If you’re wondering what makes the Sonos Era 100 smart speaker a must for your home audio, it really boils down to how versatile it is, especially when it comes to connecting your podcast. This isn’t just another smart speaker. it’s a “remastering” of the beloved Sonos One, packing in features like Bluetooth, USB-C line-in, and a robust Wi-Fi 6 connection that were missing from its predecessor. What you get is a compact powerhouse designed to fill small to medium-sized rooms with rich, detailed stereo sound and noticeably deeper bass. It’s a fantastic upgrade that offers more flexibility than ever before, seamlessly blending into your existing Sonos setup or serving as an excellent entry point into the Sonos ecosystem. While it doesn’t support Google Assistant or the immersive Dolby Atmos sound of its bigger sibling, the Era 300, the addition of these new connectivity options and improved audio performance makes the Era 100 an outstanding choice for most people looking for a premium, user-friendly smart speaker.
Era 100: A Fresh Look at Sonos’s Compact Powerhouse
When I first laid eyes on the Sonos Era 100, its design immediately caught my attention. It’s got this sleek, minimalist cylindrical shape that just fits in anywhere—whether that’s tucked away on a bookshelf, sitting proudly on your kitchen counter, or chilling on a nightstand. It’s a little taller and rounder than the Sonos One, but still keeps that compact, “fits-anywhere” vibe. Sonos really stepped up their game here, giving us not just better sound, but also a speaker that looks and feels modern without being flashy. You can grab it in either matte black or matte white, so it’ll blend perfectly with your home decor.
But it’s not just about looks. Sonos made some smart choices inside too. The top panel has these super responsive touch controls – honestly, they’re a dream to use. There’s a new capacitive volume slider, which is a nice touch, literally! Just slide your finger to dial the podcast up or down. Plus, there’s a physical microphone switch on the back, which is a big win for privacy. You can physically cut off the mic whenever you want, giving you total peace of mind.
This speaker isn’t just a pretty face. it’s built to deliver. The design changes weren’t just for aesthetics. they were to make room for the new drivers inside. It’s equipped with two angled tweeters that really help push out crisp, accurate high frequencies and create a wider stereo separation, making the sound feel much bigger than its compact size suggests. And get this: the woofer is 25% larger than what was in the Sonos One, which translates to noticeably deeper and richer bass without distortion. This means you get a truly room-filling, detailed stereo sound from just one speaker. Imagine two of these paired up in a stereo setup – it’s an even more immersive experience!.
If you’re looking to check out the Sonos Era 100 and see if it’s the right fit for your space, you can often find great deals on Sonos Era 100 speakers online.
Connectivity Unpacked: The Heart of the Era 100 Experience
The Sonos Era 100 truly shines when we talk about its connectivity options. Sonos used to be all about Wi-Fi, and for good reason, but they’ve listened to their users and added some fantastic flexibility with Bluetooth and USB-C line-in. This means you’re no longer stuck if you just want to quickly throw on some podcast or connect an older audio device.
Wi-Fi: The Sonos Standard
Wi-Fi is still the star of the show here, and that’s a good thing. The Sonos system is built around it, offering you the best sound experience possible. When you’re connected via Wi-Fi, you’re streaming the highest-quality audio from pretty much anywhere in your home, without those annoying interruptions from calls or notifications. It works with Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4/5 GHz, which is super fast and reliable.
The real magic happens through the Sonos S2 app. This app is like your central command for all things Sonos. You can integrate a massive range of streaming services, from the big players like Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Amazon Podcast to Tidal, Qobuz, and countless internet radio stations. The app makes it incredibly easy to control playback, adjust EQ settings, group speakers for multi-room audio, or even set up stereo pairs. Plus, it supports Apple AirPlay 2, so if you’re an Apple user, beaming audio from your iPhone or iPad is a breeze.
For the purest audio experience and the seamless multi-room magic that Sonos is famous for, Wi-Fi is definitely your go-to. Netamo smart home weather station review
Bluetooth: Welcome Flexibility
Now, here’s a feature that many Sonos users have been asking for, and it’s a welcome addition: Bluetooth!. While Sonos has always championed Wi-Fi for its superior audio quality and multi-room capabilities, they recognized that sometimes you just want to quickly play something from your phone, or let a guest easily share their playlist without jumping through Wi-Fi hoops.
The Era 100 comes with Bluetooth 5.3 though some earlier reviews mentioned 5.0, the Sonos official site lists 5.3, which means a stable and efficient wireless connection. Pairing is super simple: just press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the speaker until you hear a chime and the status light blinks blue. Then, select “Sonos Era 100” from your device’s Bluetooth settings, and you’re good to go.
