A smart speaker makes for an easy first step into smart home technology. Before you kit out your house with thousands of dollars of lighting and security upgrades, you can familiarize yourself with voice-assistant technology while enjoying music, podcasts, and news in a hands-free home environment. Here are our top picks in several categories. If you want information about smart speakers in addition to our top recommendations, scroll down the page to read our in-depth buyers' guide. Alexa is the most popular voice assistant, and the 2024 edition of the Echo Pop is the best value in Amazon's smart speaker lineup. While it's not a true smart display, it is equipped with a touchscreen that can display the time, date, weather conditions, and other information. It can also show album art while streaming music (not that we recommend this speaker for that task).

Yes, Black Friday is basically here and, though we're not sure where this year went, all the sales are softening the blow. Amazon, sure to be the home of a lot of shopping this year, has already marked down some of its most wanted products. Included in the sales is our choice for best smart speaker under 50, the fifth generation Amazon Echo Dot. Right now, you can pick up the speaker for just 23 -- an all-time low price. The fifth-gen Amazon Echo Dot came out in 2022 and has great features, including exceptionally loud and clear audio for its sticker price (let alone the discounted one).

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Mail Best article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Dailymail.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Would you like a newly-improved Echo Dot that can wake you up, play music, audiobooks, answer your questions and more? Look no further than the Echo Dot (5th generation, 2022 release).

I have a love-hate relationship with my alarm. I rely on it to ensure I get up in the morning and perform important tasks throughout the day, but when it sounds in the morning, I glare at it with the fury of a thousand suns. A good alarm clock can make the waking experience less jarring -- with cool features like ramp-up lighting or pleasing nature sounds. But it doesn't stop there; the best alarm clocks have additional features like voice assistants and interactive displays that make your alarm clock more useful than ever. Picking the best alarm clock for you can be tough, especially with so many features, price points and brands.

SHOPPING: Products featured in this article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, MailOnline will earn an affiliate commission. If you've been holding off investing in the best smart home devices as they tend to be expensive, Amazon has dropped tons of epic deals ahead of Black Friday, including 64 per cent off this smart home bundle. Amazon has blessed us with early Black Friday deals, so you don't have to wait until the shopping bonanza officially starts on Friday, 25 November, to shop and save on gadgets to help automate your home, and you don't have to be a Prime member. This discounted bundle deal on not one but two Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) devices and a Meross Smart Plug - everything you need to create an Alexa smart home routine.

SHOPPING: Products featured in this article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, MailOnline will earn an affiliate commission. Amazon is running an unmissable deal right now that allows you to get a free Echo Dot (4th Gen) when you purchase a Ring Video Doorbell for just £59.99. Amazon has announced it will run a second Prime Day sales event in October ahead of Black Friday. But there are already some impressive deals and record-low prices on Amazon Echo and Alexa devices - and you don't have to be a Prime member.

SHOPPING: Products featured in this article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, MailOnline will earn an affiliate commission. Amazon has launched a massive End of Summer Sale with unmissable discounts on their bestselling Echo devices. But one deal not to be missed is the Amazon Echo 4th Gen Smart Bluetooth Speaker, which usually retails for £49.99, is currently on sale for £22.99. It's a must-have if you've been considering buying the popular gadget for some time or want to automate your home.

SHOPPING: Products featured in this article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, MailOnline will earn an affiliate commission. If you like a bargain, you will love this Amazon Prime Day deal. Right now, you can buy a Blink Video Doorbell and score an Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) for free. The annual shopping spectacular, which ends at midnight tonight and is exclusive for Prime members (non-members can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime to enjoy these savings), has been a great time to save on Amazon Echo and Alexa devices.

Products featured in this article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, MailOnline will earn an affiliate commission. Prime Day isn't due to start until tomorrow, but today Prime members can buy a Ring Video Doorbell Wired and Echo Dot (4th Gen) for £35.99, thanks to this early deal. Other deals include a third off Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), Stick-Up Cam and Floodlight Cam Wired Plus. But one deal not to be missed, the smart home bundle, which usually retails for £99.98, is currently on sale for £35.99.

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