Smart speakers · Ranked #3 of 9 · Best for Dolby Atmos

Sonos Era 300

86
Highly rated
Average of 21 professional reviews
19 of 21 recommend it · critics split
Where the 21 reviews landedRange 70–100
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 85.9 · 7 printed, 14 estimated · printed scores only: 86

Sonos Era 300Image: Sonos

21 professional reviewers tested the Sonos Era 300, and 19 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and ease of use. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by global.t3.com, WIRED, SlashGear and 18 more

The catch: It is expensive, and Atmos tracks are hard to find.

14 of these 21 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.

Check price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.

What 21 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 100
    global.t3.comHands-on review · 2025

    The reviewer is wowed by immersive Atmos sound that even beats the larger Sonos Five, calling it the best speaker for its price.

    Read global.t3.com review
  2. 90
    WIREDHands-on review

    An impressive spatial-audio speaker with big, detailed sound and the best control app around, easily beating the HomePod.

    Read WIRED review
  3. 90
    SlashGearHands-on review · 2023

    Spatial audio sounds natural rather than gimmicky, and stereo music is not sacrificed.

    Read SlashGear review
  4. 90
    AppleInsiderHands-on review · 2023

    A striking speaker with outstanding sound, first-class spatial audio support, better controls and a mic kill switch.

    Read AppleInsider review
  5. 80
    CNETHands-on review

    The reviewer finds the Era 300 a refined, room-filling Atmos speaker that beats the Echo Studio on sound, but the much cheaper Echo keeps it from being a no-brainer.

    Read CNET review
  6. 80
    PCMag Middle EastHands-on review · 2023

    A powerful, loud speaker that earns an Editors' Choice for its room-filling sound, Atmos support and great app.

    Read PCMag Middle East review
  7. 70
    The VergeHands-on review · 2023

    The Era 300 offers the best spatial audio from a single speaker when the mix is good, but inconsistent Atmos content, weaker stereo versus the Sonos Five, and a high price make it hard to push for most buyers.

    Read The Verge review
  8. 92est.
    Digital TrendsNo printed score · Hands-on review

    An enthusiastic review calling the Era 300 an amazing speaker with standout Dolby Atmos music and strong stereo performance.

    Read Digital Trends review
  9. 92est.
    Expert ReviewsNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2023

    Called probably the best streaming speaker available, with sublime Atmos playback and near-flawless flexibility.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  10. 89est.
    Good Housekeeping UKNo printed score · Hands-on review

    An excellent, easy-to-use speaker with superb sound and a distinctive design, held back only by minor gripes like no Google Assistant and a cost that is not low.

    Read Good Housekeeping UK review
  11. 89est.
    Popular ScienceNo printed score · Hands-on review

    An enthusiastic hands-on that praises the immersive Atmos sound and flexible setups, while noting the clunky way of finding spatial tracks and the high price.

    Read Popular Science review
  12. 89est.
    TechRadarNo printed score · Hands-on review

    Delivers wider, more detailed sound than any single-box speaker the reviewer has heard, with convincing Atmos.

    Read TechRadar review
  13. 89est.
    iMoreNo printed score · Hands-on review

    The reviewer calls it one of the best smart speakers available, with rich, detailed sound and convincing spatial audio.

    Read iMore review
  14. 89est.
    How-To GeekNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2023

    The reviewer finds spatial audio on the Era 300 impressive and stereo performance good too.

    Read How-To Geek review
  15. 83est.
    NBC SelectNo printed score · Hands-on review

    After a year of daily use, the writer still loves the immersive spatial sound of this speaker, a step up from older Sonos models.

    Read NBC Select review
  16. 83est.
    Trusted ReviewsNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2024

    A distinctive wireless speaker with a convincing, expansive Dolby Atmos presentation and balanced sound, best for Sonos owners.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  17. 83est.
    Tech AdvisorNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2023

    An excellent-sounding speaker, but spatial audio on a single unit is underwhelming and the software for finding Atmos music is frustrating.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  18. 83est.
    The GuardianNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2023

    The reviewer rates it among the very best wifi speakers, with excellent stereo and standout spatial audio.

    Read The Guardian review
  19. 83est.
    EngadgetNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2023

    A great-sounding, premium speaker whose headline spatial audio feature is hit or miss and often no better than stereo.

    Read Engadget review
  20. 83est.
    CNN UnderscoredNo printed score · Buying guide · 2026

    In a roundup of Sonos speakers, the Era 300 gets a short write-up as a notable step up from the Era 100 with Dolby Atmos and big sound.

    Read CNN Underscored review
  21. 77est.
    Gear PatrolNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2023

    Sounds terrific with Dolby Atmos content but is hard to recommend broadly because Atmos playback is limited and convoluted.

    Read Gear Patrol review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

How it compares

Direct comparisons by professional outlets, exact models only, in our words. Shown as evidence; they never change the critic score.

vs Sonos Era 10089

  • RedShark News (2025) picks the Sonos Era 300.
  • TechRadar: it depends. Choose this one if: you want bigger, immersive spatial sound with Atmos, or plan to expand into a home theater setup.

vs Amazon Echo Studio (2025)79

  • CNET (2026): it depends. Choose this one if: sound quality matters most and you can spend more for top-tier audio.

What critics praise most

Sound quality20 of 21
Ease of use6 of 21
Connectivity5 of 21

What critics dislike most

Price12 of 21
Controls and app4 of 21

Other smart speakers critics rate highly

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Sonos Era 300 worth it?

Most critics think so: 19 of 21 recommend it. It is expensive, and Atmos tracks are hard to find.

Do critics agree about the Sonos Era 300?

Critics split: scores range from 70 (The Verge) to 100 (global.t3.com), a spread of 30 points across 21 reviews. Reviewers disagree, so read the individual reviews before buying.

What do critics dislike about the Sonos Era 300?

Price (12 of 21 reviews), Controls and app (4 of 21 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Sonos Era 300?

The Sonos Era 100 (critic score 89), top pick, narrowly.