Smart Home & Security — Smart Speakers & Hubs (2026)

Pros

• Best-selling smart speaker on Amazon UK, cheap entry point into Alexa
• Doubles as a smart home hub for compatible plugs and lights
• Frequently discounted, easy to buy multiples for whole-home coverage

Cons

• Small speaker driver — not a serious music speaker

Pros

• Google Assistant voice control with strong search and calendar integration
• Wall-mountable with a built-in hook
• Compact and affordable for multi-room setups

Cons

• Fewer third-party smart home integrations than Alexa in the UK

Pros

• Built-in smart home hub supports Zigbee devices directly
• Touchscreen doubles as a video calling and camera viewing display
• Spatial audio noticeably fuller than the Dot

Cons

• Bulkier — needs proper counter or shelf space

Pros

• Surprisingly rich 360-degree sound for its size
• Deep integration with Apple Home and Siri handoff from iPhone
• Doubles as a Thread border router for Matter devices

Cons

• Siri is less capable than Alexa for third-party smart home skills

Pros

• Built-in Zigbee hub controls compatible bulbs, plugs and sensors directly
• Noticeably fuller bass than the Dot for background music
• Spherical design fits most decor styles

Cons

• No screen — pair with an Echo Show for visual smart home control

Pros

• Cheapest current Echo speaker, ideal for filling extra rooms with Alexa
• Semi-sphere design with surprisingly full sound for its size
• Same smart home hub features as the pricier Dot

Cons

• No line-in or stereo pairing with non-Echo speakers

Pros

• Acts as a Matter controller, bridging SwitchBot devices into Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home
• Built-in temperature and humidity sensor for automations
• Infrared blaster controls existing TVs, aircon and other IR remotes

Cons

• No speaker or voice assistant — purely a hub/remote device

Pros

• Compact 5.5-inch touchscreen, smaller footprint than the Show 8
• Adjustable stand angles the screen for bedside or kitchen counter use
• Doubles as a video doorbell and camera viewer

Cons

• Smaller speaker driver than the Show 8 — less suited as a primary music speaker

Pros

• Rich, room-filling sound that outclasses most voice-first speakers
• Built-in Alexa alongside optional Google Assistant and Sonos app control
• Stereo pair or multi-room grouping with other Sonos speakers

Cons

• No Zigbee/Thread hub features — a pure music speaker

Pros

• Acts as a Matter controller and Thread border router in one compact hub
• Bridges Aqara Zigbee sensors and locks into Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home
• Amazon's Choice pick in Home Automation Hubs

Cons

• No speaker or voice assistant — purely a bridging hub

Pros

• 7-inch touchscreen doubles as a photo frame and video control panel
• Motion-based Sleep Sensing feature built in, no wearable needed
• Strong Google Assistant search, routines and calendar integration

Cons

• No built-in camera, so no video calling like the Nest Hub Max