The editorial staff of 20 Minutes did not participate in the production of this article.
The voice assistant is generally associated with an operating system (iOS, Android, etc.), even if nothing prevents the association of several “competing” devices.
For optimum efficiency, however, it is preferable to choose the voice assistant compatible with your existing devices (eg Siri for your Apple devices, Alexa for your Android devices, etc.).
Small selection of voice assistants among the best of the moment
Amazon Echo 4th generation: a voice assistant with an integrated connected hub
Google Nest Hub 2nd generation: a voice assistant with a touchscreen
Google Nest Audio (Chalk): a smart speaker compatible with the Google voice assistant
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation: the Alexa voice assistant integrated into a connected speaker
Amazon Echo Show 8: the Alexa voice assistant with an integrated touch screen
Apple HOMEPOD White: the Siri voice assistant directly integrated into a speaker
VASS Bluetooth speaker: a connected speaker compatible with Google voice assistant and Siri
Pure StreamR: a wireless speaker with built-in Alexa voice assistant
Apple HOMEPOD Mini: a discreet speaker to take the Siri voice assistant everywhere
Energy Sistem Smart Speaker 3 Talk: a Bluetooth speaker compatible with the Alexa voice assistant
Amazon Echo 4th generation: a voice assistant with an integrated connected hub
Amazon's Echo smart speaker makes it even easier to get in touch with Alexa, the brand's voice assistant.
The 4th generation of Echo is enriched with additional technologies, including a Zigbee connected hub.
This hub allows you to benefit from all of Alexa's suggestions, but also to connect your other electrical devices equipped with the same technology.
Thus, Amazon's essential voice assistant can also turn your lights on and off, or even unlock a lock.
The most
:
Easy to set up and use
A discreet and modern design
Compatible with Alexa voice assistant
Can act on sockets, switches, locks (Zigbee technology) ...
The least
:
A little sensitive microphone
Get the Amazon Echo model
Google Nest Hub 2nd generation: a voice assistant with a touchscreen
Between the tablet and the voice assistant, the 2nd generation Google Nest Hub quickly knows how to make itself indispensable.
With the built-in Google Assistant system, this smart speaker delivers clear, natural sound.
Its variable brightness makes it a real asset for falling asleep or waking up.
But the big highlight of this voice assistant remains its integrated touch screen, which allows it to present images or videos to search results.
The most
:
A voice assistant with screen
Ambient light diffusion
Easy and intuitive handling
Can provide information as well as broadcast videos (streaming, tutorials ...)
The least
:
A little bulky
Get the Google Nest Hub model
Google Nest Audio (Chalk): a smart speaker compatible with the Google voice assistant
Sound enthusiasts will be catered for with the Google Nest Audio (Chalk).
This smart speaker picks up your voice to query the Google voice assistant.
Thanks to a boomer, a tweeter and an equalizer, this speaker reproduces an impressive sound quality.
It can also be used on a daily basis to find out the weather forecast, the TV program, the cooking times for a recipe ... in short, everything that the Google Assistant allows you to obtain as information.
The most
:
A discreet and practical connected speaker
Compatible with Google Assistant
High-end sound (boomer, tweeter, equalizer ...)
Easy to set up
The least
:
A little sensitive microphone
Get the Google NestAudio model
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation: the Alexa voice assistant integrated into a connected speaker
The Echo Dot 3rd generation is arguably Amazon's best-known benchmark for voice assistants.
This speaker connected to the voice assistant Alexa evolves in particular thanks to the use of a fabric at the level of the speaker.
Thus, it restores a clearer and more powerful sound.
The 3rd generation Echo Dot can also be connected to other devices in the house in order to take control by voice (sockets, bulbs, high-tech ...), even if this handling remains quite complex for beginners.
The most
:
The most famous Amazon voice assistant
Facilitates the use of the Alexa voice assistant
Clearer sound
Wider dissemination
The least
:
Requires a little adaptation time
Get the Amazon Echo Dot model
Amazon Echo Show 8: the Alexa voice assistant with an integrated touch screen
In order to remain competitive, Amazon's Alexa voice assistant wanted to acquire a touch screen.
This is done with the Echo Show 8, which allows both to obtain the information requested from Alexa and to broadcast videos at the same time.
Watch a tutorial, follow a series on VOD ... This reference voice assistance combines the usefulness of a speaker connected to the pleasure of a digital tablet.
