Top 5 Smart Speakers with Display in Canada — 2025

Smart speakers with displays combine voice assistants, music and video playback, video calling, smart-home control and on-screen information in a single device. For Canadian homes they’re especially useful in kitchens, living rooms and home offices — places where glanceable info, recipe video playback, video calls and hands-free control matter. In this review we evaluate five models that are commonly available to Canadian buyers in the CAD $300–$500 range: Amazon Echo Show 15 (updated 15″ model), Amazon Echo Show 21 (new large display), Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd gen), Google Nest Hub Max, and Meta Portal Plus. Each review focuses on display quality, audio performance, smart assistant features, camera/video calling, privacy options, and real-world usefulness in Canadian homes.

1) Amazon Echo Show 15 (15.6″ HD Smart Display)

Specifications (typical)

• Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) touchscreen
• Audio: Multi-speaker array with decent midrange and virtualized stereo; optimized for voice and video playback
• Camera: 5 MP or higher front-facing camera (varies by generation) with auto-framing for calls
• Assistant: Alexa with built-in Fire TV functionality on newer models
• Smart home: Works as a smart home control centre, supports Matter and Zigbee on some variants
• Mounting: Wall-mountable or freestanding with a stand (stand sometimes sold separately)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, compatible with Fire TV apps and streaming services

Real-world performance
The Echo Show 15 trades the compactness of smaller smart displays for a quasi-wallboard experience — it’s designed to be information-dense: widgets for calendar, reminders, shopping lists, family notes, and smart-home controls. For Canadian families, it acts like a digital command centre in the kitchen or mudroom. The Full HD panel renders recipes, video clips, and streaming content very well; Fire TV integration on the updated model turns it into a small streaming hub for the kitchen.

Audio is good for its size class: voices are clear and music playback is satisfying for background listening but not a substitute for dedicated speakers when you want full-range music. The camera and video call features are solid, with automatic framing and simple call setup; privacy shutters are included on recent revisions.

Installation is straightforward if you have a supported wall location. The device is particularly handy for households that prefer Amazon’s ecosystem (Prime Video, Alexa routines, shopping lists). If you want a large, visible display for smart-home widgets and family organization, this model is one of the best fits in the price band.

Pros

• Large, clear Full HD display ideal for family dashboards and recipes.
• Fire TV + Alexa integration makes it a versatile media and smart-home hub.
• Good camera for video calls and auto-framing.
• Wall-mountable for central placement in the home.

Cons

• Bulkier than countertop devices; needs wall space or a large counter.
• Sound is good but not audiophile-grade — pair with an external speaker for serious listening.
• Best experience if you’re committed to the Amazon/Fire TV ecosystem.

Verdict
Echo Show 15 is an excellent family command centre at a reasonable price, especially for Canadians who already use Amazon services and want a large, glanceable display for shared household tasks.

2) Amazon Echo Show 21 (21″ Full HD Smart Display)

Specifications (typical)

• Display: 21-inch Full HD touchscreen (1080p)
• Audio: Improved multi-driver array and room adaptation for fuller sound than smaller Echo Shows
• Camera: High-resolution camera with auto-framing and enhanced privacy controls
• Assistant: Alexa with integrated smart home hub features on newer models
• Extras: Built-in Fire TV functionality, widgets, video calling, and Matter support on recent firmware
• Mounting: Wall or stand options; designed to be prominently mounted

Real-world performance
The Echo Show 21 is Amazon’s push into the “family screen” category with a seriously large display — think wall-mounted kitchen TV that also doubles as a control centre. Its large screen is excellent for recipe walkthroughs, family calendar overviews, video chats, and streaming video. In Canadian kitchens where counter space is at a premium but wall space exists, the Echo Show 21 becomes a natural focal point for household coordination.

Audio performance is markedly better than smaller Echo Shows; the larger cabinet and tuned drivers provide fuller sound and better bass response, making this model a capable media player for casual music and TV. The built-in camera and noise reduction mean video calls are bright and clear. For smart-home control it scales perfectly: you can see lots of widgets simultaneously and use the screen as a quick control panel.