One of the coolest things about Sonos’s implementation of Bluetooth is that it doesn’t trap you in a single-speaker experience. Once you or a guest start playing something via Bluetooth, you can actually use the Sonos app to group in other Sonos speakers around your house, extending that same audio to multiple rooms over Wi-Fi!. That’s flexibility you don’t always get with other Bluetooth speakers.
It’s worth noting that Bluetooth functionality is disabled if your Era 100 is being used as a surround speaker in a home theater setup. Also, for initial setup, the Era 100 must be set up on a Wi-Fi network before you can use it as a Bluetooth speaker.
If you’re looking for other great options, you might compare it with a Bose Portable Smart Speaker which also offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Lectron Vortex Plug Review: Unlocking Tesla Supercharging for Your EV
USB-C Line-In: Bridging Analog and Digital
This is another significant new feature for a compact Sonos home speaker, opening up a world of possibilities for audio enthusiasts: the USB-C line-in port. Ever wanted to connect your old-school turntable, a CD player, or even a computer directly to your Sonos speaker? Now you can! This is a must for those who love their analog sources or have a collection of podcast that isn’t streaming-ready.
There’s a small catch, though: to use the line-in, you’ll need the Sonos Line-In Adapter a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter or the Sonos Combo Adapter which also adds an Ethernet port. These are sold separately, so remember to factor that into your budget if you plan on using this feature. The Sonos adapter is specific—it’s an analog-to-USB-C converter—so generic USB-C adapters won’t work for audio input. Once you have the right adapter, just plug your audio source in, select “Line-In” in the Sonos app, and enjoy. You can even set up Autoplay for your line-in source, so it kicks in automatically when a signal is detected.
It’s a fantastic way to blend your classic audio gear with your modern Sonos system, something that was previously limited to the larger Sonos Five. Just like Bluetooth, if your Era 100 is part of a home theater as a surround speaker, the line-in feature will be disabled.
Looking for the essential accessories? You can easily find the Sonos Line-In Adapter and Sonos Combo Adapter on Amazon.
Ethernet: For Rock-Solid Connections
While the Era 100 boasts excellent Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, there might be times or places where a wired connection is just better. If your Wi-Fi is a bit flaky, or you simply prefer the absolute stability and speed of a wired network for streaming, the Era 100 has you covered. By using the Sonos Combo Adapter the same one that offers the USB-C line-in, you can connect your Era 100 directly to your router with an Ethernet cable. This is particularly handy for critical listening setups or in areas of your home with poor wireless coverage, ensuring an uninterrupted and high-fidelity audio stream. Bleequp ai sports camera glasses review
Beyond Connectivity: Sound That Fills Your Space
We’ve talked a lot about how the podcast gets to the Era 100, but let’s talk about the payoff: the sound. The Sonos Era 100 isn’t just about flexible connections. it’s about a significantly improved listening experience compared to its predecessor, the Sonos One.
This little speaker is designed to deliver a rich, detailed stereo sound. Inside, you’ll find two angled tweeters working to create crisp, clear highs and a surprising amount of stereo separation for such a compact device. But where it really shines is the bass. Sonos gave it a 25% larger woofer than the Sonos One, which means you get noticeably deeper, punchier bass that really fills a room without sounding muddy or distorted. This isn’t just a slight improvement. many reviewers found the difference to be quite significant, making the Era 100 sound much bigger than it actually is.
Whether you’re into bass-heavy tracks or delicate classical compositions, the Era 100 handles it with impressive balance, detail, and warmth. It can easily fill small to medium-sized rooms with sound. And if you really want to kick things up a notch, grab a second Sonos Era 100 and pair them together for a truly immersive stereo experience. This creates an even wider soundstage and deeper bass that reviewers consistently rave about. You can even use a pair of Era 100s as rear surrounds with compatible Sonos soundbars like the Sonos Arc, Beam, or Ray for a more cinematic home theater setup.
One of Sonos’s signature features, Trueplay tuning, is also on board. This smart technology measures how sound bounces off the walls, furnishings, and other surfaces in your room, then automatically adjusts the speaker’s EQ to optimize the sound for that specific space. If you’re an iOS user, you get the “Advanced tuning” option, where you walk around the room with your iPhone. Android users aren’t left out either, with a “Quick tuning” option that uses the speaker’s built-in microphones for calibration. This ensures you’re always getting the best possible sound, no matter where you place your speaker. HoverAir X1 Pro & ProMax Review: Your Ultimate Pocket-Sized Flying Camera Sidekick
The Era 100 also supports 24-bit audio streaming from services like Qobuz and Amazon Podcast Unlimited, so if you’re an audiophile with high-resolution files, you’ll appreciate the clarity and detail.
