Apple HomePod mini vs Sonos Era 300

Quick answer

Critics score the Apple HomePod mini 79 and the Sonos Era 300 86 out of 100, from 19 and 21 professional reviews. 12 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Apple HomePod mini higher, 7 scored the Sonos Era 300 higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Sonos Era 300 5 points ahead.

Apple HomePod miniImage: Apple

Apple HomePod mini

79
Mixed
Average of 19 professional reviews
12 of 19 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 19 reviews landedRange 60–89
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Praised for: sound quality (18 of 19), design (9 of 19), ease of use (4 of 19)

Criticised for: controls and app (7 of 19), call quality (2 of 19)

The catch: Siri is limited and non-Apple music support is thin.

All 19 reviews of the Apple HomePod mini →

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Sonos Era 300Image: Sonos

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

Praised for: sound quality (20 of 21), ease of use (6 of 21), connectivity (5 of 21)

Criticised for: price (12 of 21), controls and app (4 of 21)

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

All 21 reviews of the Sonos Era 300 →

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Critics who reviewed both

The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards
OutletApple HomePod miniSonos Era 300Difference
WIRED6090-30
T383est.100-17
Digital Trends83est.92est.-9
Engadget77est.83est.-6
Good Housekeeping UK83est.89est.-6
iMore83est.89est.-6
TechRadar83est.89est.-6
Tech Advisor83est.83est.same
The Guardian83est.83est.same
CNET8280+2
CNN Underscored89est.83est.+6
Trusted Reviews89est.83est.+6

Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple HomePod mini minus the Sonos Era 300. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.

Compare either one with another smart speaker → · All smart speakers ranked →

Common questions

Which is better, the Apple HomePod mini or the Sonos Era 300?

Critics rate the Sonos Era 300 higher: 86 against 79. 12 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Apple HomePod mini higher, 7 scored the Sonos Era 300 higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Sonos Era 300 5 points ahead.

Do critics agree about the Apple HomePod mini and the Sonos Era 300?

The Apple HomePod mini: broad agreement, scores from 60 to 89. The Sonos Era 300: critics split, scores from 70 to 100.