Privacy remains a concern with any always-connected screen: Amazon includes physical camera shutters and mics off toggles, but if privacy is a primary concern you’ll want to read the settings carefully. Overall, if you have the wall space and want a single device that’s both a display and a central hub, the Echo Show 21 is compelling.

Pros

• Big, immersive display that doubles as a family dashboard or small TV.
• Better built-in sound than smaller smart displays.
• Strong Fire TV/Smart Home integration.
• Great for recipe steps, video calls and multi-widget dashboards.

Cons

• Size requires dedicated wall space and visible placement.
• Price is at the top end of the band for some buyers.
• Still not a substitute for a full TV or hi-fi system for serious media listening.

Verdict
The Echo Show 21 is ideal for Canadian homes that want a single, wall-mounted device to centralize media, video calling, and smart-home control — it’s a premium step up from smaller smart displays.

3) Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation)

Specifications (typical)

• Display: 10.1-inch HD rotating touchscreen (auto-rotates to face you)
• Audio: Multi-driver speaker tuned for both voice clarity and music playback
• Camera: 13 MP camera with advanced auto-framing and privacy shutter
• Assistant: Alexa with Zigbee hub on some SKUs, video calling, and smart-home control
• Extras: Motion tracking, hands-free calling, Spotify/Amazon Music streaming compatibility

Real-world performance
The Echo Show 10’s standout feature is its motorized base that physically turns the screen to face you as you move around the room. That makes it feel alive and responsive — particularly useful in kitchens while moving between counters, or in a living room where you don’t want to reposition the device. The 10-inch screen is the perfect size for video calls and recipe steps without dominating a room.

Audio performance is good for the category: clear vocals and adequate midrange make video calls pleasant; bass is present but not deep. The rotating display is a practical innovation, though some buyers prefer stationary devices for aesthetic reasons. It’s a natural fit if your household appreciates Alexa’s routines and you want a smart display that reacts to movement.

Privacy features (physical shutter and mic off) are present, and the camera has improved auto-framing that keeps the subject centered. The device works well as a bedside alarm, kitchen helper, or small living room companion.

Pros

• Rotating screen that follows you — very practical for kitchen and active spaces.
• Good combination of screen size and portability.
• Solid Alexa integration and smart-home control.
• Strong camera for video calls.

Cons

• Moving parts add mechanical complexity and potential long-term wear.
• Audio is good but not exceptional for full-room music.
• Works best within the Amazon ecosystem.

Verdict
Echo Show 10 is the most versatile mid-sized smart display with a unique rotating screen — an excellent choice for Canadians who cook, move around the home a lot, or want a responsive video-call device.

4) Google Nest Hub Max

Specifications (typical)

• Display: 10-inch HD touchscreen with ambient EQ for comfortable viewing
• Audio: Stereo speakers with built-in woofer for robust audio performance
• Camera: 6.5 MP wide-angle camera with auto-framing and secure privacy controls
• Assistant: Google Assistant, strong integration with Google Photos, YouTube and Google services
• Extras: Face recognition for personalised info, Nest Cam home monitoring, robust routines and home control

Real-world performance
Google’s Nest Hub Max is the go-to smart display for households embedded in Google services (Calendar, Gmail, Photos, YouTube). The camera and Google Assistant integration provide excellent video-call experiences (Google Meet/ Duo), and the device doubles as a Nest security camera when you’re away. The 10-inch display is great for video content, recipe instructions, and contextual Google Cards that surface calendar events and reminders.

Audio is punchy for the size: the Hub Max is brighter and fuller than many small displays, making it suitable for listening to music in the kitchen or bedroom. The device’s face recognition and personal cards are particularly handy in family homes: it can show different calendars and reminders depending on who’s in front of the screen.

Privacy is treated carefully: camera disable and physical covers are available, and the Home app gives control over data. Note that Google has shifted product availability over time so retail stock can vary; used or refurbished units sometimes appear for lower prices.

Pros

• Best choice for Google ecosystem users; tight integration with Google services.
• Good audio and a capable camera for monitoring and calls.
• Useful personalised features with face recognition and Nest integration.
• Excellent for YouTube and recipe playback.

