Sonos Era 100
Score: 80/100
Marshall Acton III Midnight Blue 3.5 mm
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Sonos Era 100 is a compact wireless smart speaker offering rich stereo sound, Trueplay tuning and support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and AirPlay 2. Its lack of a battery and limited waterproofing restrict placement options. Best suited for indoor rooms where high-quality sound and smart-home integration are priorities.
The Marshall Acton III (Midnight Blue) offers the same 60 W of powerful stereo sound as the original, wrapped in a premium leather-like finish with tactile analog controls. It still needs a wall outlet and lacks smart-home connectivity, limiting its use to stationary indoor settings. Ideal for design-conscious listeners who want high-quality Bluetooth audio on a desk or shelf.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
0.09 kHzbest | — | |
84 dBbest | — | |
— | 60 Wbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.02 kgbest | 2.849 kg |
2best | 2best | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
1.3 cm | 10.16 cmbest | |
10.2 cmbest | 10.16 cm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Frequency Response (kHz) | 0.09 kHz | 0.045-20 kHz |
Driver Size (cm) | 1.3 cm | 10.16 cm |
Woofer Size (cm) | 10.2 cm | 10.16 cm |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Wi‑Fi Support | true | false |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 2.02 kg | 2.849 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm³) | 4235 cm³ | 6630 cm³ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Era 100 for its refined stereo imaging, powerful bass, and fast, future-proof processing, noting that the addition of Bluetooth 5.0 and Trueplay on both iOS and Android broaden its appeal.
User feedback is sparse in the provided data, but the consensus among everyday consumers appears to be positive regarding sound quality and multi-room integration, with no major recurring complaints noted.
Professional reviewers highlight the Acton III's impressive 60 W output, dynamic loudness processing, and outward-angled tweeters that together produce a surprisingly wide and immersive soundstage for a speaker of its size. They commend the blend of vintage Marshall aesthetics with modern Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and the convenience of physical knobs plus an app for EQ tweaks, while noting the lack of battery, water resistance, and smart-home features as notable omissions.
Everyday users consistently praise the Acton III for its powerful, balanced stereo sound, easy-to-use analog knobs, and stylish retro design that looks great on desks or shelves. Common complaints revolve around its need for constant AC power, occasional Bluetooth drop-outs at maximum volume, and the absence of portability or multi-room linking.
