Winner
Updated November 2026
Data from the official Sonos site.
2026 verdict
Starting a Sonos setup from scratch, the Sonos Era 100 is the one to buy before the Sonos Sub Mini, because it is a complete smart speaker and the Sub Mini is an add-on subwoofer.
The Era 100 plays music on its own, has Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, Bluetooth, touch controls and a mic-off switch, and works with Google Home, Alexa, Apple Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant. The Sonos Sub Mini has no microphone, no voice assistant, no Bluetooth and no controls: it exists to add deep bass to a Sonos soundbar or speaker, with a built-in Ethernet port and a one-year warranty like the Era 100. So they are less rivals than partners. Buy the Sonos Era 100 first, and add the Sonos Sub Mini later if you want more low end from a stereo pair or a soundbar.
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| Feature | Sonos Era 100 | Sonos Sub Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $217.99 | $499.00 | Sonos Era 100 |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.6 | Sonos Sub Mini |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet | Sonos Era 100 |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | Home Assistant | Sonos Era 100 |
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | None | Sonos Era 100 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Local Control | YES | YES | Tie |
What the differences mean
What each one does
The Sonos Era 100 is a standalone smart speaker. The Sonos Sub Mini is a wireless subwoofer that only plays alongside a Sonos soundbar or speaker, so on its own it does nothing.
Voice and controls
The Sonos Era 100 has Alexa, Sonos Voice Control, touch volume and play/pause controls and a mic-off switch. The Sonos Sub Mini has no microphone, no assistant and no buttons, and is controlled through the Sonos app.
Connections
The Sonos Era 100 adds Bluetooth, while Ethernet and line-in need Sonos adapters. The Sonos Sub Mini has an Ethernet port built in and no Bluetooth.
Size
At 6.35 kg the Sonos Sub Mini is a floor unit, about three times the weight of the 2 kg Sonos Era 100 that sits on a shelf.
Which one to buy if
- this is your first Sonos product
The Sonos Era 100 plays music by itself; the Sub Mini needs a Sonos speaker or soundbar to pair with.
- you already own a Sonos soundbar and want deeper bass
The Sonos Sub Mini is built to add low end to an existing Sonos system, which its owners say it does well.
- you want voice control
Only the Sonos Era 100 has a microphone, Alexa and Sonos Voice Control.
- you have a stereo pair of Era 100s that needs more bass
Era 100 owners describe adding a Sub Mini to the pair as a major step up.
Winner
$217.99
- + Price: $217.99
- + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
- + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
- - Rating: 4.4 vs 4.6
$499.00
- + Rating: 4.6
- - Price: $499.00 vs $217.99
- - Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
What owners say
Owners of both praise how easily each slots into a Sonos system. Sonos Era 100 owners talk about wider stereo, fuller bass and clean vocals, Trueplay tuning and touch controls, and say a stereo pair of Era 100s, optionally with a Sub Mini, is a major step up; they warn about the cost of buying two, the adapters for line-in and Ethernet and the Sonos app's mixed reputation. Sonos Sub Mini owners are surprised by how much bass it produces for its size, clean and free of buzzing thanks to its force-canceling woofers, and say it frees the paired speaker to sound clearer. Their complaints are a small, hard-to-read pairing code on the unit, a few units that would not connect out of the box and a handful that failed after about a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Sonos Sub Mini be used with the Sonos Era 100?
Yes. Owners of the Sonos Era 100 pair one or two of them with a Sonos Sub Mini for deeper bass, and describe the combination as a major step up.
Does the Sonos Era 100 need a subwoofer?
No. The Sonos Era 100 plays full-range music on its own and its owners praise its bass for the size. The Sonos Sub Mini is an optional addition for listeners who want more low end.
What is the biggest difference between the Sonos Era 100 and the Sonos Sub Mini?
The Sonos Era 100 is a complete smart speaker with voice control; the Sonos Sub Mini is a subwoofer with no microphone, assistant or controls that only works paired with other Sonos gear.
Which should I buy first, the Sonos Era 100 or the Sonos Sub Mini?
The Sonos Era 100, since the Sonos Sub Mini needs a Sonos speaker or soundbar to play through.
Who should buy the Sonos Era 100?
Anyone who wants a compact premium speaker with Alexa or Sonos Voice Control that works with Apple Home, Google Home and Home Assistant.
Who should buy the Sonos Sub Mini?
Owners of a Sonos soundbar or Sonos speakers in a small to mid-size room who want deeper bass without extra cables.
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