Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) | Sonos - Era 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 60 W |
Between the HomePod (2nd gen) and Era 300, the HomePod (2nd gen) comes out ahead in output, while the Era 300 wins on several specs. Overall, the HomePod (2nd gen) scores 87 and the Era 300 scores 95 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Era 300 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.0 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the HomePod (2nd gen) if you care most about output. The biggest gaps in its favor are output. The single most decisive one: Output: 60 W vs W.
The Era 300 similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable dolby atmos, matter / thread, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Era 300 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) or Sonos - Era 300?
Sonos - Era 300 leads the current Mars Score by 8.0 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare output against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) if…
Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) has the measurable edge on output w.
Choose Sonos - Era 300 if…
Sonos - Era 300 does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) wins
- ▲Output: 60 W vs W.
Why Sonos - Era 300 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Audio
| Spec | Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) | Sonos - Era 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 60 Wlead | |
| Stereo pairingⓘ | true | true |
| Dolby Atmosⓘ | true | true |
| Built-in display | false | false |
Assistant & Smart Home
| Spec | Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) | Sonos - Era 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Voice assistant | Siri | Alexa,Sonos Voice |
| Matter / Thread | true | true |
| Zigbee hub | false | false |