The Sonos Era 100 has emerged as a top contender in the smart speaker market, offering unmatched sound quality, sleek design, and powerful performance in a small package. This article explores the key features of the Era 100, highlighting what makes it stand out among its competitors.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Sonos Era 100 arrives in minimalist packaging, featuring recycled materials containing only the essentials: the speaker, a power cord, and brief documentation. The device’s design is similar to its predecessor, the Sonos One, but with significant upgrades that make it feel like an entirely new generation.
Refined Design and Enhanced Connectivity
The Era 100 sports a modern design with key changes from its predecessor. The pairing button and network cable input are absent, replaced by a microphone switch, USB-C input, and Bluetooth button. These improvements reflect Sonos’ commitment to customer feedback, enabling users to stream music via Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay2 or connect various devices through the USB-C Line-in port.
Note: To utilize the USB-C Line in port, you’ll need Sonos’ proprietary converter, available separately for $20.
Unparalleled Sound Performance in a Compact Speaker
Intuitive Controls and Superior Sound Quality
The top of the Era 100 features touch buttons for play, skip, and voice assistant activation, along with a touch-sensitive recessed strip for volume control. The speaker’s internal hardware has also been upgraded, with two angled tweeters delivering crisp high frequencies and a more prominent midrange driver for powerful bass.
Effortless Setup and Trueplay Tuning
Setting up the Era 100 is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive Sonos app. Android users can now enjoy Trueplay tuning, optimizing the speaker’s performance for any space. Apple devices still offer a more sophisticated tuning process, but the Era 100 delivers exceptional sound quality regardless of the platform used.
Smart Features to Enhance Your Listening Experience
Access to a Wide Range of Music Streaming Services
The Sonos app allows users to connect popular music streaming services, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, as well as audiobook providers and Plex servers. In addition, the smart speaker can stream music independently, freeing up your phone for other tasks.
Powerful Sound Projection and Customizable Alarm Function
The Era 100 is impressive because it can fill a room with sound, delivering an immersive listening experience. The speaker also features an alarm function within the Sonos app, allowing users to wake up to their favorite tunes.
Voice Control Options for Seamless Integration
The Sonos Era 100 offers two voice control options: Sonos’ own Voice Control, voiced by actor Giancarlo Esposito, and Amazon Alexa. While Sonos Voice Control is limited to managing Sonos devices, Amazon Alexa provides a more comprehensive digital assistant experience.
Multiroom and Stereo Pairing Capabilities
Like all Sonos speakers, the Era 100 can be integrated into a multiroom system, syncing with other Sonos devices to play music simultaneously in different rooms. In addition, users can pair two Era 100s for a stereo setup or use them as side speakers with Sonos Arc, Beam, and Ray soundbars.
Conclusion
The Sonos Era 100 is a powerful, feature-rich smart speaker, perfect for those seeking a high-quality listening experience in a compact device. With impressive sound quality, refined design, and versatile voice control options, the Era 100 is an excellent addition to any home entertainment system or a standalone smart speaker for music lovers.