Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Charge 6 ranks #12 of 173 medium speakers by sound quality at $119.95; the Sonos Era 100 SL ranks #17 of 28 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $189.
The JBL Charge 6 is the battery-powered, tougher pick. Seems more neutral than the JBL Charge 5. Its battery is rated for 24 hours, while the Sonos Era 100 SL needs an outlet. It is rated IP68, while the Sonos Era 100 SL has no water resistance. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Sonos Era 100 SL lacks. The catch: Still some boosted bass by default.
What the Sonos Era 100 SL does well: Uses the same two angled tweeters and mid-woofer as the Sonos Era 100, so it sounds the same for less money. The catch: Trueplay room correction only works from an iPhone, so Android owners lose automatic tuning.
Buy the JBL Charge 6 at $119.95 if you want a medium speaker. Buy the Sonos Era 100 SL at $189 if you want a powered desktop speaker instead.
About the ratings: the Sonos Era 100 SL’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.4 to 3.7, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings and Powered Home rankings.
Seems more neutral than the JBL Charge 5.
Amazon $199.95 B&H Photo Video $149.95 Woot $119.95 Lowest eBay
Uses the same two angled tweeters and mid-woofer as the Sonos Era 100, so it sounds the same for less money.
Amazon $189.00 Sonos $189.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 19, 2026 at 10:32 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 6 | Sonos Era 100 SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 | $189.00 each |
| Ranked | #12 of 173 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #17 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers Estimated |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sonos app) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (bass and treble; Trueplay room correction on iPhone only) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | None |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Sonos multi-room, AirPlay 2) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) | No |
| Stereo | No | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes (stereo pairing via Sonos app) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (990 g) | 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) | 4.7”W x 7.2”H x 5.1”D (120 x 182.5 x 130.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x angled tweeters, 1x mid-woofer |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Amplifier Power | 45W | 3x class D amplifiers |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | - |
| Inputs | - | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C (line-in adapter sold separately) |
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