Amazon Echo vs. Google Home: Which is Better?

What’s one of the easiest ways to take the jump into the world of smart devices? A voice-activated speaker! If you’ve ever used Siri on your iPhone, you’re already aware of some of the things you can do with these devices. You might also know that they’re relatively easy to install and use right out of the box — making them a great way to break into the smart home craze.

In fact, the hardest part of getting a smart speaker might actually be choosing which one to buy. In this post, we’ll go over some of the pros and cons of the two main products on the market: Amazon Echo and Google Home.

Amazon Echo Pros and Cons

Commonly known as Alexa (for the name the speaker responds to), the Echo was the first main-stream voice activated speaker on the market. This plastic cylinder comes in black and white and features a colored ring that illuminates when in use.

If non-stop music is what you’re after, one benefit of the Echo is that it features the louder speaker of the two products. The Echo can stream music from any number of music listening platforms including Pandora and Spotify. Users can also play music from their own digital libraries.

But there are many other unique features that really make this speaker “smart”. This is where the Echo really shows off with over 11,000 third party skills. Using just your voice and your Echo, you can order a pizza, request an Uber, buy groceries online, or any number of other tasks. And with updates happening regularly, these functions continue to grow and improve automatically.

Google Home Pros and Cons

The smaller size of the Google Home makes it slightly more convenient than the Echo in terms of choosing where to install it. About the size of and shape of a stemless wineglass, this speaker comes in a wider range of colors. This suits a greater variety of stylistic preferences.

When it comes to the quality of the speaker, the Home makes up in quality what it lacks in volume. Most users agree that music sounds better from the Home, even if it isn’t as loud. Like the Echo, music can be accessed from any number of streaming platforms or your own digital library.

While Google Home doesn’t have anywhere near the number of third party skills that the Echo does, it is slowly closing the gap between the two products. At the moment, the Echo definitely wins in this respect — but it probably won’t be long before the Google Home catches up.

Finding a Reliable Home Automation Specialist

Making sense of the latest developments in the smart home landscape can be confusing to say the least. Whether you’re choosing a smart speaker, smart shades, or a smart thermostat, a reliable home automation specialist can help ensure that you get the absolute best product to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Additionally, a home automation specialist will be a lifesaver when it comes to installations and troubleshooting. Look online to find a reliable specialist near you. Don’t be afraid to ask about qualifications and experience, and even for references. Once you find a home automation specialist you can trust, you’ll be in expert hands as you bring your home into the 21st century.