Sonos Era 100 Review vs HomePod 2 - Hear the SOUND Difference! 🔥
Today we are going to compare the Sonos Era 100 to the HomePod 2 in terms of sound quality. And instead of a lengthy rundown of their specs and features, like in most other reviews, this is a brief overview of which speaker is better for what, which I hope will save you time, and help you make your purchase decision - should you decide to get either of these speakers.
Sound Quality (Sonos Era 100 vs HomePod 2)
The Era 100’s sound presentation is actually very different from the HomePod 2.
From the HomePod 2 I get sound quality that is very heavy in the sub bass frequencies, so you do really feel the rumble. It’s also crispy in the mids and airy in the highs. But I have said in previous reviews that something seems to be lacking in the HomePod 2’s midrange. It’s too laid back for my liking, and comparing the HomePod 2 to the Era 100 seems to confirm that.
The Era 100 does not have much sub bass to speak of, so you don’t really feel the rumble in the sub-bass frequencies, but I did hear a lot more of my music in the upper bass to mid range frequencies. Such that I could hear more gravitas in guitar tracks, more detail, and even the tonality of vocals sound very different. Vocals sound more full and rich on the Era 100 compared to the HomePod 2. Listen to these sound samples to know what I’m talking about.
So for me, in many ways the Era 100 is the better sounding speaker for music listening. But for watching movies and videos, I do prefer how the HomePod 2s sound. It has much better separation between the upper mids and bass frequencies, which means less messiness during high intensity scenes. And you don’t even need a subwoofer because the HomePod 2’s sub bass already slaps. Like I said, a lot of rumble.
Era 100 Pros and Cons vs HomePod 2
Aside from its sound, what I really like about the Era 100 is how flexible it is.
Setting up is through the Sonos app which is available on both iOS and Android devices. And with AirPlay, Bluetooth, and even line in connection using an included adapter, you can connect virtually any source to the Era 100 on its own, such as a direct connection to your TV, your computer, or even an old turntable.
As much as I love the HomePod 2 as somebody who daily drives the iPhone, I also have Windows and Android devices. And I can’t connect them to the HomePod 2, because the HomePod 2 does not have Bluetooth or AUX cable input.
And there isn’t an app for it on Android devices either. So in terms of setting it up or firmware updates, you’re pretty much stranded if you do come to own a HomePod 2 without an iPhone.
Which is better for Home Theater?
As for home theater, the HomePod 2s are great if you do want a very simple stereo setup that does not require a subwoofer. I’ve been using a HomePod 2 stereo setup for a couple of weeks now, and I do enjoy it a lot. Its soundstage is very tall and wide.
But this stereo setup does not have surround sound output. This means for watching movies encoded in Dolby Digital 5.1 formats or Dolby Atmos, you can’t place a couple of extra HomePods at the back to get rear channel surround sound.
But you can do that with a Sonos setup. So you can place two Era 100s in front, two behind and get decent surround sound performance. Or perhaps, instead of a pair of Era 100s, a Sonos ARC soundbar in front of the TV for even more immersion, especially for Dolby Atmos content. Watch my Sonos Arc review to learn more about what it can do.
In short, there’s a lot more flexibility with the Sonos Era 100, as well as fuller mid-range output that’s great for various types of music. But if you use Apple products only, the HomePod 2 is very compelling. As I’ve said, a pair of HomePod 2s already make a powerful home stereo setup for bass lovers, even without a subwoofer.
Plus, I just think the HomePod 2s are better for smart home integration, since it’s got its own temperature and humidity sensors. And there are a few other things that I do love about it, which I covered in this video.
So that was a brief overview of how the Era 100 compares to the HomePod 2. Hope this video helped. But there will be more Era 100 videos coming soon, so make sure you are subscribed to the main channel to stay notified.
If you want to purchase any of these speakers on Amazon, I’ve got the links to them in the description below.
Sonos Era 100 - https://amzn.to/43BATbL
HomePod 2 - Link TBA
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