Short answer: the JBL Authentics 500. It ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $449.95. The Sonos Era 100 ranks #16, rated 3.6/5, at $217.99, $231.96 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
What the JBL Authentics 500 does well: A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sonos Era 100 lacks. Watch for: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
Why pick the Sonos Era 100: A compact Wi-Fi smart speaker with stereo from two angled tweeters, Trueplay room tuning, Alexa and Sonos multiroom. Watch for: RTINGS’ own two listed cons are not loud enough for larger rooms and very little low-bass thump, so genres like EDM and hip-hop lack rumble even with the tone adjustments.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $231.96 saving on the Sonos Era 100 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant.
A compact Wi-Fi smart speaker with stereo from two angled tweeters, Trueplay room tuning, Alexa and Sonos multiroom.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 500 | Sonos Era 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 each | $217.99 each |
| Ranked | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #16 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sonos S2) |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) | 7.2” x 4.7” x 5.1” (182.5 x 120 x 130.5 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (virtual) | - |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (Bass/Treble + Trueplay room correction) |
| Ethernet | Yes | - |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Drivers | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters | 2x angled tweeters, 1x mid-woofer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) | Yes (Sonos multi-room, AirPlay 2) |
| Power Input | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz | External AC adapter |
| Configuration | 3.1 channel | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM | Sonos app streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and more), AirPlay 2 |
| Inputs | USB-C (USB playback, US only) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C (line-in adapter sold separately) |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | Amazon Alexa |
| Weight | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) | 4.5 lbs (2.02 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz) | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Amplifier Power | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes (line-in adapter sold separately) |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes (far-field, mic mute button) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| TWS | - | Yes (stereo pairing via Sonos app) |
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