The Sonos Period 100 marked a wholly completely different ballgame for Sonos audio system when it launched in 2023. The corporate took its wonderful entry-level speaker and gave it a complete makeover, inside and outside, leading to an outstanding entry-level addition that not solely sounds nice however affords loads of additional options too. There’s quite a bit to like about it, sufficient to forgive Sonos for giving the boot to the trusty outdated One.
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Redesigned aesthetics -
Enhanced options -
Wonderful audio high quality
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Absence of Google Assistant -
Costlier than Sonos One -
Incompatibility with Sonos One for stereo pairing
Sonos Period 100: Introduction
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay
- Ecosystems: Alexa, Sonos
Sonos was feeling courageous in March 2023 when it determined to switch the wonderful Sonos One with a complete new speaker – the Period 100. It prices extra, appears completely different, and it boasts new options, however does it stay as much as the small Sonos speaker legend that was the Sonos One for thus a few years?
I’ve lived with the Period 100 for over a yr and should you’re a Sonos One fan then it’s time to buckle up, as a result of the Period 100 may be very more likely to steal your coronary heart and make you neglect all about its cute and boxy predecessor. Right here’s my assessment.
Design and construct
- 12 x 13.2 x 18.4cm, Black or White
- Bluetooth change, microphone change
The Sonos Period 100 doesn’t rock the identical look because the Sonos One. The 2 are shut in measurement – the Period 100 is round an inch taller – however that’s about all that may be described as related. The 2023 entry-level speaker obtained a ground-up redesign, and it’s one thing that’s noticeable immediately when side-by-side with the now seven-year outdated Sonos One.
The Sonos One is small and boxy, whereas the Period 100 rolls in with a glossy cylindrical design that appears excellent. Sonos ditched the color-matched steel grille from the One and switched it up for an eco-friendly polycarbonate grille, matching the model that appeared with the Sonos Roam and it’s a contemporary and welcomed change.
Flip the Period 100 round, and also you’ll discover the ports on the again, with the facility wire tucked beneath, identical to the Sonos One. It’s a cleaner setup in comparison with the Period 300, the place the facility wire stands proud the again, however the connection choices are related, with the Period 100 additionally boasting a USB-C line-in port – you’ll need an adapter offered individually for this nonetheless. Sonos additionally added a bodily change for the microphone on the smaller Period 100, just like the Period 300, enabling you to close off the smart options and preserve issues personal. You gained’t discover an ethernet port or pairing button like older Sonos audio system, with connection to your home occurring over Wi-Fi and discovery occurring through NFC.
On prime on the Period 100 is the place you’ll discover the remainder of the controls. Capacitive controls for play/pause and skipping tracks are current, just like most Sonos audio system, however there’s a little bit of a twist in terms of quantity management. Adopting the identical design because the Period 300, the Period 100 has an indented strip – or “trough” as the corporate calls it – for adjusting the quantity. Faucet the ends of this trough or swipe your finger alongside, and you’ll pump the quantity up or down. It’s an excellent change, making fast-forwarding and rewinding tracks a breeze in comparison with the outdated Sonos audio system too as they now have their very own devoted buttons.
Aesthetically, the highest of the Period 100 is far cleaner than the older Sonos One too. The One has a chunky hat with the Sonos emblem, whereas the Period 100 rocks a a lot slimmer resolution with the emblem repositioned onto the grille, identical to the Sonos Roam. Don’t get me unsuitable, the Sonos One remains to be cool, however subsequent to the contemporary and fashionable Period 100, it actually feels final season. The Sonos Period 100 is available in black and white, which is normal for Sonos audio system. White is my favorite – it’s a lot softer and it appears nice in any room you place it in – however that’s to not say the black doesn’t maintain its personal and its after all extra conventional.
Options
- Adjustable EQ
- Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Management
- Trueplay tuning, Fast tune
The Sonos Period 100 packs in all of the options you’d anticipate from a Sonos speaker, after which some. The fundamentals are there – assist for over 100 music streaming companies, the flexibility to tweak the EQ (not like the Apple HomePod), and you should utilize the Period 100 independently or as a part of an present Sonos system.
