Best Smart Speakers & Hubs UK (2026) — Page 3

Pros

• Built-in chime with 19 ringtones doubles as a doorbell and sensor alarm base
• Sub-1GHz low-power protocol gives whole-home range for Tapo sensors
• Connects up to 64 Tapo smart devices from one hub

Cons

• Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and only works with Tapo-branded sensors and cameras

Pros

• Larger driver delivers noticeably fuller, room-filling sound than the standard Echo Dot
• Built-in smart home hub adds Zigbee, Thread and Matter support without extra hardware
• Early access to the more conversational Alexa+ assistant

Cons

• Newer release, so UK review volume is still building

Pros

• Compact half-sphere design fits on shelves, desks or bedside tables
• Full-range sound is punchy for the size and price
• Doubles as a basic smart home hub for Alexa voice control

Cons

• Smaller driver than the standard Echo, so bass is limited

Pros

• Learns existing IR remotes in seconds to consolidate TV and AC control
• Bridges non-Wi-Fi SwitchBot devices to the cloud for remote access
• Works with Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts and IFTTT

Cons

• Needs a separate 5V USB power adapter, not included

Pros

• Connects up to 128 Aqara Zigbee devices from one hub
• Built-in siren doubles as a basic home alarm
• IR blaster adds control of TVs and air conditioners

Cons

• Only pairs with Aqara Zigbee devices, not third-party Zigbee kit
• Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi — no 5GHz or Wi-Fi 6 support

Pros

• Dolby Atmos and spatial audio deliver Amazon's best sound quality yet
• 40% smaller redesign than the original cylindrical Echo Studio
• Doubles as a Zigbee/Matter smart home hub

Cons

• Spatial audio currently only available via Amazon Music