Sonos Era 100 SL white (set of 2)

Sonos Era 100 SL: the connected speaker without a microphone

At Sonos, the “SL” versions (for Speechless) deliberately eliminate built-in microphones. The Era 100 SL shares the acoustic architecture and compact form factor of the Era 100 launched in 2023, but without voice sensors. This decision addresses two concerns: privacy for users wary of permanent microphones, and cost savings for those who don’t use voice assistants or plan to integrate the speaker into a home cinema system where the soundbar already handles those functions.

Two tweeters for stereo sound in a compact format

The Era 100 SL retains the acoustic design of the Era 100, which differs from that of the Sonos One it replaces in the lineup. Two silk dome tweeters are angled toward the left and right sides, with custom waveguides. This arrangement widens the soundstage and creates a perceptible stereo effect, even with a single speaker. The central mid-woofer, 25% larger than the one in the Sonos One, handles midrange and bass. Three Class D digital amplifiers power each transducer separately.

The quad-core processor (4 × A55 at 1.4 GHz) handles audio signal processing and manages network functions. With 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage, the speaker has a comfortable margin for software updates.

Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and auxiliary input

The Era 100 SL features Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) dual-band and Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi delivers better audio quality (high-resolution streaming, without compression) and allows the speaker to be grouped with other Sonos products in different rooms. Bluetooth is useful for quick connections: a friend wants to stream a track from their phone, a single press of the rear button is all it takes.

The auxiliary input works via a USB-C adapter sold separately. You can connect a turntable (equipped with a phono preamp), a CD player, or any other wired audio device. This capability, previously reserved for more expensive models such as the Sonos Five or the Port, makes the Era 100 SL appealing to vinyl enthusiasts who want to stream their records across multiple rooms via the multiroom system.

Apple AirPlay 2 is built in, enabling streaming from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and playback control via Siri on those devices.

Trueplay: limited calibration without built-in microphones

The absence of microphones has a direct impact on Trueplay, Sonos’s acoustic calibration system. The standard Era 100 offers two modes: Quick Tuning (a 30-second rapid calibration using the speaker’s built-in microphones) and Advanced Tuning (more precise calibration using an iOS device’s microphone). The Era 100 SL can only use the second mode.

In practice, Android users cannot calibrate the Era 100 SL with Trueplay. iOS users must move around the room for approximately three minutes, waving their iPhone or iPad so the app can measure sound reflections. Once calibration is complete, the speaker adjusts its equalization to the room’s acoustics. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it is a limitation worth knowing before purchasing.

Home cinema configuration and stereo pairs

Two Era 100 SL speakers can form a stereo pair to further widen the soundstage. You can also pair an Era 100 SL with a standard Era 100: the microphone-equipped version will then bring voice control to the whole setup.

Use as rear surround speakers is consistent with the product’s philosophy. Paired with an Arc, Arc Ultra, Beam (Gen 2), or Ray soundbar, two Era 100 SL speakers complete a 5.0 or 5.1 system (with a Sub). Since the soundbar already handles voice assistants, microphones on the rear speakers are redundant. Saving around thirty euros per speaker — roughly sixty for a pair — can make expanding the system more affordable. Note: in home cinema configuration, Bluetooth and the auxiliary input are disabled on surround speakers.

Form factor, finish and moisture resistance

The speaker measures 182.5 mm in height, 120 mm in width, and 130.5 mm in depth, weighing 1.95 kg. This form factor fits on a shelf, countertop, desk, or bedside table. The matte finish (black or white) minimizes fingerprints, although the black version remains more susceptible. Moisture resistance allows installation in a kitchen or bathroom, as long as the speaker is not exposed to direct water splashes.

Touch controls on the top manage play/pause, volume, and track skipping. Pressing both volume buttons simultaneously allows you to group or ungroup the speaker with other Sonos products.

Technical Specifications

Highlights

• Clear and detailed stereo sound with deep bass
• No built-in microphone (privacy-friendly)
• Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and Apple AirPlay 2
• Trueplay for automatic room-based sound calibration (iOS required)
• Compatible with Sonos multiroom and stereo setup with another Era 100 SL
• Line-in jack for connecting turntables or other audio sources (adapter sold separately)
• Humidity resistant
• Compact design and matte finish
• Recycled materials and FSC packaging

Audio

• Amplifiers: 3 calibrated Class D digital amplifiers
• Tweeters: 2 side-firing tweeters with custom waveguides for crystal-clear highs
• Woofer: 1 mid-woofer for deep bass and natural vocals
• Customizable EQ via the Sonos app
  • Bass, treble, Loudness
• Trueplay: automatic sound adjustment based on room acoustics

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / ax Dual Band (2.4 / 5 GHz)
• Bluetooth: 5.3 for direct streaming from any compatible device
• Apple AirPlay 2 for streaming from iPhone, iPad, Mac and control via Siri
• Line-in jack via optional adapter to connect turntables or audio devices
• Compatible with Sonos multiroom and stereo pairing with two Era 100 SL speakers

Hardware and Performance

• Processor: Quad Core 4 x A55 at 1.4 GHz
• RAM: DDR4 1 GB
• Storage: eMMC 4 GB
• Digital amplifiers: Class D

Dimensions and Weight

• Height: 182.5 mm
• Width: 120 mm
• Depth: 130.5 mm
• Weight: 1.95 kg
• Finishes: Black or White, matte

Power and Accessories

• Included power cable: 2 m
• Internal power supply: 100–240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Optional adapters for line-in jack or Ethernet
• Stand or accessories sold separately

Controls and Interface

• Touch controls: play / pause, volume, track skip, group / ungroup
• Sonos app: centralized control, multiroom streaming and audio settings
• Direct control via compatible apps (Spotify, TIDAL, etc.)
• LED indicators: connection status and silent mode

Eco-Responsibility

• Post-consumer recycled plastics
• Optimized power consumption through software efficiency
• 100% recyclable FSC packaging

Box Contents

• 2x Sonos Era 100 SL
• 2 m power cable
• Quick start guide
• Legal notices and warranty