Amazon dominates U.S. smart speaker device ownership with 70% market share

Consumer Intelligence Research Partners has shared its latest research into smart speaker ownership in the United States. The total install base for smart speakers in the country at the close of 2018 is 66 million, up from 36 million in 2017. A growing share of the install base has more than one smart speaker, up to 35% in 2018 from 18% in 2017.

Of that U.S. audience, Amazon is still a decisive market leader with a 70% share. Although Google has been posting solid numbers globally, CIRP found it with a market share of just 24% in the U.S. The Apple HomePod trails even farther with a 6% share. The portions commanded by these three brands have stayed consistent over recent quarters, according to CIRP partner and co-founder Josh Lowitz.

“Apple of course has only its premium-priced HomePod, and likely won’t gain significant share until it offers an entry-level product closer to Echo Dot and Home mini,” Lowitz said.

CIRP doesn’t track the statistics for third-party speakers that aren’t using in-house voice assistants, such as products from Sonos or Harman Kardon.