Sonos Era 100 matte white (set of 2)

The Sonos Era 100 marks a turning point in the Californian manufacturer’s compact speaker lineup. Designed to replace the popular Sonos One after nearly a decade of service, these speakers, offered here as a pair, radically transform the brand’s sonic proposition with true stereophonic reproduction, expanded connectivity, and completely rethought acoustic performance.

A completely renewed acoustic design

The Sonos Era 100 abandons its predecessor’s monophonic reproduction in favor of a sophisticated stereophonic configuration. Two tweeters positioned at calculated angles create a distinct left-right separation, generating a wider soundstage even from a single speaker. This arrangement enables optimized dispersion of high frequencies thanks to custom waveguides that project sound in a controlled manner into the room.

The mid-woofer, now 25% larger than that of the Sonos One, adopts an oval shape that allows for better reproduction of vocal frequencies and deep bass. This increased radiating surface translates into a greater ability to move air, delivering more substantial bass at all volume levels.

Amplification and digital processing

Three Class D amplifiers independently power each transducer. This setup enables precise control of every acoustic element, optimizing frequency response and minimizing distortion. The 1.9 GHz Quad Core processor, 47% faster than the previous generation, handles signal processing with minimal latency, supported by a neural coprocessor dedicated to voice assistant functions and automatic calibration.

Design and construction: functional elegance

Measuring 182.5 mm high, 120 mm wide, and 130.5 mm deep, the Era 100 gains about two centimeters in height compared to the One. Far from gratuitous, this increase accommodates the more complex acoustic architecture. The slightly ovalized cylindrical form replaces the rounded-corner square of the previous generation, creating a more organic silhouette.

The wraparound acoustic grille now extends to the edges of the chassis, creating unbroken visual continuity. The matte finish, available in black or white, resists fingerprints while maintaining a pleasant tactile texture. The rubber base ensures exemplary stability while decoupling the speaker from its surface to minimize unwanted vibrations.

Rethought touch controls

The top panel incorporates a central groove allowing smooth volume adjustment by sliding your finger—a notable ergonomic improvement over the simple volume buttons on the previous generation. Playback, pause, and navigation controls remain accessible via responsive and precise capacitive touch zones.

Extended connectivity: technological openness

After years of reluctance, Sonos finally integrates Bluetooth 5.3 into its home speakers. This addition allows direct connection from any compatible device without going through the Wi‑Fi network. The SBC and AAC codecs ensure universal compatibility, although the absence of high-definition codecs like aptX or LDAC remains regrettable for the most demanding users.

The pairing process, initiated by a long press on the dedicated button on the back of the speaker, proves remarkably simple and stable. Once connected, the Bluetooth device can serve as a bridge to stream music to other Sonos speakers on the home network.

Multifunction USB-C port

The USB-C port replaces the traditional Ethernet connection, offering increased versatility via optional adapters. The auxiliary line adapter (sold separately) allows you to connect a turntable equipped with a phono preamp, a CD player, or any other analog source. The combined adapter simultaneously provides an auxiliary input and an Ethernet connection for setups requiring a wired network connection.

Wi‑Fi 6 and high-resolution streaming

Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) compatibility ensures sufficient bandwidth for high-resolution audio streaming up to 24-bit. Native Apple AirPlay 2 integration simplifies casting from iOS devices, while Spotify Connect enables direct control from the Spotify app. Support for over one hundred streaming services ensures near-universal compatibility with today’s music platforms.

Trueplay calibration: smart room adaptation

A major innovation of the Era range, Quick Tuning uses the speaker’s built-in microphones to analyze room acoustics in about 30 seconds. This feature, available to both Android and iOS users, finally democratizes acoustic calibration previously reserved for Apple device owners.

The process analyzes sound reflections off walls, furniture, and other surfaces to automatically adjust the EQ. The changes compensate for unwanted resonances and optimize frequency response based on the speaker’s placement.

Advanced Tuning for perfectionists

iOS users retain access to advanced calibration using their mobile device’s microphone. This more precise method requires walking around the room while test tones are played, creating a three-dimensional acoustic map of the space. The result offers finer optimization, particularly beneficial in large rooms or acoustically complex spaces.

Stereo setup: the synergy of the duo

The two Era 100 speakers in this bundle can be configured as a stereo pair via the Sonos app, radically transforming the listening experience. In this configuration, each speaker reproduces only one channel (left or right), with its two tweeters working together to create a coherent and precise soundstage.

The recommended spacing of 2.5 to 3 meters between speakers, combined with a similar listening distance, forms an optimal equilateral triangle for stereophonic perception. Perfect synchronization between the two units, managed by Sonos’s proprietary protocol, eliminates any perceptible timing offset.

Home theater integration

When paired with a Sonos soundbar (Ray, Beam, Arc or Arc Ultra), the Era 100 pair can serve as surround speakers. In this configuration, they add a spatial dimension to audiovisual content, creating an enveloping sound bubble. The surround mode can be adjusted between “ambient” for subtle effects reproduction or “full” for a more assertive presence, particularly appreciated for music listening.

Technical specifications

Audio performance

• Amplifiers: 3× Class D, tuned to the speaker’s architecture
• Tweeters: 2 side-firing for clear highs and stereo separation
• Mid-woofers: faithful vocals and deep bass
• Microphones: long-range, beamforming, and echo cancellation
• Trueplay: automatic room calibration based on room acoustics

Connectivity and controls

• Controls: touch, voice (Sonos Voice Control, Alexa), via the Sonos app or AirPlay 2
• Wireless connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
• Wired connectivity: jack input (via adapter)
• Wi‑Fi: compatible with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax)
• Bluetooth: version 5.3 for direct streaming
• Apple AirPlay 2: iOS 11.4 and later

Smart features

• Multiroom: sync multiple speakers in different rooms
• EQ: adjust bass and treble via the Sonos app, Loudness switchable
• Multi-source: streaming, Bluetooth, or auxiliary input
• Stereo mode: two speakers for immersive sound
• Home theater: compatible with Sonos Ray, Beam, Arc, or Amp for surround sound
• Voice control: Sonos Voice Control and Alexa (depending on country/language)

Physical specifications

• Dimensions
  • Height: 182.5 mm
  • Width: 120 mm
  • Depth: 130.5 mm
• Weight: 2.02 kg
• Finish: matte
• Resistance: moderate humidity

Technical specifications

• Processor: Quad Core 4xA55 1.9 GHz
• Memory: DDR4 2 GB, eMMC 8 GB
• Power supply: 100–240 V 50 / 60 Hz
• Power cable: 2 m included
• USB‑C / jack input adapters: sold separately

Environmental sustainability

• Materials: 48% post-consumer recycled plastics
• Packaging: 100% recyclable FSC
• Optimized energy efficiency

General information

• Detailed, immersive sound in a compact form factor
• Fast, intuitive setup
• Compatible with all your devices and streaming services
• Eco‑designed and built to last