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Head-to-head · Best Smart Speakers

JBL Authentics 500 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

Sonos Era 100 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 3.7). Sonos Era 100 is best for: Listeners prioritizing high-end spatial audio over aesthetic flexibility or broad voice assistant compatibility. Read the strengths below before deciding.

JBL Authentics 500
Ranked #4 in Best Smart Speakers
JBL Authentics 500
3 sources$449.95as of Nov 2

The JBL Authentics 500 delivers powerful bass and high volume levels capable of filling large rooms, driven by a massive 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer that anchors its audio performance. TechRadar notes the distinctive retro design inspired by classic models features a waffle-like grille and aluminum accents, while Pocket-lint.com emphasizes the need for significant rear clearance due to bass exhausts. However, sound quality can become muddy when playing complex musical arrangements at high volumes, blurring individual instruments in dense tracks. This speaker fits listeners who prioritize deep low-end impact and smart home versatility over pristine clarity or compact placement.

Strengths
  • — Delivers powerful bass and high volume levels capable of filling large rooms, driven by a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer
  • — Features a distinctive retro design inspired by classic JBL hi-fi models with a textured grille and aluminum accents
  • — Supports simultaneous connection to both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants
Watch-outs
  • — Sound quality can become muddy when playing complex musical arrangements at high volumes
  • — Extremely large physical footprint requiring significant clearance from walls due to rear bass exhausts
$449.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sonos Era 100
Higher ratedRanked #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

JBL Authentics 500

The JBL Authentics 500 delivers powerful bass and high volume levels capable of filling large rooms, driven by a massive 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer that anchors its audio performance. Sound quality can become muddy when playing complex musical arrangements at high volumes, blurring individual instruments in dense tracks.

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

SpecJBL Authentics 500Sonos Era 100
Weight7.8 kg / 17.20 lbs4.45 lb
Voice AssistantAmazon Alexa and Google Assistant—
Smart Home HubAmazon Alexa and Google Assistant—
Dimensions447 x 240 x 255.7 mm182.5x120x130.5mm
Connectivity—Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2
Driver Configuration—mid-woofer as well as two angled tweeters
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