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Head-to-head · Best Smart Speakers

Bose Portable Smart Speaker vs Sonos Era 100

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Bose Portable Smart Speaker comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.4). Bose Portable Smart Speaker is best for: Users seeking a durable, multi-protocol smart speaker with strong voice integration. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Bose Portable Smart Speaker
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smart Speakers
Bose Portable Smart Speaker
1 source

PCMag found that the Bose Portable Home Speaker delivers 360-degree sound projection and supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice platforms, making it a versatile smart home hub. The device offers 12-hour battery life and weighs 2.3 pounds, providing sufficient portability for full-day events while maintaining structural rigidity. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, ensuring flexible streaming across various ecosystems. However, the speaker supports only SBC and AAC audio codecs, excluding high-resolution options like aptX which limits wireless fidelity for audiophiles. This product fits users seeking a durable, multi-protocol smart speaker with strong voice integration, but those prioritizing lossless wireless audio should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants
  • — Offers versatile connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect
  • — Provides 12-hour battery life for portable use away from power outlets
Watch-outs
  • — Supports only SBC and AAC audio codecs, excluding high-resolution options like aptX
Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sonos Era 100
Ranked #1 in Best Smart Speakers
Sonos Era 100
5 sources$219as of Nov 2

Musictech found remarkable low-frequency reproduction that is much bigger and tighter than expected from a speaker of its size. The mid-woofer paired with two angled tweeters creates stereo separation, while Trueplay tuning helps establish the wider sweet spot noted by Trusted Reviews for smaller rooms. However, the USB-C port requires purchasing a separate adapter for Ethernet hardwiring or connecting standard 3.5mm audio devices. Touch controls can be difficult to see or use due to a lack of tactile feedback and visibility in certain lighting conditions.

Strengths
  • — Musictech found remarkable low-frequency reproduction that is much bigger and tighter than expected from a speaker of its size.
  • — Trusted Reviews noted the wider sweet spot compared to previous models, making it easier to enjoy stereo separation in smaller rooms.
  • — Trueplay tuning is available on iOS devices using either Quick Tune or Advanced Tuning with the included calibration microphone.
Watch-outs
  • — The USB-C port requires purchasing a separate adapter for Ethernet hardwiring or connecting standard 3.5mm audio devices.
  • — Touch controls can be difficult to see or use
$219 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Bose Portable Smart Speaker

The Bose Portable Smart Speaker supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants, making it a versatile smart home hub. It offers 12-hour battery life for portable use away from power outlets, providing sufficient portability for full-day events while maintaining structural rigidity.

Sonos Era 100

The Sonos Era 100 features remarkable low-frequency reproduction that is much bigger and tighter than expected from a speaker of its size. The mid-woofer paired with two angled tweeters creates stereo separation, while Trueplay tuning helps establish the wider sweet spot noted by Trusted Reviews for smaller rooms.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose Portable Smart SpeakerSonos Era 100
Weight2.3 lb4.45 lb
ConnectivityBluetooth and Wi-FiWi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2
Voice AssistantAlexa, Google Assistant—
Smart Home HubAmazon Alexa and Google Assistant—
Dimensions—182.5x120x130.5mm
Driver Configuration—mid-woofer as well as two angled tweeters
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