Smart speakers can play music, answer questions, set timers and reminders, and even control other devices around your home.
You may have heard people talking to Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri and wondered what is actually happening.
The good news is that you do not need to understand the technology behind them to use one.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we explain what a smart speaker is, how it works, what you can use one for, and what you need to get started.
On this page
- What is a smart speaker?
- How does a smart speaker work?
- What can you do with a smart speaker?
- Do smart speakers need Wi-Fi?
- Do you need a smartphone?
- Can a smart speaker control other devices?
- Are smart speakers always listening?
- Which smart speakers are available?
- Are smart speakers difficult to set up?
- Is a smart speaker worth having?
- Frequently asked questions
What Is a Smart Speaker?
A smart speaker is a speaker with a built-in voice assistant.
Instead of having to press buttons or use a remote control, you can ask the speaker to do things using your voice.
For example, you might say:
“Alexa, set a timer for 20 minutes.”
or:
“Hey Google, what will the weather be like tomorrow?”
Depending on the device, the speaker can then answer you or carry out your request.
Popular examples include Amazon Echo speakers, Google Nest speakers and Apple HomePod.
How Does a Smart Speaker Work?
Although a smart speaker can seem clever, the basic process is quite simple.
1. You say the wake word
Most smart speakers wait for a particular word or phrase.
For example:
- “Alexa” on many Amazon Echo devices
- “Hey Google” on Google devices
- “Siri” on Apple devices
2. You ask for something
You might ask:
“Alexa, what time is it?”
3. The speaker processes your request
For many requests, the device uses your internet connection to process what you have said and determine what you want it to do.
4. It gives you an answer or performs an action
The speaker might tell you the time, play a radio station, start a timer or turn on a compatible smart light.
What Can You Do With a Smart Speaker?
This is where smart speakers can become surprisingly useful.
You can use one for everyday tasks such as:
- Playing music and radio
- Setting alarms
- Setting cooking timers
- Checking the weather
- Asking simple questions
- Creating reminders
- Adding items to a shopping list
- Listening to podcasts
- Getting news updates
- Making certain calls
- Controlling compatible smart-home devices
You don’t have to use all these features.
Many people simply use their smart speaker for music, radio, weather and timers — and that is perfectly fine.
A simple example
Imagine you’re cooking and your hands are covered in flour.
Instead of finding your phone and setting a timer manually, you could simply say:
“Alexa, set a timer for 15 minutes.”
That convenience is one of the main reasons people like smart speakers.
Do Smart Speakers Need Wi-Fi?
Usually, yes.
A smart speaker normally needs access to your home Wi-Fi and the internet to provide most of its smart features.
Without an internet connection, many functions — such as answering questions, streaming music or controlling online services — may not work normally.
You therefore generally need:
Broadband internet → Wi-Fi router → Smart speaker
You don’t normally need to connect the speaker with an Ethernet cable.
Do You Need a Smartphone?
You will usually need a smartphone or tablet when you first set up a smart speaker.
For example, you may need an app to:
- Sign in to your account.
- Find your new smart speaker.
- Connect it to your Wi-Fi.
- Choose your preferences.
- Connect services such as music.
Once everything is set up, you can perform many everyday tasks simply by talking to the speaker.
So you don’t need to pick up your phone every time you want to use it.
Can a Smart Speaker Control Other Smart Home Devices?
Yes — and this is one of their most useful features.
Compatible devices can include:
- Smart plugs
- Smart bulbs
- Smart thermostats
- Smart TVs
- Smart doorbells
- Smart cameras
For example, if you have a compatible lamp connected through a smart plug, you might be able to say:
“Alexa, turn on the living room lamp.”
The smart speaker then sends the command to the appropriate smart-home system.
👉 New to smart plugs? Read our guide: What Is a Smart Plug and How Does It Work?
This is an important internal link to add once our Smart Plug article is published.
Are Smart Speakers Always Listening?
This is a common concern.
Smart speakers need to listen for their wake word so they know when you are trying to speak to them.
That does not mean every sound in your home is intended to be recorded and treated as a command. Once the device detects its wake word, however, the request that follows may be processed by the provider’s systems.
Smart speakers normally provide privacy controls, and many have a physical microphone mute button.
If privacy is important to you, it is worth checking the privacy and voice-history settings for your particular device.
Beginner tip: Look for the microphone symbol on your speaker. Pressing its mute control prevents the microphone from responding until you switch it back on.
Which Smart Speakers Are Available?
There are three major ecosystems beginners are likely to encounter.
Amazon Echo
Amazon’s Echo range uses Alexa.
You can ask Alexa questions, play music, set timers and control compatible smart-home devices.
Google Nest
Google’s smart speakers can perform similar tasks and integrate with Google’s services and compatible smart-home products.
Apple HomePod
Apple’s HomePod range works particularly well within Apple’s ecosystem and uses Siri for voice control.
There is no single smart speaker that is automatically best for everyone.
If you already use several products or services from Amazon, Google or Apple, staying within that ecosystem can often make setup and everyday use simpler.
Are Smart Speakers Difficult to Set Up?
Usually not.
The exact steps depend on the model, but setup generally looks something like this:
- Plug the smart speaker into the mains.
- Download the manufacturer’s app.
- Sign in or create an account.
- Follow the instructions in the app.
- Connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi.
- Choose any services you want to use.
- Try your first voice command.
Is a Smart Speaker Worth Having?
For many beginners, a smart speaker can be one of the easiest introductions to smart-home technology.
You don’t need to build a complicated smart home.
A single speaker can be useful just for:
Music + radio + timers + reminders + weather
Then, if you become more confident, you can gradually add smart plugs, lights and other compatible devices.
If you’ve never used smart-home technology before, starting with one speaker in a room you use frequently is a sensible approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a smart speaker without paying a monthly fee?
The basic functionality of many smart speakers does not require a monthly subscription, although particular music, entertainment or other third-party services may charge separately.
Can a smart speaker play normal radio stations?
Many smart speakers can play radio stations through internet-based radio services. You can usually ask for the station by name.
Can I turn the microphone off?
Many smart speakers have a microphone mute control. Check the instructions for your particular model.
Can I have more than one smart speaker?
Yes. You can have speakers in different rooms, and compatible models may be able to work together.
Can I use a smart speaker if I’m not good with technology?
Yes. Once it has been set up, basic voice commands can actually be easier than navigating menus and apps.
Start with simple requests such as:
“Set a timer for 10 minutes.”
or:
“What is the weather today?”
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