In the smart home world, and digital assistants in general, there are only two major platforms if you’re not using Apple devices: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Sure, Microsoft and Samsung have their own creations, but Cortana is effectively dead in the water — and while Samsung’s SmartThings platform is competent, few people are fans of its Bixby assistant.
This guide will explain the core differences between Alexa and Google Assistant and which one you should choose for a smart home ecosystem versus just your phone.