Samsung’s SmartThings isn’t the only smart home ecosystem on the market, but it’s one of the most user-friendly options available. The residential-oriented smart home control and automation platform is easy to use and features a slew of devices that work with SmartThings. With an increasing number of devices now coming with Internet connectivity, you can find a bevy of smart speakers for music streaming. If you’re a SmartThings user, a SmartThings-capable speaker is a good buy. Check out the best Samsung SmartThings compatible speakers you can find!
What is Samsung SmartThings?
Samsung’s SmartThings is a smart home control and automation platform. The Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem consists of a hub and devices. The SmartThings hub communicates with various devices such as smart lights, security cameras, smart plugs, video doorbells, or smoke detectors on a network through different wireless protocols. While there are many IoT communication protocols, Samsung SmartThings uses both ZigBee and Z-Wave. Although most ZigBee and Z-Wave products should be compatible with SmartThings, certain gadgets are certified to work with SmartThings.
What is a Smart Speaker?
A smart speaker is an audio playback device that features functionality with IoT platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. But a smart speaker differs from a voice assistant in that smart assistants include an onboard assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant whereas a speaker requires another device like a phone or tablet to access smart capabilities.
Best Samsung SmartThings Smart Speaker for Most Users – Sonos One
Sonos offers an impressive lineup of high-end speakers. Its Sonos One is a superb voice-controlled smart speaker. Onboard, you’ll find Amazon Alexa. Additionally, the Sonos One Gen 2 sports Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility. You can use the Sonos One standalone, or pair it with another Sonos One for stereo listening. Likewise, the Sonos One may be paired with speakers such as the Sonos Beam, Playbar, and Playbase for a home theatre surround sound experience. It’s compact, well-priced, and affords top-notch audio quality.
With official SmartThings and Sonos integration, you can control music playback such as playing, pausing, and skipping tracks, raising and lowering the volume, discovering album, artist, and track information, plus enable sound notifications or add Sonos to home automations. For example, you can set SmartThings to stop playing music when you leave the house, or start blaring the tunes upon your arrival. Disappointingly, the Sonos One Gen 2 lacks Bluetooth or a 3.5mm input. As such, you’re reliant on the Sonos app and compatible services such as Tidal, Spotify, and Plex for audio playback. Moreover, the One isn’t portable despite its diminutive stature and small footprint. Still, if you don’t mind the limited connectivity and lack of portability, the Sonos One is a fantastic speaker and the best SmartThings-compatible smart speaker on the market.
Pros:
- Flexible installation options – can pair 2 x Sonos One speakers for stereo listening, add it to the Playbase, etc.
- Fantastic sound quality
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, Samsung SmartThings support
- Doesn’t require the Sonos Bridge
- Faster processor, more RAM than the Sonos One Gen 1
- Bluetooth Low Energy onboard (for set up only)
- Samsung SmartThings compatibility for audio playback, automations, and more
Cons:
- No Bluetooth music streaming
- Lacks a hardwired audio input
Best Mid-range SmartThings-Capable Smart Speaker – Bose SoundTouch 20 Wireless
The Bose SoundTouch 20 wireless smart speaker is a solid SmartThings-compatible device. Despite its small stature, the SoundTouch 20 which clocks in only slightly bigger than the Sonos One boasts excellent sound quality. Bass response remains punchy, and connectivity is wonderful. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and even a 3.5mm AUX input come standard. The companion app is easy enough to use, and the balanced soundstage pumps out buttery smooth tracks regardless of the genre. Sadly, there’s no battery for portability.
While the Bose SoundTouc 20 does have a companion SoundTouch app, its Wi-Fi listening lacks many services found on Sonos. But Bluetooth as well as an auxiliary input make the Bose SoundTouch 10 a compelling option. With SmartThings, you can trigger audio notifications from a SmartThings hub to SoundTouch Bose speakers, configure automations such as sounding alarms or automatically playing/pausing music when you come and go, and more. If you want an even smaller speaker, you might consider the Bose SoundTouch 10 which is comparable to the Sonos One. Alternatively, the high-end Bose SoundTouch 30 pumps up the volume. However, the SoundTouch 20 is a good mid-range audiophile-caliber speaker for Samsung SmartThings use.
Pros:
- Works with SmartThings and Amazon Alexa
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi listening via SoundTouch app, and 3.5mm AUX port
- OLED display onboard
- Compact
- Excellent sound quality
- SmartThings integration for triggering alarms, listening to notifications, configuring automations, and more
Cons:
- The Bose SoundTouch app experience isn’t as good as the Sonos app
Best Portable SmartThings Smart Speaker – Sonos Move
If you value portability, the battery-powered Sonos Move smart speaker is a fantastic choice. You’ll find Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in for flexible music streaming. Despite the Move’s modest footprint, it manages to blast loud, room-filling tunes that don’t distort even with the volume maxed out. In addition to SmartThings capabilities, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are baked in. The 10-hour battery life is plenty, plus the Sonos Move sports a user-replaceable battery. Unfortunately, it’s surprisingly heavy particularly for the size. And the high price tag means you’ll pay a premium to carry your Sonos speaker around the house. Yet, this is one gorgeous-sounding portable smart speaker that works with SmartThings.
