If you fancy having a speaker that you can directly communicate with, a smart speaker is a right fit for you. While none of them are really known for being much of a conversationalist, they can schedule appointments, play your music, control your smart home devices, and maybe even make phone calls for you.

The top picks for a smart speaker are devices from Google, Amazon, and Apple. Yet, choosing one might be a tough call. Here are some quick tips for buying smart speakers to help you out:

• Choose the right assistant based on function
  The top three contenders for smart speaker functions are Google Home, Apple HomePod, and Amazon Echo. These have their virtual assistants that come with a variety of functions like teaching children, setting timers, and playing music, among others. If you are planning to get all the rooms of your house equipped, you are advised to stick to a single platform as these three do not work well with each other.
  Let’s make a quick comparison. Alexa can work well across multiple home products and is great if you get other smart products like a Smart TV. Google Assistant also works well with smart devices and is best known for accuracy on basic questions with sophisticated AI. On the other hand, Siri on the Apple HomePod should be your only choice if you use Apple products.
• Integrate the product into home décor
  Most leading smart speakers and products can now seamlessly fit into the decor and style of your living space. Amazon and Google offer several different options in different colors and fabrics so that the device fits in with the decor. For instance, Amazon’s latest Echo Dot and the Echo Plus have covers with fabric in both black and white to match the interiors of your home. The Apple HomePod comes in an elegant shade of white and gray that looks subtle and fits in almost anywhere. So, ensure that you evaluate your home interiors and choose a smart speaker that will meet your requirements in terms of function and also compliment your style.
  Also, many smart speakers today have screens. For instance, Google smart speakers or the Amazon Echo can show photos, time, query results, and even videos right on their screen. So, another helpful tip for buying a smart speaker is to pick a model with a screen as it can make for a great addition to your home.
• Check for device compatibility
  Finally, when choosing a smart speaker, you need to ensure that it is compatible with other smart devices you already own at home or work. This is one of the most important tips for buying smart speakers. If the smart speaker is not compatible with your other devices, it will prove to be a huge waste of money. Amazon mentions a list of devices that will be compatible with its Echo and Sonos One smart speakers, so ensure that you check those before buying.