Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Sonos Era 100
Best Smart SpeakerTribit StormBox Micro 2
Best Budget Bluetooth SpeakerPrice
$197-$219
$50-$80
Summary
The Era 100 is the smart speaker that audiophiles and casual listeners agree on. Stereo sound, Alexa built-in, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth in a compact package make it the most versatile home speaker at its price.
At $50, the StormBox Micro 2 punches so far above its weight class it's almost unfair to the competition. Waterproof, bass-forward, and genuinely portable — it's the best sub-$60 speaker you can buy.
Pros
- True stereo sound playback — a major upgrade over the Sonos One
- Works with Alexa, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Compact design fits any room without dominating it
- Wide streaming service support including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
- Expandable into a full Sonos multi-room system
- IPX7 waterproof rating for full submersion protection
- Extra-bass button adds surprising low-end thump
- Ultra-compact and lightweight — fits in a jacket pocket
- Up to 24 hours battery life (StormBox 2 variant)
- Stereo pairing with a second unit
Cons
- No Google Assistant or Google Cast support
- $219 is pricier than Amazon Echo alternatives
- Sonos app has had reliability issues in recent years
- Bass boost can sound slightly muddy at high volumes
- Small size limits maximum volume output
- No voice assistant integration
Our take
The Era 100 is CNET's top overall speaker pick and the one Sonos model that earns universal praise — it sounds better than any Amazon Echo and integrates with more services than any Apple HomePod.
Stop overpaying for a portable speaker. The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is what CNET and WIRED both recommend when budget is the priority — and it sounds better than speakers twice its price.
Buy
