Sonos Era 100 Review: Stereo Sound Is Just The Start For This Smart Speaker – SlashGear

Existing Sonos fans are really going to like the Era 100, I suspect. It sounds better than the Sonos One, and it continues in that model’s pattern of refined, restrained design. Being able to use it as a line-in for external sources is a welcome addition, as is Bluetooth streaming support, while both the on-speaker controls and the new Trueplay are easier to use.

More than that, there’s a nod to some of the other expectations Sonos users prioritize. Power consumption, particularly in standby, is lower, while the number of recycled materials inside and out have been increased. Sonos is using less glue and more screws so that future repairs — and, eventually, end-of-life recycling — are more straightforward. For a company that has long been known for the lengthy lifecycle of its products, they’re important considerations.

Overall, the Era 100 asks more from your wallet but offers more in return. Despite its age, the One still sounds great; this successor only improves on that. More broadly, though, the added features like line-in support, Bluetooth streaming, and a processing upgrade for added headroom for future software updates are that make the Era 100 feel so solid. While Apple, Google, and Amazon devotees should still consider each company’s own speakers, Sonos continues to upend the assumption that the only way to get a slick, rewarding experience is to stay safely within your ecosystem.

The Sonos Era 100 can be purchased for $249 from Sonos.