Your Smart Home Deserves a Smart Display
We've tested dozens of smart displays to find the ones that truly elevate your connected home experience. These aren't just digital picture frames—they're powerful command centers that control your smart devices, stream your favorite shows, make video calls, and keep your household running smoothly.
After extensive hands-on testing, we've identified the smart displays that deliver the best combination of display quality, voice assistant performance, smart home integration, and value. Whether you're building your first smart home or upgrading your existing setup, here are the displays that deserve a spot in your home.
Best Overall: Amazon Echo Show 15
$280 from Amazon
What we like: The 15.6-inch Full HD display is perfect for kitchens and family rooms, serving as a true command center for your smart home. The wall-mountable design (portrait or landscape) saves counter space while providing at-a-glance access to calendars, shopping lists, security cameras, and widgets. Alexa's visual responses make controlling smart devices intuitive, and the built-in camera supports video calls plus visual ID for personalized content.
Other things to know: Works seamlessly with Ring doorbells and cameras. The large screen is ideal for following recipe videos while cooking. Some users prefer a smaller display for bedrooms. Fire TV integration lets you stream content, though it's better suited for quick viewing than binge-watching sessions.
Best for Google Users: Google Nest Hub Max
$230 from Google Store
What we like: The 10-inch HD display hits the sweet spot for size—large enough for video calls and streaming, compact enough for any room. Google Assistant's visual responses are incredibly helpful, and the integration with Google Photos turns it into a beautiful digital frame when idle. The built-in Nest Cam provides home monitoring with face recognition, and the sound quality surpasses most smart displays in this category.
Other things to know: Works brilliantly with Nest thermostats, doorbells, and cameras. YouTube and YouTube TV integration is seamless. The gesture controls let you pause media without touching the screen. Thread and Matter support ensures compatibility with the latest smart home devices.
Best Budget Option: Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
$150 from Amazon
What we like: The 8-inch HD display delivers impressive value, offering most of the Echo Show 15's features in a more affordable, portable package. The centered camera with auto-framing makes video calls look professional, and spatial audio provides surprisingly rich sound for its size. Alexa routines work flawlessly, and the display is bright enough to see clearly from across the room.
Other things to know: Perfect bedside companion with sunrise alarm and sleep tracking features. The built-in smart home hub supports Zigbee and Matter devices directly. Comes in Charcoal or Glacier White to match your décor. The 13MP camera is a significant upgrade from previous generations.
Best Compact Display: Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
$100 from Google Store
What we like: The 7-inch display is ideal for nightstands, desks, or tight spaces where a larger screen would feel overwhelming. Sleep Sensing technology tracks your sleep patterns without a camera or wearable, and the sunrise alarm gradually brightens to wake you naturally. Google Assistant's quick access to calendars, weather, and commute info makes morning routines effortless.
Other things to know: No camera means enhanced privacy for bedrooms. The Soli radar chip enables gesture controls and sleep tracking. Works with Google Home, Nest, and Chromecast devices seamlessly. Available in four colors to complement any room. Energy-efficient design uses minimal power.
Best for Video Calls: Meta Portal+
$280 from Amazon
What we like: The 14-inch display with 2K resolution and Smart Camera technology delivers the best video calling experience we've tested. The camera follows you around the room with smooth tracking, keeping you centered even when you move. The portrait orientation is perfect for kitchen counters, and the sound quality rivals dedicated smart speakers.
Other things to know: Works with WhatsApp, Messenger, and Zoom for versatile calling options. Alexa built-in provides voice control and smart home integration. Story Time brings AR effects to video calls with kids. The privacy features include a camera cover and microphone mute switch. Netflix, Spotify, and other streaming apps are supported.
Best Premium Option: Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
$250 from Amazon
What we like: The motorized base rotates the 10.1-inch HD screen to follow you around the room—a genuinely useful feature for video calls and recipe viewing while cooking. The premium sound system with directional audio is the best we've heard on any smart display. The built-in Zigbee hub connects directly to compatible smart devices without additional equipment.
Other things to know: The motion feature can be disabled if you find it distracting. Works as a mobile security camera when you're away, panning to show different areas of the room. The screen quality is crisp and bright. Heavier than other displays, so it's best kept in one location rather than moved frequently.
