Comparing the Sonos Wireless Speakers: Which Model is Best for You?
Whether you have an entire sound system or a single device. Sonos speakers turn every playlist into an immersive sound experience. Each model is fine-tuned so you don't just hear the details; you feel the emotion within every word and melody. And with one or several Sonos wireless speakers, adding this sensation to your home couldn't be easier. Today, we're comparing seven of its most popular models: the Play, Era 100 SL, Era 300, Era 100, Roam 2, Move 2, and the Five. Powered by the latest technology, these audio devices deliver balanced sound without the hassle of multiple wires. Continue reading to learn more about these Sonos wireless speakers to discover the best one for you.
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The Sonos Play vs. Era 100 SL
Kicking off our comparison for Sonos wireless speakers are two of the brand's newest models: the home/portable Play speaker and the wireless Era 100 SL home speaker. Built for convenient listening, these models easily fit on bookshelves, tables or other flat surfaces. Both are equipped with Trueplay™ technology, which optimizes sound for the best possible listening experience. To control your music, either use the top touch controls or download the Sonos app on your smart device. If you have multiple Sonos wireless speakers, the app is an all-in-one location for managing your sound system. The Play and Era 100 SL can even be connected to a turntable via an auxiliary cable. This ability, along with Trueplay™, applies to the speakers mentioned below.
While both are compact, the Play's oval shape is slightly taller than the Era 100 SL's circular design. The Play also has an IP67 rating, meaning you can remove the speaker from its dock and bring it to the beach or on a camping trip without worrying. The included carrying loop lets you attach the speaker to a backpack or shoulder bag for improved portability. The Play also has a 24-hour battery, making it ideal for day hikes or short weekend trips. For at-home listening, you'll want to consider the Era 100 SL. Equipped with dual-angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer, this speaker delivers captivating highs and rich bass, all balanced by steady middle tones. And when you pair two of these Sonos wireless speakers together, the room will be filled with truly immersive surround sound.
The Sonos Era 300 vs. Era 100
Next up is the Era 300 and Era 100 for our comparison of popular Sonos wireless speakers. Both 2023 releases, these models are designed to comfortably sit on kitchen counters, desks, nightstands and other flat surfaces in your home. What sets these speakers apart from the previous models is their finely-tuned sound quality, humidity resistance and built-in microphone for control of voice assistants like Alexa and Siri. The included mic opens the door to voice commands. Just say "Hey Sonos" before making your request, whether for a specific song or a genre. And with Amazon Alexa, you can manage your smart home right from your wireless speaker. Explore more possibilities for these Sonos wireless speakers with the brand’s app to create a sound experience tailored to your personal preferences.
In terms of differences, the Era 300 has a short, more oval shape. In fact, it's the shortest model in our comparison. However, don't let its design fool you—it packs quite a punch. The collection of drivers, tweeters and woofers makes this speaker a small yet powerful sound system. The implementation of Dolby Atmos means experiencing dynamic spatial audio for movies, songs and more. And if you have a Sonos soundbar, pair it with the Era 300 for an even wider soundstage. The Era 100's rounded design houses three class-D digital amplifiers, two angled tweeters and one midwoofer, elevating playback for any room. The expertly engineered woofer boosts bass notes for richer, more realistic sound. Get ready to sing and dance your heart out with the next-generation acoustic produced by the Era 100.
The Sonos Roam 2 vs. Move 2
Whether you're at home or away, listen to music your way with the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2. Following the trend above, these models have built-in Amazon Alexa and microphones, giving you the option for hands-free control. However, unlike the Era 300 and Era 100, Siri is not included. Similar to the Play, these portable Sonos wireless speakers come with an IP rating. The Roam 2 has an IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) rating and the Move 2 has an IP56 (weather-resistant) rating. These durable builds make the models ideal for outdoor listening, either while lounging at the beach or exploring the local wilderness.
What makes the Roam 2 stand out is its unique triangular shape and its extremely small size. The flatter sides mean you can rest this model on its side without worrying about it rolling away. The position you place it in won't affect the audio quality either, giving you complete flexibility over how you choose to listen. The lightweight Roam 2 provides 10 hours of battery life while the Move 2 offers an impressive 24 hours. And with the included charging base, you can keep the Move 2 ready to go even when there's no outlet in sight. This makes the larger, heavier speaker (and its expanded soundstage) the perfect companion for camping trips and last-minute weekend getaways.
The Sonos Five
Completing our comparison for Sonos wireless speakers is the Five. Weighing about nine pounds, this is the largest model we’ve mentioned. The increased size means it easily fills bigger rooms with bold, balanced sound. After unboxing, plug in the power cord, connect to WiFi and open the Sonos app to begin streaming your favorite audio tracks. Why WiFi? So you can experience high-resolution lossless audio without worrying about dropouts. When paired to another Sonos Five, smart orientation sensing adjusts for optimal playback. Installed horizontally? The Five separates the right and left channels automatically for the best possible stereo sound. Vertically? It'll switch to mono to create a wider soundstage and even more detailed stereo separation.
Our Sonos Wireless Speaker Comparison Key Spec Breakdown
| The Speaker | Portability | Design | Voice Controls | Connection Options | Battery Life | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Play | At-Home or On-the-Go Listening | Oval Shape | No | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3 | 24-Hour | IP67 |
| The Era 100 SL | At-Home Listening | Circular Shape | No | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3 | N/A | N/A |
| The Era 300 | At-Home Listening | Oval Shape | Alexa & Siri | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 | N/A | Humidity Resistant |
| The Era 100 | At-Home Listening | Circular Shape | Alexa & Siri | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 | N/A | Humidity Resistant |
| The Roam 2 | At-Home or On-the-Go Listening | Triangle Shape | No | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2 | 10-Hour | IP67 (Waterproof/ Dustproof) |
| The Move 2 | At-Home or On-the-Go Listening | Oval Shape | No | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 | 24-Hour | IP56 (Weather Resistance) |
| The Five | At-Home Listening | Larger Oval Shape | No | WiFi | N/A | N/A |
Which Sonos Wireless Speaker is Best for you?
Now that our comparison of Sonos wireless speakers is complete, let’s do a quick recap. Each model has Trueplay™ technology, is compatible with the Sonos app and can be connected to a turntable or other device. The first main difference to consider lies with portability. The Play, Roam 2 and Move 2 are great for those who are on the go or like to travel. Meanwhile, the Era 100 SL, Era 300, Era 100 and the Five are best for at-home listening. Then, you’ll want to think about size and voice control options. The Era 300, Era 100 and Move 2 all have built-in microphones and hands-free controls. If you’re looking for the biggest, boldest sound, then you’ll want to go with the Five, as it’s the largest model in our comparison. And remember, the Era 300 is a great addition to home theater setups. If you’d like more information about any of these models, give our team of experts a call at 800-860-3577 and they’ll be happy to help you find the best speaker for your home. Prefer to research on your own? Take a look at our guide to wireless speakers.
Sonos Wireless Speakers FAQs
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We think the Sonos Era 100 speaker is worth it. This is a great starter model, especially if you’re looking to add depth and power to your music when listening at home.
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Yes, the Sonos Era 300 can be connected to a compatible soundbar and TV to create a surround sound experience.
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Yes, the Sonos Roam 2 works with an Android.
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No, the Sonos Move 2 is not waterproof; however, it does have an IP56 rating, making it weather-resistant and splash-proof.
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Yes, the Sonos Five speaker can be connected to your TV.