The most
:
A speaker connected to Alexa
An 8-inch touch screen
Good sound quality
An efficient microphone
The least
:
An unpleasant mirror effect on the screen
Get the Echo Show 8 model
Apple HOMEPOD White: the Siri voice assistant directly integrated into a speaker
In recent years, Apple users have become accustomed to using the Siri voice assistant.
The brand's Homepod smart speaker further simplifies this use, with impressive range and sound quality.
With its 6 microphones and 7 tweeters, this Apple connected speaker diffuses a pleasant sound, both during search results and during music streaming from dedicated applications (Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify, etc.).
The most
:
Easy to install and use
Compatible with Apple Siri voice assistant
6 microphones to pick up the voice several meters away
7 tweeters for high-end sound
The least
:
His price
Get the Apple HOMEPOD model
VASS Bluetooth speaker: a connected speaker compatible with Google voice assistant and Siri
No need to waste time entering internet searches thanks to the VASS Bluetooth speaker.
This connected speaker can work with Google voice assistant like Apple's.
It diffuses a rich and pleasant sound at 360 °, when the voice assistant you have requested answers you.
This connected loudspeaker also allows you to answer the phone and make a call.
The most
:
A connected speaker compatible with Android or iOS
Modern and elegant design
360 ° sound
Easy to connect to Siri or Google voice assistant
The least
:
Low autonomy (3 to 5 h)
Get the VASS Bluetooth model
Pure StreamR: a wireless speaker with built-in Alexa voice assistant
The Pure StreamR portable speaker emphasizes high quality sound reproduction, whether it is a search result or music streaming.
Embedded in the Alexa voice assistant patented by Amazon, this connected speaker allows you to get answers to your questions with a simple gesture (One-Touch Alexa).
In addition, its rechargeable battery has a great autonomy (up to 15 hours of use).
The most
:
A single button to trigger Alexa
Reproduces very good quality sounds
Integrated digital radio
Up to 15 hours of battery life
The least
:
His price
Get the Pure StreamR model
Apple HOMEPOD Mini: a discreet speaker to take the Siri voice assistant everywhere
Apple's traditional connected speaker with Homepod voice assistant is back in a more discreet version.
Not exceeding 9 cm in height, this speaker connected to Siri broadcasts 360 ° sound.
You can slide it anywhere, on a corner of a table or a small shelf.
Once connected to Siri, the Homepod Mini will answer all your questions about upcoming weather, going to the movies or even recipe ideas.
The most
:
A discreet and efficient voice assistant
Easily syncs to other devices in the room
360 ° sound diffusion
Compatible with an Apple TV
The least
:
A sometimes unstable connection
Get the HOMEPOD Mini model
Energy Sistem Smart Speaker 3 Talk: a Bluetooth speaker compatible with the Alexa voice assistant
If you want your Alexa voice assistant to also be able to serve as a connected speaker, this is possible with the Energy Sistem Smart Speaker 3 Talk Bluetooth speaker.
This high-tech equipment has a power of 5W and allows, among other things, to create several listening spaces (Multiroom) with other examples of this speaker.
Cordless but battery operated, this connected speaker with voice assistant can be easily moved from room to room.
The most
:
Compatible with Alexa
Acts as a connected speaker without a voice assistant if needed
Good autonomy (up to 6 h)
Easy to use in multiple rooms
The least
:
His price
Get the Smart Speaker 3 model
What are the main functions of a voice assistant?
The main function of a voice assistant is to answer your everyday questions.
By voice, you can, in particular, know the weather forecast over several days, the cooking time for hard-boiled eggs or the TV program.
Any type of question can be asked to the voice assistant, which is constantly evolving to recognize requests.
Depending on the model, this type of equipment can also make or receive a call, recall appointments noted in a diary, diffuse mood light to fall asleep and wake up, or even take control of your electrical outlets. and your bulbs.
What criteria should be taken into account when choosing a voice assistant?
Choosing the best voice assistant depends on your needs on the one hand, and your budget on the other.
For occasional and / or family use, a basic speaker connected to an independent assistant is sufficient and affordable.
On the other hand, the most efficient voice assistance systems, both in terms of connectivity and sound quality, can quickly represent a significant expense.
The voice assistant is now part of everyday life and saves time in many areas. However, this type of high-tech accessory remains quite complex for the uninitiated to learn. Do not hesitate to be accompanied in the configuration of your voice assistant in order to benefit from all its potential.
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