Sonos Era 300 vs Apple HomePod 2: A Comprehensive Review of Two Top Smart Speakers
By Elisabeth Christ
Published March 2024
Welcome music lovers! Are you looking for an impressive speaker that can bring you the best listening experience? Then, let’s dive into the world of smart speakers and compare two of the best ones in the game: the Sonos Era 300 and Apple HomePod 2.
These two devices are packed with features and offer sound quality that might fit your needs or preferences. But which one reigns supreme? We’re going to find out!
On our list
#1 Price & Design
#2 Features & Audio Quality
#3 Connectivity & Compatibility
#4 Potential Drawbacks
| Specs | Sonos Era 300 | Apple HomePod 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $449 | $299 |
| Chipset | Computer processor chip | Apple S7 and U1 Ultra Wideband |
| Driver | 4 tweeters & 2 woofers | 5 tweeters & one 4-inch woofer |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB-C | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Compatibility | Apple AirPlay 2 & Amazon Alexa | iOS or iPadOS |
#1 Price & Design
Sonos Era 300
Need a speaker that not only sounds great but also looks unique? Meet the Sonos Era 300, priced exactly at $449. This little beauty has an hourglass shape that not only catches your eye but also enhances sound dispersion. Plus, its sleek matte black finish gives it a modern look that's hard to resist. But don't skip a wipe every now and then to keep those pesky fingerprints and dust at bay. With mid/bass drivers on both sides, the Era 300 creates a broad soundstage that'll make you feel like you're front row at your favourite concert. And with practical connectivity options like Bluetooth, a power socket, and a USB-C-shaped auxiliary input, you'll be able to connect all your favourite devices with ease.
If you prefer something a little more traditional and simple, the $299 Apple HomePod 2, might be just what you're looking for. This speaker keeps things classic with its spongy mesh fabric design but adds a touch of futuristic flair with whirling LED animations that activate when you use Siri or the touch-sensitive volume controls. And don't let its smaller size fool you, this little guy packs a punch with its premium sound quality. You can even choose between black and white finishes to match your decor. The HomePod 2 may be simple in design, but it's sophisticated in delivering an exceptional audio experience.
#2 Features & Audio Quality
Apple HomePod 2
If you're a music lover or a movie buff, you know that sound quality matters. That's where the Sonos Era 300 comes in. This speaker is a true audio powerhouse with four tweeter drivers that deliver crystal-clear sound across all frequencies. And thanks to its Class-D amplification, you'll get nothing but crisp, clean audio every time. The Era 300 is perfect for home theatre setups, with its six-speaker drivers delivering rich melodies, clear dialogues, and immersive sound effects. Plus, with its compatibility with the Sonos app, you'll be able to customize your EQ settings and even pair two Era 300 speakers with the Sonos Arc for an unparalleled Dolby Atmos experience.
But maybe you're more of an Apple fan. In that case, the Apple HomePod 2 might be right up your alley. This speaker boasts beamforming tweeter drivers that give you precise control over high frequencies, along with four microphones that pick up voice commands flawlessly - even when music is playing. And with Apple's S7 chipset and U1 Ultra Wideband chip under the hood, adjusting audio and transferring content between devices has never been easier. But what really sets the HomePod 2 apart are its built-in temperature and humidity sensors, which optimize sound based on your room's characteristics. Add in the high-excursion woofer for excellent bass response, and you've got a speaker that's sure to impress even the most discerning audiophil
#3 Connectivity & Compatibility
Sonos Era 300
Now, let's talk about how these speakers connect to the world. The Sonos Era 300, on one hand, keeps things traditional. You'll need to keep it plugged in to ensure stable audio transmission, but don't worry! It's compatible with both Android and iOS devices via a USB-C port. And with Bluetooth 5.0 support and compatibility with SBC and AAC codecs, you'll be able to connect to a wide range of devices with ease. Plus, with Apple AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi 6 support, you'll be able to stream your favorite tunes from just about anywhere in your home. And for hands-free control, you can count on Alexa and Sonos Voice Control. Of course, no speaker is perfect - some users have criticized its Tidal catalog and mobile app design. But overall, the Era 300 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile speaker that integrates well within smart home ecosystems.
On the other hand, the Apple HomePod 2 might be more your speed. This speaker is designed to work seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem, with compatibility for Pandora and Deezer thrown in for good measure. And with its removable power cord, it'll be easier to set it up just about anywhere compared to its predecessor. Of course, there are some limitations, for example, you won't be able to set Spotify or Amazon Music as your default music player with Siri. And if you're looking for a more customizable audio experience, you might be disappointed by the lack of Bluetooth playback and aux input options. But what the HomePod 2 lacks in customization options, it makes up for in convenience and sleek design. Just be prepared to keep that glossy top surface clean as it's prone to smudges and stains over time.
#4 Potential Drawbacks
Apple HomePod 2
Although both Sonos Era 300 and Apple HomePod 2 boast impressive and interesting features, let's face it: no speaker is perfect. The two speakers have their unique drawbacks that potential buyers should consider.
If you're heavily invested in Google Assistant or Chromecast ecosystems, you might be disappointed by the Era 300's lack of support for those services. And while the Tidal integration sounds great in theory, some users have criticized its execution. Plus, the mobile app can be a bit slow and unintuitive at times.
In contrast, the HomePod 2's drawbacks are more focused on its physical design and service integration within the Apple ecosystem. While the glossy surface looks great, it can be a pain to keep clean, especially if you opt for the white version, which is prone to staining. And while it works seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem, you might feel limited by its lack of support for direct Bluetooth playback or aux input. Plus, audiophiles might be frustrated by the inability to adjust EQ settings directly from the device.
Sonos Era 300
✓ Computer processor chip
✓ 4 tweeter & 2 woofer drivers
✓ Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB-C
✓ Apple AirPlay 2 & Amazon Alexa support
Apple HomePod 2
✓ Apple S7 and U1 Ultra Wideband
✓ 5 tweeters & one 4-inch woofer
✓ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connect
✓ iOS or iPadOS compatible
Final Thoughts
Sonos Era 300 vs Apple HomePod 2
So which one should you choose: Sonos Era 300 or Apple HomePod 2? Well, that depends on your priorities.
If you're looking for a speaker that offers superior sound quality and versatility with multi-room setups and Dolby Atmos compatibility, then go with the Sonos Era 300. Its sleek design and practical connectivity options make it an excellent choice for music lovers who want a versatile smart speaker that integrates well within their smart home ecosystem.
But if you're an Apple fan who values convenience over customization options, then give the Apple HomePod 2 a try. Its seamless integration with other Apple devices and Siri voice assistant makes it easy to use and control. Plus, its compact size and sophisticated design make it an excellent addition to any modern home decor.
In the end, both speakers offer exceptional features catering to the different needs of potential buyers; so before making your purchase decision consider your priorities carefully!
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