Have a task you want to get done? Saying it aloud and having a voice assistant listen can save you time, ease your workload, and help to make life easier. Finding the best voice assistant will depend on what you’re looking to achieve, as well as whether you’re using a voice assistant for personal or professional uses.
In this article, we’re going to share what a voice assistant is. We will also look at some of our favorite voice assistants for 2025. Last but not least, we’ll see how you can use aiOla’s API to create your very own voice assistant using your existing software.
What is a Voice Assistant?
A voice assistant is software that listens to a voice command and carries out an action. It works by way of artificial intelligence and machine learning to understand a human’s voice and what is being said.
It’s likely you’ve used a voice assistant already– they are ubiquitous. Voice assistant software exists on smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearable technology, speakers, smart watches, and more.
Voice Assistant Benefits
When you use a voice assistant, it’s as if you have your very own personal assistant. You can request a voice assistant to handle tasks such as:
- Reading and sending text messages
- Transcribing notes
- Controlling home appliances
- Retrieving information
- Receiving news and updates
- Setting alarms
- Scheduling reminders
- Translating languages
In work settings, you can use speech recognition and Conversational AI solutions to:
- Document records
- Capture data
- Collaborate with cross-border teams
- Increase transparency
- Conduct inspections via voice
- Complete processes more quickly
- Remove manual data entry
- Securely store data
The Best Voice Assistants for 2025
Interested in using the best voice assistants? To help you narrow down your search, here are a few of the most popular options in the market:
Google Assistant
In 2016, Google launched Google Assistant, which is compatible with a multitude of devices. Google Assistant can be thought of as the brain behind the Google Home ecosystem (which can enable any home to become a smart home).
Pros:
- Works with plenty of devices, including Android phones, smart displays, and speakers
- Provides a personalized experience
- Understands many languages
- Automates routines
- Voice search
- Information retrieval
- Can process a string of requests
Cons:
- Works extremely well within the Google ecosystem, but limited third-party integration
- Relies on Google Home to provide its full functionality
- Doesn’t always understand complex commands
Amazon Alexa
Amazon’s Alexa is a popular choice that responds to the wake up word, “Alexa, (insert command).” Amazon’s Alexa works alongside Amazon-owned brands like the Ring camera, Fire TV sticks, and third-party tools like iRobot and more.
Pros:
- Top choice for shopping and delivery tracking
- Customizable
- Easy to set up
- Dynamic smart home routines
- Multiple profile options
Cons:
- Alexa may try to sell products and services to you
- Can only respond to one command at at time
Apple Siri
Apple’s Siri is Apple devices built-in voice assistant that responds to, “Hey Siri.”
Pros:
- Multi-language understanding
- Can dictate social posts
- Integrates with third-party apps
- Can use for media and entertainment
Cons:
- May face difficulty processing accents accurately
- Ignores silent mode so Siri may be audible even when your device is silenced
- Relies on constant Web connection
DataBot
Working across Windows, Android, and iOS devices, DataBot is a voice assistant that can be used for reminders, personal queries, and is suitable for travel, work, play, or study.
Pros:
- Customizable voice assistant bot
- Works across platforms
- Understands multiple languages
- Set with Modules for use cases: BASIC, Dictionary, Thematic, Secretary, Brain Train, Horoscope, and Jokes, Riddles and Quotes
- Digital map features
Cons:
- Relatively in advance in comparison to competitors
- Less support because less popular
- Need to buy extra features
Microsoft Cortana
Last but not least, Microsoft’s Cortana is powered by Bing’s search engine.
Pros:
- Integrates best with Windows
- Works across platforms
- Customizable
- Workplace compatible with Microsoft 365 Suite
Cons:
- Limited third-party integration
- Stuck using Bing as its default
- Limited regional availability
BONUS: aiOla
aiOla is an adaptable and scalable option that can be a voice assistant, if that’s all you need, or provide more than a voice assistant for workplace productivity. aiOla is a conversational AI technology that can be used in its app form or through its API (to create your very own voice assistant).
For workplaces, aiOla is designed to help frontline workers and the entire organization to accomplish more without having to add resources through its voice-enabled technology. What makes aiOla stand out from the crowd? It’s the first-of-its-kind automatic speech recognition tool that can automatically understand business-specific jargon, in any acoustic environment and accent, in over 120 languages.
As a result, anyone can use aiOla to complete critical workflows, capture otherwise lost data, and increase productivity.
Closing Thoughts
Voice assistants are all over the place and growing in popularity with each passing day. In fact, in 2025, it’s expected that there will be 8.4 billion voice assistants in use – a number that surpasses the global population.
When searching for your perfect voice assistant, it’s important to consider what you are specifically trying to accomplish- differentiate between those designed for personal use cases versus professional settings. Then, take your time to decide what voice assistant checks off all your boxes and get to talking!
If you’re a business looking to maximize productivity, enhance safety, and access an easily customizable and tailored voice assistant and conversational AI solution– look no further. aiOla is here to assist.
