Best Wizards Vocal | Review & Guide
Voice assistants occupy an increasingly large in tech: surprising gadget, they have risen to the rank of conductors of the so-called Internet of Things. And they have an increasing role in popular culture, and the furniture of his house.
But not all are equal. The best voice assistant has the distinction of being determined by two distinct factors to be taken into account at the time of purchase. Artificial Intelligence that animates – and there exists a handful that is really serious – and the quality of the object itself. Two factors we well reflected in our comparison. To see more clearly, visit the buying guide.
The best voice assistants in 2020
1. Echo Dot 3 – The best cheap voice assistant with Alexa
The Amazon Echo Dot is one of the last voice assistants range from Amazon. Ultra popular since its launch, the Echo Dot is a mini version and cheap initial voice assistant – in the case of Amazon, Echo, significantly more expensive.
The third generation of the Echo Dot Amazon is a more elegant voice assistant than previous versions. Its design is more rounded and neat, but mostly it is no longer entirely of plastic. This one is covered with a soft fabric and gray – an aesthetic advantage on most entry level competitors. It was a choice of three shades of gray – careful though, it is not possible to change it later. Unlike some Boom pregnant, for example, the fabric is attached to the enclosure. We recover the Amazon trademark is there: the luminous ring that changes color depending on the actions and status of the unit. The design is not an anecdotal element when choosing its voice assistant. Indeed, for it to work best, it must be within earshot at all times; the center of a room and prominently so.
On the top, there are four buttons that control volume, mute function and an action button – to validate their choices for example. Some prefer the tactile buttons Home Mini Google.
The chamber is rather compact, but it does not mean portable: it is indeed necessary to leave the plug, it has no battery. Can on the other hand to install an additional battery, which converts it into nomadic model; but it is an additional purchase and often non-proprietary, so any malfunction will not be covered by warranty.
You can connect its voice assistant via WiFi, following 802.11ac – the latest dated. If your router is compatible, it allows to use it on the tape 2.4 or 5GHz: what benefit an excellent network for music, for example, thanks to 5GHz, but also a 2.4 compatibility for your connected devices.
The sound quality is undoubtedly one of the points that Amazon has made the most progress since the dot Echo 2. Despite its low price and small size, the Echo 3 has very good performance for a voice assistant. Obviously, with a device of this caliber, the bass sounds are lacking, but the mids and highs are rather well calibrated. Note that like all Echo devices, if you have two, you can pair them for a stereo effect.
The recognition of the microphone is very correct – the Echo range of Amazon is rather famous in this area.
If you like AI Amazon and you have a small budget, the Echo Dot 3 is your best entry level choice.
2. Google Mini Nest – the best voice assistant cheap
Google Nest has released its new voice assistant in 2019. Nest Mini, as the Echo Dot is its input range of compact range, and a huge success. If the price is slightly higher than the Echo Dot, the voice assistant has strong advantages that may make it more attractive – especially in terms of Android compatibility.
Nest Mini is very similar to Home Mini. Google took the same direction as the Echo Dot replacing the plastic shell by a fabric coating which, according to the mark, is made from recycled bottles. All changes in terms of design are positive, with the exception perhaps of a point. The micro-USB socket of the previous model has been replaced by a round supply – so we can not use any cable.
The great novelty is the possibility to mount Nest Mini on a wall. For a voice assistant, it’s a pretty original idea, but it is not illogical. The cable is much less annoying if you install it on a coffee table, for example, and the enclosure occupies less space than if you had placed on a surface.
Especially since the asset is not only aesthetic, it is also sound. The bass driver Nest Mini is back, and he can use the wall as resonant return, which amplifies the volume and sound quality.
Because yes, despite its small size, the sound quality is a little higher than the Echo Dot. The bass and midrange are much more present and lighter than previous models Nest Mini – which we deplored the draft and its lack of clarity. It lacks perhaps a little power, especially when compared to more expensive models certainly, but bigger: difficult to hear the responses of AI if the noise around you for example.
Other innovations introduced by Google is anecdotal, but still fun. These include the presence of a sensor that adjusts the volume of output of AI to the sound level, to avoid having to repeat the answer. Or the touch sensor located under the fabric that detects your hand when you approach the device, and backlights the buttons. In short, small futuristic elements that improve user comfort.
But the most notable of these advances, the microchip integrated machine learning, which allows the voice assistant to adapt gradually to your voice. It can also link multiple Nest Minis for a stereo or surround setup.
