If you're already a fan of smart home tech, then why not extend that technology to your shower? With Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant voice control, you can play your favorite music, add things to your shopping list, control other smart devices, or even make a call!
Smart shower controllers bring this to an entirely new level, with voice-control shower activations, changes to temperatures, shower presets, and more!
In this article, I dive into the five ways you can incorporate Alexa, Siri & Google Assistant into your shower routine.
A problem I found when listening to music in the shower is the speaker generally needs to be quite loud to overcome the noise of the splashing water. Also while the various voice assistants are generally OK at filtering out background noise, voice commands can be tricky with the shower running at the same time.
I have a battery base for my Echo dot speaker so tested some voice commands and played some music with the shower running. The voice pickup was better than I expected, however, the speaker just wasn't powerful enough to really enjoy the music.
In the end, I went for option 2 below which gave me much more power than my Echo speaker.
Top Tip: Automate your smart speaker with a humidity sensor that triggers the playing of your preferred radio or Spotify playlist when the shower is turned on. To set this up, install a humidity sensor, connect it to a smart home hub or smart speaker, and set up a routine or automation that links the humidity sensor to your preferred music.
Option 1: Voice-Controlled Showerhead Speaker
Voice Assistant Support: Alexa Only
A voice-controlled showerhead speaker like the Kohler Smart Showerhead is a great option if you want to add voice control to your existing shower setup without doing any major renovations.
The Kohler Smart Showerhead has a built-in Amazon Alexa speaker, so you can ask it to play music, set a timer, or even order shampoo while you shower.
The speaker is also detachable, so you can take it with you when you're done showering.
The Moxie has a built-in waterproof Bluetooth speaker that's magnetically docked into the showerhead
- Built-in Alexa voice control so you can play music, set alarms, and update your grocery list right from your shower.
- Portable and durable with a removable magnetic speaker that securely holds the speaker in place, and you can remove it for charging or on-the-go listening.
- Quick charging battery that provides up to nine hours of play time.
The Kohler Moxie combines a high-quality speaker with a showerhead. The showerhead provides a full coverage spray, and the waterproof Bluetooth speaker is safe to use in the shower. The speaker attaches magnetically to the showerhead, providing optimal sound quality for your shower experience.
It has a quick charging battery that lasts up to nine hours, so you can listen to your favorite music or podcasts without worrying about the battery dying. The speaker is also equipped with Amazon Alexa, which allows you to use voice control to play your favorite music, set alarms, and update your grocery list without leaving the shower.
I like the fact that this device is relatively inexpensive and having the speaker in the shower itself dramatically improves the sound quality.
Option 2: Portable Wi-Fi Speaker with Fully Built-In Voice Control
Voice Assistant Support: Alexa & Google Assistant
If you don't want to install anything in your shower, a portable speaker with built-in voice control is a good option.
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is a high-quality speaker that has Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. So you don’t need your phone to control it. Instead, you simply need Wi-Fi.
It is water-resistant so a good option for a bathroom. And unlike options 1 and 2, Bose is well known for their quality speakers so you're likely to get much better sound quality.
With this speaker, you can use it to play music or podcasts, set reminders, and control other smart devices in your home. As the speaker is portable, you can take it with you wherever you go, including the shower.
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker functions as a portable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker, with deep sound and powerful bass.
- The speaker is lightweight and has a handle to bring it in and out of the bathroom
- It delivers 360 degrees of deep, clear, and powerful sound with bass.
- The speaker has a rugged design and is water-resistant with an IPX4 rating.
With the Bose smart speaker, you can play music, reads the news, and controls smart home devices. You can control it by talking to it as Alexa or Google Assistant.
You can connect it to Wi-Fi and play music from popular services like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Pandora. When you're not near Wi-Fi, you can connect to it with Bluetooth from your phone or tablet.
It has excellent sound quality and you can connect it to other speakers to have the same music playing in different rooms.
You can even make calls with it, but only if you're using Alexa and connected to Wi-Fi.
My only issue with this speaker is the battery life as it tends to drain faster than other speakers I own. Other than that, I highly recommend it.
Option 3: Battery Base for your Smart Speaker
Voice Assistant Support: Alexa, Google Assistant & Siri
If you already have a smart speaker like an Amazon Echo or Google Home, you can make it portable with a battery base.
A battery base like the Mission Battery Base allows you to use your Echo or HomePod device in the shower or anywhere else in your home without needing to be plugged in.
