10 Best Smart Speakers 2025 in the UK

The Echo Dot (5th gen) is a compact smart speaker with Alexa built-in, designed to bring convenience and smart home control to your space. It offers noticeably improved sound quality for its size, delivering clearer vocals and richer bass compared to earlier versions, making it a good choice if you want better audio for music, podcasts, or audiobooks without needing a big speaker. Alexa compatibility is strong, supporting multiple languages and a wide range of skills to help with everyday tasks like weather updates, timers, and controlling smart devices. Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing easy streaming from various music services or phones. The device also supports newer smart home standards like Matter for broader device compatibility. Privacy is thoughtfully addressed with a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the mics, plus options to review and delete voice recordings, helping users feel more secure. Its small, modern design fits well in most rooms without taking up much space.

A unique feature is the eero Built-in capability, which can extend your Wi-Fi coverage if you have compatible eero devices, though this is limited to certain countries and setups. On the downside, the speaker is tiny, so while sound quality is improved, it won’t compete with larger or more premium speakers if you want deep bass or very loud volume. Also, some advanced features like voice control via Bluetooth aren’t supported on all devices, and the eero Wi-Fi extension requires additional equipment and setup. The Echo Dot is ideal for users seeking an affordable, easy-to-use smart speaker with good sound and strong Alexa integration, particularly in smaller spaces or as part of a multi-device Echo system.

The Echo Show 8 (Newest gen) is a versatile smart speaker designed to enhance both your entertainment and smart home experiences. With compatibility for Alexa, it offers a wide range of voice commands to make daily tasks easier. The 8-inch HD touchscreen and spatial audio deliver impressive sound and visual experiences, making it suitable for streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix. The built-in 13 MP camera facilitates crisp video calls with features like auto-framing, which helps keep you centered during conversations.

Smart home integration is simplified with its Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support, allowing you to manage various devices without needing an additional hub. Connectivity options include both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enhancing its ability to communicate with multiple gadgets in your home. The Echo Show 8 also prioritizes privacy, offering features such as a camera cover and a microphone/camera off button.

In terms of design, the device is relatively compact and sports a sustainable build, using recycled materials. However, its weight and the need for subscriptions to access some streaming services could be potential drawbacks for some users. The smart speaker's adaptive content and accessibility features make it an excellent choice for users seeking a personalized experience, especially those who may have visual or auditory impairments.

While it does deliver in several key areas, the necessity for subscriptions adds an extra cost, and it does not support ad-hoc Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth speakers that require PIN codes. Despite these minor limitations, the Echo Show 8 stands out as a robust and privacy-conscious option for users looking to integrate a smart speaker into their home environment, particularly those invested in Alexa's ecosystem.