You may also improve the audio expertise by stereo pairing two Period 100 audio system – as you may different an identical Sonos audio system – however it’s value mentioning that you could’t pair an Period 100 up with a Sonos One. It means if in case you have a Sonos One already and also you’re fascinated by doubling up for stereo magic, you gained’t have the ability to try this utilizing an Period 100 and as a substitute you’ll have to attempt to end up a Sonos One or One SL, which will likely be more and more troublesome now as they each stepped apart for the Period 100.
Elsewhere on the function entrance, the Period 100 will be grouped with any present Sonos audio system to play the identical music on the similar time in numerous rooms, or you may decide to play completely different music on the similar time on completely different Sonos audio system should you so want. There are many suggestions and methods you’ll find in our separate information value trying out to get essentially the most out of your Sonos audio system, similar to lengthy urgent the play/pause button on a Sonos speaker to immediately add it into an present group.
Google Assistant is MIA sadly however the Period 100 does include Sonos Voice Management for dealing with the speaker itself and Amazon Alexa remains to be on board if you would like management smart home gadgets or replace your procuring record.
You’ll additionally discover Trueplay tuning too, which is a expertise Sonos launched again in 2015, enabling you to fine-tune a speaker to your area utilizing an iOS system. The Period 100 brings an added benefit to the tech with Fast Tune, giving the choice to make use of the built-in mics on the speaker to do the tuning reasonably than requiring Android customers to borrow an iOS system. It’s not fairly as superior because the full-blown Trueplay choice, but it surely means the Period 100 can adapt to its environment everytime you transfer it. I at all times advocate utilizing Trueplay as whereas the tweaks is perhaps refined typically, they’re often value it, and it solely takes minutes.
Efficiency
It’s not simply the design and additional options the place the Sonos Period 100 shakes issues up in comparison with the Sonos One – it provides lots within the sound division too. When Sonos swapped the Play:1 for the One, it saved the insides the identical, and that wasn’t a difficulty as a result of the Play:1 already sounded strong – identical to the One. With the Period 100, it’s a totally completely different structure. Not a single a part of the Sonos One made its means into the Period 100, and whereas I nonetheless have a mushy spot for the Sonos One, the Period 100 is superior.
For starters, the woofer within the Period 100 is 25 per cent larger than the One, delivering extra depth within the bass that’s actually noticeable when listened to side-by-side. Sonos additionally threw in an additional tweeter, leading to two for the Period 100, each dual-angled for stereo goodness and a wider sound unfold. The Sonos One is mono, and whereas it does a wonderful job, the Period 100 takes the cake, providing a broader soundstage throughout the spectrum, from low to excessive frequencies, it doesn’t matter what tracks or genres you throw at it.
The Period 100 has customized wave guides just like the Period 300, however there’s no Dolby Atmos or Spatial Audio motion right here just like the beefier Period 300. It’s not overly shocking contemplating its measurement, however the Apple HomePod manages it and isn’t a lot larger or pricier. It means should you’re after a extra immersive sound, the HomePod is perhaps the ticket.
When it comes to total efficiency nonetheless, the Period 100 is a champ. It handles every part like a professional, which is what you’d anticipate because it took the reins from some of the beneficial audio system in its subject.
Over the past yr, I’ve put the Period 100 via its paces with a mixture of tracks and genres, and it passes with flying colours everytime. Tracks like “October Sky” by Yebba, “Billions” by Caroline Polachek, and “About Rattling Time” by Lizzo all sound improbable. Certainly one of my go-to tracks for testing, “House Ghost Coast to Coast” by Glass Animals, is a standout on the Period 100. It nails the combo of vocals, devices, and background sounds, with the Period 100 dealing with and separating every part fantastically. It may not match the immersive expertise of the Period 300 or the Apple HomePod (2nd era), however the vocals are clear, and there’s distinction between the vocals and the remainder of the soundtrack.
