Apple HomePod (2nd gen) vs Sonos Era 100 comparison

Updated August 2026

Data from Amazon and official Apple and Sonos sites.

2026 verdict

Compact and cross-platform versus premium and Apple-only: the Sonos Era 100 comes out ahead of the Apple HomePod (2nd gen) in this smart speaker comparison, landing as the more affordable option while also reaching wider with connectivity and integrations across Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant, plus a choice of Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control built in. The HomePod pushes back with a higher owner rating, a built-in Thread border router and Matter bridge for smart home hub duties, and the only temperature and humidity sensing of the pair. If Siri and Apple Home already run your house, and hub range or room sensing matter, the Apple HomePod (2nd gen) is worth the extra cost; if you want the cheaper, more broadly compatible smart speaker with real voice assistant choice, the Sonos Era 100 wins out.

Apple

Apple HomePod (2nd gen)

$369.99

Buy on Amazon USA

Winner

Sonos

Sonos Era 100

$219.00

Buy on Amazon USA

Feature	Apple HomePod (2nd gen)	Sonos Era 100	Winner
Price	$369.99	$219.00	Sonos Era 100
Rating	4.5	4.4	Apple HomePod (2nd gen)
Connectivity	2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth	2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet	Sonos Era 100
Integrations	Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant	Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant	Sonos Era 100
Hub	Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge	None	Apple HomePod (2nd gen)
Voice Assistant	Apple Siri	Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control	Sonos Era 100
Sensors	Temperature, Humidity	None	Apple HomePod (2nd gen)
Warranty	1 year	1 year	Tie

Apple

Apple HomePod (2nd gen)

$369.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Rating: 4.5
+ Hub: Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
+ Sensors: Temperature, Humidity
- Price: $369.99 vs $219.00
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

Winner

Sonos

Sonos Era 100

$219.00

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $219.00
+ Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
+ Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant
- Rating: 4.4 vs 4.5
- Hub: None vs Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: the Sonos Era 100 or the Apple HomePod (2nd gen)?

The Sonos Era 100 wins on price, connectivity, integrations and voice assistant choice. The Apple HomePod (2nd gen) wins on owner rating, its smart home hub, and room sensing.

What is the biggest difference between the Sonos Era 100 and the Apple HomePod (2nd gen)?

Ecosystem breadth versus hub depth: the Era 100 talks to Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant, while the HomePod is Siri-only but adds a Thread border router and Matter bridge the Era 100 lacks.

Does the Sonos Era 100 have a Zigbee or Thread hub?

No, it has no hub features at all, no Zigbee coordinator, Thread border router or Matter bridge. The Apple HomePod (2nd gen) has a Thread border router and Matter bridge.

Which speaker has climate sensing?

Only the Apple HomePod (2nd gen), with both temperature and humidity sensors. The Sonos Era 100 has neither.

Who should buy the Sonos Era 100?

Buyers who want the cheaper, more cross-platform compatible speaker with a choice between Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control.

Who should buy the Apple HomePod (2nd gen)?

Apple Home users who want the higher-rated speaker plus hub and sensor features that the Sonos Era 100 does not offer.

More Speakers