CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
Turning your home into a smart home can feel daunting. After all, there seems to be a smart version of everything -- smart doorbells , smart lights , and even smart refrigerators . But the truth is, it's actually pretty easy to build a smart home: All you need is the right smart speaker. Here are our picks for the best smart speakers available right now.
Top products in this article:
For fans of Alexa: Amazon Echo, $70 (reduced from $100)
For fans of Google Assistant: Google Nest Audio, $64 and up
For fans of Siri: Apple HomePod mini, $99
While smart speakers are built for listening to music or podcasts, they also give you the ability to control your home by voice command. Amazon, Google and Apple all make great options. So, which smart speaker is right for you?
Generally, you should buy the smart speaker that uses the voice assistant you're most comfortable and familiar with using. If you like using Google Assistant, you should consider the Nest. If you're obsessed with Apple iOS and Siri, stick with the Apple HomePod Mini. And fans of Amazon's Alexa won't go wrong with the many Amazon Echo devices available on sale right now.
Below are some of the most popular smart speakers from Amazon, Google and Apple that you can snag for $100 or less. Read on to find out what makes each speaker unique.
The fourth-generation Amazon Echo is one of the most affordable ways to start a smart home, especially now that it's on sale at Amazon. The smart speaker offers Alexa voice controls for music, compatible lights, appliances, smart thermostats , locks, sensors and more. Use your voice to set timers, reminders and alarms.
Buy more than one speaker to play synchronized music across Echo devices in different rooms. Or, use the Echo with compatible Fire TV devices to create a setup for your home-theater audio. You also use it to call others who have the Alexa app, or an Echo device. Choose from three colors.
Want an even more affordable option? Try the Amazon Echo Dot, a smaller version of the Echo. Unlike the Echo, the Echo Dot has an LED clock display, but it doesn't offer Dolby audio. Choose from three colors. It's currently on deep discount right now ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2022 .
Amazon Echo Dot, $28 (reduced from $50)
The Google Nest Audio adapts to your environment to make your music and more sound better. And to get it to play your songs, playlists, podcasts and audiobooks from streaming services, all you have to do is ask. Buy several of these 30-watt speakers to play the same music in different rooms of your home. Or, use your team of Google Nest Audio devices to broadcast messages, chat between rooms and make calls. Available in several colors. Prices vary by color.
Google Nest Audio, $64 and up
You should know there's also a miniature, 15-watt version of the Google Nest Audio. With the Google Nest Mini, you can ask your Google Assistant to play your favorite songs from Spotify, YouTube Music and more. Or, use the device to stream music from your phone. Ask it to tell you the weather or news, and to set timers and alarms. You can hear your personalized schedule, commute times, reminders, and more with Voice Match. The Google Nest Mini works with thousands of compatible smart lights, smart thermostats and smart TVs -- and all you have to say is, "Hey, Google." Find it in four colors.
And attention, Sam's Club members! Your membership gives you access to special (lower!) prices on the Google Nest Mini.
The Apple HomePod Mini is a great smart speaker for those who want to stay within the Apple-Siri ecosystem -- and, natch, are willing to pay extra for the privilege.
You can place several Apple HomePod Minis throughout your house for a connected sound system, and to work with Siri to control your smart home. The HomePod Mini's voice-recognition feature allows everyone in the house a personalized experience. And you can essentially hand off audio by bringing your iPhone in close proximity to the HomePod Mini. Choose from five colors.
First published on May 5, 2022 / 8:00 AM
If symptoms return, FDA says there's "no evidence" taking more Paxlovid helps.
Some experts think forgiving billions in college debt would unfairly benefit higher-earning Americans and stoke inflation.
The president is visiting Hamilton, Ohio, on Friday.
"It's an awful idea, and you ought to disband it," said Sen. Mitt Romney. Here's what it does.
Senator Elizabeth Warren is calling on the Senate to pass an abortion rights bill.
Economist Mark Zandi says now isn't the best time to buy a home, with most housing markets showing signs of overheating.
Hiring remains brisk despite surging inflation and the Ukraine war, with unemployment in the U.S. at 3.6%.
Investors worry that tightening monetary policy could tip the U.S. economy into a recession.
Economists expect a sharp increase in borrowing costs. That could impact credit cards, loans and other debt.
Broadband provider "ripped off" customers by charging high-speed prices for slow service, FTC says.
Some experts think forgiving billions in college debt would unfairly benefit higher-earning Americans and stoke inflation.
The president is visiting Hamilton, Ohio, on Friday.
"It's an awful idea, and you ought to disband it," said Sen. Mitt Romney. Here's what it does.
The House will also vote on a resolution next week allowing staff members to unionize.
On "The Takeout" podcast this week, the former Ambassador to Ukraine talks about what Washington can do to help Kyiv.
Natalie Decker finds success on the racetrack and meaning in sharing her autoimmune disease story with others.
If symptoms return, FDA says there's "no evidence" taking more Paxlovid helps.
"I think that's a really good response," Dr. Rebecca Gomperts told CBS News, urging American women to store the pills, "in case you need it."
The FDA is imposing new restrictions on use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine — pointing to the risk of rare, but potentially life-threatening, blood clots. It's now limited to adults who can't get another vaccine or only want J&J's shot. The news comes as COVID cases are on the rise and as the U.S. inches closer to one million total COVID deaths. The White House's COVID-19 response coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss.
After a leaked SCOTUS draft majority opinion, providers fear that medication abortions, which were the most popular abortions in the U.S. in 2020, are the next battleground in the fight over abortion rights. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian reports from Texas.
The Communist Party newspaper Granma said local officials reported 13 people missing and about 30 known injured.