Cons

• Availability can vary; new units are not always in stock in Canada.
• Some users may dislike Google’s data collection model (though controls are available).
• Not ideal if you primarily use Amazon/Alexa or Apple ecosystems.

Verdict
If you live inside Google’s ecosystem, the Nest Hub Max is the most natural fit — it’s a powerful smart display for content, calls and smart-home control, especially where Google services matter most.

5) Meta (Facebook) Portal Plus

Specifications (typical)

• Display: 14-inch HD touchscreen with tilt and motorised tilt on some versions
• Audio: High-quality speakers tuned for voice clarity and music playback
• Camera: High-resolution auto-framing camera excellent for video calls
• Assistant: Smart calling and integrations with messaging apps; supports Alexa voice on some models
• Extras: Emphasis on video calling (Messenger/WhatsApp), smart photo frame and portal apps

Real-world performance
The Portal Plus is purpose-built for video calling: its large display and excellent camera tracking make conversations feel natural. For Canadian families spread across provinces or with relatives abroad, the Portal Plus is one of the most reliable “face-to-face” devices. The tilt and auto-framing keep the speaker in view and the large screen is ideal for group calls.

While Portal is optimized for Meta services (Messenger, WhatsApp), it also supports some third-party integrations and music apps. Audio quality is generally competitive and suited for medium-sized rooms. Privacy controls include camera covers and voice/mic toggles, and the device places emphasis on user control for calls and sharing.

If you value video calling quality above everything else, Portal Plus is a strong pick. It’s less of a media hub compared with Amazon’s Fire TV enabled displays or the Nest Hub for YouTube, but it delivers superb calling performance.

Pros

• One of the best video calling experiences on the market.
• Large screen and good audio for group conversations.
• Solid privacy controls and easy call setup.
• Great for families who prioritize calls and social connectivity.

Cons

• Best functionality tied to Meta’s ecosystem; less media versatility than Echo/Google.
• Not as strong for streaming TV services or acting as a full smart-home hub.
• Occasional concerns from users about Meta’s privacy practices (controls exist).

Verdict
Portal Plus is the smart display to buy if video calling is your primary use case — it’s reliable and produces high-quality calls that feel natural and immersive.

Comparison table (at a glance)

Model	Typical Canada price	Screen size	Best for	Standout feature
Echo Show 15	CAD $299–$399	15.6″	Family dashboard, kitchen hub	Large family widgets + Fire TV
Echo Show 21	CAD $399–$499	21″	Wall display + media hub	Massive screen and fuller audio
Echo Show 10 (3rd gen)	CAD $300–$350	10.1″ (rotating)	Active kitchens, roaming use	Motorised rotating display
Google Nest Hub Max	CAD $350–$450	10″	Google service users	Google Assistant + Nest camera features
Meta Portal Plus	CAD $329–$449	14″	Video calls, family chats	Best video calling + auto-framing

Buying advice for Canadian shoppers

1. Ecosystem matters. Choose Alexa (Echo) if you’re into Amazon services and Fire TV; choose Google if you use YouTube, Google Photos and Google Assistant; choose Portal if video calling is the primary use.
2. Placement & size. Think about where the device will live: counter, wall, entryway. Bigger screens need wall real estate and are more permanent.
3. Privacy comfort. All models include privacy toggles; review camera and voice settings during setup and keep firmware up to date.
4. Audio needs. If you want a music system, prioritize larger models or plan to pair the device with a dedicated speaker.
5. Local availability & updates. Some models sell out seasonally; check Canadian retailer stock and firmware/update policies to ensure long-term support.
   

Final thoughts

Smart displays are invaluable for modern Canadian homes: they bring family calendars, recipes, video calls and smart-home control into a single glanceable surface. In the CAD $300–$500 range you’ll find devices that satisfy different priorities: Echo Shows for Amazon/Fire TV integration and expansive displays; Nest Hub Max for Google power users; Portal Plus if video calling is the main goal. Choose the model that matches your ecosystem and where you plan to place it — and you’ll have a device that becomes central to daily routines.