logo
I Found the Best Smart Displays for My Home With 6 Simple Questions

I Found the Best Smart Displays for My Home With 6 Simple Questions

CNET5 days ago
From the early Amazon Echos to advanced smart displays from Nest and maybe even Apple, there's a smart display out there for everyone who wants a voice assistant speaker with a touchscreen that can show tutorials, live sports, video chats and more. The problem is figuring out which model is right for you, and where it should go.
When I'm not testing other smart display, I keep mine in the kitchen. With my open floor plan and the way I use the smart display, it just works better there than anywhere else. But I arrived at that decision after several important questions, and they may help you out, too.
Read more: 7 Ways You Aren't Using Your Smart Display (But Should Be)
What do you want to do with a smart display?
The Echo Show 5 makes an excellent video chat option for kids.
Amazon
Why are you interested in buying a smart display? Their capabilities keep growing as voice assistants are enhanced with AI, so let's start with a list of what you want to do with one:
Use a home voice assistant such as Alexa, Google Gemini or Siri
Video chat
Connect and control compatible smart home devices
View live camera feeds from connected smart cameras
Look up videos, recipes and photos for visual instructions
Connect to streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Hulu and Netflix to stream shows or sports
Play interactive games
Walk through visual education lessons
Look up visual guides, charts or walkthroughs
Stream game playthroughs from Twitch, YouTube, etc.
Shop online
Listen to music
Display photos like a digital photo frame
Once you determine what you need in a smart display, you'll also have a good idea where you want it -- as an alarm display in a bedroom, a quick way to communicate with a baby or pet, a sidekick device for your gaming setup, a kitchen helper or a whole-house controller.
Keep in mind, smart displays need to be plugged into an outlet so you'll need one nearby.
How big of a screen do you need?
Amazon's Echo Show 10 has one of the largest screens for videos.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Smart displays offer a nearly-overwhelming number of screen sizes. We've seen tiny smart display dial-like screens like the Echo Spot ($80) come and go, as well as standard rectangular screens both small and large. So let's make this step easy with three choices.
First, if you're going to be watching any type of video, from a recipe walkthrough to the latest episode of a Hulu show, you'll want a bigger screen. The best options are the Google Nest Hub Max ($230) and the Echo Show 10 ($250), which both have 10-inch touchscreens. These screen sizes are also best if you like tapping and swiping on the touchscreen to scan through search results and images.
Second, if you prefer a more background-friendly, quiet helper for a smart display, choose a small screen instead. The Echo Spot we mentioned serves as a fun little alarm clock, as can the Echo Show 5 ($90) with its 8-inch screen.
The Echo Show 8 ($150) and the 7-inch Google Nest Hub 2nd-Gen ($100) also can serve well as desktop companions or dutiful smart home control centers that get the job done without needing as much space as the largest models. They also make good photo displays.
What voice assistant and apps do you use?
Some smart displays are friendlier for smart homes than others but you'll want to think about what platform you use.
Chris Monroe/CNET
What voice assistant do you prefer to use? That will have a huge impact on your display choices. Echo Shows only work with Alexa, for example, and can only control smart home devices that support Alexa connections. Google Nest Hubs only work with Google Assistant/Gemini and Google Home smart home devices. And if you prefer Siri, it's probably worth waiting to see if Apple releases a smart display in 2025.
So, which home platform is best? There's no easy answer here, especially because voice assistants are in the throes of so many AI changes and we don't know how that's going to turn out in the end. Our best advice is to take a look at any smart home devices you currently use and see what voice assistants they are compatible with. Matter is making this easier, but it's a work in progress.
Finally, if you want an extra-big display focused entirely on your smart home, the Amazon Echo Show 15 is dedicated to the task.
Do you plan on listening to a lot of music?
The Nest Hub Max has a notable subwoofer for its size.
David Priest/CNET
What if you plan to focus many activities on the smart speaker qualities of your smart display? Then you'll want a model that can fill a room with sound. Currently, the best model for music and sound is the rounded Amazon Echo Show 10, which we've gotten the best results with when playing tunes. It can also connect to services like Spotify so you can often stream the platform you already use. However, the Google Nest Hub Max with its 30W subwoofer is also a serious contender.
Do you move around a lot in your space?
The Echo Show 10 is one of the only models that moves.
We've also seen smart displays that can move, notably swivel and angle as long as they have enough space. This feature was sold as a way to track people during voice chats but it also gives the display the ability to rest at a variety of angles and positions, which is useful if you move around a lot but want to keep consulting the screen (like working on a meal in the kitchen).
Some smart displays that move have been canceled, like the short-lived Facebook Portal Plus (ahh, the heydays before Meta). Currently, your best option here is the Amazon Echo Show 10, although its swiveling design is a bit awkward and can take up a lot more space than other displays.
How much do you want to spend?
Smart displays are easy ways to keep eyes on loved ones but make sure the device is worth the cost.
Google Nest
As you may have noticed, smart display prices typically start around $80 to $100 for the cheapest, smallest models. The largest versions cost up to $250. We suggest you budget at least $100 for a display and make sure you'll get your money's worth if you choose a larger display. If you have a computer tablet handy, you may want to set it up in the spot where you are considering a smart display, and see how often you use it for similar tasks to judge the ultimate value of a standalone device.
Final thoughts
The right smart display can be a great addition to your home. They add convenience by offering voice-controlled assistants that can perform a variety of tasks for you. Need a recipe for the best barbecue rub for your first summer cookout? With a smart display, it's as simple as asking a question. Some smart displays also enhance your home security by connecting with smart doorbells and smart cameras -- not to mention video chats, games and generally visualizing anything you want to know.
Choosing the right smart display isn't just about how you'll use it, but the size of screen you want, what voice assistant you prefer and where the smart display will be. Now that you know the details, you're ready to make a choice. For more info, check out our full guide to the best smart home devices, plus some important Alexa privacy changes.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Amazon buys wearable AI startup Bee, a wrist device that hears and transcribes every word you speak
Amazon buys wearable AI startup Bee, a wrist device that hears and transcribes every word you speak

