The five best “smart” speakers for reasonable money on the Pakistani market have been named. There are already hundreds of “smart” speakers on the market from well-known brands and Chinese no-name manufacturers. Tech Facts figured out which speaker is best to buy if your budget is limited to 20-25 thousand rupees.
How to Choose a Smart Speaker in 2024
“Smart” is a speaker equipped with a microphone that works like a voice assistant. It can be used to build a “smart” home—for example, to supply power to a socket or turn on a TV with your voice, or simply as an interlocutor—you can start the music, find out the weather forecast, chat.
When choosing a speaker, you should start with your goals: if you just need a background for the kitchen, you can take something inexpensive and small. If you like to listen to music or throw a party, get ready to buy something more expensive. Here are the main parameters to choose from:
Sound power. 10 W will be enough for a kitchen get-together. Choose a speaker with a power of 25–30 W for a large room and loud sound.
Voice assistant. The standard is Marusya from VK and Salute from Sber. You can also find devices with Siri, but we did not include them in the rating because they are expensive and do not allow access to all functions.
The Best Smart Speakers
Station 2
The “smart” speaker ” Station 2″ is an advanced device, one of the best in the category, up to 20 thousand rubles. The sound is clear and powerful; you can comfortably listen to music. The microphone is sensitive, and Alice easily recognizes the voice, even if a loud track is playing. It works via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and you can set up control of the “smart” home through an internal hub using the Zigbee protocol. Devices will communicate with the speaker without connecting to the Internet, and it turns out quite quickly.
Pros
- Works quickly.
- Excellent sound.
- Small, easy to move from place to place.
Cons
- It’s not always easy to find on sale. They sell out quickly.
- Reviews complain that they would like a TV set-top box function.
Midi”
The Midi smart speaker is a universal device, and it is difficult to single out weak or strong points. On the one hand, the power is not enough for a really loud party, but it will definitely please with its volume in an ordinary living room. On the other hand, the Midi is too big for a small speaker in the kitchen. Most likely, this solution is for those who have already tried smart speakers and understand that they are not ready to overpay for a powerful station but do not want to be satisfied with mini-options
Pros
- Excellent sound for 15 thousand rupees.
- Compact and stylish looking.
Cons
- Reviews complain about the lack of HDMI.
- The price seems attractive. But if you buy it for the kitchen, it turns out to be quite expensive.
Sber SberBoom
The “smart” speaker Sber SberBoom will be useful primarily for those who want a “smart” home. This device can be used as a hub to control other equipment or make an alarm. The noise detector itself will determine whether a dog is barking or someone is walking around the house. Another option is to turn on the speaker as a baby monitor, which will catch a child’s crying.
Pros
- Impressive power for little money.
- Advanced voice assistant.
- You can buy two speakers and turn them on simultaneously from one sound source.
Cons
- Reviews complain that Salute does not always work quickly.
- Although there is a lot of power, the sound is not always clear without wheezing. It is better not to listen at maximum volume.
Station Light
The Station Light smart speaker is an inexpensive and optimal option for a small space. As a rule, you can see them in the kitchen – it’s convenient to chat with Alice or listen to music while you cook something tasty. The sound power is not too high, but the microphone is good and not that expensive.
Pros
- Price.
- It has a good, sensitive microphone.
- Stylish design takes up little space.
Cons
- It won’t be possible to throw a party, the volume is not high enough.
- The body is not moisture-proof, so it should be used carefully in the bathroom.
VK Capsule Neo
The “smart” speaker VK Capsule Neo is a budget solution with the voice assistant Marusya. Judging by user reviews, the device’s sound is even better than the analog, and the price is lower. But there are complaints about Marusya—allegedly, she is not as understanding as Alice.
Pros
- Clear sound.
- One of the cheapest smart speakers on the market.
Cons
- There is very little power. The comfort of listening to music is lost.
- In reviews, people sometimes complain that the speaker can periodically lose connection with the mobile phone and must be reconnected.
Which Smart Speaker to Buy in 2024
Now, when choosing a smart speaker, you should focus on the type of voice assistant you want to communicate with and the need for sound power.
For example, you need a small speaker for the kitchen, preferably very inexpensive. If you are ready to communicate with Marusya, take “VK Capsule Neo.” It has a louder sound. But Alice, judging by user reviews, understands commands better, and her music service is more popular, so you can take “Station Light.” It will be a little more expensive.
When you want a universal solution for making a “smart” home, take a look at Sber SberBoom: the sound will be better, and Salute works great as a center for controlling other devices.
If you have money and need loud sound – Midi” and . Station 2″. Whatever one may say, it is Alice that users often call an excellent assistant for parties, meaning it is better to take loud sounds based on it.