The dynamic vary is strong too, and the Period 100 shines even at decrease volumes, packing in loads of element. Crank it up, and positive, you may lose a little bit of distinction in comparison with the Period 300 and Sonos 5, however the Period 100 nonetheless delivers a hefty punch for its measurement. The general steadiness leans in the direction of the bassier facet, par for the course with Sonos audio system, however the tuning is enjoyable with out being overly booming. In fact, it’s a private desire, and should you’re not an enormous bass fan, you may at all times tweak the EQ ranges within the Sonos app.
{Hardware}
Transferring on to the {hardware} entrance, the Sonos Period 100 helps Wi-Fi 6 (simply ensure you’ve obtained a appropriate router), throws in a USB-C line-in (adapter offered individually as talked about), and packs each Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth – a primary for a non-portable Sonos speaker, alongside the Period 300.
This implies you may roll with the Period 100 as a basic Sonos speaker, utilizing the Wi-Fi mesh community it units up throughout the setup, or change to conventional Bluetooth mode. To hop into Bluetooth mode, hit the {hardware} button on the again and connect with it such as you would some other Bluetooth system when the entrance LED is blue. It’s very simple and works like a attraction, supplying you with one other solution to take pleasure in your tunes. Admittedly, some may by no means use it – particularly Apple followers who probably discover AirPlay extra handy when not utilizing the Sonos app – but it surely’s nonetheless a candy addition many followers have been ready some time for.
Lastly, the Period 100 packs a brand new co-neural processor on board, together with a 47 per cent sooner processor than the Sonos One. It’s equipped for future options whereas amping up the efficiency. Truthfully, the Sonos One nonetheless holds its personal, and I don’t discover any main variations between the 2 in actuality, however that would change down the highway as extra options roll out. The Period 100 did present a slight edge in response time when grouping and ungrouping audio system, however you’d in all probability miss it except the 2 have been side-by-side. It’s additionally mentioned to be extra power-efficient than the Sonos One, utilizing solely 2W or much less in standby or sleep mode. It’s robust to place that to the take a look at, however hey, I’m all for saving power.
Ultimate ideas
The Sonos Period 100 is a real game-changer on the planet of Sonos audio system. It marks a brand new period for Sonos (pun supposed), taking the corporate’s already excellent entry-level speaker and giving it a complete makeover, each inside and outside.
The Period 100’s contemporary design breathes new life into the compact Sonos mannequin, introducing a number of enhancements like Bluetooth capabilities, revamped controls, and the added line-in performance that elevate its attraction. There’s a slight improve in worth in comparison with the One price ticket and Google Assistant isn’t any extra, however the Period 100 serves as a really perfect start line for these venturing into the Sonos ecosystem.
Above all, the audio expertise of the Period 100 is really distinctive, surpassing the efficiency of its Sonos One predecessor and making it simple to forgive Sonos for the alternative.
How we take a look at
Once we publish our critiques, you may relaxation assured that they’re the results of “residing with” long run exams.
Smart speaker often stay inside, and even management, a smart home ecosystem, or a variety of merchandise that – supposedly – all work in concord. Due to this fact, it’s inconceivable to make use of a related speaker for per week and ship a verdict.
As a result of we’re testing smart home package all day, on a regular basis, we all know what issues and the way a selected smart speaker compares to options that you may additionally be contemplating.
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FAQs
No, the Sonos Period 100 is a wired speaker. It affords Bluetooth however it isn’t transportable just like the Sonos Roam or Sonos Transfer. It wants fixed energy with a view to operate.
No, the Sonos Period 100 doesn’t assist Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos. You will have to take a look at the Period 300 if you wish to expertise these codecs how they have been supposed.
Merely press and maintain the Bluetooth button on the rear of the Period 100 to place it into Bluetooth pairing mode. An LED will flash blue on the entrance when it is able to join. You need to then see it seem within the record of Bluetooth gadgets in your smartphone or pill, permitting you to hook up with it.
Sonos Period 100: Specs
Kind (Colors and elegance) | White, Black |
UK RRP | £249 |
US RRP | $249 |
Measurement (Dimensions) | 12 x 13.2 x 18.4cm |
Weight | 2kg |
Decision | N/A |
Launch Date | 7 March 2023 |
Smart home Ecosystems | Alexa, Sonos |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 |
Battery / energy | Energy |