The thing about wanting to have a connected home is that everyone else claims they have the best service, causing confusion among consumers. Both Apple and Google each compete with their own standards, but Amazon managed to sneak in their own line of intelligent speakers.

The Echo, Dot, and Tap are quite similar in how they function, but their minor differences should be your bases in your quest in which to go for. Here's a brief outline of each speaker's differences for you to know which one works out for you.

Amazon Echo

The Echo is the first of its kind and you'll recognize it as soon as you see it because it resembles a tube of Pringles. Android Central calls the Echo "a smartphone search appliance without the screen," which is actually accurate. You'll want the Amazon Echo if you want the whole package - decent speaker, a personal assistant, whole-home control, all controlled by your voice. It's available in black and white.

Amazon Dot

Think of the Dot as a decapitated version of the Echo. It's basically the same thing, only smaller, with Bluetooth connectivity and a 3.5mm jack. Go for the Amazon Dot if you want a tinier Echo, especially if you already have a home-audio set up. It's cheaper, too. Like the Echo, the Dot also comes in black and white.

Amazon Tap

CNET describes the Tap as "a competent mix of Bluetooth speaker and a digital assistant," which is basically the features of both the Echo and Dot. However, what sets the Tap apart is its portability - it's battery-powered and with the box is a handy wireless charging cradle. The thing, it is as it is named. It's not always listening so you have to tap it to activate Alexa. Buy a Tap if you want a Bluetooth speaker that you can take anywhere, but of course, you'll have to constantly give Alexa a good ol' tap.