Sonos Era 100 vs Sonos One
The Sonos Era 100 is the newer flagship speaker with spatial audio and advanced connectivity, while the Sonos One is a proven budget-friendly smart speaker that still delivers solid sound for everyday listening.
Sonos Era 100
Flagship smart speaker released in 2024 featuring spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6, and a larger 4-inch woofer for enhanced bass and detail.
Release Date
May 2024
Price
$249
Woofer Size
4 inches
Wi-Fi Standard
Wi-Fi 6
Spatial Audio
Dolby Atmos
Pros
- Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support for immersive listening
- Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for faster, more stable streaming
- Larger driver and enhanced bass performance
Cons
- Significantly higher price point ($249 vs $99)
- Overkill for casual listening or small rooms
- Minimal visual design changes from One
Sonos One
Established smart speaker with a 4-inch woofer, microphone array, and Alexa/Google Assistant integration; widely available and proven in millions of homes.
Release Date
2017
Price
$99
Woofer Size
4 inches
Wi-Fi Standard
Wi-Fi 5
Spatial Audio
None
Pros
- Budget-friendly at $99, excellent value proposition
- Proven durability and broad app/service support
- Compact size works well in kitchens, bedrooms, and offices
Cons
- No spatial audio or Atmos support
- Wi-Fi 5 is older standard compared to Era 100's Wi-Fi 6
- Bass performance less detailed than Era 100
Sonos One wins
The One offers exceptional value for everyday smart speaker use; the Era 100 is only worth the premium if you specifically want spatial audio and Wi-Fi 6.
Sonos Era 100
Best for home theater enthusiasts and listeners prioritizing premium spatial audio and latest connectivity tech.
Sonos One
Best for budget-conscious buyers and everyday smart speaker needs (music, podcasts, voice commands).
Sound Quality & Features Comparison
Bass Response
Era 100's larger driver and tuning deliver tighter, more nuanced bass; One is solid but less detailed in low frequencies.
Spatial Audio
Era 100 includes Dolby Atmos spatial audio for compatible content; One has no spatial audio capability.
Connectivity Speed
Wi-Fi 6 on Era 100 provides faster throughput and lower latency; Wi-Fi 5 on One is adequate but older technology.
Smart Home Integration
Both support Alexa and Google Assistant equally; Era 100 has slightly improved microphone array for voice recognition.
Overall Audio Quality
Era 100 delivers clearer mids and more dynamic range; One is warm and listenable but less refined across the spectrum.
Specifications & Design
| Aspect | Sonos Era 100 | Sonos One |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $99 |
| Woofer Diameter | 4 inches | 4 inches |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Spatial Audio | Dolby Atmos | None |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Physical Design | Matte finish, refined aesthetics | Matte finish, unchanged since 2017 |
When to Choose Each
The Era 100 justifies its $150 premium if you watch Dolby Atmos films, stream hi-fi music, or demand the latest connectivity standard—it's a genuine step forward in speaker engineering. Choose the One if you want a reliable smart speaker for everyday music, podcasts, and voice control on a tight budget; it remains an excellent entry point into the Sonos ecosystem.
Who should choose which
Frequently Asked Questions
The Era 100 (2024, $249) adds spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6, and improved driver tuning compared to the One (2017, $99). The One remains a solid, budget-friendly smart speaker without spatial audio or the latest connectivity.
The Era 100 is the clear choice—it's the only one of the two with Dolby Atmos spatial audio support, making it ideal for home theater use. The One lacks spatial audio capability entirely.
Only if you want spatial audio, Wi-Fi 6 speed, or the refined audio quality improvements; casual listeners and budget-conscious buyers get nearly the same smart speaker experience with the One at half the cost.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- ReferenceSonos Era 100 Review: Truly Impressive Stereo Sound
As the long-awaited successor to the award-winning Sonos One (Gen 2) the Sonos Era 100 <strong>arrived with some pretty
- ReferenceSonos Era 100 Review: The Best Smart Speaker Gets Even Better - CNET
The Sonos Era 100 offers <strong>excellent sonics, refined design and one of the best streaming platforms for any speake
- ReferenceSonos Era 100 review: a terrific step up in performance and features | What Hi-Fi?
We've used and reviewed plenty of Bluetooth speakers over the last decade(s), but we have to praise the Era 100 for