Sonos launches new portable speaker called Sonos Play

Source: Mashable Tech

Overview

Sonos, a brand known for pricey but high‑quality speakers, has recently been in the spotlight because of its botched mobile app that launched in July 2024 and required months of fixes.

Now the company is back to its core strength: producing high‑quality speakers. After a pause since May 2024 (aside from the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar), Sonos introduces two new, more affordable models.

Sonos Play

At 1.3 kg, Sonos Play is less than half the weight of Sonos Move 2.

Sonos Play is a portable, waterproof speaker positioned between the ultra‑portable Roam 2 and the larger Move 2. It offers:

• 24‑hour battery life
• Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi connectivity
• Line‑in jack, button controls, and voice‑assistant support
• Stereo sound from dual angled tweeters and two bass radiators

Weighing 1.3 kg, it is considerably lighter than the Move 2’s 3 kg, making it a more practical option for on‑the‑go use.

Sonos Era 100 SL

Sonos Era 100 SL: the Era 100 for people who don’t use voice control.

The Era 100 SL is a slightly cheaper variant of the regular Sonos Era 100. It retains many of the same features:

• Stereo sound with dual tweeters and a woofer
• Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth support
• Line‑in connector and on‑speaker controls

The key difference is the omission of voice‑control capabilities, positioning it as an entry‑level option for users who don’t need that feature.

Availability and Pricing

• Sonos Play – Available March 31, priced at $299 (≈ €349 in Europe).
• Sonos Era 100 SL – Available March 26, priced at $189 (≈ €199 in Europe).