Top Smart Speakers That Elevate Your Gaming Setup
For gamers who want voice control without sacrificing audio quality, the Sonos Era 300 stands out with its spatial audio and low latency. It offers a wide soundstage that pulls you into the game, but its premium price may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Smart speakers have evolved beyond playing music and setting timers. They now serve as capable gaming companions, offering voice commands for game control, quick access to game guides, and immersive audio that enhances gameplay.
Choosing the right one involves balancing sound quality, latency, and smart features. Our roundup breaks down the best options for different gaming preferences and budgets.
The top picks, ranked
Sonos Era 300
Sonos Era 300 delivers room-filling spatial audio with support for Dolby Atmos, making it a powerhouse for gaming. Its low latency and voice control via Alexa or Sonos Voice keep you in the action.
Pros
- Exceptional soundstage
- Seamless multi-room audio
- Voice assistant options
Cons
- Premium price
- Requires Wi-Fi for full features
Amazon Echo Studio
Echo Studio offers powerful bass and support for Dolby Atmos, with built-in Alexa for hands-free control. Its Zigbee hub lets you control smart home devices during gaming sessions.
Pros
- Deep bass response
- Alexa skills for gaming
- Smart home hub
Cons
- May sound muddy at high volumes
- Requires Amazon ecosystem
Apple HomePod mini
HomePod mini delivers surprisingly rich sound for its size and integrates seamlessly with Apple devices. Use Siri to set game reminders or control smart lights, but note its limited Bluetooth.
Pros
- Compact and stylish
- Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
- Surprising audio quality
Cons
- No Bluetooth for non Apple devices
- Siri less capable for gaming queries
Google Nest Audio
Nest Audio offers balanced sound and crisp voice pickup, powered by Google Assistant. Use it to control Chromecast, ask for game tips, or manage your gaming schedule.
Pros
- Clear voice recognition
- Good value
- Eco friendly materials
Cons
- No spatial audio
- Bass not as deep as competitors
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Though technically a soundbar, Sonos Beam Gen 2 works as a smart speaker with HDMI ARC and voice assistants. It provides clear dialogue and virtual surround sound, ideal for gaming on a TV.
Pros
- Cinematic audio
- Multiple voice assistants
- Ideal for TV gaming
Cons
- Requires HDMI connection
- Pricey for a speaker
Bose Home Speaker 500
Bose Home Speaker 500 features dual drivers that produce wide, detailed sound. It supports Alexa and Google Assistant, and includes a display for song info, but lacks low latency gaming mode.
Pros
- Superb audio clarity
- Dual voice assistants
- Elegant design
Cons
- No Atmos or spatial audio
- Higher price
Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Echo Dot (5th Gen) is an affordable smart speaker with improved audio and a temperature sensor. It works well for casual gaming, offering Alexa voice control and compact size.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Good sound for small rooms
- Alexa skills
Cons
- Limited bass
- No spatial audio
Before you buy
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Audio | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sonos Era 300 | Spatial audio with six drivers | Immersive spatial audio | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Amazon Echo Studio | 5.1 speaker array with Dolby Atmos | Alexa integration and bass | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Apple HomePod mini | 360 degree acoustic waveguide | Apple ecosystem gamers | 8.7 | Check price |
| 4 | Google Nest Audio | 19 mm tweeter and 75 mm woofer | Google Assistant fans | 8.5 | Check price |
| 5 | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | 5 driver array with Dolby Atmos | Soundbar with voice control | 9.0 | Check price |
| 6 | Bose Home Speaker 500 | Two custom drivers | Rich sound quality | 8.8 | Check price |
| 7 | Echo Dot (5th Gen) | 1.73 inch front firing speaker | Budget friendly gaming | 8.0 | Check price |
Good to know
Can I use a smart speaker as a gaming speaker?
Yes, many smart speakers can double as gaming speakers. They produce good audio for casual gaming, but for competitive play, latency might be an issue. Look for models with low latency or a 3.5mm input.
What is the best smart speaker for gaming with low latency?
The Sonos Era 300 is known for its low latency among smart speakers. However, for the lowest latency, consider a dedicated gaming speaker with a wired connection.
Do smart speakers work with gaming consoles?
Most smart speakers connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so they can work with consoles like PlayStation or Xbox via Bluetooth. However, for TV gaming, a soundbar with HDMI ARC like Sonos Beam is more effective.
Which voice assistant is best for gaming?
Alexa has the most gaming skills, including game-specific commands and smart home control. Google Assistant is better for general queries, while Siri is best if you use Apple devices.
Can I use multiple smart speakers for surround sound gaming?
Some brands like Sonos allow multi-room audio, but not true surround sound. For proper surround, you need a dedicated system. However, using two speakers can create a wider soundstage.
Are smart speakers good for music while gaming?
Yes, they are excellent for background music. Models with good bass like Echo Studio and Bose 500 provide immersive music that complements gaming.
What is the difference between a smart speaker and a soundbar?
A smart speaker is usually a single unit designed for voice interaction and music. A soundbar is optimized for TV dialogue and surround effects, often with HDMI connectivity. Some soundbars like Sonos Beam combine both.
How do I reduce audio lag on a smart speaker?
Use a wired connection if possible, or enable low latency mode in the speaker’s settings. Also, ensure your Wi-Fi is stable and place the speaker close to your gaming device.
The verdict
For most gamers, the Sonos Era 300 offers the best balance of sound quality and voice control, making it our top pick. If you are on a budget, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) provides a solid entry point, but for serious gaming audio, consider investing in the Sonos Beam Gen 2 for TV gaming.