There are many reasons to prefer Google for its voice assistant. In addition to sound quality, one can note the build quality: the cameras Nest range are renowned for their durability. The updated support of Google is also very dynamic, with many new features that appear every year.
3. Amazon Echo 3 – The best voice assistant cheap for quality sound
The “new” voice assistant Amazon is not entirely new. It is a fusion between two popular ranges of the brand, Echo and Echo Plus which, instead of having each new version in 2019, gave very satisfactory compromise: Echo 3. Straddling between input and the mid-range voice Amazon assistants, so the Echo is a very comfortable 3 upgrade for a low price, especially in terms of sound quality.
The first element difference with its predecessor is its size. Significantly wider and higher than the Echo 2 – without being bulky – it breathes more authority and suggests a better build quality and hardware. Like many ranges of assistants voice, he opted for the fabric, giving it a more friendly and attractive appearance. The rest of the design is very classic. The voice assistant Amazon has four control buttons and the famous colorful LED ring.
This is the sound quality that Amazon scores. Positioned aggressively in the market – less than 100 € – this voice assistant offers by far the best quality. With subwoofer 3 “and Dolby Audio, music is broadcast to 360 degrees. Certainly, the bass is not quite as powerful as on Conventional speakers for this price, but it comes close. The quality is comparable to that of some models Sonos – it’s still a major competitor, and Amazon had not intended to specialize in sound. Especially as the maximum volume is very generous!
The cover features – almost – all can provide Alexa with its legendary compatibility with connected objects. Only it lacks a ZigBee integration worthy of the name. If the Echo 3 is first connected objects you own – and that’s not what you expect from a voice assistant priority – this is not serious. But if you wanted to use it to control the lights, lock, or otherwise, it is better to opt for the higher range.
With Bluetooth 5.0 integrated, it has good compatibility with most major brands, by cons. Despite the lack of ZigBee, Echo 3 works seamlessly with Philips Hue Lights for example – Bluetooth bulbs that change color upon request.
The voice assistant Amazon therefore offers the best sound quality for this price. Unfortunately, we are a little behind Google in terms of functionality. If you insist on using your voice assistant as a speaker for music and you have a small budget, however, this is clearly the safest choice.
4. Google Home – Best voice assistant Google
Google Home is the spearhead of the brand to the market for voice assistants. If Google arrived a little after Amazon, and it deploys today the majority of its efforts on the range Nest, there are still many reasons to prefer Google Home competition.
The design of the Google voice assistant Home has not changed since the last model, suggests that nostalgia phenomena are effective on cycles becoming shorter – the first model having appeared in 2016. It still has that funny shape between the vessel and the modern interior deodorant, with a broader base and a white plastic inclined surface. We can change the color of the base at will, just buy more shells, and there are other materials – metal or fabric. Everyone dislikes; but some find the Google home more stylish and less cold than the Amazon Echo cylinder.
The sound quality is one of the attractions of the Google Home. In addition to a great compatibility with Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora – and more recently Deezer – hardware quality is the rendezvous. What enjoy the largest catalog of music possible, crossing all these services. If it is difficult to compare the quality of the Google home to that of more specialized devices – such as Sonos – it is still quite good.
Among the new features of Google in terms of software, there is the MACC – Multiple Actions and Conversation Continued. The first users of vocal assistants complained indeed that AI gave different answers depending on the formulation of the question, and it was sometimes difficult to string more logical queries without having to specify his request every time. For example, if you ask “Ok Google, what are the best restaurants in Annecy? “And you specify later” OK Google, and pizza? “AI is able to put your second application in context. And it will not suddenly give you the definition of a pizzeria.
But there are also some absent in functionality – some were even present at the base and were subsequently withdrawn! Unlike Guest Mode, which allowed to deliver content via Google Cast without being connected to the same WiFi network, for example we deplore. It’s a shame, it was easier to enter 4 digit security code that every wireless …
But the great strength of Google on this one, it is the compatibility. The brand has recently announced that its voice assistant was compatible with over 5,000 devices, from cars to mobile phones. The many partnerships at Google are also an advantage: for example, the voice assistant is now fully compatible with Pandora Premium and of course all Android services like Android Smart TV. Do not want to use the remote control? Ask the Google Home to launch your Netflix series.
Google Home is a voice assistant that makes all the right compromise: versatile, efficient, and all for an affordable price, this is one of the best models of midrange. Especially when we know that it must climb at least 50 € for a competitor model … And this last may not boast as many features.
