Sonos has unveiled its first new product lineup since 2024, a period marked by significant challenges following a major app update that caused widespread issues. Among the latest additions is the Sonos Play, a portable speaker designed to fill a gap in the company’s offerings. Longtime followers of Sonos may recall the Play:1, Play:3, and Play:5 models, but this new iteration diverges significantly from its predecessors. Priced at $299, the Play functions as both a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled speaker, sitting between the $179 Roam 2 and $499 Move 2. It could potentially serve as the optimal choice for users seeking a balance between portability and performance within Sonos' range.
The closest competitor to the Play is the Era 100, which Sonos launched in 2023. The Play measures 7.6” tall, 4.4” wide, and 3” deep, making it more compact than the Era 100, which is over 5 inches in depth. Compared to the Move 2 (9.5” x 6.3 x 5”), the Play is far more transportable, weighing less than 3 pounds versus the Move 2's 6.5 pounds. While not as small as the Roam 2, the Play offers greater portability than the Move 2. Additionally, the Play features an IP67 rating, similar to the Roam 2, allowing it to be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes and offering dust resistance.
In terms of audio components, the Play mirrors the Era 100 closely. It includes two tweeters arranged at a 90-degree angle for stereo separation, paired with a single midwoofer, along with two additional passive radiators to enhance bass response in its compact form factor. The Era 100 lacks these passive radiators but otherwise shares similar specifications. While we await actual listening tests, the Play should surpass the Roam 2 due to its larger driver components. However, the Move 2 remains the top choice for those requiring powerful sound for large outdoor spaces.
Users will find familiar controls on the Play, available in black or white. On the top surface are buttons for play/pause, volume adjustment, and a microphone toggle. A power button, Bluetooth button, and a physical microphone disable switch are located on the back. A notable addition is a removable plastic grab loop, enhancing usability.
The Play is fully integrated into the Sonos ecosystem, allowing users to group all Sonos speakers via the app, stream music through AirPlay 2 or Spotify Connect, and use the Sonos Voice Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Despite past issues with the app, current testing indicates improved functionality. Users can also pair two Play speakers for stereo sound, though re-pairing is necessary if disconnected from the network.
A new feature for the Play and Move 2 allows grouping via Bluetooth. After pairing a Play with a phone, holding the play/pause button on three additional Play or Move 2 speakers adds them to the group. This functionality is ideal for covering larger outdoor areas with multiple speakers.
The Play includes a line-in function via its USB-C port and supports Ethernet connectivity with an adapter. It also serves as a phone charger. While the Play comes with a wireless charging dock, a USB-C charger is required separately.
Sonos also introduced the Era 100 SL, a simpler version of the Era 100. Unlike its predecessor, the SL model lacks microphones entirely, making it slightly more affordable at $189 compared to the standard model's $219. The acoustic architecture and feature set remain unchanged, positioning the Era 100 SL as an accessible entry point into the Sonos ecosystem. It retains compatibility with the standard Era 100, allowing users to expand their setup with a stereo pair while adding voice control capabilities.
Both the $299 Play and $189 Era 100 SL are now available for pre-order, with shipping scheduled for March 31.