Tom's Guide

time10 minutes ago

  • Tom's Guide

Amazon buys wearable AI startup Bee, a wrist device that hears and transcribes every word you speak

As Amazon spends this year attempting to bolster its AI bonafides, the internet retail giant is reportedly acquiring Bee, a startup that makes an AI wearable for your wrist. The announcement was made by Bee CEO Maria de Lourdes Zollo on LinkedIn who wrote she "couldn't think of better partners to help us bring truly personal, agentic AI to even more customers." Amazon confirmed the acquisition in an email to Tom's Guide, though noted that the deal "isn't closed yet" and the two entities are still two companies. What is Bee? (Image credit: Bee) Bee is a recent startup that makes a $49.99 Fitbit-esque wrist device, dubbed the Bio Pioneer edition that is still in preorder and slated to launch in September. The device is meant to listen to your conversations through your day and then use AI to transcribe everything said by and around you. From there the AI agent will generate personalized summaries of your day plus reminders and suggestions in the Bee app. You can also let the Bee access your calendar, contacts, emails, location, photos and reminders to help the AI's insights and send information. With Amazon, we were told that Bee is working on a number of new features to "provide even greater control over" their devices. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors "We're excited to partner with the Bee team to continue inventing in this space," Amazon spokesperson Alexandra Miller said in an email. Is it any good? (Image credit: Bee) Some have tried out the device, The Verge's Victoria Song went hands on with the Bee and described it as a "glimmer of a good idea." She was skeptical that we need to record our conversations all the time and found that it confused real-life conversations with media playing in the background. Plus, there are privacy concerns around Bee, though Lourdes has said previously that Bee doesn't store any recordings. Before pre-sales opened the company emphasized that they wanted to profit via device sales and subscriptions. However, compared to the Humane AI Pin, Rabbit R1 and Friend pendant, Song did say the Bee is the "most successful AI wearable" she's tried with the cavaet that it's a very low bar. We reached out to Bee for comment on how it plans to partner with Amazon and its goals with the new partnership. They have not responded as of publication but we will update if they do. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

Google Photos starts rolling out the new look for its video player
Google Photos starts rolling out the new look for its video player

Android Authority

time10 minutes ago

  • Android Authority

Google Photos starts rolling out the new look for its video player

Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google has started rolling out a new update to its Photos app, which includes a new video player UI. Additionally, the company has changed up its setup UI for new Photos users. These updates are part of Google's gradual rollout of its Material 3 Expressive redesign. Google has started rolling out some of its visual changes to the Photos app, which include a new video player progress bar with larger controls. While we spotted a few of the upcoming changes in an APK teardown back in June, users can now get access to the new UI by updating their Google Photos app to the latest version. The rollout was initially tipped by users in the Gapps Leaks Telegram group and we've since confirmed it by updating the app on our own devices. The video player now has a larger progress bar, along with a vertical indicator for easy navigation through the timeline. The volume button now sits above the progress bar. Rather than using the pause button in the center of the screen, there's a new pause button above the progress bar. Old player New player Fast forward indicator But instead of holding down on the left or right side of the video to adjust video playback speed and fast forward and rewind, the updated player allows you to double tap on the left or right of the video to skip ahead or rewind by five seconds. With additional taps, you can skip ahead or rewind further, with five seconds added per tap. Google has also tweaked the onboarding screen, making the user's profile picture and name more prominent. While this aligns with Google's Material Expressive 3 redesign, it lacks the useful mobile data toggle that we found nifty in our April onboarding UI teardown. Old New While there's something to be said for incremental changes, we're hoping that Google will continue to make more substantive updates to the app. I personally find the ability to share Google Photos albums with a QR code quite nice. Google is currently working on a bunch of redesigned elements for other apps which embrace the Material 3 Expressive design language. These include updates to Gmail, Phone, Meet, and plenty more. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.

This Corsair Gaming Keyboard Could Be Yours for a Cool $130
This Corsair Gaming Keyboard Could Be Yours for a Cool $130

CNET

time40 minutes ago

  • CNET

This Corsair Gaming Keyboard Could Be Yours for a Cool $130

Gaming is an appealing hobby for a reason; it's accessible entertainment, on a console, portable gaming device or a PC. If the latter is your preference, the proper desktop and accessories can help you achieve a better PC gaming experience. For example, Corsair's K70 Pro TKL gaming keyboard is a great way to fine-tune your setup, and it's just $130 at Best Buy, a $50 savings. Amazon Prime members can also score this gaming keyboard for $130. The Corsair K70 Pro TKL keyboard has a sleek black colorway and includes gorgeous colorful backlights. It also has a wrist pad, so gameplay is comfortable. Aside from its good looks, Corsair's keyboard includes programmable keys and speedy response that can make a difference as you play your favorite PC games. This is all thanks to magnetic switches that power the K70 Pro's response times. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The Corsair K70 Pro also has customizable per-key actuation, essentially allowing you to determine the touch sensitivity you'd like for each key. It's wired for direct connectivity to your PC and built to last through 150 million keystrokes. If this gaming keyboard isn't quite a fit for you, check out the best gaming keyboards list for other options. Why this deal matters This Corsair K70 Pro TKL gaming keyboard offers rapid response, customizable response times and an ergonomic design for comfortable gameplay. It's now $50 off at Best Buy, and Prime members can also score the same discount for a limited time.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store