5. One Sonos – The ultra-consistent voice assistant with better sound quality
The great difficulty for brands like Google or Amazon is to produce both a qualitative voice assistant and correct precinct. The problem is that none of these brands has never really been specializing in audio quality … This is where Sonos comes in. Sonos is a leading mid-range audio, and probably one of the best speaker brands. Count 30 € more for the integration of Alexa; Google Assistant is present by default.
In terms of shape and size, the Sonos One looks almost exactly like the Play: 1, which was a great success. The only difference is on top, since conventional control buttons have been replaced by touch buttons, with new controls adapted to its use as a voice assistant. LEDs indicate the enclosure status – as if it is ready to listen or not.
The funny novelty is the ability to plug the enclosure into Ethernet. We have not quite used to see this option, and yet it is relevant. Unlike a conventional speaker, which connect directly to your smartphone via Bluetooth, a voice assistant stream content directly: by the quality of its wireless network, we therefore prefer to plug in ethernet. One thing is certain, this is not the Sonos will ask you wireless connectivity problems. The brand is renowned for the quality of its Bluetooth, which team this time from the standard 5.0 – the latest and most reliable.
The Alexa integration – like Google Assistant – is excellent. We have access to all features, including specific requirements for sound. For example, you can say “Alexa plays the White Stripes in the room” and the speaker you have coupled – and set – in this room will sound and play the most popular songs of the group. therefore a lot of freedom of interaction.
The two elements on which the Sonos One particularly shining, it is the quality of the audio and microphone. As the Echo 3, the sound is diffused – almost – 360 degrees.
The quality of the microphone significantly reduces the chances that your request is not understood. In real conditions, some users who have already tried the Echo Dot, for example, reported that Sonos was less likely to require repeat.
On the other hand, the sound quality really stands out a lambda voice assistant. With similar performance to the enclosure Play: 1 Sonos include faithful sound, regular and deep, even at high volume. There is even a sort of stereo illusion, as drivers take advantage of the omnidirectional speaker and plays on this aspect to create more space. Even for a device of this size, the bass is surprisingly present and well calibrated.
The other important aspect of the Sonos One in terms of sound quality, it is the possibility of coupling the voice assistant with all Sonos devices – which in addition to being compatible with other speakers, is extremely flexible and configurable via Sonos coupling interface. What a lot of fun if you have other speaker of the brand – what we highly recommend!
Versatile and with an extraordinary sound quality. That’s probably how we can summarize this voice assistant. The Sonos One has a good integration of AI, and even if we do not find all the features available on Google or Amazon proprietary products, freedom of use is very satisfactory.
6. Amazon Echo Studio – Best voice assistant with Alexa
Echo Studio is for Amazon the opportunity to position themselves in the audiophile market voice assistant. And it works ! This model, among the most expensive brand, has strong audio performance without losing a crumb of integration of AI.
The design of this voice assistant takes several elements of the range Echo, with a simple cylindrical shape and a coating fabric softer and more pleasant than the first models. However, it is considerably wider than its predecessors; and it must be, to be held the 4 directional drivers and subwoofer less imposing.
The volume buttons, mute and action are on the top, and we recover the LED ring that informs the status of the voice assistant. Small feature however: there is a wide opening near the base. It is a technique that we begin to find several models of small speakers trying to provide the best audio performance at low. This gap acts as a further resonance chamber which increases the presence and deep bass.
And in fact, it works. The multi-aspect of this voice assistant that can play sound at 360 degrees, is supported by both technologies. One hardware, since we are 5 drivers in all; other software. On paper, everything is there, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby surround the new standard, which offers a high resolution support.
The Sound 3D broadcast is rather convincing, especially considering that the speakers that offer this type of technology – including sound bars – cost 1.5 to 3 times more expensive than the voice assistant. And that’s not to mention the integration of AI, of course, just inflate the price.
The bass is correct, probably among the best for a speaker this size and in this price range. And the possibility to set the calibration of its oneself via the app Dolby Atmos Music is a plus. However, it will probably be necessary: it was found that the default calibration was not perfect, especially for the balance of the surround.
This little black dot, which affect especially demanding audiophiles, do not tarnish the table: the mids and highs are dynamic, clear and well calibrated, with detailed and powerful sound.
The quality of the microphone is also surprising; even if we speak up if there is a lot of background noise, overall the voice assistant does not repeat twice your queries.
