The Best Smart Displays of 2020
Our take
For a does-it-all smart display that works well with your other Google and Android devices, the Google Nest Hub Max is our top choice. It includes a built-in Nest Cam for surveillance or video calls; its large HD display is perfect for YouTube videos (or for looking up recipes while you’re cooking). It also serves as a smart home hub, packs in a capable pair of stereo speakers, and can display photos when not in use.
Stand-out features include
- Built-in Google Assistant
- Smart home hub
- Stereo speakers
- 10-inch HD touchscreen display
- 6.5MP camera with FaceMatch technology
Our take
For the best multifunctional smart display with access to Alexa and the rest of Amazon’s best services, opt for the Echo Show. Use it as a camera for surveillance or video calls, or stream music and video from Amazon Prime services. The 5MP camera is perfect for video calls. You can also use it as a security camera or pair it with your Ring devices.
Stand-out features include
- Built-in Amazon Alexa
- Smart home hub
- Stereo speakers
- 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display
- 5MP camera
- Microphone/camera off button
Our take
Combine security with smart home control through the Amazon Echo Show 5. You can create routines and ask Alexa to view cameras and manage other smart devices. The Echo Show also includes privacy features like a shutter for the camera and microphone. Price: $89.99
Stand-out features include
- Built-in Amazon Alexa
- Mono speaker
- 5.5-inch touchscreen display
- 1MP camera with privacy shutter
- Microphone/camera off button
Our take
Lenovo offers a large, multifunctional smart display similar to the Google Nest Hub Max or the Echo Show, but with a different form factor that makes it feel more like a TV. Instead of hiding speakers at the bottom or back of the display, it mounts one powerful speaker to the left of the screen. It also has an attractive wood backing. Buying tip: If the price tag is too high, Lenovo offers a similarly appointed 8-inch size that starts at $100 less.
Stand-out features include
- Built-in Google Assistant
- Large mono speaker
- 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display
- 5MP camera with privacy shutter
Our take
The Google Nest Hub is a smaller, camera-free version of the Nest Hub Max. You can’t use it for surveillance or video messaging, but you don’t need to worry about camera privacy, either. While it’s not technically a smart home hub (it doesn’t support Zigbee or Z-wave devices) it does have built-in compatibility with a number of popular home automation brands.
Stand-out features include
- Google Assistant
- Mono speaker
- 7-inch touchscreen display
Smart Display FAQs
Smart displays are essentially tablets with built-in virtual assistants (i.e. Alexa or Google Assistant). Equipped with touch screens and voice control, you can usually control it by speaking to it or navigating manually. You can set alarms, play music, and some even have video call capabilities. Different models pack in additional features such as smart home automation, security cameras, stereo speakers and custom displays to showcase the time or your photos.
You might be wondering why none of our top smart displays work with Apple’s Siri, one of the world’s most popular virtual assistants. Well, Apple keeps its Siri technology for its own products, and the tech giant has not released a smart display as part of its HomeKit suite. However, it’s possible to use an iPad to control your HomeKit to function in a similar way to the smart displays listed above.
Place your smart display in the room that you think you’ll use it in the most. If you plan on using it as an alarm, asking it about the weather or to give you news updates, you may want to consider putting it in your bedroom. For privacy’s sake, we recommend one with a camera shutter or off button if you plan on putting it in your bedroom. If you plan to use it to search for recipes, listen to music, and video call your family and friends, your kitchen might be a better place for it. Many people appreciate having a smart display in the kitchen to read recipes and watch cooking videos.
Some smart displays work with Amazon Alexa. The others work with Google Assistant. Both have very similar functionalities, but if you prefer to use Amazon Alexa, make sure you carefully read the features of the devices that you are considering.