Posted by When it comes to filling your space with immersive sound, Sonos has earned its place as a market leader in wireless audio solutions. Among its impressive lineup, the Sonos One SL and the Sonos Era 100 stand out as excellent choices for home audio.
Both are compact speakers designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, but when it came time to upgrade my setup, I found myself drawn to the Sonos Era 100. In this Sonos One SL vs Era 100 comparison, I’ll dive into why I prefer Sonos Era 100 after making the switch, and I haven’t looked back — and here’s why you might want to consider it, too.
A Quick Overview: Sonos One SL vs Sonos Era 100
Before diving into why the Era 100 was my ultimate choice, let’s break down what each speaker offers. Both the Sonos One SL and the Era 100 cater to slightly different audiences, and understanding their core features is key.
Sonos One SL: The Simplified Classic
The Sonos One SL is a streamlined version of the Sonos One, stripped of voice assistant functionality. It’s perfect for those who prefer a no-nonsense speaker focused solely on music playback.
Key features include:
- Compact design: Fits seamlessly into any room or space.
- Trueplay tuning: Adapt the sound profile to your room.
- Multi-room audio: Integrates smoothly into existing Sonos ecosystems.
- Stereo pairing: Can pair with another One SL or One for stereo sound.
The One SL’s primary appeal lies in its simplicity and affordability. However, its features may feel limited compared to the Era 100.
Sonos Era 100: The Next Generation
The Sonos Era 100 is the newer contender, introducing cutting-edge improvements while maintaining Sonos’ signature ease of use.
Key features include:
- Redesigned acoustic architecture: A larger woofer and dual tweeters deliver fuller, more balanced audio.
- Bluetooth support: A first for Sonos speakers of this class, allowing quick and seamless connections.
- Trueplay tuning: Works on both iOS and Android devices.
- USB-C line-in: Adds versatility for connecting legacy audio sources.
- Voice control: Includes support for Alexa and Sonos Voice Control.
The Era 100 builds upon the foundation laid by the One SL, bringing both enhanced performance and versatility.
Why I Upgraded to the Sonos Era 100
Now that the groundwork is laid, let’s dive into the specifics of why I chose the Sonos Era 100 over the One SL. Here are the critical factors that made all the difference:
1. Superior Audio Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Era 100 blows the One SL out of the water. While the One SL offers excellent sound for its size, the Era 100 elevates the experience with:
- Larger woofer: Delivers deeper bass and richer low-end tones.
- Dual tweeters: Provide clearer highs and a more expansive soundstage.
- Redesigned audio architecture: Ensures a fuller, more immersive listening experience.
In practice, this means the Era 100 fills my room with sound in a way the One SL never could. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening with my favorite playlist, the difference is undeniable.
2. Bluetooth Connectivity
One of the Era 100’s standout features is its Bluetooth support. Unlike the One SL, which relies entirely on Wi-Fi, the Era 100 gives you the flexibility to connect your devices via Bluetooth. This is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Ease of use: Quickly connect to your phone or tablet without navigating the Sonos app.
- Compatibility: Perfect for guests who may not have the Sonos app installed.
- Reliability: Offers an alternative when Wi-Fi connectivity is spotty.
This added functionality has made the Era 100 feel more versatile and user-friendly in my daily life.
3. Enhanced Trueplay Tuning
Sonos’ Trueplay tuning is a hallmark feature that optimizes sound quality based on your room’s acoustics. While the One SL only supports Trueplay on iOS devices, the Era 100 extends this functionality to Android users as well. As an Android user myself, this was a huge win.
The setup process was straightforward, and the results were immediate — the Era 100 adapted seamlessly to my room’s unique layout, delivering balanced, crystal-clear audio.
4. Modern Connectivity Options
Another reason I opted for the Era 100 is its inclusion of a USB-C line-in port. This feature allows me to connect older audio equipment, such as a turntable, directly to the speaker. While this might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it’s an invaluable feature for audiophiles or anyone looking to integrate vintage gear into their modern setup.
5. A Step Into the Future
Finally, the Era 100 feels like a speaker built for the future. From its more advanced acoustic design to its emphasis on versatility and connectivity, it offers a forward-thinking approach that aligns with how I use technology today. The One SL, while reliable, felt like a product of the past in comparison.
Why You Should Consider the Upgrade
If you’re torn between the Sonos One SL and the Era 100, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you prioritize sound quality?
If so, the Era 100 is the clear winner, delivering richer, more dynamic audio. - Do you value flexibility?
Bluetooth support and additional connectivity options make the Era 100 more versatile. - Do you want a future-proof speaker?
With modern features and broader compatibility, the Era 100 is better suited for evolving needs.
Final Thoughts
While the Sonos One SL remains a fantastic speaker for those who value simplicity and affordability, the Sonos Era 100 represents a significant leap forward in both functionality and performance. For me, the choice was clear — the Era 100’s superior audio quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and forward-thinking design made it an easy upgrade.
If you’re considering an upgrade or building a new Sonos system from scratch, I highly recommend the Era 100. It’s a speaker that not only meets today’s standards but is also ready for whatever the future holds.