As on all recent models Echo, integration of AI is impeccable. You get all the features of Alexa, and unlike Google, updates bring new features instead of removing them.
If you are looking for versatility, in that you want your voice assistant is the main source of your sound environment, this model is undoubtedly the best choice. The sound quality almost rivals that of Sonos, but also offers a better integration of AI. The force Amazon to enter this market is commendable, especially for a price that is very affordable.
7. Apple HomePod – The best voice assistant with Siri
Until then, we had not spoken voice assistant Apple. For good reason: like all Apple devices, they are generally much more expensive, and even though their value for money is very attractive, it is difficult to send them back to back with the Google model or Amazon. However, the wide range of Apple’s voice assistant, the HomePod is undoubtedly the best and fully deserves its place in this comparison.
HomePod is a small jewel of design; and it’s always been the big Apple asset. This voice assistant is covered with a fabric covering gray or white to a size quite modest 17 of 14cm. Like many brand devices, is the density that is significant: we feel that the optimization of space has been carefully thought. On the top of the voice assistant, there is a touch control panel for the volume or activate the AI.
In terms of sound features, Apple now offers many features that make it very competitive with other brands. The AirPlay 2, found on all recent Apple audio models, notably allows a stereo ultra-easy and reliable coupling and excellent control the audio environment piece by piece. And it is especially this point that allows it to make a strong competition to Amazon and Google.
However, it is Siri which is the main downside of this voice assistant. The AI Apple still has a long way to do to join the competition. Like many Apple products, it is also regrettable aspect locked and the owner of the voice assistant. It can not be used to Spotify or another streaming service for example. Where Google offers a library of tens of millions of titles across all platforms, it is here confined to the Apple Music. That’s if you ask Siri to play music. One can however use the voice assistant as a single enclosure and, via Bluetooth, play the songs you want from any app. But in this case, you will say to me is an enclosure; not a voice assistant. And for that price, it’s pretty boring.
However, the sound quality is quite good. Problem is, in this price range, you can expect a better calibration, especially that one is tempted to compare the voice assistant with cheaper competitors – such as the Sonos Studio One and Echo. The 7 independent drivers located near the base of the voice assistant delivers a sound quality equal to 360 degrees plus a woofer for bass support.
The good point is the excellent support of Spatial Awareness, which recalibrates the sound depending on the environment – the voice assistant adjusts the power of sound and detects, for example, if placed in the middle of a part or against a wall. Suddenly, the directional fluid appearance vs. Multi is a real plus for the quality of listening. It is the same when using two HomePods for stereo or surround sound editing.
To be quite honest, the impressive remains sound quality for size; simply, not for the price. Harmonic distortion is virtually nonexistent, and there are regular rather low at any volume. These will, however, tend to lack presence.
The sound quality of HomePod actually one of the best vocal assistants, and the integration of AI couples very well with the flexibility of using the Apple Play 2. However, the main problem is Siri itself. Less efficient, less intelligent, and an even lower stage of development compared to Google and Alexa, it is one of the most negative points. And it is common to all Apple products: one takes advantage of the features if you already have many models of the same brand and we are faithful to app owners of the brand. If this is your case, Apple HomePod is by far the best voice assistant of the brand, and a great option to complete your setup Apple.
Buying Guide: everything you need to know about the best voice assistants
Size
The size of your voice assistant determines not only aesthetic appearance, but also the price and sound quality. These three factors that will guide your choice of voice assistant are indeed linked in most cases. The little voice assistants, less expensive, tend to have lower sound quality.
The sound quality factor increases not only with the price: most voice assistants are multidirectional, which requires several drivers and therefore more space. When we talk about micro audio devices, a characteristic that suffers most of miniaturization is the resonance and power bass. They are the ones that stand out less on a voice assistant smaller.
Sound quality
How to determine if the sound quality is good without trying a voice assistant? If you plan to use it to listen to music, it’s a major issue.
If the size and price of the device are already a good indicator, you can also look more closely at the number and size of drivers. The presence of a woofer – a specific driver to low – should already guarantee a certain quality of listening, especially if coupled with software support. For example, Apple has the HomePod SA for Spatial Awareness, which gauge the volume of drivers depending on the position of the voice assistant in the room; Echo Studio or Amazon, which incorporates the Dolby Atmos.
Compatibility
After determining these first two factors, you will undoubtedly find yourself face at least two new models that meet your expectations. An Amazon, and Google; Apple possibly also your budget. Or another audio brand that incorporates these AI.
