Facebook Portal Go

The primary advantages that the Go has over other smart displays is its portability and Messenger and WhatsApp support. But both Google and Amazon make better devices with way more features. On top of that, Facebook’s poor reputation on privacy gives us pause on recommending it. You should only choose the Portal Go if Messenger and WhatsApp are the two video call services you use.

If it’s quality video conferencing you’re after, the Facebook Portal Go is a winner. Thanks to its long battery life, you can take the Go where it’s most convenient to sit, while the wide-angle camera and clever tracking technology keep you in focus. Excellent sound quality round off the video-calling package. It’s everywhere else that the Portal Go is a bit of a letdown: the built-in voice assistant is poor; Alexa is an option but loses out on features; and Spotify aside, there isn’t much to keep you entertained. If you want a single device for video conferencing then this is a good one, but those who don’t call much are probably best saving their cash.

Whether you want a Portal Go in your home will largely come down to the answers to two questions: Are you comfortable with a device from Facebook in your home, and do you want a dedicated video phone for work or personal calls? If the answer to both those questions is yes — the Portal Go may be a good device for you. If you are more interested in a smart display that easily integrates with your smart home, acts as a second TV screen, and works in a multi-room music audio system, a Nest Hub from Google or an Echo Show from Amazon will fit your needs better.