The former secretary of state said women in Ukraine have "been the victims of not just murder and rape, but kidnapping."
Sophia Sapega, a Russian citizen, said she would appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene.
"I think that's a really good response," Dr. Rebecca Gomperts told CBS News, urging American women to store the pills, "in case you need it."
For decades Marcos' pillaging of the country's wealth was considered established fact. Some Filipinos expect his son to hand out gold bars if he's elected.
The actor who voices Sonic the Hedgehog breaks down his road to stardom and how he landed the role.
Emmy-winning writer, actor and comedian Ben Schwartz chats with Anthony Mason about his recent roles - including the voice of the iconic video game character Sonic the Hedgehog in "Sonic 2." They visit the former UCB Chelsea Theatre where Schwartz honed his improv skills and the Ed Sullivan Theater where he was once a page for the "Late Show with David Letterman."
Actor Amber Heard tearfully accused ex-husband Johnny Depp of physical and sexual abuse as she returned to the stand for her second day of testimony in the civil trial for the $50 million libel lawsuit filed by her ex-husband.
Heard took the stand again Thursday in the now four-week trial.
The case was dismissed without prejudice, which means it can be refiled and brought back to court.
"Technology is baked into the DNA of our generation," one teen activist said — but they don't always like it.
The Crew-3's return to Earth will close out a 176-day mission spanning 2,832 orbits and 75 million miles.
In the wake of the leak of documents revealing the Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade later this year, people are expressing concerns data about visits to abortion providers could get into the hands of anti-abortion protesters interested in targeting individuals or specific facilities. CBS News' Mola Lenghi and Tanya Rivero sit down with CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson to discuss.
"We're talking about Blueprint diagrams of fighter jets, helicopters, and missiles," Cybereason CEO Lior Div told CBS News.
To deter scammers and other bad actors, the search giant is now allowing people remove personal contact information.
Western states are experiencing the worst drought in at least 1,200 years, and scientists say climate change has made conditions significantly worse. Dartmouth College assistant professor of geography Justin Mankin joined CBS News' Mola Lenghi and Tanya Rivero to discuss the historic drought and how it's forcing communities to make an impossible choice.
The Crew-3's return to Earth will close out a 176-day mission spanning 2,832 orbits and 75 million miles.
The California condor -- the largest native North American bird, with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet -- were last spotted in the area around 1892.
The 5-ton apex-predator measuring 3 stories from nose to tail was found eviscerated its prey with sharp, curved claws.
Scientists from the Netherlands and the U.K. recently identified microplastics deep in the lungs of some surgical patients and in the blood of anonymous donors. Researchers say that it's possible to take in these particles through the air we breathe. Leigh Shemitz, president of SoundWaters, and Paul Anastas, director of the Center for Green Chemistry at Yale University, join CBS News' Lana Zak to discuss microplastics' impact on humans and what can be done to mitigate plastic pollution.
Stone Foltz was "taken from the car into his apartment and left alone on the couch to die," according to a lawsuit .
Why do terrible things happen to the men in Catherine Shelton's life? "48 Hours" contributor Jenna Jackson goes in search of answers in Part 2 of "Chasing Catherine Shelton" airing Saturday, May 7 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Police found Nikki Wilhoite's body on March 26 partially submerged in about 3 feet of water.
A one-time criminal defense attorney linked to five mysterious deaths says she always wanted to be a librarian.
The Marshals Service also released new images of Vicky White, who they said may have tinted her hair "a darker shade."
The splashdown went to plan, marking the end of the crew's 176-day mission and the maiden voyage of the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.
Three earlier attempts to load the giant rocket with 730,000 gallons of propellant were only partially successful.
The Crew-3's return to Earth will close out a 176-day mission spanning 2,832 orbits and 75 million miles.
The fireball disintegrated 34 miles above a swampy area, generating "an energy equivalent of 3 tons of TNT," NASA said.
Friday's launch was SpaceX's sixth Falcon 9 flight this month, its 17th so far this year and the 151st overall.
If it glittered or dazzled, it was likely being worn by a celeb at fashion's biggest party of the year
Looking for something fresh to watch? Here are the top films available on the streaming platform.
One of these shows could be your next binge obsession.
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial-killer Dexter Morgan.
Bizarre clues and evidence in the investigation into the Colorado mother's disappearance include a spy pen, plastic needle cap, and a chipmunk alibi.
Gen Z is the first generation to go from birth through adolescence completely connected. This episode of the CBS Reports documentary series "Are the Kids All Right?" reveals the toll the online world is taking on kids’ self-esteem and self-control, as well as how some intrepid teens are trying to reshape their generation's relationship with technology.
The nation's job growth continued at a pace well above pre-pandemic levels, the Labor Department reported, as U.S. employers added 428,000 new jobs in April. It's the 12th straight month of job gains surpassing the 400,000 mark. Lori Bettinger, president of BancAlliance and former director of the Troubled Asset Relief Program during the Obama administration, joined CBS News to discuss what the April jobs report means for the recovery of the labor market.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is reviewing its guidance to eliminate race-based medicine. Dr. Joseph Wright, a member of the academy's board of directors and chief health equity officer for the University of Maryland Medical System, spoke with CBS News anchors Tanya Rivero and Mola Lenghi about the process.
Why do terrible things happen to the men in Catherine Shelton's life? "48 Hours" contributor Jenna Jackson goes in search of answers in Part 2 of "Chasing Catherine Shelton" airing Saturday, May 7 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Former President Trump is holding a rally in Pennsylvania today to campaign for TV personality and Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz. CBS News Washington reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns joins CBS News' Mola Lenghi and Tanya Rivero to discuss the weight of the former president's endorsement and the role of the issue of abortion on the campaign trail.
Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.