Pros:
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant onboard
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth music streaming
- Built-in battery, 10 hours of continuous playback
- Replaceable battery
- Loud, room-filling sound
- SmartThings integration for alarms, audio notifications, enabling automations, and more
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
Best SmartThings Smart Speaker for Audiophiles – Sonos Five
The Sonos Five is a massive bookshelf speaker that plays loud, top-shelf quality jams. A line-in comes standard for connecting devices such as MP3 players, CD players, turntables, receivers, or tape decks. Because of its innovative design, the Sonos Five may be placed vertically or horizontally. Moreover, you can pair two Sonos Five speakers for stereo listening with individual left and right channels. Graced with six class-D digital amplifiers, three mid-woofers, three tweeters, and a phased array, the Sonos Five excels either standalone or when used in a stereo set up.
Oddly, you won’t find any onboard voice assistants like Amazon Alexa. Similarly, there’s no Bluetooth. So you’re relegated to Wi-Fi listening or utilizing its line-in input. Considering its hefty price tag, amenities like Bluetooth and voice assistants are expected, especially since those features are found on less expensive Sonos devices such as the Sonos Move and One. But the line-in is a welcome addition, plus its sound quality and volume absolutely blow the competition out of the water.
Pros:
- Loud
- Flagship sound quality
- Line-in jack for connecting CD players, turntables, and other analog devices
- Works for standalone stereo or as a pair of bookshelf speakers
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi
- Works with Samsung SmartThings for audio notifications, automations, audio playback, and more
Cons:
- No voice assistant capabilities or built-in mic
- Expensive
- Lacks Bluetooth
Best SmartThings-Compatible Speaker for Cinephiles – Sonos ARC
For movie lovers, the Sonos Arc is a great option. Sporting eARC for advanced audio return channel support, the Sonos ARC can handle uncompressed audio tracks such as DTS-HD and Dolby Atmos when paired with a compatible display that has HDMI 2.1. There’s Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. Inside, the Sonos ARC packs quite a punch with a whopping six mid-range drivers, three tweeters, and nine class D amplifiers.
Unfortunately, while the Sonos ARC is a Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar, it’s simply 3.0 channel. But you can add a pair of Sonos One speakers as well as the Sonos Sub to create your own 5.1 surround sound. The only downside to this modular 5.1 configuration is price. With the Sonos ARC clocking in just shy of $1,000, you can expect to shell out a pretty penny for a full-fledged 5.1 surround sound using the ARC. Still, its advanced features like eARC, top-notch sound quality, and Dolby Atmos support make the Sonos ARC the best SmartThings-compatible speaker for cinephiles.
Pros:
- HDMI 2.1 with eARC
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Best-in-class audio
- Dolby Atmos compatibility
- Sleek aesthetic
- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Modular design: Add a pair of Sonos One speakers and the Sonos Sub for a true 5.1 surround sound
- Works with SmartThings for audio notifications, automations, music playback, etc.
Cons:
- Pricey
Best Smart Speaker that Works With SmartThings for Movie Buffs – Samsung Q Series Soundbar
If you’re in the market for a speaker that works with SmartThings, why not turn to Samsung? The Samsung Q Series soundbar lineup boasts SmartThings ecosystem support, and you’ve got plenty of soundbars to select from. The entry-level HW-Q60T is an affordable, high-performing choice. Stepping up to the HW-Q70T adds DTS:X and Dolby Atmos support. The HW-Q800T improves upon the Q70T as a 3.1.2-channel soundbar with better bass performance. The HW-Q900T is a whopping 7.1.2-channel soundbar. Finally, you can opt for the top-of-the-line HW-Q950T 9.1.4-channel soundbar. With loads of options for every budget, the Samsung Q-series soundbars work perfectly with SmartThings and deliver a robust home theatre experience.
Pros:
- SmartThings compatibility for notifications, audio playback, smart home automation, and more
- Lots of different options at a variety of price points
- Excellent audio quality
Cons:
- High-end models can be expensive
Best Budget SmartThings Speaker for Film Fanatics – Sonos Beam
Film fanatics on a budget should consider the Sonos Beam. At about half the price of the Sonos ARC, the Beam still yields superb sound quality and a good overall feature set. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allow for voice control. You’ll find HDMI ARC, a night mode, speech enhancement, and Apple AirPlay 2. Just as with the ARC, the Sonos Beam allows you to tack on a pair of Sonos One speakers and the Sonos Sub for a true 5.1 surround sound experience. Sadly, you lose out on Dolby Atmos and eARC. While the average user might not care, hardcore cinephiles and audiophiles should opt for the Arc. But if you don’t mind the lack of eARC or Dolby Atmos, the Sonos Beam is a superb soundbar that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Great sound quality
- Affordable
- HDMI ARC
- Modular design: Can pair with Sonos One speakers and Sonos Sub for a true 5.1
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity
- SmartThings-compatible for audio notifications, automations, music playback, etc.
Cons:
- Lacks HDMI eARC
- No Dolby Atmos
Best Samsung SmartThings Speakers for All Uses and Budgets – Final Thoughts
Regardless of your budget and preferred use case, music, movies, or both, there’s a SmartThings-capable speaker for you. Sonos makes a bevy of speakers ranging from the Sonos One and Move to the Five, ARC, and Beam. The Bose SoundTouch 20 is a great choice, and the SoundTouch 10 or 30 could be good alternatives as a downgrade or upgrade. And Samsung’s own Q-series soundbars are fantastic for film and music alike.
Your turn: Which SmartThings speakers are YOU using?
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