Google Home vs Amazon Echo: Which Is the Best Smart Speaker?
When it comes to smart speakers, Google Home and Amazon Echo are two of the most popular options that one can buy. Both are highly advanced, equipped with artificial intelligence, and have in-built voice assistants that recognize human speech and respond to commands. However, there are certain differences between the two that can make a significant impact on the user experience. In this article, we will be comparing Google Home and Amazon Echo to help you pick the best one to add to your smart home setup.
Design
The design of a smart speaker can make all the difference, especially if you are going to place it in your living room or bedroom. The Google Home looks like a small vase, while Amazon Echo is a cylindrical shape with a LED ring on top. The Google Home has interchangeable bases that can be swapped to suit your style or room decor. Amazon Echo also has a similar feature, but it only works with the new models.
Winner: Tie, both have great design and interchangeable bases.
Voice Assistant
Both devices come with built-in voice assistants that can recognize human speech and respond to various commands. Google Assistant, the voice assistant on Google Home, uses Google's search engine to answer questions and can integrate with several third-party services. Meanwhile, Amazon's Alexa can work with numerous smart home devices and services, besides providing information like the weather and news.
Winner: Amazon Echo for better third-party service integration.
Connectivity
Both Google Home and Amazon Echo can be connected to other smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and security systems. However, Google Home has a more extensive range of devices that it can work with, including Nest products, IFTTT, Philips Hue, and others. On the other hand, Amazon Echo has the added benefit of being compatible with Zigbee, a wireless protocol used by a significant number of smart home devices.
Winner: Google Home for wider device compatibility.
Sound Quality
If you're going to use your smart speaker to play music, it's essential to consider the quality of the sound it produces. Google Home has two forward-firing drivers and two passive radiators, while Amazon Echo has a 3-inch woofer and a 0.8-inch tweeter. In terms of pure sound quality, Amazon Echo edges out Google Home.
Winner: Amazon Echo for better sound quality.
Price
Finally, a crucial factor that can sway your decision is the price. Typically, both devices retail at around the same price point, with occasional discounts available on both. Amazon Echo comes in cheaper if you opt for the Echo Dot, which is stripped down but still performs most functions correctly.
Winner: Amazon Echo for a cheaper entry-level option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Google Home and Amazon Echo are impressive smart speakers that can help you manage your smart home devices and provide various entertainment options. However, the winner depends on what you're looking for in a smart speaker. If you're on a tight budget, Amazon Echo Dot is an excellent option. If you're more concerned about the sound quality, Amazon Echo is the winner. Ultimately, the winner is based on personal taste and requirement.
References
- Google Home: https://store.google.com/us/product/google_home
- Amazon Echo: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Echo-And-Alexa-Devices/b?ie=UTF8&node=9818047011
- Google Assistant: https://assistant.google.com/
- Alexa: https://developer.amazon.com/alexa
- Zigbee: https://zigbeealliance.org/