Federica Laricchia
Research expert covering the global consumer technology industry
Smart speakers - statistics & facts
“Alexa, can you tell me something about smart speakers?” is just one of the many questions smart speakers can answer today, with people using and relying on these devices for a wide range of purposes. Smart speakers are devices powered by a voice-enabled virtual intelligent assistant and can work as central controlling hubs for smart homes. Indeed, capable of performing a vast array of functions, such devices are used not only for entertainment, but also for searching the web, answering questions, and many other activities, such as creating a shopping list and providing you with weather forecast. In line with the rising popularity of smart home technology, the prevalence of smart speakers in households has steadily grown and are today among consumers’ favorite electronic devices.
Overall, smart speakers have grown to be prominent devices in modern homes. As we go forward and their technology improves, such devices will likely be able to perform more activities and become more attractive for consumers building their own smart home.
Smart speaker market flying high
This popularity is reflected in the growth of the smart speaker market, the size of which has gradually increased in recent times and is forecast to keep increasing in the near future. At the same time, the number of smart speaker unit shipments worldwide also rose and is expected to total values of over 200 million in 2024. With the industry taking off, many consumer electronics companies have entered the market with their own smart speakers, including tech giants. For instance, today Amazon Alexa and Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod are well-known smart speakers globally, but other firms active in the industry include Xiaomi, Sonos, and Sony – with their devices all rated among the best wireless speakers selling for under 200 euros.For partying or relaxing, smart speakers are popular all over the world
Based on their features and many functionalities, consumers can choose their favorite smart speaker among a wide range of devices. For instance, the JBL L75ms Music System was rated the best smart speaker for home cinemas and movies in 2024, while Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge ranked first when it came to best party speakers. Whether for relaxing or partying, smart speakers by different manufacturers have proven to be popular among consumers all over the world. For instance, 64 percent of Americans owned an Amazon Echo in 2023, and, in that same year, half of surveyed British aged between 45 and 54 owned a smart speaker.Overall, smart speakers have grown to be prominent devices in modern homes. As we go forward and their technology improves, such devices will likely be able to perform more activities and become more attractive for consumers building their own smart home.
