Sonos Era 100 vs Edifier R1280DBs: which should you buy?

The Sonos Era 100 is my overall pick. It takes sound quality, bass response, midrange clarity, treble detail and design by clear margins, and only value for money goes the other way.

The Sonos Era 100 is the one to buy if you want the better listening experience and are willing to pay for it. Treble is the standout, crisp and detailed in a way the cheaper pair does not match, and the low end is impressive for a cabinet this size. Setup over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth took minutes, the on-device voice control works without a cloud connection, and the build feels solid in the hand. Two caveats are worth knowing before you commit: a single unit does not deliver true stereo, so a pair is the honest recommendation, and using line-in through the USB-C connector needs a special adapter bought separately.

Go with the Edifier R1280DBs if budget is the deciding factor, or if the speakers are destined for a desk or a small room. Value for money is where they clearly win, and the input list backs that up: Bluetooth, RCA and optical, plus a remote, so a TV, a turntable and a computer can all stay connected without swapping plugs. Vocals come through cleanly at moderate volume and distortion stays low until you push hard. Expect a faint background hiss over Bluetooth, so use the wired inputs when the music matters, and accept a build that is sturdy rather than refined. The two year warranty is a welcome extra.