The best smart displays for 2023

Smart displays are the beating heart of the modern smart home. With the ability to sync with the rest of your gadgets and dish out commands, a good smart display is worth its weight in gold. They’re also great as standalone products, letting you check up on the news, catch the day’s weather forecast, or even stream your favorite TV show.

However, sifting through the mountain of gadgets available in 2023 can be difficult. If you need a bit of help navigating the waters, here’s a look at the best smart displays you can buy right now. These come from big-name companies like Google and Amazon, so there’s bound to be something that fits your home. Apple is one of the biggest companies missing from this list – although that could change next year. So, if you’re an iOS loyalist, it might be worth waiting a few more months to see what Apple is cooking up for the future.

amazon echo show 15 review large screen larger utility

Echo Show 15

The best smart display

Pros

  • Huge 15.6-inch screen
  • Widget functionality makes it easy to see tasks, smart home, and more at a glance
  • Different orientation options
  • Visual ID swaps between users

Cons

  • Lacks customization and personalization options
  • Software crashes without explanation

Why we picked the Echo Show 15:

Many smart displays are a little on the small side – and that can make them difficult to watch from across the room, limiting their range. The Echo Show 15 removes this concern with the largest smart display yet, a 15.6-inch touchscreen that you can mount on the wall like a picture frame or use with a countertop base, getting it right where you want. That also solves the problem of the Echo Show 10’s swiveling design that felt awkward or needed too much space in many setups.

Of course, you also get all the Alexa benefits here, including the ability to stream video (Alexa supports streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu), control your smart home, video chat with friends, or look through devices like the Ring Doorbell. It’s one of the most user-friendly models we’ve seen.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants the best smart display and is willing to pay for it, especially those who like watching shows and videos on a smart display that’s part of a kitchen or office setup. Willingness to use Alexa is also important, but with the Matter platform starting to roll out, compatibility with smart devices isn’t as crucial as it used to be.

Amazon Echo Show 15

Echo Show 15

The best smart display

google nest hub max review 5 of 14

John Velasco/Digital Trends

Google Nest Hub Max

The best Google Assistant display

Pros

  • Dazzling display, perfect for picture sharing
  • Camera adds a layer of home security
  • Auto-framing keeps us in view with video calls
  • Tailored experience thanks to Face Match

Cons

  • Audio quality is strained at louder volumes

Why we picked the Google Nest Hub Max

Sure, the Nest Hub Max has a larger screen than the original Nest Hub, but it also offers a lot more features and functionality in addition to its brilliant HD screen. It has a 6.5-inch megapixel camera with auto-framing so you can make video calls, and the camera will even follow you as you move around the room.

Face-match technology allows for a more personalized experience. When the Hub recognizes your face, it can show you content specific to you (video messages, reminders, upcoming calendar events, etc.). Up to six users can save a face-match profile. The Nest Hub Max also allows for quick gesture control, so you can use hand gestures to control certain functions (like pausing or playing a music track).

The Hub Max has a Nest Cam built-in. You can use the Nest Cam to check on your home while you’re away, although some of the more advanced features require a Nest Aware subscription.

Who’s it for: Those who want a feature-rich display that serves multiple functions. The Google Nest Hub Max is a versatile device that does it all … although it lacks the wall frame and extra-large screen options of the Echo Show 15.

Google Nest Hub Max

Google Nest Hub Max

The best Google Assistant display

google nest hub 2nd gen review on table

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

The best no-camera display

Pros

  • Accurate sleep tracking
  • Tons of data about your sleep
  • $100 starting price

Cons

  • Few new features over previous model

Why we picked the Nest Hub 2nd-generation:

Google’s Nest Hub smart display is one of the few that lacks a camera for video chatting, so you can only make voice calls using the device. Just like the original Nest Hub, the Nest Hub 2 doesn’t have a camera, but it has a 7-inch touchscreen that lets you better interact with Google Assistant. You can view recipes, watch shows, see song lyrics, see the devices in your smart home, and more.

The 2nd-generation model added in Soli radar for motion sensing, which allows the Hub to perform a feature called “Sleep Sensing.” This means the Hub can gather sleep data and provide tips on how to sleep better. Our review found this feature to be surprisingly accurate, with a dashboard that displays accurate data on how long it takes to fall asleep, respiratory rate info, and how long it takes to get out of bed.

Who’s it for: Those who use Google Assistant and want to view info on a smart display but don’t mind if their device lacks a camera. The Google Nest Hub is great for looking up recipes in the kitchen or checking your calendar with a voice command, so it’s ideal for a kitchen or as a bedside companion.

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

The best no-camera display

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) on table.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Echo Show 5 (2nd-gen)

The best budget smart display

Pros

  • One of the most affordable smart displays
  • Compact design that can fit nearly anywhere
  • Welcome privacy features

Cons

  • Too small for some purposes

Why we picked the Echo Show 5 (2nd-gen):

The Echo Show 5 is pretty small, with only a 5.5-inch screen. The Show 5 does, however, have a lot to offer in a tiny package. It supports the basic functions you can perform with most smart displays — make video calls, control your smart home devices, watch videos, and ask the assistant questions. But the Show 5 is a budget display, so it only has a 2-megapixel camera and a single 1.7-inch speaker. It also lacks the built-in Zigbee Hub that you’d get with the Echo Show 3. However, you can check in on your home using the Show 5’s camera via the Alexa app.

