Smart Home Audio: How to Smart Up Your Sound.
What is Smart Home Audio?
Home audio comes in two flavours:
- Whole-house audio (e.g. music playing in multiple rooms)
- Room-specific audio (e.g. a movie playing in your living room)
Smart home audio takes those concepts and adds modern features: voice control, app-based control, automation, scheduling, and integration with your other smart home devices.
“Alexa, play This is Mac Miller in the living room.”
Where to Start with Smart Home Audio
There are two main ways to bring smart audio into your home.
Option 1: The Two-in-One Solution
Your audio system and smart assistant are the same device. Think of it as your smart assistant doing double duty.
Popular devices:
- Amazon Echo (Dot, Studio)
- Google Nest Audio
Option 2: The Separate-but-Connected Solution
Your audio system and your smart assistant are separate systems—but they talk to each other.
This setup allows for better sound quality and flexibility—perfect if you already have an existing audio system or want high-end sound.
Which One is Best?
It depends.
If simplicity is your goal, go with the two-in-one solution. If audio quality is a priority, or you’ve already invested in a great sound system, the separate-but-connected approach is the way to go.
The Two-in-One Solution
If you want the easiest path to smart audio, this is it.
One device. One setup. Done.
The Amazon Echo Dot. Source: Amazon
What If You Want Decent Sound Quality?
Entry-level smart speakers don’t sound amazing—but there are better options.
Amazon Echo Studio. Source: Amazon
These provide solid audio quality while maintaining smart control.
The Separate-but-Connected Solution
If you're an audiophile or already have an audio system, this is likely your best bet.
The audio quality from one system, smart control from another.
Wired vs Wireless
You’ve got two ways to connect smart functionality to your audio system:
- Wired: Like plugging a phone into an AUX input.
- Wireless: Via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Sonos Play5. Source: Sonos
Examples:
- Wired: Connect a smart device to your traditional amplifier using a line-in cable.
- Wireless: Use a Sonos speaker system integrated with Alexa or Google Home. Just log in to both apps and link them.
Smart Home Audio – Bonus Features
Once your setup is live, it can do more than just play music:
- Wake up to your favourite playlist
- Fall asleep to high-quality rain sounds (I definitely don’t do this...)
- Use your audio system for alerts (e.g. doorbells, motion detection, notifications)
Want to take your smart home even further? Read how I designed my own smart home.