If you’re in the market for a smart speaker that sounds great, looks sleek, and fits seamlessly into your smart home, the Sonos Era 100 is worth a closer look. I’ve been using it for a while now, and it’s become one of my favorite pieces of tech. Let’s break it down so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Ease of Use: Simple Setup, Intuitive Controls
One of the first things I noticed about the Era 100 is how easy it is to set up. If you’re already in the Sonos ecosystem, it’s a breeze—just open the Sonos app, follow the prompts, and you’re good to go. Even if you’re new to Sonos, the app guides you through the process step by step.
The touch controls on top of the speaker are intuitive: swipe to adjust volume, tap to play/pause or skip tracks. You can even disable the controls if you have kids or pets who might accidentally mess with them.
Voice Assistants: Sonos Voice Control and Alexa
The Era 100 supports Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, but not Google Assistant (at least for now). Here’s how they stack up:
- Sonos Voice Control: This is Sonos’s own voice assistant, and it’s designed with privacy in mind. Your requests are processed locally, so they’re not stored or sent to the cloud. It works well for basic tasks like playing music, setting timers, and controlling your Sonos system. However, it’s limited to a few music services (Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Pandora). Spotify and YouTube Music aren’t supported yet, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
- Alexa: If you prefer Amazon’s assistant, it’s fully supported. You can use it to control smart home devices, check the weather, and more.
The microphone does a good job of recognizing your voice, even in noisy environments. However, if you’re not a fan of voice assistants, you can easily mute the microphone with a physical switch on the back.
Language Support: Limited but Functional
Sonos Voice Control currently supports English and French, with more languages likely to be added in the future. If you need support for other languages, you’ll have to rely on Alexa, which supports a wider range of languages.
Sound Quality: Clear, Detailed, and Balanced
The Era 100 isn’t just a smart speaker—it’s a great speaker period. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Two Tweeters: Unlike the single tweeter in the Sonos One, the Era 100 has two tweeters angled to the left and right. This creates a wider soundstage and adds more detail to the music.
- Larger Woofer: The woofer is 25% larger than the one in the Sonos One, delivering deeper, more powerful bass. It’s not going to shake your walls like a subwoofer, but it’s impressive for a speaker of this size.
- Trueplay Tuning: This feature optimizes the speaker’s sound for your room. iOS users get both Quick Tuning (using the speaker’s mics) and Advanced Tuning (using your phone). Android users are limited to Quick Tuning, but it still works well.
Whether you’re listening to classical music, rock, or podcasts, the Era 100 delivers clear vocals, detailed instrumentals, and a balanced sound profile.
Connectivity: Bluetooth and Line-In Support
One of the biggest upgrades over the Sonos One is the addition of Bluetooth and line-in support.
- Bluetooth: Simply press the button on the back to enable Bluetooth pairing. It’s perfect for quick connections or when you don’t want to use Wi-Fi.
- Line-In: With a $20 USB-C adapter, you can connect devices like turntables or computers directly to the speaker. I tested this with my Mac, and while it worked well, there were occasional audio sync issues. For casual listening, it’s great, but I wouldn’t recommend it for daily computer use.
Cost: Is It Worth the Price?
The Sonos Era 100 retails for $249, which puts it in the same price range as the HomePod 2. While it’s not cheap, it offers excellent sound quality, versatile connectivity, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. If you’re looking for a stereo pair, two Era 100s will cost you $498, which is $100 cheaper than a pair of HomePod 2s.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with clear vocals, detailed instrumentals, and powerful bass.
- Easy to set up and use, with intuitive touch controls.
- Supports Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa.
- Bluetooth and line-in support for versatile connectivity.
- Fits seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio.
Cons:
- Sonos Voice Control is limited to a few music services and languages.
- No support for Google Assistant or Google Cast.
- Occasional audio sync issues when using the line-in adapter.
Who Should Buy the Sonos Era 100?
The Sonos Era 100 is perfect for:
- Music Lovers: It delivers excellent sound quality and works with a wide range of music services.
- Apple Users: AirPlay 2 integration makes it a seamless addition to an Apple-centric home.
- Multi-Room Audio Fans: If you’re building a Sonos ecosystem, the Era 100 is a great addition.
If you’re considering a stereo pair, it’s worth the investment for a more immersive soundstage. However, if you’re looking for spatial audio or portability, the Sonos Era 300 or Move 2 might be better options.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile, high-quality speaker that delivers excellent sound, sleek design, and user-friendly features. While it has a few quirks, it’s a solid upgrade over the Sonos One and a great choice for most people.
If you’re ready to elevate your listening experience, the Era 100 is definitely worth considering.