The connection is often the same on voice assistants – WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 – the question of compatibility is primarily plays in software. What app do you use for your music? Your calendar? Your messages ? If you want to use the voice assistant for office, are you using mainly Google or Apple tools? Android or Fire?
Check app and services you use most, and from all your connected devices – TV shows, smartphone, tablet, weather station – and check compatibility with the wizard voice of your choice.
This is particularly important for app library. Siri usually requires you to go through Apple Music, for example; if all your favorite playlists, you’ve spent years developing, are all on Spotify, you will feel limited in your use of the voice assistant.
The features and options
Beyond the basic features, you may find others that are worth visiting. Here are some examples.
Multi-user support allows the voice assistant to recognize the voices of multiple people and customize a number of profiles in the home. For example, if you ask the wizard voice your calendar, it should be able to recognize your profile and give you your own, without having to specify your name.
The multi-room streaming is also another interesting feature. It allows to cast music from room to room depending on where you are, so that it follows you wherever you go. Sonos has particularly good results in this area.
Finally, it is increasingly common to find a microchip machine-learning inside even the voice assistant. It can process a part of the evolution of AI locally instead of sending everything to a cloud: the learning curve of this last-is generally more efficient and more personalized.
FAQ: it answers the questions you have about the vocal assistants
In addition to sound quality, the most important aspect is that of Artificial Intelligence. You have, in this area, three main competitors. Alexa, Google and Siri.
In this area, Google is undoubtedly the most successful and most dynamic. Successful, because it relies on a basic unmatched data – Google has already integrated many people’s lives, including through Android – and dynamic, because the brand does not hesitate to develop new tools frequently.
Alexa, however, is the most popular. The AI Amazon is easier to take only hand more direct in its use, and easily customizable. The great success of Amazon, it was to position the side of the compatibility, as Google. In addition to great integration with Android products, the AI has a good compatibility with other products such as Amazon Fire or Fitbit. And we can expect that the Amazon go IOT universe is expanding.
Siri, finally, is the oldest. Artificial Intelligence Apple is quite successful, even if it is limited to branded products at the apple. More spiritual, more human, better calibrated to the human conversation; but more limited in its software interactions.
Several companies have created their own artificial intelligence. These include Jarvis, Facebook – a reference to Douglas Adams – or Bixby of Samsung. The integration of Bixby is still relatively limited to the most popular Samsung products, such as smart refrigerators, or smart TV compatible. One can consider investing in this IA, promised to integrate the Samsung Galaxy Home, a voice assistant to come running 2020 or 2021.
But we already know that the panel of compatible devices will be more limited, and recommend especially the followers of Samsung technologies that know they will remain faithful … taking into account that the Google Assistant will probably always compatible with Samsung models.
The communication between a voice assistant and connected objects – or IoT – is primarily via WiFi. So we want a compatible device in dual-band, and it is the case of most serious and recent voice assistants.
The 5GHz band provides a stream download comfortable for music in HD for example. The 2.4GHz band, it enables communication with upload connected objects.
It also expects a recent and powerful Bluetooth standard, with obviously a preference for 5.0. This is the standard we found on the most recent connected devices and has the advantage of being more stable, more reliable and less energy.
The IoT or Internet of Things is a network of connected objects appeared with the popularization of this type of equipment. It connects its various gadgets and manage them via a centralized platform – a smartphone or a voice assistant.
With a coherent and compatible, you can control every aspect of your home via the IoT. The arrival of the 5G should further popularize this connection model.
To simply make a voice assistant is a speaker with microphone which processes and communicates the data – including your requests – with a centralized server.
When you ask a question Siri or Google, for example, AI transmits this to the central server and transmits the response; So you use the voice assistant as a device, like a smartphone or computer.
Improved Artificial Intelligence based on the return of your data – anonymous – the machine learning software brand. The more a system is used, more AI collects data on user behavior, better it will perform in the future.
In fact, yes; voice assistants need this data collection to improve their algorithm. Despite some controversy launch of the device, major brands – Google, Amazon and Apple – have implemented data protection that guarantee the anonymity of returns.
In Europe, this is reinforced by the laws of the European Union. In fact, companies actually store data but can not be used, for example, to sell them to third companies.
Since a voice assistant is often coupled with an enclosure, it is the latter that will determine the price. A basic voice assistant, to centralize your connected objects and perform commands, can cost in the € 40-70.
If you are looking for other features, such as a screen or a better sound quality, the price increases proportionally.