Latest Smart Assistants Reviews
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Reviews
Soundcast VGtx Bluetooth audio transmitter review
Though it's expensive, the Soundcast VGtx can broadcast Bluetooth for a moderately greater distance than the average transmitter. It also has an optical pass-through, which can be handy in home audio systems.
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Como Audio Musica review: This lovingly crafted speaker is all kinds of music to our ears
It’s the Swiss Army Knife of micro stereo systems.
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Edifier S2000 Pro review: Bluetooth speakers on a whole other level
The excellent-sounding S2000 Pro speakers have more in common with studio monitors than your average bookshelf or Bluetooth speaker. Top notch stuff at a very reasonable price.
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Denon HEOS HomeCinema HS2 soundbar review: Alexa, play ‘Jurassic Park’
You’ll find Denon’s Heos HomeCinema HS2 soundbar and wireless subwoofer a solid, feature-rich package.
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Shinola Bookshelf Speakers review: Grandly waving the flag for U.S. audio technology
Compact design, excellent performance, and versatile connectivity render these monitors a must-hear collaboration.
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Polk Audio Command Bar soundbar review: Good sound, with Alexa at your service
The Polk Audio Command Bar mixes well-balanced and beefy sound (the latter courtesy of the included subwoofer) and Amazon Alexa. It works, but Alexa can be recalcitrant when the bar is producing sound.
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Focal Sib Evo Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 speaker system review: A convenient, but ineffective substitute for in-ceiling speakers
This speaker system delivers a solid surround-sound performance, but it doesn’t provide the perception of height.
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Aukey SK-S1 Bluetooth speaker review: Classy looks and sonic goodness (at least at low volume)
This pretty little near-field speaker will sound great on your desk, but it's not the right choice for parties or taking your tunes outdoors.
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Amazon Echo Look review: This Alexa manifestation is great for taking selfies, but you can’t trust its fashion sense
The Echo Look transform Amazon's Alexa into a fashion adviser, but she's not very effective in that role.
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Lenovo Smart Display review: The best home for Google Assistant so far
Lenovo brings Google Assistant to life with the Smart Display, an elegant speaker with an 8- or 10-inch screen and a personality all its own.
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Como Audio Amico review: This wireless music-streaming speaker can go where you go
Fashionable design and high-quality sound get this streaming speaker in the door; its ability to tune in everything from FM radio to Spotify and internet radio will convince you to take it with you.
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Yamaha YAS-108 review: One of the best entry-level soundbars you can buy
Strong sound, clear dialogue, DTS Virtual:X, and the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices at once make this small speaker a winner.
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Sonos Beam review: Features galore, but best suited to smaller home theaters
Alexa and AirPlay 2 support are just two of the features the Sonos Beam delivers, just don’t expect it to fill a big room.
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Ecobee Switch+ review: This powerful smart light switch is an Amazon Echo in disguise
It’s not perfect, but who wants another hockey puck just to talk to Alexa?
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Bluesound Pulse Mini Bluetooth speaker review: Great sound, strong feature set, and a few rough edges
The Bluesound Pulse Mini sounds great, will mesh with other Bluesound speakers, and plays music from a wide variety of sources. But its out-of-box experience and controls leave something to be desired.
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Amazon Fire TV Cube review: Neat hardware, but Alexa can’t keep up
The Fire TV Cube wants to replace your remote with voice commands, but Alexa isn't up for the challenge.
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Zvox AccuVoice AV200 TV Speaker review: This compact soundbar accentuates voices
Say what? The Zvox AccuVoice AV200 TV Speaker's hearing-aid technology makes voices easier to hear.
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Samsung HW-N450 soundbar review: A solid entry-level offering that’s ideal for Samsung TV owners
This value-laden sound bar delivers where it counts.
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iRobot Roomba 960 review: This robot vacuum leaves all others in its dust
It's worth pinching your pennies for the Roomba 960's premium features and superb performance.
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X-Fi Sonic Carrier review: Home theater of the absurd
Creative Technology's X-Fi Sonic Carrier is without reservation the finest soundbar on the market. But for the money, is it better than conventional surround sound?
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Urbanears Baggen and Stammen wireless speakers review: A multi-room audio system with old-school Hi-Fi charm
Bug-squashing firmware updates have improved this system, but it’s still not best in class.
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Anker SoundCore Boost Bluetooth speaker review: This little box delivers more thump than you’d think
For the price, this 12-hour box sounds very good. It has the punch that many speakers in its class lack, as well as a surprising amount of thump.
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Avantree TC418 Bluetooth transmitter review: Play your legacy audio gear through any Bluetooth speaker
When you want to stream from older audio equipment that doesn't understand Bluetoth, all you need is this handy, dual transmitter box. It's also useful for computers without Bluetooth audio output.
