Amazon Alexa vs Google Home Speakers Comparison
Speakers may be the least of our priorities right now because today’s smartphones can literally do anything. But isn’t it awesome to own a speaker for road trips, small parties, and whatnots? And if you’re planning to buy one, you might as well get the best one. Let’s focus on 2 of the top smart speakers in the market today – Amazon Alexa vs Google Home speakers.
There are a wide variety of speakers in the market right now, but with everything going digital and techy, we need a speaker that is ‘smart’ and can, again, do anything that we’ve never even thought was possible. If you’re someone who tries to keep up with the latest trend and fails miserably, don’t worry — you are not alone! You have to admit, it’s really a headache to keep pace with the world of technology. So let’s make this easier, shall we? To it easier because we’ve narrowed it down to the ‘best ones’ Amazon Alexa vs Google Home.
Amazon Alexa vs Google Home: Design & Appearance
Amazon Echo smart speaker has now six designs to choose from, while Google Home has seven. Both brands offer designs using different materials, including wood, metal, as well as fabric. With both Echo and Google Home’s sleek and very modern designs, these speakers are really eye candy, making it the perfect decoration accessory. They’re both small and do not occupy a lot of space, which is, of course, an advantage.
Alexa vs Google Home: Performance
Since the Amazon Echo and Google Home are smart speakers, we know that their main feature is that they are controlled using our voice — and they’re pretty good at it! With regard to its sound performance, both produce excellent sound but not quite perfectly. But then again, we have to remember that they are not posing as a sound system either. They’ve delivered what they’ve promised, and that’s what’s important.
So what’s really the difference between the two? Compatibility wise, they can both stream from Spotify, Pandora and TuneIn radio. The Amazon Echo, as expected, can play from Amazon Prime Music, and Google can stream from Play Music and Youtube (now this is an advantage). Both speakers also allow multiple devices to stream.
Needless to say, Google Home has the capability to link to multiple Google accounts, including Google Keep, Google Maps, and Google Calendar. But Amazon Echo can basically do these, only on a different platform or app. And did I mention that you can also link your Google Home device to Netflix? If that’s not awesome, then I don’t know what is. Moving on, although switching to multiple accounts is workable in Google Home, users can still take advantage of customizing through Home’s user voice recognition. Another bonus point for Google Home for its ability to synchronize playlist across all users. Both speakers can synchronize several speakers simultaneously in different rooms. However, Amazon Home prides itself on its capability to expand an even wider range of smart skills and apps. Another plus is that you can select your preferred and needed ‘skills’ on Echo.
Amazon Alexa vs Google Home: Price
Google Home starts at $89, while Amazon Echo is a pretty good alternative at $79.99.
Amazon Alexa vs Google Home: Final Verdict
As mentioned previously, Amazon Echo and Google Home are the best in the market right now. They have basically the same functions and they’re both ‘smart’, like, really smart. So the decision rests really on the brand, its compatibility, and the budget.
Are you more of a Google or Amazon person? Because nowadays, that’s kind of important (like Windows vs. Mac; or iPhone vs. Samsung). I can live off with Spotify, which I can stream using either of the devices. But if you’re someone who loves YouTube, then you’re better off with Google Home.
Do you shop from Amazon a lot? Then I bet you’re a Prime member (free 2 days shipping, Amazon Video and Music included). And if you’re a Prime member you’re going to have the Amazon Music already included with your account. However, for Google Play, you’ll have to pay a fee to listen their songs. So that’s okay if you only plan to use your Spotify or Pandora to listen music. But their built in music player works great with their own platforms. So if you have Prime, get the Alexa without any doubt. If not then think about if you’ll get the Google Play or Amazon Music memberships.
If you’re someone who enjoys a lot of apps and ‘skills’, then choosing Amazon Echo is a no-brainer. Like literally they have many apps and skills, and their library is growing, “play guided meditation, play a game, play rainforest sounds, etc”. But if you want a ‘better’ personal assistant, most reviews are pointing to Google Home.
Price-wise, Google Home was $30 more expensive than Amazon Echo – that’s a big difference given that they offer the same basic functions. But currently, they are almost similar price point.
Google Home is definitely a good buy, but for now, I’d go with Amazon Echo. With the same functionality, I can get a smart speaker for a more affordable price, and I buy everything from Amazon, so music is included already.
FAQ’s
What are Amazon Echo and Google Home?
- Amazon Echo and Google Home are the two biggest smart speakers with built-in voice assistants. Over Wi-Fi, you can command these speakers to play music, answer general questions, and can control smart home devices.
I just want to play music, which of the two is better Amazon Echo or Google Home?
- Both Amazon Echo and Google Home are excellent smart speakers that do what they are expected to do (and more brilliantly) – to play music. You’re a sure winner with either of the two. If you’re a member of Amazon Prime, Alexa would be better because Amazon Music would be included with your membership already. If you fancy Youtube, then Google Home should be a better one.
I want a reliable personal assistant. Which do I pick?
- Google Home is said to have a ‘more dependable’ voice assistant. It’s better at listening and answering questions.