Smart Features and Control: Your Voice, Your Way
The Sonos Era 100 isn’t just about great sound. it’s a smart speaker through and through, designed to integrate seamlessly into your digital life. You’ve got a couple of options when it comes to voice control, making it super convenient to manage your podcast and smart home.
First up, there’s Sonos Voice Control. This is Sonos’s own voice assistant, and it’s pretty special. Requests are processed directly on the speaker, which means faster responses and enhanced privacy—what you say at home, stays at home. It’s great for podcast requests, adjusting volume, skipping songs, grouping speakers, and setting timers. While its podcast service support is still a bit limited compared to other assistants notably lacking Spotify and YouTube Podcast integration, it’s incredibly quick and efficient for what it does.
For a more versatile smart home experience, the Era 100 also has Amazon Alexa built right in. This gives you access to all of Alexa’s capabilities, from controlling smart home devices and checking the weather to setting alarms and answering questions. It’s a great option if you already have an Alexa-powered home.
Now, a quick heads-up: if your smart home is heavily reliant on Google Assistant, you should know that the Era 100 does not support Google Assistant. This is a departure from the Sonos One, which did offer Google Assistant. So, if that’s a deal-breaker for you, it’s definitely something to consider.
Of course, beyond voice, you can always control everything through the intuitive touch controls on the speaker itself or, for the most comprehensive control, through the excellent Sonos S2 app on your smartphone or tablet. And for those moments when you just want to completely disconnect from voice assistants, remember that physical microphone switch on the back? It’s there for a reason, giving you complete control over your privacy.
You can easily explore smart speaker options with Alexa, such as the Amazon Echo Studio, if you want to compare features and pricing.
Setting Up Your Era 100: Easy as 1-2-3
Getting your Sonos Era 100 up and running is genuinely straightforward, which is exactly what you want from a modern smart speaker. Sonos has always been known for its user-friendly setup, and the Era 100 continues that tradition.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect: Unlocking the Universe: Our Honest Review of the Reazenable Cosmic Beacon Series
- Power Up: First things first, unpack your Sonos Era 100 and plug it into a power outlet. The speaker needs to be powered on to connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Download the Sonos App: This is your control center. Head over to your phone’s app store iOS or Android and download the Sonos app if you don’t already have it.
- Open the App and Follow Prompts: Once you open the Sonos app, it usually detects new Sonos products nearby pretty quickly. You’ll be guided through the setup process step-by-step.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: The app will ask you to connect your Era 100 to your home Wi-Fi network. Make sure your phone is already connected to the Wi-Fi you want your speaker to use. You’ll enter your Wi-Fi password, and the app does the rest. It’s crucial to set up the Era 100 on Wi-Fi first, as Bluetooth functionality is only available once the Wi-Fi setup is complete.
- Trueplay Tuning: After connecting to Wi-Fi, the app will offer to run Trueplay tuning. As we discussed, this feature optimizes the speaker’s sound for your specific room. If you have an iOS device, you’ll get the “Advanced tuning” option, which involves walking around your room. Android users can use the “Quick tuning” which utilizes the speaker’s built-in microphones.
- Add Voice Assistants Optional: You can then choose to enable Sonos Voice Control or Amazon Alexa through the app.
The whole process is designed to be quick and intuitive, often taking less than five minutes. If you already have other Sonos speakers, the app might even find your new Era 100 automatically, making setup even faster as you won’t need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password. Once set up, you can dive into the app to adjust EQ settings, group speakers, and customize your listening experience.
Is the Era 100 Right for You?
So, after all this, is the Sonos Era 100 the right smart speaker for you? Let’s break it down, comparing it briefly to its predecessor and looking at its strengths and weaknesses.
Compared to the Sonos One/One SL:
The Era 100 is a clear and significant upgrade from the Sonos One and One SL. The biggest differences lie in its enhanced sound quality and, crucially, its expanded connectivity. The Era 100 delivers true stereo sound from a single unit thanks to its dual angled tweeters, whereas the Sonos One was mono-only. You also get that deeper, more impactful bass from the 25% larger woofer.
