How Many U.S. Adults Own At Least One Smart Speaker?

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LAS VEGAS — Some 60 million people in the U.S. aged 18 and older own at least one smart speaker device.


That’s the biggest takeaway from the latest Smart Audio Report survey, conducted after the December 2019 holidays, by NPR and Edison Research.

In fact, the average smart speaker household now features 2.6 devices, up from 2.3 devices per household at the same time last year.

The new data was presented Wednesday morning during the 2019 VOICE Live event at CES 2020.

The findings are based on a nationally conducted telephone survey of 1,015 adults over the age of 18.

Results also show some 54% of the U.S. population having ever used some type of voice-command technology, such as voice assistants on smartphones, smart speakers and other devices.

Of those who use voice assistants, 24% say they use the technology daily.

“Today there are more ways than ever for audiences to engage with audio content, and that’s why we’ve partnered with Edison Research for three years to create an annual study on the growth of smart speakers,” NPR CEO John Lansing said. “This latest report again shows the steady growth in smart speakers and the substantial use of voice activation across platforms. NPR sees these increases reflected in the continuing growth of listening to NPR radio streams and podcasts on smart speakers. We’re eager to see that growth continue.”

Edison Research SVP Tom Webster added, “Smart speakers are remarkable in that once people become accustomed to voice assistants, they purchase multiple devices in order to surround themselves with the technology. On average, those who have one now have 2.6 devices in their home, which is sure to increase the amount of time they spend with audio content.”

The Smart Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research debuted in June 2017.