Amazon Echo: America’s Most Popular Smart Speaker

A new survey says that the most popular smart speaker model in the U.S. is the Amazon Echo.

According to Strategy Analytics’ report “Smart Speaker User Survey – U.S. Results,” the Echo accounts for 23 percent of all smart speakers in use. When all of its models are taken into account, Amazon makes up 63 percent of smart speakers in use, while Google accounts for 17 percent and Apple 4 percent.

The online survey interviewed 1,011 smart speaker users in the U.S. in July/August 2018.

Other findings revealed that when asked to name one brand they would choose for their next smart speaker, 54 percent chose either Amazon, Google or Apple. That leaves nearly half the market open to competitors, with Bose, Samsung and Sonos the most preferred alternatives.

The survey also found that 88 percent of smart speaker homes have at least one Amazon smart speaker, and 31 percent own at least one Google smart speaker. And many Americans have more than one smart speaker in the house. In fact, 58 percent said they have two or more at home, with 62 percent using a smart speaker in the family room, 41 percent in a bedroom, 39 percent in the kitchen, and 12 percent in the bathroom.

“Amazon and Google may dominate today’s market, but this will not always be the case. Many consumers are ready to consider alternative brands, assuming they meet the high expectations identified in this study, including high quality audio, superior design and device compatibility,” David Watkins, Director, Smart Speakers at Strategy Analytics said in a press release.

In July, it was reported that the smart speaker installed base is expected to near the 100 million mark by the end of 2018, representing close to 2.5 times the installed base at the end of last year. According to market research firm Canalys, the installed base will continue to grow beyond this year, hitting 225 million units by 2020.