By Owen PalmerA smart display puts a touchscreen on a smart speaker, adding visual controls, video calling, camera feeds, recipes, and a digital photo frame to the usual voice assistant functions. Whether you want to check who is at the door, follow a cooking video, or control your lights and thermostat from a dashboard, a smart display makes those tasks easier. This guide explains the key benefits, privacy features, placement considerations, and how to match a display to your smart home ecosystem.
What a screen adds
The main difference between a regular smart speaker and a smart display is the screen. That screen unlocks several useful capabilities:
- Camera feeds. You can view live streams from security cameras, doorbell cameras, and baby monitors directly on the display, often just by asking your voice assistant. Some displays can automatically show a feed when the doorbell rings or motion is detected.
- Device dashboards. A visual dashboard shows the status of your smart lights, locks, thermostats, and other devices. You can adjust brightness, change colors, set temperatures, or lock doors with a tap instead of using your phone.
- Video calls. With a built-in camera and microphone, you can make video calls to others who have a smart display or a compatible app. It is a hands-free way to chat with family or join a quick meeting while cooking or working.
- Recipes. Follow step-by-step cooking instructions with photos or videos. You can ask the voice assistant to repeat a step, set timers, or convert measurements without touching the screen.
- Photo frame. When idle, the display can cycle through your personal photos from a connected cloud service or local storage, turning it into a rotating digital picture frame.
Privacy: camera shutters and microphone mute
Because a smart display has a camera and microphone that are always listening for the wake word, privacy is a top concern. Look for these physical and software features:
- Physical camera shutter. The best privacy safeguard is a mechanical shutter that covers the lens when you close it. This physically blocks the camera so it cannot see anything. Some displays have a sliding shutter, others use a flip-up cover.
- Microphone mute button. A dedicated hardware button or switch that disconnects the microphones. When muted, the display cannot listen for the wake word or any voice commands. An indicator light usually confirms the mute state.
- Software controls. Most platforms let you review and delete your voice recordings in the app, and you can turn off the camera and microphone through on-screen settings. However, software mute may still allow the device to listen, so hardware controls are more reliable for sensitive conversations.
If privacy is a high priority, choose a model with both a physical camera shutter and a hardware microphone mute. Keep in mind that even with the shutter closed, the voice assistant can still hear you when the microphone is on. To be fully certain, unplug the display when not in use.
Placement: kitchen and bedside
Where you put a smart display affects how useful it is. The two most common spots are the kitchen counter and the bedside table. Each setting has different needs:
In the kitchen
Here you want a bright, easy-to-read screen for recipes and timers. A medium-to-large display (about 8 to 10 inches) works well because text and step images are large enough to read from a few feet away. Make sure the screen has good brightness so it stays visible under kitchen lights. Cooking videos with voice commands are especially helpful—you can ask for next steps without touching the greasy screen.
Beside the bed
At night, a bright screen can disrupt sleep. Look for a display with an adaptive brightness sensor and a dedicated night mode that dims the screen automatically. Ideally, the display should allow you to turn off the camera (or close the shutter) and mute the microphone for privacy. A smaller screen, around 5 to 8 inches, is often less obtrusive on a nightstand. Many displays let you set a schedule for night mode so the display stays dim and does not show bright notifications.
General placement tips
- Avoid placing the display near reflective surfaces that could cause glare.
- Keep it within reach of a power outlet, as most displays require constant power to operate.
- If you mount it on a wall, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the supplied hardware.
Smart home controller roles
A smart display can serve as a central touchscreen controller for your smart home. Instead of pulling out your phone, you can walk up to the display and see all your lights, locks, switches, sensors, and cameras on one dashboard. Voice commands still work, but the screen adds visual feedback: you can see that the front door is locked, that the thermostat is set to 72 degrees, or that the backyard camera shows your dog.
Most displays can also act as a hub for some protocols, such as Matter or Zigbee, allowing you to directly connect compatible devices without needing a separate bridge. However, support varies by platform and firmware—check the specifications for your specific model. If you already have a separate smart home hub, the display can still show its devices through the platform’s app integration.
Screen size choices
Screen sizes for smart displays generally fall into three qualitative categories. There is no single “best” size; your choice depends on where you plan to use it and how much visual detail you need.
| Size | Typical diagonal | Best for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | About 5 to 8 inches | Bedside table, small desk, kitchen shelf | Compact; less obtrusive at night; still readable for messages and controls. |
| Medium | About 8 to 10 inches | Kitchen counter, living room side table | Good balance of clarity and footprint: large enough for recipes and video calls, not too bulky. |
| Large | 10 inches and up | Living room, open kitchen, family room | Best for viewing security cameras full screen, watching cooking videos, and serving as a prominent photo frame. |
When comparing displays, also consider the screen resolution and brightness. A higher resolution makes text and images sharper, while higher brightness improves visibility in bright rooms. The spec sheet will list these details; compare them side by side.
