Best Smart Speakers & Hubs UK (2026) — Page 2

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

Pros

• Waterproof, drop-resistant build genuinely goes from kitchen counter to garden or beach
• Switches seamlessly between Wi-Fi at home and Bluetooth on the move
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant plus the wider Sonos multi-room system

Cons

• 10-hour battery life trails some rival portable speakers