The Versatile Play Speaker: Your Entry Point to the Sonos World

The Play combines the best features of the Roam and Move speakers, resulting in an exceptional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker. Launching as a new entry into the Sonos lineup, the $299 Play is a portable option that can easily integrate into existing Sonos setups or serve as an initial entry point into the brand’s ecosystem. Like other Sonos speakers, the Play offers Auto Trueplay, AirPlay 2, and stereo pairing when on Wi-Fi, while also having water-resistant Bluetooth capabilities. Positioned between the Roam 2 and Move 2 in Sonos’s portable lineup, the Play is not as compact as the Roam 2 but offers double the battery life and the ability to fill larger spaces with sound. It offers more portability than the Move 2, which is heavier and larger, making the Play Sonos’s most versatile speaker. The Play’s design resembles a flattened Era 100 with top controls for play/pause, volume, voice service toggling, and Bluetooth, alongside a power button, mic switch, and USB-C port on the back. The device includes a charging base that accommodates when not in use but lacks a provided wall adapter, necessitating at least an 18W charger. The Play can also be utilized for charging devices via USB-C, serving as a power bank, or connecting to a wired audio source with a line-in adapter. The Play features angled tweeters and midwoofer for diverse sound projection, delivering clear vocal and instrumental audio though sometimes overly emphasizing midrange and treble frequencies. The speaker’s connection to the Sonos app allows stereo pairing for broader soundscapes when on Wi-Fi, with a fall-back to Bluetooth functionality away from Wi-Fi networks. The Play’s portability is a standout trait thanks to its lightweight, durable design, IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and up to 24-hour battery life. Available in black and white, the Play stands as a solid choice for both standalone use and as part of a broader Sonos soundscape, offering a versatile balance of portability and sound quality.