Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs Sonos Era 300

Review: Hands-On With The 2nd Gen Apple HomePod

The second generation Apple HomePod is a smart speaker that offers high-fidelity sound and integrates well with the Apple ecosystem. It features a 360-degree sound effect with five tweeters and a powerful 4-inch woofer for satisfying bass. The speaker supports Siri voice control and Apple Music integration. It also has spatial audio capabilities and can be used for multi-room audio. However, it lacks Bluetooth, physical inputs, and a battery. Overall, the HomePod is a stylish and affordable option for Apple users looking for a smart speaker with great sound quality.

Apple HomePod 2 review

The Apple HomePod 2nd Generation, or HomePod 2, is an upgraded version of the original HomePod. It looks similar to its predecessor but offers enhancements, especially in sound quality. Priced at £299 / $299 / AU$479, it is more expensive than some alternatives but comparable to other high-quality speakers. The design remains largely unchanged, with a slightly smaller touch panel on top. The new HomePod features a woofer and five tweeters, as well as sensors and microphones for real-time performance adjustments. It supports Siri, stereo pairing, and Spatial Audio. The HomePod 2 is best suited for dedicated Apple users and Apple Music subscribers. It has impressive sound quality, with clear vocals, balanced tonal balance, and powerful bass. It also supports Dolby Atmos and can be used as part of a home cinema system. Overall, the HomePod 2 is a top choice for Apple users looking for a high-quality wireless speaker.

Apple HomePod (2023) Review: An Apple-Centric Experience with Quality Sound

Apple HomePod (2023) Review Summary

The Apple HomePod (2023) offers excellent sound quality and a compact size. It integrates well with Apple devices and services. However, it is costly and not as loud as its rivals. It requires an iOS device to set up and cannot set Spotify as the default music service. The new HomePod features upgraded speakers, spatial audio, and temperature and humidity sensors. It supports Apple's HomeKit and the new Matter standard. Overall, the HomePod is a good option for Apple users, but there are more affordable alternatives for non-Apple users.

Sonos Era 300 stereo pair and Sonos Sub review: Value times 3

The Sonos Era 300 stereo pair, combined with the Sonos Sub, delivers impressive stereo and spatial audio performances. The speakers have received universal praise and are a great value for the price. However, the Sonos Trueplay software is not yet optimized for 2.0 or 2.1 configurations, and speaker placement is crucial for optimal results. The speakers excel at reproducing stereo content and creating immersive experiences with spatial audio. The addition of the Sonos Sub enhances the low frequencies and improves the overall sound quality. Setting up the stereo pair and subwoofer is relatively easy with the Sonos app, but the Trueplay tuning process can be challenging and requires some troubleshooting. The best positioning for the speakers is to toe them in at a 45-degree angle. The speakers can also be used as TV speakers, but they do not support Dolby Atmos renderings. Overall, the Sonos Era 300 stereo pair and Sonos Sub combination offers exceptional sound quality, but there is room for improvement in the Trueplay software and the availability of spatial audio tracks in the Sonos app.

Sonos Era 300 Review: Stunning Spatial, Superior Sound

Summary

The Sonos Era 300 wireless speaker is a stunning performer with impressive spatial audio capabilities. It features six speaker drivers, including tweeters and mid/bass drivers, to create immersive sound. The speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi streaming. The Sonos app offers EQ adjustment and Trueplay room calibration. The Era 300 delivers expressive and entertaining sound quality, making it one of the best pound-for-pound wireless speakers available. Its spatial audio performance is particularly impressive, with sound spreading in all directions and creating a sense of width, depth, and height.

Sonos Era 300 review

The Sonos Era 300 is a wireless smart speaker that offers spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. It has an unusual design and is priced at the premium end of the market. The speaker features six drivers and custom waveguides for immersive sound. It supports Bluetooth and can be used as Dolby Atmos surround speakers. The Era 300 delivers a powerful and cohesive sound with impressive scale and detail. It outperforms the Apple HomePod 2 in terms of spatial audio. Overall, the Era 300 offers a great spatial audio experience and performs well with any type of music.

Sonos Era 300 review: Close to a perfect smart speaker, but with one big drawback

The Sonos Era 300 is an outstanding smart speaker with exceptional audio quality and versatile connectivity options. It supports spatial audio and can create an immersive listening experience. However, it lacks support for Chromecast and Google Voice Assistant, and the Sonos app can be slow. The speaker is recommended for those who want a high-quality standalone speaker and can live without Google integration.

Sonos Era 300 Review: Great, Room-Filling Sound in a Compact Speaker

The Sonos Era 300 is a compact speaker that offers great, room-filling sound. It features a unique design and is equipped with Dolby Atmos technology for immersive audio. The speaker can be used for both stereo and multichannel music, and it outperforms competitors like the Echo Studio. It is also compatible with Sonos' multi-room system and offers various connectivity options. The Era 300 is a top choice for those looking for an upgrade from the Sonos One or a high-quality desktop speaker.

Sonos Era 300 review: too ahead of its time

The Sonos Era 300 is a speaker designed to showcase spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. It offers a convincing 3D sound experience and is the first third-party speaker to support Apple Music's spatial library. However, the quality of spatial audio music varies greatly, and the Sonos app needs improvement. The Era 300 is larger than the Sonos One and offers Bluetooth and line-in flexibility. It is outperformed by the Sonos Five for stereo music, but excels in creating an immersive soundstage. It can also be used as rear surrounds for a Sonos Arc or Beam soundbar. The Era 300 is a promising glimpse into the future of home audio, but the current selection of spatial audio music and the Sonos app's limitations may deter some buyers.