Google Nest Audio
$99.99Cheaper
Released 2020-10
Best Smart Speakers · head-to-head
Google Nest Audio vs Sonos Era 100
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Google Nest Audio is cheaper at $99.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Sonos
Sonos Era 100
$249
Released 2023-03
Which is better: the Google Nest Audio or Sonos Era 100?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Google Nest Audio is the cheaper at $99.99.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Google Nest Audio | Sonos Era 100 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $99.99 | $249 |
| Brand | Sonos | |
| Released | 2020-10 | 2023-03 |
| Assistant | Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control |
| Drivers | 1x 3-inch (75mm) mid-woofer, 1x 0.75-inch (19mm) tweeter | 2x angled tweeters, 1x midwoofer (3 class-D amplifiers) |
| Smart home hub | Chromecast built-in | — |
| Audio calibration | Yes | Yes |
| Aux or line out | — | USB-C line-in (via optional Line-In Adapter, $19) |
| Dimensions (in) | 6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07 | 7.18 x 4.72 x 5.14 |
| Multiroom | Yes | Yes |
| Release | 2020-10 | 2023-03 |
Sources — Google Nest Audio: store.google.com (verified 2026-06-15). Sonos Era 100: sonos.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Google Nest Audio and Sonos Era 100?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Assistant: Google Nest Audio Google Assistant vs Sonos Era 100 Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control
- Drivers: Google Nest Audio 1x 3-inch (75mm) mid-woofer, 1x 0.75-inch (19mm) tweeter vs Sonos Era 100 2x angled tweeters, 1x midwoofer (3 class-D amplifiers)
- Dimensions (in): Google Nest Audio 6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07 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.
Google Nest Audio
All four whitelisted testers (SoundGuys, Tom's Guide, What Hi-Fi, TechRadar) reviewed the exact 2020 Google Nest Audio. They agree it is a responsive, reliable Google Assistant smart speaker with an attractive, compact design that sounds decent for its size, but underwhelms as a pure audio product: weak low-end and, for two outlets, treble that turns harsh at volume. Only SoundGuys reported a measured figure (low-end extension from 90Hz); the other three are qualitative. (4 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Google Assistant voice pickup and smart-speaker features work reliably and clearly; Attractive, compact, unobtrusive design; Clear vocals and strong midrange for its size.
Flagged: Weak low-end; lacks bass punch and weight; Not room-filling and doesn't get very loud; Treble turns harsh or grainy at higher volumes.
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.