Kids’ profiles
If children will use the smart display, look for platforms that offer a kids’ profile or child-safe mode. This feature lets you limit which skills or apps are available, set screen time limits, and restrict access to video calls or camera feeds. Some displays have a dedicated kids’ edition with a colorful case and pre-filtered content. Even on standard displays, you can often create a supervised profile that blocks explicit content and requires your approval for purchases or downloads.
For younger children, the ability to disable the camera completely is important. Use the physical shutter and microphone mute to prevent accidental calls or recordings. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance for child safety, and keep the power cord out of reach.
How the major platforms differ
While the core experience is similar, the platforms behind smart displays—Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and SmartThings—offer different strengths. It helps to choose one that matches the smart home devices you already own or plan to buy.
Alexa-powered displays
Devices that run on the Alexa platform have a large library of third-party skills, so you can control a wide range of brands directly by voice or through the screen. They support video calling between other Alexa displays and the Alexa app. The dashboard can show security cameras, lights, thermostats, and more. Alexa displays can also act as Zigbee hubs (in some models), letting you connect many sensors and locks without a separate bridge.
Google Home-powered displays
Google Home displays excel at visual search, web browsing, and pulling up online videos. The smart home dashboard is clean and integrates well with devices that support the Google Home ecosystem. Video calls work through the platform’s own calling features and other supported apps. The voice assistant is strong for answering questions and controlling multi-room audio groups. Many Google Home displays also have an adaptive display that adjusts brightness based on the room and time of day.
Apple Home and SmartThings
Apple Home has fewer screen-based options, so many households use a tablet on a stand as a control center for the Home app. That gives you a dashboard for Apple Home accessories, video doorbells and cameras, plus video calls. Check what screen-based devices the platform currently offers before you buy. SmartThings is primarily a hub platform; some third-party displays can run the SmartThings app to show device status, but they are less common than Alexa or Google Home options. If you use multiple platforms, you can sometimes link them through a third-party service, but for the smoothest experience it is best to stick with one primary ecosystem for your display.
Which platform should you choose?
If you already have many smart home devices from one platform, choose a display that runs the same platform. If you are starting from scratch, consider which features matter most: Alexa offers the widest device compatibility, Google Home provides strong video and search capabilities, Apple Home is good if you use Apple devices, and SmartThings works best if you have a SmartThings hub. No single platform is universally better; it comes down to your existing devices and personal preference.
Side-by-side comparison of common features
The following table summarizes key features you can expect from a typical smart display, regardless of platform. Always verify with the manufacturer’s specifications.
| Feature | Small display | Medium display | Large display |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | Usually present, often with physical shutter | Present with shutter | Present with shutter |
| Microphone mute | Hardware switch or button | Hardware switch or button | Hardware switch or button |
| Kids’ profile | Varies by platform | Varies by platform | Varies by platform |
| Photo frame mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video calling | Yes (platform dependent) | Yes | Yes |
| Smart home dashboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-room audio | Supported if platform supports | Supported | Supported |
| Wall mountable | Often bracket included | Often bracket included | Sometimes bracket optional |
Upkeep and long-term ownership
Smart displays are generally low-maintenance, but a few points affect long-term satisfaction:
- Software updates. The platform provider continues to add features and fix security issues. Check that the model you are considering still receives regular updates; older models may lose support after a few years.
- Power cable. The display stays plugged in at all times. Make sure the power cord is long enough for your outlet location and consider using a cable management clip to keep it tidy.
- Screen cleaning. The touchscreen will collect fingerprints and dust. Clean it with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Camera and microphone reliability. Over time, the mechanical shutter or mute switch may feel looser. If you notice issues, contact support—avoid disabling safety features with tape or software workarounds.
- Network performance. A smart display is only as good as your Wi-Fi. If video calls stutter or camera feeds lag, try moving the router closer or using a mesh network.
For even more detail on how smart displays compare to traditional smart speakers, see our guide to smart displays. If you are considering adding multiple speakers for whole-home audio, check out the multi‑room audio setup guide.
FAQ
Can a smart display work without a voice assistant?
Most smart displays require a voice assistant platform to set up and operate. You can typically disable the microphone if you do not want voice control, but the device still needs to connect to the platform’s server for many features, such as weather updates or recipe searches.
Do all smart displays show live camera feeds?
Most smart displays from major platforms can show live streams from compatible security cameras and doorbells. Check that your particular camera brand works with the display’s platform before buying.
Is a smart display safe for a toddler’s room?
It can be, but take precautions. Use the physical camera shutter and microphone mute, turn off the camera entirely, and set up a kids’ profile with content restrictions. Also secure the power cord so it cannot be pulled. Follow all safety instructions from the manufacturer.
Can I use a smart display as a thermostat?
A smart display can control your thermostat through voice or touch, but it does not replace the thermostat itself. You need a separate smart thermostat that is compatible with your platform. The display simply shows the current temperature and lets you adjust it.
Choosing a smart display is about matching the screen size, privacy features, and ecosystem to your daily routines. Whether you want to keep an eye on your front door, follow a recipe hands-free, or call family across the country, a well-chosen display can become a central piece of your smart home.
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our smart home guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
