While both Alexa and Google Home have their own pros and cons, we’ll discuss each one briefly and make our own choice. We like the UIs on both devices, but Google’s smart speaker is easier to use than Alexa’s. We prefer the way Alexa suggests commands, which is far more useful for the average home user. But what’s not so great about Google’s smart speaker?
For example, Alexa needs specific commands in order to understand what you’re saying. Google Assistant, on the other hand, understands context better than Alexa. You can tell it to turn off the TV lights when you’re outside, for example, but you need to say “TV lights” to trigger the action. However, Google Assistant doesn’t allow you to set specific locations, making the device incredibly unfriendly to use.
For the average home, Alexa has more compatible accessories and a bigger skill library. However, Google’s app is more functional and has a better mobile interface. However, Alexa’s app lists compatible accessories horizontally, making it more convenient to navigate. Unfortunately, Google hasn’t implemented Z-Wave or Zigbee hubs. These two devices can connect to compatible accessories, automate your home, and help you save energy, all without burdening your Wi-Fi network.
Another option is the Sonos One, which is a great sounding small wireless speaker, though the microphones don’t pick up as well as the microphones on Google Home. The Lenovo Smart Display is a promising Google Assistant alternative. Both speakers are 8-inch and 10-inch, and both have privacy covers. You can even purchase a privacy cover to protect your personal data. There are many other smart speakers out there, so there’s no need to pick one or the other.
