Smart Displays vs. Smart Speakers: Which Is Right for Your Home?

11 September 2025

In today's tech-savvy world, we're spoiled for choice. Smart homes are no longer a futuristic concept but rather an everyday reality. Whether you're entertaining guests, cooking up a storm, or simply relaxing, smart devices add a layer of convenience that can make life easier and more fun. Among these, smart displays and smart speakers stand out as two popular options.

But here's the big question: Which one is right for your home? Is it better to have a smart display that offers a visual interface or a smart speaker that solely relies on voice commands? Let's dive in and figure out which one suits your needs best.

What Are Smart Displays and Smart Speakers?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of which one is better, let’s break down what each of these devices actually is.

Smart Speakers

You’ve probably heard of smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, Google Nest Audio, or Apple HomePod. These devices are essentially powered by voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri) and can perform a wide variety of tasks. They allow you to play music, control smart home devices, set reminders, ask questions, and more—all by using voice commands.

Smart speakers are all about simplicity. No screens, no distractions, just voice interaction. They are compact, subtle, and often blend seamlessly into your home decor.

Smart Displays

Now, take the concept of a smart speaker and add a screen to it. That’s what a smart display is all about. Devices like the Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub, or Facebook Portal combine the voice control functionality of smart speakers with a touchscreen display. Not only can you talk to them, but you can also see things like videos, photos, weather forecasts, and even video calls.

Basically, smart displays are like having a voice assistant with a visual cue. They offer additional functionality, like video streaming, recipe guides, and video chats, which can be a huge plus for some users.

Comparing Key Features: Smart Displays vs. Smart Speakers

Now that we’ve established what these devices are, let’s compare their features across a few critical areas.

1. Voice Assistant Integration

Both smart speakers and smart displays are powered by popular voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This means they can perform similar tasks like controlling your smart home, setting reminders, or answering questions.

- Smart Speakers: Voice-only interaction. You ask, it responds with an audible answer.
- Smart Displays: You get both an audible and a visual response.

For instance, if you ask for the weather report, a smart speaker will tell you the current temperature and forecast. A smart display, on the other hand, will show you the weather on the screen while also reading it aloud.

2. Sound Quality

Sound quality is a big factor for many people when choosing between a smart speaker and a smart display. After all, if you plan on using it to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, you want the best possible audio experience.

- Smart Speakers: These often have better sound quality compared to smart displays, especially if you’re going for higher-end models like the Sonos One or Apple HomePod. Since they don’t have to worry about accommodating a screen, manufacturers can focus entirely on the audio experience.
- Smart Displays: While smart displays can still deliver decent sound, they often won’t be as top-notch as their speaker-only counterparts. The inclusion of a screen means that the speakers themselves are usually smaller and less powerful.

If music is your primary concern, a smart speaker might be the better choice.

3. Visual Interface

This is where smart displays have a clear advantage over smart speakers. The visual interface allows for more interactive and engaging experiences.

- Smart Speakers: No screen, hence no visual interface. Everything happens through voice.
- Smart Displays: The screen allows you to watch videos, follow recipe tutorials, view photos, and even make video calls. This adds a whole new dimension to how you interact with your smart device.

For example, imagine you’re cooking in the kitchen. With a smart speaker, you can ask for a recipe, and it will read it aloud to you. But with a smart display, you can see the recipe, watch a tutorial video, and easily follow along.

4. Smart Home Control

Both smart speakers and smart displays serve as hubs for controlling other smart home devices. They can manage lights, thermostats, locks, and even security cameras.

- Smart Speakers: You can control your smart home devices using voice commands, but you won’t be able to see live feeds from cameras or detailed reports from other devices.
- Smart Displays: The added screen allows you to see things like a live security camera feed, thermostat settings, and more. This visual feedback can be extremely useful for managing your smart home.

For example, if you hear a noise outside, you can ask a smart display to show you the live feed from your security camera, offering more peace of mind.

5. Entertainment

Both devices can be used for entertainment, but the experience differs.

- Smart Speakers: Great for listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. They excel in audio-based entertainment.
- Smart Displays: In addition to audio content, smart displays can show videos, stream TV shows, and even facilitate video calls. If you’re someone who enjoys watching YouTube videos, Netflix, or even making FaceTime calls, a smart display offers much more versatility.

Let’s say you’re in the mood to binge-watch a show while you’re cooking dinner. A smart speaker can play the audio, but a smart display will let you watch the show right there on the screen.

6. Privacy Concerns

Many people are concerned about privacy when it comes to smart home devices, particularly those with cameras and microphones.

- Smart Speakers: Since they only have microphones, the privacy concerns are generally lower. However, they are always "listening" for the wake word (like “Alexa” or “Hey Google”).
- Smart Displays: The addition of a camera for video calls can raise more privacy concerns. Most devices come with physical shutters to cover the camera when it’s not in use, but it’s something to be aware of.

If privacy is a big concern for you, a smart speaker might feel like a safer option.

7. Price

The price difference between smart speakers and smart displays can be significant.

- Smart Speakers: Generally more affordable, you can get a decent smart speaker for under $100.
- Smart Displays: These tend to be more expensive due to the added screen and functionality. Prices can range from $100 to over $250 depending on the model.

If you’re on a budget, a smart speaker might be the more cost-effective option.

8. Portability

While neither smart speakers nor smart displays are designed to be portable in the true sense (like Bluetooth speakers), there’s a difference in how easily they can be moved around your home.

- Smart Speakers: Smaller and lighter, these can be easily moved from room to room.
- Smart Displays: These are bulkier due to the screen, so they’re usually kept in one spot, like a kitchen counter or living room table.

If you want something that you can easily move around, a smart speaker is the better bet.

Which One Should You Choose?

Alright, so now that we’ve compared the two, which one should you go for? Well, it all boils down to your specific needs and lifestyle.

Go for a Smart Speaker if:

- You prioritize sound quality for music and audio content.
- You want something affordable and simple.
- You don’t need or care for a visual interface.
- You’re concerned about privacy and don’t want a camera in your home.
- You want a device that’s easy to move around the house.

Go for a Smart Display if:

- You love the idea of having a visual interface for things like recipes, video calls, and streaming.
- You want an all-in-one device that can handle both audio and video entertainment.
- You don’t mind spending a bit more for added functionality.
- You prefer visual feedback when controlling your smart home devices.
- You often make video calls and want a device that supports them.

Conclusion

In the battle of smart displays vs. smart speakers, there’s no clear winner—it really depends on what you’re looking for. Both devices offer a range of features that can make your life easier and more connected. If you’re all about simplicity and sound, a smart speaker will probably do the trick. But if you’re someone who wants a little more versatility and visual interaction, a smart display might just be your new best friend.

Whatever you choose, both smart displays and smart speakers are amazing additions to any modern home, offering convenience, entertainment, and control at the sound of your voice—or, if you opt for a smart display, at the touch of your finger too!