Sonos Era 100
VERDICT
The Era 100 isn't just a speaker; it's the gateway drug to the best audio ecosystem on the planet. With added Bluetooth, USB-C line-in, and true stereo sound, Sonos has finally fixed the only complaints we had about the old Sonos One.
The Big Picture
For a decade, the Sonos One was the default recommendation for a smart speaker. The Era 100 takes that legacy and modernizes it. It’s slightly taller, significantly better sounding, and infinitely more versatile. It is designed for people who want music in every room of their house, perfectly synchronized.
🔊 True Stereo in One Box
The old Sonos One was mono. The Era 100 is Stereo.
The Engineering: It features two angled tweeters (firing left and right) and a 25% larger woofer. While it won't replace a dedicated stereo pair, the soundstage is much wider. The vocals are crisp, and the bass is surprisingly punchy for a speaker the size of a large coffee mug.
🔌 Connectivity Finally Fixed
Sonos used to be "Wi-Fi Only." Not anymore. The Era 100 adds two critical features:
1. Bluetooth 5.0: You can finally let a guest connect their phone instantly without downloading the Sonos app.
2. USB-C Line-In: With a (separately sold) adapter, you can plug in a turntable or computer. This makes the Era 100 vastly more useful than its predecessor.
✅ The Pros
- Superior app experience (Sonos S2 is the gold standard).
- Supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth.
- "Quick Tune" Trueplay works with Android phones now.
- Sleek, minimalist design fits anywhere.
❌ The Cons
- Expensive (especially when you add the Line-In adapter).
- No Google Assistant support (only Alexa & Sonos Voice).
- Not water-resistant (don't take it to the pool).
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you want to start a multi-room audio system that just works. It is the best entry point into high-quality home audio.
NO if you are on a tight budget or want "3D Spatial Audio" (the larger Era 300 or Echo Studio is better for that).
See how it competes: Sonos Era 100 vs. Amazon Echo Studio Comparison