Sonos Play review: A perfect portable speaker that I can’t resist using.

      “Sonos revisited their design process and produced an impressively rewarding hybrid speaker.”

      **Pros**

      - Stylish design and robust build

      - Impressive audio performance

      - Waterproof feature is a valuable bonus

      - Good battery life and user-replaceable battery

      - Serves as a power bank

      **Cons**

      - No power adapter included in the box

      - Inability to take phone calls

      - Stereo pairing is only possible via Wi-Fi

      - Limited Bluetooth capabilities

      **Quick Review**

      Sonos has faced a challenging couple of years. The rollout of the 2024 app turned out to be a fiasco, generating ongoing complaints in support forums, and there was a prolonged silence regarding new hardware that led me to question if the company had paused on speaker development altogether. Therefore, my skepticism was high when the Sonos Play was introduced at a price of $299.

      After six weeks of using it as my main speaker in the kitchen, a weekend speaker on the patio, and a makeshift bathroom radio, I can confidently say something I didn’t predict when I first opened the box. This speaker can indeed win back disgruntled Sonos users. It occupies a place between the Roam 2 and the Move 2, effectively merging the best features of both.

      At $299, amid a landscape filled with cheaper Bluetooth options on one side and more expensive smart speakers on the other, it needed to hit the right mark. And somehow, it succeeded—it sounds good, has a replaceable battery, serves as a power bank, and remains portable. However, it does have a slight over-reliance on Wi-Fi, which can translate into a functional limitation.

      **Sonos Play Specifications: What this middleweight contender offers**

      - **Amplifiers**: Three class-H digital amplifiers optimized for acoustic performance.

      - **Drivers**: Two angled tweeters for clear highs, and one mid-woofer for rich bass.

      - **Microphones**: Far-field array with beamforming and echo cancellation.

      - **Audio Tuning**: Automatic Trueplay and adjustable EQ (Bass, Treble, Loudness).

      - **Battery Life**: Up to 24 hours of continuous playback; user-replaceable battery.

      - **Charging**: Wireless Charging Base included; supports USB-C PD (18W+).

      - **Durability**: IP67 rated (waterproof up to 1m for 30 minutes) and drop-resistant.

      - **Connectivity**: Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth® 5.0.

      - **Dimensions**: 192.3 x 112.5 x 76.7 mm (7.57 x 4.43 x 3 in).

      - **Compatibility**: Sonos app (S2), Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify/TIDAL Direct Control.

      - **Controls**: Tactile buttons for playback, volume, and a physical mic mute switch.

      - **Sustainability**: Made from bio-based plastics and FSC-certified recyclable packaging.

      - **Box Contents**: Sonos Play speaker, Wireless Charging Base, and Quickstart Guide.

      **Sonos Play Design and Build Quality: Sleek, appealing, and easily portable**

      Upon picking up the Sonos Play, the first thing that strikes you is its weight. At 2.87 pounds, it feels sturdier than its size suggests, which is a hallmark of quality construction. Standing just under eight inches tall, it showcases a robust tubular shape with a gentle taper and a polycarbonate mesh. The top features a soft matte finish that does a good job of concealing fingerprints.

      My model is white, although there's also a black option; however, I prefer the white for its seamless integration with home decor, while the black option stands out more. This design clearly falls into the category of “adult audio” aesthetics, where the speaker quietly fits in among bookshelves or kitchen islands, rather than drawing attention like some rugged portable models.

      Sonos’s attention to detail shines through in the small design choices. The controls on the top are physical buttons that provide satisfying clicks instead of touch-sensitive sliders, which can be frustrating in wet conditions or during exercise. The rubberized utility loop on the back is practical, allowing for easy carrying without worry of it slipping out of your hands. These details enhance everyday usability, demonstrating Sonos's commitment to quality materials.

      Durability is clearly prioritized with the IP67 rating, ensuring the device is completely dust-tight and can endure submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. However, let's be realistic—it's unlikely you'll intentionally test its waterproof claims. Unlike the Bose SoundLink Plus, which can float, the Play does not have that ability.

      The shock-absorbent mesh exterior and rugged internal structure have already endured a few accidental bumps without leaving a mark. The design philosophy behind the Sonos Play is thoroughly hybrid, functioning equally well as