Sonos Play Review: A Versatile Bluetooth Speaker
▼ Summary
– The Sonos Play is a new $299 portable speaker that functions as a Wi-Fi Sonos speaker with features like AirPlay 2 and stereo pairing, and also as a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker.
– It positions itself between Sonos’s other portables, offering more battery life and sound presence than the Roam 2 while being significantly lighter and more portable than the Move 2.
– Its sound profile is clear and loud but emphasizes midrange and treble frequencies, which can make some music sound overly forward or “shouty” at higher volumes.
– As a portable device, it is IP67-rated, has a 24-hour battery, a carrying loop, and supports Bluetooth grouping with other Sonos portable speakers over long distances.
– The speaker is presented as a versatile gateway into the Sonos ecosystem, though dedicated stationary setups or cheaper Bluetooth-only speakers may be better for specific, non-portable needs.
After a significant gap in its consumer product lineup, Sonos has introduced a compelling new entry. The Sonos Play is a $299 portable speaker designed to serve as both a versatile Bluetooth speaker and a seamless extension of a Wi-Fi-based Sonos ecosystem. This dual functionality makes it a potential gateway for new users or a flexible addition for existing setups, featuring Auto Trueplay tuning, AirPlay 2 support, and a rugged, IP67-rated design.
Positioned strategically between the company’s other portable options, the Play carves out a unique niche. It is not as compact as the Roam 2, but it offers more than double the battery life and a more powerful sound capable of filling larger areas. Compared to the Move 2, which is substantially heavier and larger, the Play is far more portable. It effectively blends the robust home audio performance of the Move 2 with the grab-and-go convenience of the Roam 2, arguably creating the most versatile Sonos speaker to date.
Its design resembles a condensed Era 100, with a slimmer profile. Controls on top handle playback and volume, while the back panel houses a Bluetooth button, microphone switch, power button, and a USB-C port. This port is multifunctional, allowing for charging on the go, enabling the speaker to act as a power bank for your devices, or, with a $19 adapter, accepting a wired 3.5mm audio input. The speaker rests on an included charging base, though note that the base requires at least an 18W power adapter, sold separately by Sonos for $29.
Sonos has equipped the Play with a familiar acoustic architecture. It utilizes two angled tweeters with waveguides for wide dispersion, a front-firing midwoofer, and two side-mounted force-cancelling passive radiators to handle bass. The result is a clear, detailed sound with pronounced vocals and crisp solo instruments. In direct comparison, some listeners may find the sound tuning emphasizes the midrange and treble more than the smoother, bass-rich profile of the Era 100. Tracks with abundant high-end energy can become overly forward or “shouty” at higher volumes, though the speaker can certainly get loud, often performing best at or below 50% volume on compressed rock and pop tracks.
A key smart feature is Auto Trueplay, which continuously adjusts the speaker’s output based on its surroundings, as long as the microphone is enabled. This worked reliably in testing, maintaining consistent tuning across different rooms and outdoor spaces, though it did preserve that characteristic bright tonal balance. The Sonos app provides a basic EQ for adjusting bass and treble; boosting the bass a few notches can effectively add warmth and depth without needing to increase overall volume.
For a wider soundstage, two Play units can be configured as a stereo pair over Wi-Fi. This feature is not available via Bluetooth. The system intelligently manages these pairs; if you take one speaker away, it operates independently on Bluetooth and will seamlessly rejoin its partner upon returning home once Bluetooth is disabled. While effective, for a dedicated stationary stereo setup, a pair of wired Era 100 speakers would be a superior and more affordable choice.
Where the Play truly excels is in its portable Bluetooth speaker role. Weighing under three pounds and featuring a built-in carrying loop, it is easy to transport. Its IP67 dust and water resistance provides peace of mind, and Sonos claims a 24-hour battery life, which testing confirmed. The company also offers a user-replaceable battery kit for long-term sustainability. On Bluetooth, you can group multiple Play or Move 2 speakers using Sonos’s proprietary, lag-free wireless technology, with an impressive range of around 200 feet between units, though this mirrors audio rather than creating a true stereo separation.
The onboard microphones support Sonos Voice Control or Amazon Alexa for hands-free operation. Sonos’s own assistant handles system commands adeptly but can struggle with complex music searches. One note on ergonomics: it’s best to use the carrying loop, as gripping the body can accidentally press the side-mounted Bluetooth or power buttons.
In summary, the Sonos Play is a highly capable portable speaker with a detailed, if slightly bright, sound signature. As a standalone Bluetooth speaker, it faces stiff competition from less expensive rivals like the Bose SoundLink Plus or JBL Charge 6, which offer similar performance profiles with their own sonic compromises. The Play’s true value, however, is its hybrid nature. It is the ideal solution for someone who wants a single speaker that can expand a Sonos home system and then be taken to the backyard, beach, or any room without a permanent speaker. For those considering an Era 100 but who also desire portability, the Play successfully bridges that gap with fewer compromises than any previous Sonos model, making it a compelling and flexible choice.
(Source: The Verge)