Echo Speaker Base
Nest Speaker Base
Homepod Speaker Base
You can use your voice to control the water, play music, or ask for news or weather updates.
The only problem with this approach is that smart speakers are not fully waterproof.
Option 4: Comprehensive Smart Shower System
Voice Assistant Support: Alexa, Google Assistant & Siri
A comprehensive smart shower system like U by Moen allows you to control all aspects of your shower experience with your voice.
You can start and stop the water, adjust the temperature and flow rate, and even set up personalized presets for each member of your household.
The U by Moen system works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, so you can use whichever voice assistant you prefer.
With this type of system, you'll need to install a digital valve controller in your shower, which can be a bit more involved than the other options on this list.
ThermaSol is another manufacturer of smart shower controllers and systems if you're looking to undertake a large-scale renovation. More info here.
My biggest issue with this solution is cost. Fully integrated smart shower systems are expensive. They usually require the services of a plumber and electrician and if upgrading your existing bathroom, you'll also need a tiler to tidy up changes to your shower area. Never mind the cost of the kit!
This fully integrated shower controller has a controller that's integrated into the wall, a smart water valve and battery backup
- Allows you to control your shower with your voice, phone, or controller
- Remote activation with Amazon Alexa and U by Moen smartphone apps
- Easy-to-read LCD screen that's outlet powered and Wi-Fi connected
The Smart Shower by Moen is a showering system that allows you to customize your showering experience in three ways: voice, phone, and controller. You can use your voice via Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also use your phone, or the controller to start your shower, set a specific temperature, and stop or pause the shower remotely.
By using the Moen Smart Water App, you can also set your ideal shower temperature and save your preferred settings. The Smart Shower is adaptable and can be installed with either two or four outlets, based on your shower layout.
With the Moen Smart Water App, you can also time your shower perfectly, start and pause your shower, and receive device notifications. Installing the Smart Shower is easy, and you can learn how to use it through tutorials in the Moen Smart Water App.
With the Smart Shower, you can personalize your shower, sync your devices, and have a seamless and powerful showering experience.
My issue with the U Shower for Siri, Alexa or Google Assitant control is that it does not have the same functionality as their respective smart speakers.
Option 5: Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Microphone (Connected to your Phone)
Voice Assistant Support: Alexa, Google Assistant & Siri
Another option for adding voice control to your shower routine is to use a Bluetooth speaker with a built-in microphone that's connected to your phone.
The Bose Soundlink Revolve is a high-quality Bluetooth speaker that you can use to play music from your phone while you shower. It also has a built-in microphone that you can use to issue voice commands to Siri or Google Assistant on your phone.
This option is more limited than the others since you'll need to have your phone nearby, but it's a good choice if you already have a high-quality Bluetooth speaker you'd like to use in the shower.
Why would you want a voice-controlled smart shower controller or smart speaker in the shower?
There are several reasons why having Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant in a shower is useful!
Convenience & Entertainment
With a smart shower controller, you can control all aspects of your shower experience with just your voice. You don't need to fiddle with knobs or buttons to adjust the temperature, flow rate, or lighting in your shower. This can be especially helpful if you have mobility issues.
With a smart shower speaker, you can listen to music or podcasts while you shower, which can help you relax and start your day on the right foot. Some smart shower speakers even have built-in lighting or aromatherapy features!
Customization and personalization
Many smart shower controllers allow you to set up personalized presets for different members of your household. This means that you can have your shower set up exactly the way you like it with just a simple voice command. You can also use your voice to play your favorite music or podcasts while you shower.
Improved energy efficiency
Smart shower controllers can help you save water and energy by allowing you to set up precise temperature and flow rate settings.
You can also set up timers or schedules to make sure that you're not wasting water or energy by leaving the shower running when you're not using it.
Integration with other smart home devices
If you already have an Alexa, Siri, or Google Home smart home system, adding a smart shower controller or speaker can help you integrate your shower with the rest of your smart home devices.
For example, you can use your voice to turn off the lights in your bathroom or adjust the thermostat in your house without needing to get out of the shower.
What is a Smart Shower Controller?
A Smart Shower Controller is a device that allows you to control your shower experience through your phone or voice commands, allowing hands-free activation, and adjusting the water temperature, and pressure according to your preferences.
Sources
https://www.moen.com/smart-home/smart-shower
https://www.kohler.com/en/products/showers/shop-shower-heads/moxie
https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/smart_home/bose-portable-home-speaker.html