But the real game-changers are the additions of Bluetooth and USB-C line-in. These were long-requested features that make the Era 100 far more flexible for everyday listening and connecting external audio sources. While the Era 100 is a bit pricier than the older Sonos One which is phasing out, most agree the extra cost is well-justified by the improved sound and added features. If you already own a Sonos One, the Era 100 isn’t necessarily an “essential” upgrade unless you really crave stereo sound from a single speaker or need the new connectivity options. However, for anyone new to Sonos or looking to replace an aging One, the Era 100 is a superior choice. Looktech AI Glasses Wearable Review: Your Ultimate Guide
Pros of the Sonos Era 100:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Delivers rich, detailed stereo sound with surprising depth and punchy bass for its size, especially in small to medium rooms.
- Flexible Connectivity: The addition of Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C line-in via adapter alongside robust Wi-Fi 6 makes it incredibly versatile for playing audio from almost any source.
- Seamless Sonos Ecosystem: Integrates perfectly into an existing Sonos multi-room system, allowing for grouping, stereo pairing, and even use as home theater surrounds.
- User-Friendly Experience: Easy setup through the intuitive Sonos S2 app, simple touch controls, and effective Trueplay room tuning.
- Smart Features: Built-in Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control provide convenient hands-free operation, with a physical microphone switch for privacy.
Cons of the Sonos Era 100:
- No Google Assistant: This could be a deal-breaker for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.
- Line-In Adapter Costs Extra: The necessary Sonos Line-In Adapter or Combo Adapter for wired connections is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- No Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio: Unlike the more expensive Era 300, the Era 100 doesn’t support immersive formats like Dolby Atmos.
- Wi-Fi Required for Initial Setup & App Control: While it has Bluetooth, it must be set up on Wi-Fi first, and the full Sonos app functionality requires being on your home Wi-Fi network.
Ultimately, the Sonos Era 100 is an excellent entry point into the world of premium smart speakers. It offers fantastic sound, a sleek design, and the kind of versatile connectivity that makes it incredibly useful for almost any listening scenario. If you’re looking for a compact, powerful speaker that plays well with almost anything you throw at it as long as it’s not Google Assistant, and you appreciate a user-friendly, high-quality audio experience, the Era 100 is a no-brainer.
You can check out the full range of Sonos smart speakers to compare models and find the best fit for your home. Hengbot sirius review
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main connectivity options available on the Sonos Era 100?
The Sonos Era 100 offers flexible connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C port that supports line-in audio and Ethernet via separate adapters. This diverse range allows you to stream podcast over your home network, directly from a mobile device via Bluetooth, or connect analog sources like turntables.
Do I need special adapters to use the USB-C port on the Era 100?
Yes, if you want to use the USB-C port for line-in audio e.g., to connect a turntable or CD player or for an Ethernet connection, you will need to purchase the Sonos Line-In Adapter for 3.5mm audio or the Sonos Combo Adapter for both 3.5mm audio and Ethernet separately. The USB-C port is not designed for power or charging other devices.
Can I use the Sonos Era 100 as a regular Bluetooth speaker?
Absolutely! The Era 100 is the first Sonos home speaker to include built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to stream audio directly from any Bluetooth-enabled device. You simply press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the speaker to enter pairing mode. However, note that the speaker must first be set up on your Wi-Fi network using the Sonos app before Bluetooth can be used.
Does the Sonos Era 100 support Google Assistant?
No, the Sonos Era 100 does not support Google Assistant. It comes with built-in Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control for hands-free operation. If Google Assistant is essential for your smart home setup, you might need to consider other smart speaker options.
How does the sound quality of the Era 100 compare to the Sonos One?
The Sonos Era 100 offers a significant upgrade in sound quality compared to the Sonos One. It delivers true stereo sound from a single speaker, thanks to two angled tweeters, and provides noticeably deeper bass due to a 25% larger woofer. This results in a wider soundstage and more detailed, room-filling audio, making it sound much bigger than its compact size.
Can I use two Sonos Era 100 speakers together for a stereo setup or home theater surrounds?
Yes, you can definitely pair two Sonos Era 100 speakers together to create a stereo pair, which significantly widens the soundstage and enhances the audio experience. Additionally, two Era 100 speakers can be used as rear surround sound speakers when paired with a compatible Sonos soundbar like the Arc, Beam, or Ray, for an immersive home theater setup.
Is the Sonos Era 100 portable or does it need to be plugged in?
The Sonos Era 100 is not portable in the sense of having a built-in battery for untethered use. It is designed as a home speaker and requires continuous power from an electrical outlet to function. For portable Sonos options, you would look at models like the Sonos Move or Sonos Roam.
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