Sonos Era 100 vs Sonos One: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the realm of smart speakers, Sonos has always held a distinguished reputation for delivering high-quality audio experiences. With the recent introduction of the Sonos Era series, particularly the Sonos Era 100, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Sonos One. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve deep into the differences between the two, offering insights that will help you make an informed decision.

Price

First and foremost, let’s address the aspect that often weighs heavily on consumer choices: price.

Sonos One

The Sonos One, which made its debut in 2017, has seen a price reduction in light of the Era 100’s arrival. In the UK, you can now find the Sonos One for as little as £159. This price drop makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Sonos Era 100

On the other hand, the Sonos Era 100 is priced at £249 / $249 / AU$399. It’s important to note that Sonos products are known for their rarity when it comes to discounts, especially for new releases. Therefore, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Sonos One emerges as the winner in the pricing department.

Design

Moving on to design, aesthetics play a significant role in integrating a speaker seamlessly into your living space.

Sonos One

The Sonos One features a design reminiscent of the Play:1, with its touch-sensitive top panel being a notable departure. However, after six years in the market, it may appear a tad dated, although the wraparound grille aids in its ability to blend into various settings.

Sonos Era 100

The Era 100, in contrast, offers a fresh look with its oval shape and matte finish. While it is slightly larger and heavier than the Sonos One, it maintains a compact form suitable for shelves, desks, or tables. The most significant design change is the Era 100’s adoption of stereo sound, a departure from the Sonos One’s mono configuration. Inside, two angled tweeters with custom waveguides, accompanied by a larger woofer, deliver an impressive acoustic experience. Additionally, the Era 100’s control panel on the top features an enhanced volume slider, making it even more user-friendly.

Winner: Sonos Era 100

Features

Now, let’s delve into the features offered by both speakers.

Sonos One

The Sonos One is a versatile smart speaker that has stood the test of time. While it lacks stereo sound, Bluetooth, and line-in connections, it still offers an enjoyable listening experience with its unobtrusive design and a wide array of streaming features. However, it’s worth noting that the Sonos One is soon to be discontinued.

Sonos Era 100

The Era 100, on the other hand, is packed with features that enhance its flexibility. It provides both Bluetooth and a USB-C line-in – a first for Sonos speakers. This makes the Era 100 more versatile than its predecessor and many competing speakers. Moreover, it is more powerful than the Sonos One and can be paired with other Sonos soundbars to create a home cinema setup. Additionally, you can pair two Era 100 speakers for a stereo experience. This speaker supports high-quality audio files, voice control, and works seamlessly with the Sonos S2 app. Notably, it can calibrate its audio output to match your surroundings using Trueplay, a feature now available for Android users as well.

Winner: Sonos Era 100

Sound Quality

Sound quality is paramount in assessing any speaker’s performance.

Sonos One

The Sonos One offers a well-balanced soundstage with crisp and clear treble, although occasional harshness may be observed. It delivers a satisfying listening experience with a spacious and organized sound profile.

Sonos Era 100

The Era 100 takes a significant leap in acoustic performance. It offers a more expansive, detailed, and deeper sound compared to the Sonos One. Its sound dispersion is impressive, and bass is both powerful and detailed. This speaker provides a remarkable upgrade in sound quality, making it a clear winner in this category.

Winner: Sonos Era 100

Verdict

In conclusion, the choice between the Sonos Era 100 and the Sonos One depends on your specific needs and budget.

The Sonos One, with its reduced price, unobtrusive design, and satisfactory sound quality, remains a viable option for those looking for a budget-friendly smart speaker.

On the other hand, the Sonos Era 100 emerges as the clear winner, offering an array of features, enhanced sound quality, and a more modern design. If you’re seeking a powerful and versatile smart speaker without budget constraints, the Era 100 is the way to go.

In essence, Sonos has delivered a compelling successor to the Sonos One with the Era 100, providing a refined and feature-rich audio experience that caters to the demands of today’s smart speaker enthusiasts.

For more in-depth insights and a detailed review of the Sonos Era 100, please refer to our comprehensive evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Sonos Era 100 worth the higher price compared to the Sonos One?

• The Sonos Era 100 offers several advantages over the Sonos One, including stereo sound, Bluetooth capability, and versatile connectivity options. If these features align with your needs and budget permits, the Era 100 is a worthwhile investment.

2. Can I still purchase the Sonos One even though the Era 100 has been released?

• Yes, the Sonos One is still available for purchase. Retailers are offering discounts on the Sonos One to clear stock as the Era 100 replaces it, making it an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly smart speaker.

3. Does the Sonos Era 100 support spatial audio like the Era 300?

• No, the Sonos Era 100 does not support spatial audio. Sonos claims that the speaker’s smaller dimensions wouldn’t do justice to spatial audio. However, it does offer stereo sound, a significant improvement over the Sonos One’s mono configuration.

4. What devices can I pair with the Sonos Era 100 for a home cinema setup?

• The Sonos Era 100 can be paired with Sonos’s Arc, Ray, and Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 soundbars to create a comprehensive home cinema experience, enhancing your audio and entertainment setup.

5. How does the Era 100’s sound quality compare to the Sonos One?

• The Era 100 offers a significantly upgraded sound quality compared to the Sonos One. It provides a more expansive, detailed, and deeper audio experience, making it the preferred choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In the battle of smart speakers, the Sonos Era 100 emerges as a clear winner when compared to its predecessor, the Sonos One. While the Sonos One remains a budget-friendly option with satisfactory sound quality, the Era 100 sets a new standard for what a smart speaker can offer.

The Era 100’s enhanced features, including stereo sound, Bluetooth connectivity, and versatile connectivity options, make it a top choice for those seeking a premium audio experience. Its design refresh, improved sound quality, and compatibility with other Sonos soundbars for home cinema setups set it apart.

However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t require the advanced features of the Era 100, the Sonos One still offers a respectable listening experience.

In summary, Sonos has successfully delivered an exceptional successor to the Sonos One with the Era 100, catering to the demands of modern smart speaker enthusiasts who seek both power and versatility in their audio setup.

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