Sonos launches the Play, a $299 hybrid home and portable speaker

Sonos has launched the Sonos Play, a hybrid speaker priced at $299 that functions as both a home and portable device. Launched in March, the speaker is the company’s first new hardware release in more than a year. Weighing 1.3 kilograms, the device sits in a pill-shaped dock for desk use but features a utility loop on the back to make it easy to carry around the house or outdoors. The speaker is IP67-rated—an ingress protection rating for dust and water resistance—allowing it to handle rain and brief submersion. Additionally, the Sonos Play can charge a phone, functioning as a power bank during outdoor use. Built-in voice assistants, including the Sonos Assistant and Alexa, allow for hands-free control.

The physical design of the Sonos Play features physical buttons on a silicone top, though the controls match the speaker’s color and are barely raised. For audio, the speaker relies on dual-angled tweeters, a mid-woofer, and three digital amplifiers, with two passive radiators to reinforce bass outdoors. While the sound is balanced and detailed at moderate volumes, the soundstage is narrow, meaning the music can feel somewhat contained rather than expansive. To optimize audio based on its surroundings, the speaker features Trueplay—Sonos’ audio calibration technology—which automatically tunes the sound using built-in microphones. Users can also stream audio from other devices using AirPlay, Apple’s wireless streaming protocol, or pair two Play units into a stereo configuration, either through the app or by holding the play/pause button on both speakers simultaneously.

The launch comes as Sonos continues to address challenges with its software. The Sonos app has experienced issues with disappearing speakers and glitchy volume controls, alongside occasional lag when syncing with other devices or using integrations like Apple Music and Pocket Casts. For instance, the Pocket Casts integration has a resuming bug where podcasts restart from the beginning. Despite these software difficulties, the Sonos Play largely delivers on its premise as a versatile hybrid speaker. For users who do not require portability, Sonos offers alternative stationary options at lower price points:

• The Era 100 is priced at $219.
• The Era 100 SL is priced at $189.

For those seeking more rugged, dedicated portable options, alternatives include the Sonos Roam 2 or the JBL Charge 6.

Why it matters

The Sonos Play marks the company’s first new hardware release in over a year, testing whether a hybrid form factor can successfully serve both stationary desk use and portable outdoor environments.