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Q Acoustics Concept 20 loudspeaker review: These gorgeous bookshelf speakers sound positively divine
A box-within-a-box design contributes to a delightfully impressively sonic signature.
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Anker SoundCore 2 Bluetooth speaker review: Good sound in a super small, very affordable package
Compact, with good sound for its size, the SoundCore 2 is a bargain at $39.
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GE Smart Lighting review: ZigBee or Z-Wave? In-wall or plug-in?
Jasco Products markets in-wall and plug-in ZigBee and Z-Wave lighting controls under the GE brand. Are they worthy of your smart home?
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Nest Hello review: This is a great video doorbell
Nest Hello is one of the best video doorbells we've tested, boasting great image quality and integration with Google's smart home.
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Maximus Camera Floodlight review: Brand X is trying harder
It's cheaper than the Ring Floodight Cam and offers some benefits that camera doesn't.
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MarkAudio-SOTA Tozzi One loudspeaker review: Audiophile sound in a small footprint
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more stylish, fun, and sweet-sounding set of small speakers under $450.
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Lutron Caséta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch Starter Kit review: This capable kit includes physical remote controls
The included Wi-Fi bridge can also control Lutron’s Serena motorized window shades.
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Sbode M400 Bluetooth speaker review: Fantastic features, but not much bass
Feature-wise, Sbode has nailed it with this supremely portable and affordable Bluetooth speaker. The sonic quality is decent for a weatherproof speaker, if you don't count the lack of thump.
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Apple HomePod review: For ardent Apple fans only
You’ll need a mobile Apple device of recent vintage just to set up this smart speaker, which is tightly tied to Apple services.
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Lux Kono smart thermostat review: Low-priced and well-connected, but light on advanced features
This is essentially a reboot of the Lux Geo in a smaller package with a swappable faceplate.
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Libratone Too Bluetooth speaker review: High-fidelity sound on the go
This portable speaker delivers uncommonly good near-field sound for its size.
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Polk Audio Signa S1 soundbar review: This budget speaker is a big improvement over the built-in audio in most TVs
Polk’s Signa S1 soundbar and wireless subwoofer offer a super-slim package at a budget price for those wanting to hear what they've been missing from their TV’s built-in audio.
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Vizio SmartCast Sound Bar (model SB3651-E6) review: The high-tech feature set comes with a few sonic tradeoffs
This soundbar delivers true 5.1-channel surround sound, but you'll need to hear it to decide if Vizio made the right compromises in its effort to hit this price point.
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66 Audio Pro Voice wireless headphones review: Alexa moves out of the smart home
Wearing these on-ear cans is like strapping a pair of Echos to your head.
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Google Home Max review: This is the best-sounding smart speaker you can buy
But Sonos might have more to fear than Amazon (ditto for Apple).
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Fender Monterey Bluetooth speaker review: Rugged, loud, and fun, but also pricey and only marginally portable
The absence of a battery leaves the thumpy Fender Monterey Bluetooth speaker reliant on AC power.
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JBL Pulse 3 review: This weatherproof Bluetooth speaker puts on a fun light show
An IPX7 weatherization rating means this speaker can survive a dip in the pool, but it's audio performance left us wanting.
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Q Acoustics M3 soundbar review: This budget-priced speaker delivers an outstanding audio performance
You'll be hard-pressed to find a better sonic performer at this price-point.
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Amazon Cloud Cam review: The gatekeeper for Amazon’s in-home delivery is a swell security camera
This Alexa-enabled camera is well-suited for any home-security scenario, and it has strong ties to other Amazon products.
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Edifier Luna e25 HD Bluetooth speaker review: Great sound, sci-fi looks, surprisingly affordable
These speakers show that you don't have to sacrifice sonic quality or break the bank to enjoy wireless sound. They're not portable, but for static installations they're fantastic.
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B&O Beoplay M3 review: A small multi-room powerhouse
Bang & Olufsen’s most affordable multi-room speaker is a strong value.
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Q Acoustics M2 Soundbase review: This no-frills speaker delivers
There's nothing fancy here, but this box delivers a great performance every time.
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Amazon Echo Spot review: This Alexa speaker is as sharp as it is smart
Amazon’s Echo Spot is its best smart speaker yet, with good looks, good sound, and a killer screen.
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Ultimate Ears Megablast Bluetooth speaker review: This Alexa-enabled speaker is loud and proud
This smart speaker is expensive, but it delivers a sonic performance you won't get from any Echo.
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Amazon Echo Plus review: Not plus enough
Amazon’s mid-range smart speaker comes up just a little short.
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Samsung HW-MS750 Sound+ soundbar review: Great for music, but you’ll want the optional sub for movies
Music sounds fantastic on Samsung’s flagship soundbar, but it needs more oomph for soundtracks.
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