echo Dot.
Winner: Amazon.
Amazon has a wider range of affordable options, making it a better choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Conclusion
Both Amazon and Google offer a range of smart speakers with different features and capabilities. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and how the device fits into your smart home system. However, based on the categories we looked at, we declared Amazon as the winner for compatibility, sound quality, and price, while Google wins in voice control.