Best Open Conversational Model right now (End 2025)?

It sounds like a vague question with no clear benchmarking. I use a bunch of LLMs with OpenWebUI. The last time I updated my model catalogue,
dolphin3:latest was pretty good at talking, and I used it for conversational bots that are supposed to just "talk" and not do complex math, coding, etc.

I'm building a new local system, something like an Alexa, but with a lot more control of my local machines and my room, and I want to integrate a good talking LLM, that is small(7b or below) and talks well.
I cannot find a benchmark or tests to determine which of the current models is good. I understand, it's a rather subjective thing, But I'd love it if you people can point me in the right direction, based on your experiences about gemma, qwen3, or other current models.