The Show 5 thrives in terms of its privacy features. It has a slider you can use to physically block the camera. You can also take advantage of newer Alexa Privacy features, like the ability to erase your recordings for the day.

Who’s it for: The Echo Show 5 is ideal for those who want a voice-assistant-powered device with a display screen but don’t want to spend too much cash. It’s the ideal starter smart display.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2021)

Echo Show 5 (2nd-gen)

The best budget smart display

A man sitting at a white desk and using a laptop with a Meta Portal next to it

image: Meta

Meta Portal

The best video call smart display

Pros

  • Affordable
  • AR filters for fun video chats with Meta apps like Messenger and WhatsApp
  • Built-in Alexa

Cons

  • Screen is a bit small for video chats

Why we picked the Meta Portal:

Once known as Facebook Portal, the revised Meta Portal is a picture frame-like smart display made to be Facebook-friendly. The 10-inch display includes a Smart Camera that can track your location when moving, and there’s an easy-access augmented reality (AR) library to add effects and filters to your video chats, so it’s ideal for casual video calls with friends.

The Portal works with expected apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Zoom, and more, so you probably won’t have to learn a new video platform. There’s also support for common music services like Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal. While Meta doesn’t have its own voice assistant (yet), the Portal fortunately comes with Alexa built-in, so it can do many of the things an Echo Show can.

Who’s it for: Those who use Facebook and related Meta services a whole lot (especially for flashy video chats) and are comfortable using Alexa for the rest. It’s also a good affordable pick for those who want to save money, although you can also spring for the 14-inch version if you want to pay more.

Meta Portal

Meta Portal

The best video call smart display

lenovo smart clock 2 review leader

Lenovo Smart Clock 2

The best alarm clock replacement

Pros

  • Full-color LCD screen
  • Smart design
  • Base plate with USB-A and Qi charging
  • MagSafe compatible
  • Great value

Cons

  • No video streaming
  • Finicky touchscreen
  • Limited configuration via app

Why we picked the Lenovo Smart Clock 2:

While some smart displays can make useful bedside companions (especially with easy-access to the camera shutter for privacy), Lenovo’s model is one of the few versions that’s specifically made to replace alarm clocks, although you may also find it works well on a desktop beside your computer. The small 4-inch touchscreen isn’t great for watching movies, but you can use it to stream simple videos, show a slideshow of photos, reveal album art – and, of course, tell the time.

With the built-in Google Assistant, you also get access to Google’s repertoire of smart capabilities and smart home routine support. The adjustable brightness is designed to include a small nightlight, too. And the model comes with a wireless dock that charges the clock, gives you a wireless charging pad that’s the perfect size for your phone, and adds a USB-A port for charging other accessories.

Who’s it for: Those who want a dedicated smart display for their bedside or desktop and don’t plan on watching any lengthy videos on it.

Lenovo Smart Clock 2

Lenovo Smart Clock 2

The best alarm clock replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smart display?

Think of a smart display as a Google Home or Amazon Echo speaker with a screen. This allows the voice assistant (Alexa or Google Home, for instance) to show you information instead of only telling you vocally.

What’s the difference between a smart display and a tablet?

Although tablets and smart displays have some similarities — they both have a display screen, they both play music, and they often both have an assistant (Siri, Google Assistant, Cortana, etc.) — the two devices have different primary functions.

A tablet is a portable computing device that’s primary functions are internet searches, social media, app games, email, etc. It’s a personal device that’s not meant to fill a room with sound. A smart display typically stays stationary and has large speakers for playing music out loud. Its primary functions include things like controlling smart devices and answering questions as well as streaming video or enabling video chats.

What can a smart display do?

Your smart display works with a smart assistant (like Alexa or Google Assistant) to read you the news, play music, play movies and TV, show you a feed of your security camera or video doorbell, show you a morning traffic or weather report, help you in the kitchen with conversions and recipes, set reminders and alarms for you, and so much more.

If I have a smart display, do I still need a smart home hub?

Not really. Some older devices that need Zigbee support won’t always work with a smart display, but this isn’t a common issue.

Most modern smart home products operate without the need for a hub, so you can control most smart devices with just your smart display (as long as they’re compatible). However, having a smart home hub can make your smart home more efficient.

Sometimes hubs will be required for specific devices, like certain Philips Hue bulbs or security systems you purchase from a professional provider.

What should I look for when buying a smart display?

Your top preferences will strongly influence which smart display is best for you. The Echo Show 5 and Nest Hub are excellent products if privacy and reasonable prices are your biggest priorities. If the top of your preference list is a bigger screen and superior audio quality, and you can swing a higher price, then you should check out the Echo Show 15 or the Google Nest Hub Max instead.

Which voice assistant is better: Alexa or Google Assistant?

We don’t have a definitive answer here. Alexa and Google Assistant often outperform each other in different categories. Alexa is compatible with a broader range of products than Google Assistant, for example. On the other hand, Google Assistant is superior when it comes to overall intelligence and responding to questions. 

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