Sonos Era 100 review: Still the small smart speaker to beat in 2026
By Ben Carter
9.1
Consumers Best Verdict: Sonos Era 100 Highlights
This Sonos Era 100 review in 2026 finds a smart speaker that’s matured nicely. You get warm, confident audio with real stereo separation, Wi‑Fi multiroom, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth for quick guests-and-gadgets moments, and Trueplay tuning that smooths the sound in tricky rooms. It’s a thoughtful upgrade path, too—stereo pair two, or use them as surrounds later. If you value simplicity, quality, and a platform that won’t go flaky on a Tuesday, this is the one to beat.
After living with it, my gut says the Sonos Era 100 nails the sweet spot: room-filling sound from a truly compact box, painless setup, and enough connectivity to make everyone in the house happy. It’s not cheap, and it won’t replace a big hi‑fi rig, but for most people, it just works—and more importantly, it keeps working. That reliability is why we at Consumer's Best keep recommending it.
In-Depth Look: Sonos Era 100 Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Small speaker, big grown‑up sound. The Era 100 leans warm but stays detailed, with smart touches that make daily use feel effortless.
Dual tweeters + redesigned mid‑woofer
Wider stereo spread and fuller low‑end from a compact cabinet—music feels bigger than it looks.
Wi‑Fi multiroom + AirPlay 2 + Bluetooth
Stream the easy way, whether it’s whole‑home audio or a quick Bluetooth hand‑off to play a friend’s playlist.
Trueplay tuning (including Quick Tuning)
Calibrates to your room in minutes; you hear tighter bass and cleaner vocals without fiddling with EQ.
Voice control options
Built‑in Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa handle hands‑free basics when you’re cooking, cleaning, or, let’s be honest, just chilling.
Expandable ecosystem
Stereo‑pair another Era 100 for wider sound, add a Sonos soundbar and use them as rears, or plug a turntable via the optional line‑in adapter.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Premium price
It costs more than many smart Bluetooth speakers; the value is in sound quality and the stable Sonos ecosystem.
- No Google Assistant
You’re limited to Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa for voice commands.
- Adapters sold separately
Line‑in (3.5 mm via USB‑C) and Ethernet require Sonos’s optional adapters.
- Bluetooth codec limits
Supports SBC/AAC; no aptX or LDAC for higher‑bitrate Bluetooth listening.
Who Is the Sonos Era 100 Best For?
Apartment dwellers
Big, warm sound without the big footprint or neighbor‑unfriendly boom.
Multiroom newcomers
A painless entry into Sonos—add rooms later without rethinking your setup.
iPhone households
AirPlay 2 convenience and full Trueplay room tuning make daily listening feel seamless.
Android users
Quick Tuning and Bluetooth make it simple to get great sound fast—no fuss.
Home theater tinkerers
Pair two as surrounds with a Sonos soundbar for a tidy, impressive TV upgrade.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Strict budgets
If price tops your list, basic smart speakers or value soundbars may stretch dollars further.
- Bass maximalists & spatial audio fans
Consider a larger speaker (or a sub) and models built for Dolby Atmos effects.
- Wired‑first listeners
If you need native RCA/optical inputs on the speaker, look at traditional powered bookshelf options.
- Google Assistant loyalists
You’ll want a speaker with native Google Assistant support.
Frequently Asked Questions
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