Best High-End Multi-Room Audio Systems of 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need.

Published: August 12th, 2024

🎶Picking the right high-end multi-room audio system for your home can feel overwhelming with so many choices out there. Whether you're a hardcore audiophile seeking impeccable sound or just want to integrate music seamlessly into your smart home, we've got you covered.

We've sifted through a bunch of expert reviews to bring you the best systems that promise to elevate your listening experience in every room. So, let's get into the top picks that will transform how you enjoy music at home.

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Overall Best: Sonos Era 100

Sonos Era 100 - Black - Wireless, Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker Black 1-Speaker

The Sonos Era 100 is our top pick due to its versatile features and exceptional sound quality. This speaker supports various connectivity options, including Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Alexa voice control, making it highly adaptable to different needs. The Sonos Era 100 delivers a full, well-balanced sound that fits elegantly in any room. It seamlessly integrates into the Sonos ecosystem, ensuring a hassle-free user experience and easy multi-room setup. According to our research, users rave about its rich audio performance and straightforward setup process, making it a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned audio enthusiasts.

View TLDR Review: Sonos Era 100 Black

The Sonos Era 100 achieves a strong overall score due to its impressive sound quality, incorporating punchy bass and clear vocals, complemented by a sleek design and user-friendly setup process. However, issues with the Sonos app, including connectivity problems and inconsistent performance in smart features, have drawn criticism from various users, creating a notable divide between its audio performance and software reliability. For those passionate about sound quality, the Era 100 is a worthwhile investment, despite its app-related limitations.

7.83

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$199.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sonos Era 100 Black? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are common issues with the Sonos Era 100?

The Sonos Era 100 is a popular speaker known for its great sound and easy integration with other Sonos gear. But like any device, it has a few common hiccups to watch out for. Here's the scoop from our research on some typical issues people run into with the Era 100, especially if you're planning to hook it up to a turntable or other external audio sources. ### Turntable Connection If you're thinking about connecting your turntable to the Sonos Era 100, it's good to know that you'll need a [Sonos Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for this. This adapter plugs into the speaker's USB-C port and lets you use a 3.5 mm auxiliary cable. The catch? This adapter usually doesn't come in the box and costs around $19.99, so you’ll have to grab one separately. It's a bit annoying if you were expecting a complete package. ### Adapter Quality and Compatibility Our research shows that the [Sonos Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) does its job well overall, but having to buy it separately has frustrated some folks. The good news is, once you have it, it seems like most people have no issues getting their turntables to work flawlessly with the Era 100. ### Sound Quality Issues For the most part, the Era 100 delivers outstanding audio, but a few folks have noticed that the sound quality can vary when switching between streaming services and local audio. This might mean tweaking some settings or updating the Sonos app to keep everything sounding top-notch. ### Wireless Connectivity Wireless connectivity can be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes. While the speaker does support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, some people have reported occasional drops, especially if there are a lot of wireless devices around. Usually, resetting the speaker or updating its firmware clears this up, but it's worth keeping in mind if your home network is crowded. ### Overall Thoughts All in all, the Sonos Era 100 is a fantastic speaker, but be prepared to get a separate [Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSonos%2BLine-In%2BAdapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) if you're using a turntable. Also, you might face some minor sound quality and connectivity issues. Even with these quirks, the Era 100 is a solid choice for anyone wanting to level up their sound setup within the Sonos ecosystem.

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Does the Sonos Era 100 support voice assistants?

Yeah, the Sonos Era 100 does support voice assistants, specifically [Amazon Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Damazon%2Balexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and Sonos Voice Control, as the manufacturer describes. However, it doesn't support [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bassistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) right now. This is apparently due to ongoing legal issues between Google and Sonos. So, if Google Assistant is a must for you, you might want to check out other options. But with Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, you can still do a lot—like play music, check the news, and control smart home devices hands-free. If Google Assistant is super important to your setup, maybe look into older Sonos models like the [Sonos One](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which do support Google Assistant. Overall, the Sonos Era 100 is pretty solid in terms of sound quality and connectivity. It might just come up short if you're all-in on Google Assistant. According to our research, many people find Alexa and Sonos Voice Control pretty handy and easy to use, so it still packs a punch even without Google Assistant.

