The Best Smart Displays for Video Calls: In today’s hybrid world, smart displays have become essential tools for both work and personal life. Whether you’re catching up with family across the country, checking in with your team remotely, or managing your smart home, a smart display adds visual communication, hands-free controls, and video calling convenience in one elegant device.
But not all smart displays are created equal especially when it comes to video calling. Some excel with high-resolution cameras and noise-canceling microphones, while others offer superior software ecosystems like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Zoom Room integrations.
In this article, we’ll explore the top smart displays for video calls, what features to prioritize, and how to find the best model for your needs and budget.
What Is a Smart Display?
A smart display is essentially a voice assistant with a screen typically powered by Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or a proprietary OS. It combines voice commands, touchscreen functionality, video playback, and video calling features into a single device.
Smart displays are often used in kitchens, home offices, and bedrooms for tasks like:
- Making video calls
- Managing smart home devices
- Streaming music and videos
- Following recipes
- Setting reminders
For video calls, a good smart display needs more than just a webcam. It needs quality microphones, a wide field of view, software support for major platforms, and a reliable internet connection.
Key Features to Look For in a Smart Display for Video Calls
1. Camera Quality
- Resolution: Look for at least 5MP or HD resolution for sharp images.
- Field of View: A wide-angle lens (80°–120°) helps keep everyone in frame.
- Auto-Framing: This allows the camera to follow you or zoom in when others enter the room.
2. Microphone and Audio
- Far-field microphones help capture your voice clearly from across the room.
- Noise cancellation and echo reduction ensure clearer conversations.
- Loud, balanced speakers help you hear others even in noisy environments.
3. Display Size and Resolution
- Compact (5″–8″): Ideal for bedrooms or desks
- Medium (8″–10″): Good balance for kitchens and offices
- Large (13″+): Great for family rooms or main spaces
4. Software and App Integration
- Does it support Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or FaceTime?
- Is it tied to a particular ecosystem (Amazon Alexa vs. Google Assistant)?
- Can it call phones, tablets, or other smart displays?
5. Privacy Controls
- Physical camera shutters and mic mute buttons are essential.
- Some devices offer facial recognition for personalized greetings.
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Best Smart Displays for Video Calls
1. Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
- Display: 10.1″ HD touchscreen
- Camera: 13MP with auto-framing
- Audio: Dual front-firing tweeters, woofer
- Voice Assistant: Alexa
- Video Call Support: Alexa-to-Alexa, Zoom
- Unique Feature: Rotating display that follows you
Why it’s great: The Echo Show 10 is a video-calling powerhouse. Its camera automatically pans and zooms to keep you centered as you move. Ideal for family video calls, hands-free cooking chats, and smart home control.
2. Google Nest Hub Max
- Display: 10″ HD touchscreen
- Camera: 6.5MP with auto-framing
- Audio: Stereo speakers + 3″ subwoofer
- Voice Assistant: Google Assistant
- Video Call Support: Google Meet, Duo
- Unique Feature: Face Match for personalized content
Why it’s great: The Nest Hub Max integrates tightly with Google services and supports high-quality Google Meet calls. It’s also great for YouTube and Google Photos integration.
3. Meta Portal Plus (2nd Gen)
- Display: 14″ HD touchscreen
- Camera: 12MP Smart Camera with ultra-wide lens
- Audio: High-fidelity stereo speakers
- Voice Assistant: Alexa built-in
- Video Call Support: Messenger, WhatsApp, Zoom
- Unique Feature: Smart Camera and Smart Sound
Why it’s great: If your family lives on Messenger or WhatsApp, the Meta Portal Plus is unbeatable. Its large screen and AI-powered camera that pans, zooms, and widens make calls natural—even with multiple people in the frame.
4. Lenovo Smart Display 10 with Google Assistant
- Display: 10.1″ Full HD touchscreen
- Camera: 5MP wide-angle
- Audio: 10W speaker with dual passive radiators
- Voice Assistant: Google Assistant
- Video Call Support: Google Duo
- Unique Feature: Stylish design with bamboo backing
Why it’s great: A sleek alternative to the Nest Hub Max, this Lenovo display offers great Google Assistant integration, excellent sound, and a unique aesthetic for modern kitchens or home offices.
5. Apple HomePod with iPad (DIY Smart Display)
- Display: Use any iPad
- Camera: Varies by iPad model (Center Stage available on newer iPads)
- Audio: HomePod Mini or HomePod 2nd Gen for room-filling sound
- Voice Assistant: Siri
- Video Call Support: FaceTime
Why it’s great: Apple doesn’t yet offer a dedicated smart display, but pairing an iPad with a stand and HomePod creates a seamless, powerful FaceTime hub with incredible camera tech like Center Stage.
6. Facebook Portal Go
- Display: 10″ touchscreen
- Camera: 12MP with Smart Camera
- Audio: 2 full-range speakers, rear woofer
- Voice Assistant: Alexa built-in
- Video Call Support: Messenger, WhatsApp, Zoom
- Unique Feature: Portable battery-powered design
Why it’s great: Want to take your calls from the kitchen to the patio? The Portal Go offers flexibility with its carry handle and battery power—perfect for mobile households.
Best Use Case Scenarios
- For Work-from-Home Professionals: Google Nest Hub Max or Echo Show 10
- For Families Using Messenger/WhatsApp: Meta Portal Plus
- For Small Spaces: Echo Show 8 or Portal Go
- For Apple Ecosystem Users: iPad with Center Stage + HomePod
Tips for Great Video Call Performance
- Place the Display at Eye Level – This improves camera angle and comfort.
- Use Wired Internet or Strong Wi-Fi – Avoid dropped calls or lag.
- Ensure Good Lighting – Smart cameras work best with proper lighting.
- Keep Background Clean and Simple – It helps auto-framing and minimizes distractions.
- Mute When Not Talking – Prevents audio feedback and background noise.
FAQs
Can smart displays call phones or tablets?
Yes, depending on the ecosystem. Echo Show can call Alexa apps, Google displays can reach phones via Google Duo/Meet, and Meta Portal connects to Messenger and WhatsApp.
Are smart displays secure for video calling?
Most modern displays offer physical camera shutters, microphone mute switches, and encrypted calling. Still, always review privacy settings and permissions.
Can I use Zoom or Teams on a smart display?
Zoom is supported on Echo Show 10 and Meta Portal. Teams is not widely supported unless using an iPad or PC-based setup.
Do I need the same brand on both ends to make a call?
Often, yes. Echo to Echo, Google Duo to Google Duo. Meta Portal allows some flexibility across apps like Zoom and WhatsApp.
Can I use a smart display as a home intercom?
Yes. Devices like Echo Show and Nest Hub allow drop-in features or broadcast messages throughout your home network.
What’s the best budget smart display for calls?
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) offers solid camera and audio performance under $130. It’s a favorite among casual users.