Apple
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
$299
Released 2023-02
Best Smart Speakers · head-to-head
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs Sonos Era 100
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Sonos Era 100 is cheaper at $249. Every spec and price links to its source.
Sonos
Sonos Era 100
$249Cheaper
Released 2023-03
Which is better: the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Sonos Era 100?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Sonos Era 100 is the cheaper at $249.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) | Sonos Era 100 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $299 | $249 |
| Brand | Apple | Sonos |
| Released | 2023-02 | 2023-03 |
| Assistant | Siri | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control |
| Drivers | 1x 4-inch high-excursion woofer, 5x horn-loaded tweeters (each with neodymium magnet) | 2x angled tweeters, 1x midwoofer (3 class-D amplifiers) |
| Smart home hub | HomeKit hub, Matter, Thread Border Router | — |
| Audio calibration | Yes | Yes |
| Aux or line out | — | USB-C line-in (via optional Line-In Adapter, $19) |
| Dimensions (in) | 5.6 x 6.6 | 7.18 x 4.72 x 5.14 |
| Multiroom | Yes | Yes |
| Release | 2023-02 | 2023-03 |
Sources — Apple HomePod (2nd Gen): support.apple.com (verified 2026-06-15). Sonos Era 100: sonos.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) and Sonos Era 100?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Assistant: Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) Siri vs Sonos Era 100 Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control
- Drivers: Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) 1x 4-inch high-excursion woofer, 5x horn-loaded tweeters (each with neodymium magnet) vs Sonos Era 100 2x angled tweeters, 1x midwoofer (3 class-D amplifiers)
- Dimensions (in): Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) 5.6 x 6.6 vs Sonos Era 100 7.18 x 4.72 x 5.14
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
Three whitelisted testers (What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, SoundGuys) reviewed the HomePod 2 hands-on but published only qualitative impressions, so no lab dB or frequency numbers exist here. All praise rich, detailed sound and strong bass for the size, while flagging Apple-only lock-in, a weak Siri, and a high price. (3 sourced reviews.)
Praised: Rich, detailed, energetic sound quality for the price; Strong, weighty bass from a compact enclosure; Convincing Dolby Atmos / spatial audio, especially as a stereo pair.
Flagged: Apple-only ecosystem lock-in; unusable without an iPhone; High price versus Sonos and Amazon rivals; Weak, limited Siri assistant.
Sonos Era 100
All four whitelisted testers (PCWorld, What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, Tom's Guide) reviewed the exact Sonos Era 100; the separate 'SL' variant was excluded. All agree it clearly upgrades the Sonos One with bigger, deeper bass, more detail, and new Bluetooth plus optional line-in flexibility. Only PCWorld took instrumented measurements, peaking at 90 dB while streaming (88 dB via line-in, 82 dB internet radio). TechRadar dissents on the bass, calling the deeper low-end 'a bit flabby.' (4 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Bigger, deeper bass than the Sonos One; Clear, detailed, expressive sound with crisp highs and vocals; New connectivity flexibility: built-in Bluetooth plus optional line-in.
Flagged: Only a hint of stereo from the single unit; soundstage stays narrow; Wired line-in/Ethernet requires a paid extra adapter; Higher price than the Sonos One with no cheaper non-smart model at launch.