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The Sonos Play can be considered a return to the fundamentals for the brand, offering an accessible entry point into multi-room audio, alongside impressive sound quality for a Bluetooth speaker. It effectively bridges the gap between Sonos’ home and portable speaker offerings.
Since its introduction of battery-powered models with the Move in 2019, Sonos has gradually expanded its portable lineup. The Roam followed, providing a smaller and more economical option, although neither of these models filled the pricing gap between $179 for the Roam 2 and $499 for the Move 2.
Priced at $299, the new Sonos Play finds itself in a competitive space. While not the cheapest portable speaker on the market, it appeals more to those seeking premium options. Notably, it quickly reveals its superiority in sound quality compared to the Roam 2.
Physical Controls are a Plus
With a refreshed design, the Sonos Play maintains a recognizable aesthetic and adds functionality. Its compact cylindrical shape is easily held in one hand, complemented by a carry loop on the back. It boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability. Included in the packaging is a color-coordinated charging dock, though a USB-C power adapter is not included.
Sonos has also taken a privacy-focused approach. It features compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control, and Siri for Apple Music, along with dedicated physical buttons for microphone control on the speaker. Disabling the microphone will turn off all voice assistance, while the mute button maintains automatic EQ functionality.
The Sonos Voice Control, which debuted with some hiccups, has shown improvements, now functioning even when the Play is connected via Bluetooth for basic tasks like playback control, making it convenient for outdoor gatherings.
Familiar Components from Era 100
Sharing hardware components with the Era 100 released in 2023, the Sonos Play features dual angled tweeters for a robust stereo sound, supplemented by a midwoofer for enhanced mid-range and bass performance. Although it does not boast spatial audio found in the larger Era 300, it certainly appears to aim at overshadowing the Era 100.
The Sonos Play delivers impressive sound from a single unit. While its audio performance mirrors that of the Era 100, it still provides a solid bass response despite lacking a dedicated woofer. Users may need to be positioned centrally to fully appreciate the stereo imaging, which is expected from a single speaker setup.
I personally enjoyed the expansive soundstage that the Play creates, effectively avoiding the traditional sweet spot often found in speaker designs. The sound remains clear and balanced, without emphasizing high frequencies or artificially boosting bass to mask midrange weaknesses.
Bluetooth Now Supports Grouping
The Play can be integrated into a group of existing Sonos speakers for synchronized playback, or you can pair two Play devices to create a stereo configuration. This setup significantly enhances the stereo separation and provides surprisingly ample volume for its size. Its performance is akin to that of linked Era 100 speakers.
Utilizing the Bluetooth function, connect your smartphone or other devices quickly. The Play will seamlessly switch to Bluetooth when out of WiFi range, and connectivity is straightforward. While stereo pairing is unavailable over Bluetooth, up to four Play or Move 2 speakers can be grouped together easily, allowing for a smooth playback experience, simply by bringing the additional speaker close and holding down the play/pause button.
The Software Complements the Hardware
While the Play is designed to power down after ten minutes of inactivity when off the charging dock, it reconnects promptly upon awakening, returning to the app and restoring previous configurations swiftly. Though this may seem standard, such reliability in Sonos devices has not always been guaranteed. This functionality remains effective when both WiFi Power Save and Battery Saver are enabled; disabling them trades some battery for a continuous connection.
Additional features include a replaceable 35 Wh battery for $69 and a USB-C port that can charge other devices like smartphones, offering a lifetime edge over typical Bluetooth speakers. The inclusion of a line-in option via a $19 adapter is an added benefit.
However, Sonos has experienced recent software challenges. As a long-time user, I’ve noted a decline in stability as new features have been implemented. Basic functionalities, such as selecting tracks from streaming services or managing playback, have sometimes been subpar, leading to some dissatisfaction among long-term fans.
The bright side is that the most recent software updates (I tested on Sonos OS S2 build 83.00.36 and Play on v18.2 build 94.1-75110) have met my expectations. While skepticism is valid, especially among loyal users, I remain hopeful that this indicates a constructive change for the brand.
Held in High Regard
Upon the announcement of the Play, I questioned whether the added $80 compared to the Era 100 was justified. After a side-by-side comparison, I believe that the price difference is valid, especially if there’s any intention to utilize the speaker outdoors or in a garden setting, as the Play offers a 24-hour battery life.
Moreover, since only identical Sonos speakers can be paired for stereo sound, the Play model is a better investment when considering a dual setup versus two Move 2 speakers. While the Move 2 outputs more power, two Play units suffice for most standard room sizes. A dual setup for the Play would cost $568, a significant discount compared to the $798 for two Move 2.
However, it’s essential to note that the Play cannot serve as rear surround speakers for home theater systems using soundbars like the Arc Ultra or Beam 2, and a pair of Era 100 SL speakers would be more suitable for that purpose. Additionally, while the Play can connect with Move 2 in Bluetooth mode, it lacks the ability to connect with other Sonos speakers that support Bluetooth, which may disappoint some early adopters.
Aiming at Its Core Audience
Sonos’ core user base has its strengths and offers critical feedback at the same time. Recently, there has been an uptick in dissatisfaction regarding the company’s previous focus on audio as it pivots to prioritize that aspect once again, a shift underscored by the introduction of the Sonos Play.
The Play is competitively priced within Sonos’ lineup and successfully emphasizes sound quality while providing a host of features. With its ability to switch between WiFi and Bluetooth modes, alongside the new Bluetooth grouping functionality, it effectively merges the characteristics of both portable and stationary speakers without the high cost of models like the Move 2.
The lingering concern remains how well Sonos’s software will integrate and function. This encompasses usability within the smartphone app and overall reliability as well. As a pivotal product marking a new strategy, the Sonos Play possesses the hardware potential; however, time will tell if the comprehensive package will meet user expectations.
