The Sonos Play represents a fresh portable speaker that combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, embodying the company’s strengths in a multi-purpose device. It marks a turning point in Sonos’s efforts to recover from issues with its app update, which eroded customer trust and led to leadership changes. This is the first entirely new audio product since the app’s release in May 2024, which removed popular functions and introduced reliability problems for users. Over the past two years, the firm has focused on corrections, restoring essential features, and improving system performance. Now, it returns to its core expertise: producing high-quality Wi-Fi speakers that stream music from various sources in diverse settings, with enhanced performance when connected to other units in the ecosystem. Priced at £299 (€349/$299/A$499), the Play stands out from typical portable options. It exceeds the smaller £179 Roam 2 in both cost and size, positioning itself as an all-around device equally suitable for home Wi-Fi use or Bluetooth operation during outings. It evolves from the larger Move 2 by incorporating its strengths with elements of the Era 100 standard model, resulting in a smaller, lighter form. This creates a compact unit that delivers impressive audio output for its dimensions, while being durable enough for outdoor activities like garden gatherings, beach trips, or park visits. Though it appears suitable for indoor settings, the speaker features rubberized top and bottom sections for shock absorption. Its IP67 rating ensures it can withstand submersion in water up to one meter deep, similar to many mobile devices, offering robustness without an overtly tough appearance. Weighing 1.3kg, it is not particularly lightweight but is under half the mass of the Move 2. This makes it less ideal for backpacking or air travel, better fitting scenarios like relocating within the house, yard, or short car trips to visit others. The device’s primary advantage lies in its seamless compatibility with the broader Sonos lineup. It links to routers using Wi-Fi 6 for direct internet streaming, managed through the Sonos application, Spotify Connect, or Apple AirPlay 2. It integrates with other speakers for synchronized playback across rooms, supports nearly all major music platforms, and allows pairing of two units for stereo sound. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 enables mobile use, connecting to phones or other sources. A unique feature permits grouping with up to four compatible speakers, such as additional Plays or Move 2 models, all syncing from one Bluetooth input. It also works with Sonos adapters for analog inputs or Ethernet connections. Equipped with a 35Wh replaceable battery, it provides up to 24 hours of Bluetooth playback and over a full day on Wi-Fi at moderate volumes. Charging occurs via USB-C or the supplied dock, allowing easy placement for continuous power without harming battery health. However, no power adapter is included; it needs an 18W or higher USB-C charger, with 45W recommended for quicker recharging. Most contemporary device chargers suffice, but a dedicated unit optimizes the dock’s utility. Key specs include dimensions of 192.3 x 112.5 x 76.7mm, 1.3kg weight, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity (supporting SBC/AAC), USB-C, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, a 35Wh battery offering 24 hours of play and 120 hours standby, three-hour charge time, dock or 18-45W USB-C charging, and IP67 water resistance for 30 minutes at one meter. In terms of audio performance, the Play compensates for its moderate portability with exceptional sound quality. It includes a forward-facing woofer and two angled tweeters, producing a broad soundstage that approaches stereo imaging, especially in optimal listening positions. Pairing two units enhances volume and creates true stereo, with the option to use one independently by powering down the other for flexibility around the home. Alone, it offers clear tone separation, detailed highs, well-defined mids, and strong bass, excelling in vocal reproduction. While it delivers powerful low frequencies, it does not reach the deepest tones of the Move 2. Overall, it provides an engaging experience straight from setup, with app-based equalizer adjustments available. The automatic Trueplay feature effectively adapts sound to different environments. It can fill average rooms adequately, though quality dips above 80% volume with reduced bass impact. Optimal listening occurs around 60% volume.
