Sonos has long been a leader in the smart speaker market, and the Era 100 aims to build upon that legacy. With promises of enhanced audio quality, expanded connectivity, and a sleek design, it seeks to be the go-to choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles. This review delves into its design, features, performance, and overall value.
Is it worth buying?
Sonos Era 100
Design and Build Quality
The Era 100 maintains Sonos's signature minimalist aesthetic, featuring a compact form factor that fits seamlessly into various home environments. Its sturdy build exudes quality, and the touch-sensitive controls on the top panel are both responsive and intuitive. Available in black and white finishes, it offers versatility to match different interior styles.
Sonos Era 100
Features and Functionality
One of the standout features of the Era 100 is its enhanced connectivity options. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, it includes a USB-C line-in port, allowing for direct connection to external audio sources—a first for Sonos speakers. The integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control provides hands-free operation, making it easy to control playback, adjust volume, and manage other smart home devices. The Trueplay tuning feature, now accessible to both iOS and Android users, optimizes audio output based on the room's acoustics, ensuring a tailored listening experience.
Sonos Era 100
Audio Performance
The Era 100 delivers impressive sound quality, with a rich and balanced audio profile. The addition of a second tweeter enhances stereo separation, providing a more immersive listening experience. The bass response is robust without overpowering the mids and highs, catering to a wide range of music genres. While it excels as a standalone speaker, pairing two Era 100s for stereo sound or integrating them into a home theater setup with a Sonos soundbar can further elevate the audio experience.
Sonos Era 100
User Experience and App Integration
Setting up the Era 100 is straightforward, guided by the user-friendly Sonos app. The app offers seamless access to various streaming services, EQ adjustments, and multi-room audio controls. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity addresses a previous limitation, allowing for direct streaming from devices without relying solely on Wi-Fi. The USB-C line-in port, while a welcome addition, requires a separate adapter for traditional 3.5mm connections, which may be an extra consideration for some users.
Verdict
The Sonos Era 100 is my go-to for immersive sound at home. Its compact size doesn’t compromise audio quality, though I’d appreciate a few more input options for versatility.
WayneScore
10
/ 10
The Sonos Era 100 stands out as a versatile and high-performing smart speaker. Its combination of superior sound quality, expanded connectivity options, and user-friendly features make it a compelling choice for those looking to enhance their home audio setup. Whether you're a longtime Sonos user or new to the ecosystem, the Era 100 offers a balanced blend of innovation and reliability.
