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Buying guide

Sonos Era 100 SL vs Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Home Speaker

We compared the Sonos Era 100 SL and the Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Home Speaker using expert reviews, owner ratings, and specs to determine the best choice for your home audio setup.

Updated

The bottom line

The Sonos Era 100 SL is the winner for its superior sound quality and integration with other Sonos devices. It scored higher in expert reviews and owner ratings, with a 4.5/5 from 378 ratings compared to the Marshall Acton III's 4.7/5 from 2633 ratings. The Marshall Acton III is a close second, offering a wider soundstage and a stylish design, but it lacks the ecosystem integration that Sonos provides. For budget-conscious buyers, the Marshall Acton III is a great value at $150, while the Sonos Era 100 SL, at $189, is worth the extra cost for its superior sound and ecosystem benefits.

Winner
Sonos Era 100 SLSonos Era 100 SL $189.00

Best sound quality and ecosystem integration

The Sonos Era 100 SL delivers rich, balanced sound with deep bass and integrates with other Sonos devices. It scored 4.5/5 from 378 ratings and is praised for its easy setup and Trueplay feature. At $189, it's a bit pricier but offers superior sound and ecosystem benefits. Skip it if you prefer a standalone speaker without ecosystem integration.

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Also great
Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Home SpeakerMarshall Acton III Bluetooth Home Speaker $150.00

Stylish design and wider soundstage

The Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Home Speaker offers a wider soundstage and an iconic rock 'n' roll design. It scored 4.7/5 from 2633 ratings and is built with 70% recycled plastic. At $150, it's a great value for those who prioritize style and immersive sound. Consider it if you don't need ecosystem integration.

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The field, ranked

  1. Sonos Era 100 SL Best for sound quality and ecosystem integration 9.0/10 $189.00 Amazon
  2. Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Home Speaker Great for style and immersive sound 8.0/10 $150.00 Amazon

Daily use differences

Owners of the Sonos Era 100 SL report a more satisfying listening experience due to its richer sound and Trueplay feature, which tunes the audio to the room. In contrast, Marshall Acton III users appreciate the wider soundstage and the speaker's stylish design, which adds a visual appeal to their setup.

Who should buy which

Choose the Sonos Era 100 SL if you value sound quality and want a speaker that integrates with other Sonos devices. Opt for the Marshall Acton III if you prioritize style and a wider soundstage, and don't need ecosystem integration.

How this was put together

This comparison is based on one expert review for each product, owner ratings from 378 reviews for the Sonos Era 100 SL and 2633 reviews for the Marshall Acton III, and specs provided in the dossiers. No hands-on testing was conducted, and the evidence is thin on some attributes for both products.