Best for Apple Users: iPad Mini with HomePod Mini
From $500 (combined)
What we like: While not a traditional smart display, pairing an iPad mini with a HomePod mini creates the most versatile smart home interface for Apple ecosystem users. HomeKit control is unmatched, and the iPad's full app support means you can access any service or smart home platform. The combination provides excellent sound quality and a gorgeous display.
Other things to know: More expensive than dedicated smart displays but offers tablet functionality when needed. Siri's smart home control continues improving with each iOS update. The iPad can be wall-mounted with third-party accessories. Battery operation means true portability. HomeKit Secure Video works with compatible cameras.
Best for Entertainment: Lenovo Smart Display 7
$90 from Lenovo
What we like: Google Assistant integration at an incredibly competitive price point. The 7-inch touchscreen is responsive and bright, perfect for streaming YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify while you work or cook. The fabric-covered design looks more like home décor than tech, and the privacy camera shutter provides peace of mind.
Other things to know: One of the most affordable ways to add a smart display to multiple rooms. The sound quality is adequate for podcasts and casual listening but not audiophile-grade. Works with Google Home devices and Chromecast. The compact size fits easily on crowded counters or shelves.
How We Chose These Smart Displays
We evaluated each smart display based on several critical factors:
Display Quality: Screen size, resolution, brightness, and viewing angles matter for everything from reading recipes to video calls. We tested each display in various lighting conditions and viewing distances.
Voice Assistant Performance: How well does Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri understand commands? We tested voice recognition accuracy, response speed, and the usefulness of visual responses.
Smart Home Integration: We connected each display to multiple smart home platforms and devices, evaluating setup ease, control responsiveness, and compatibility with popular brands.
Audio Quality: Smart displays often replace smart speakers, so sound quality matters. We tested music playback, video call audio, and voice clarity.
Video Calling: Camera quality, auto-framing, tracking features, and app compatibility all factor into the video calling experience.
Build Quality and Design: We assessed materials, stability, aesthetic appeal, and whether the display fits naturally into home environments.
What to Consider When Buying a Smart Display
Screen Size
- 7-8 inches: Perfect for bedrooms, desks, and small spaces
- 10 inches: The sweet spot for kitchens and living areas
- 15+ inches: Best for large kitchens or main family areas
Ecosystem Compatibility
Choose based on your existing smart home devices:
- Amazon Echo Shows: Best for Alexa users and Ring devices
- Google Nest Hubs: Ideal for Google Home and Nest products
- iPad/HomePod: Essential for HomeKit devotees
Camera or No Camera
Privacy-conscious users may prefer displays without cameras (like the Nest Hub) for bedrooms, while those prioritizing video calls will want high-quality cameras with covers.
Audio Quality
If you plan to use your smart display for music or as a TV speaker replacement, prioritize models with premium audio systems like the Echo Show 10 or Nest Hub Max.
Placement
Consider where you'll use the display:
- Kitchen: Larger screens (10-15 inches) for recipes and family calendars
- Bedroom: Compact displays (7-8 inches) with sleep features
- Living Room: Larger displays with premium audio for entertainment
- Office: Medium displays (8-10 inches) for video calls and productivity
Smart Display Features Worth Having
Matter Support: Future-proof your smart home with displays that support the new universal standard for smart devices.
Built-in Smart Home Hub: Some displays include Zigbee or Thread radios, eliminating the need for separate hubs.
Video Doorbell Integration: See who's at your door instantly on your display—essential if you have a Ring or Nest doorbell.
Routines and Automation: The best displays let you trigger multiple smart home actions with a single command or tap.
Adaptive Display: Screens that adjust brightness based on ambient light and time of day are easier on the eyes.
The Bottom Line
Smart displays have evolved from novelty items to essential smart home hubs. The Amazon Echo Show 15 takes our top spot for its large, versatile display and comprehensive smart home control, while the Google Nest Hub Max is perfect for those invested in the Google ecosystem.
Budget-conscious shoppers will love the Echo Show 8, which delivers premium features at a mid-range price, and the Google Nest Hub remains the best compact option for bedrooms and small spaces.
Whichever you choose, a smart display transforms how you interact with your connected home—making control more intuitive, video calls more natural, and daily routines more efficient. Your smart home deserves a proper command center, and these displays deliver exactly that.
Discussion
Discussion (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!
Comments are now closed for this article.