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How easy is it to set up the Sonos Era 100?

Setting up the Sonos Era 100 is generally pretty easy, but there are a few things you might want to know to make the process smoother. The manufacturer mentions that it comes with a USB-C port that supports line-in via an adapter, which opens up options like connecting a turntable or CD player. Just a heads-up, though: the [Sonos USB-C Line-In Adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is sold separately, so you'll need to get that if you want to use the Aux input feature. Keep that extra cost in mind. Once you have the adapter, setting things up is straightforward. You'll plug the adapter into the USB-C port on the speaker and then connect your audio source with a 3.5mm auxiliary cable. However, according to our research, there might be a slight delay when using the adapter, which could mess with audio/video sync, especially if you're connecting to something like a [MacBook Pro](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmacbook%2Bpro%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It's something to be aware of if timing is super important for what you’re doing. Overall, the Sonos app makes the entire setup pretty user-friendly. You can handle all your settings and configurations through the app, which helps seamlessly integrate your devices into the Sonos ecosystem. Plus, the app offers guidance and tips if you run into any issues. The speaker also has Trueplay technology, which tunes the sound to your room for the best audio experience. So, while the extra adapter might be a bit of a hassle and can cause a minor delay, the overall setup process for the Sonos Era 100 is pretty simple. Whether you're tech-savvy or just want to plug and play, everything should be easy enough to get up and running—just be ready for that extra purchase if you need the Aux input.

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Runner-Up: Apple HomePod 2

For Apple enthusiasts, the Apple HomePod 2 is unmatched in delivering a seamless audio experience within the Apple ecosystem. This speaker excels in sound quality, featuring real-time, room-based sound optimization that adapts to your environment. It's incredibly simple to set up and integrates perfectly with Siri, providing a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface. According to our analysis, users particularly appreciate its elegant design and superior performance, making it the ideal choice for those heavily invested in Apple's suite of smart home products.

View TLDR Review: HomePod 2

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$279.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio

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Budget Pick: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Charcoal

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) is our top budget-friendly pick, delivering great value without sacrificing performance. Despite its affordable price, this compact device offers robust audio and comes packed with Alexa's extensive smart functionalities. It's an excellent entry-level option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of multi-room audio. Our research indicates that users love its easy setup and versatility, particularly praising its ability to control other smart home devices effortlessly.

View TLDR Review: Echo Dot (5th Gen)

Lowest at Amazon

$49.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$29.99 at Lowe's

Best for Audio Performance: Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation

For audiophiles aiming for the pinnacle of audio performance, the Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is a premium choice. It boasts upgraded drive units and 300W of amplification, providing lively treble and punchy, precise bass that will satisfy any sound connoisseur. Its sophisticated design and vibrant, award-winning sound make it a standout option. According to the manufacturer, the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation offers an immersive audio experience that sets it apart from other multi-room systems, making it perfect for those who prioritize sound quality above all else.

View TLDR Review: Naim Mu-so Qb 2

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best Portable Option: Bose Portable Smart Speaker

Bose Portable Smart Speaker — Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with Alexa Voice Control Built-In, Black Triple Black

If portability is a priority, the Bose Portable Smart Speaker is your best bet for a versatile multi-room audio solution. With up to 12 hours of battery life and an IPX4 water resistance rating, it’s designed to handle both indoor and outdoor use without compromising sound quality. It effortlessly pairs with other Bose devices, offering great flexibility for various settings. Our research shows that users appreciate its rich audio performance and durable design, making it a practical choice for those who want their audio experience to follow them throughout their home and beyond.

View TLDR Review: Bose Portable Smart Speaker

The Bose Portable Smart Speaker receives a high score for its rich sound quality, effective 360-degree audio, and versatile smart features with both Alexa and Google Assistant integration; however, it faces criticism for connectivity issues and a relatively short battery life, especially at high volumes. Despite its premium price, many users appreciate its portability and design, though some express concerns over lasting performance and app functionality.

7.73

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$399.00 at Amazon

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