The Sonos Play puts the best parts of the Era 100 in a portable speaker

Source: Engadget

Design and Dimensions

• Size: 7.6 in tall, 4.4 in wide, 3 in deep – much thinner than the Era 100 (over 5 in deep).
• Weight: Under 3 lb, compared with over 6.5 lb for the Move 2.
• Durability: IP67 rating (water‑submersible up to 1 m for 30 min and dust‑proof).
• Colors: Available in black or white, with a removable plastic grab loop on the back.

The Play is not as tiny as the Roam 2, but it is far more portable than the Move 2.

The grab handle on the back of the Sonos Play.

Audio Performance

• Drivers: Two tweeters positioned at a 90‑degree angle for stereo separation, paired with one mid‑woofer.
• Passive Radiators: Two additional passive radiators boost bass response in the compact enclosure (the Era 100 lacks these).

While listening tests are still pending, the larger drivers and passive radiators suggest the Play should significantly outperform the Roam 2. The Move 2 remains the loudest option for covering large outdoor spaces.

Controls and Features

• Top Surface Buttons: Play/pause, volume up/down, microphone toggle.
• Back Controls: Power button, Bluetooth button, physical microphone‑disconnect switch for added security.
• Voice Assistants: Sonos Voice Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
• App Integration: Full‑featured member of the Sonos ecosystem—grouping, multi‑room playback, and stereo pairing are supported.

If a speaker is removed from Wi‑Fi (e.g., taken outdoors), it must be re‑paired to the network.

Connectivity

• Bluetooth & Wi‑Fi: Standard for Sonos speakers.
• Group via Bluetooth: After pairing a Play to your phone, press and hold the play/pause button on up to three additional Play or Move 2 speakers to create a Bluetooth group—useful for larger outdoor setups.
• USB‑C Port:
  • Line‑in (requires separate adapter).
  • Ethernet (requires separate adapter).
  • Can charge a phone or the speaker itself.
• Charging: Comes with a wireless charging dock (no USB‑C power brick included).

The Sonos Play on its wireless charging base.

New Era 100 SL

Sonos also introduced the Era 100 SL, a simpler, microphone‑free version of the Era 100:

• Price: $189 (vs. $219 for the standard Era 100).
• Features: Identical acoustic architecture, line‑in, Bluetooth, and all standard streaming options.
• Compatibility: Works seamlessly with the standard Era 100, allowing mixed‑mic and mic‑free stereo pairs.

A pair of Sonos Era 100 SL speakers with a turntable.

Availability and Pricing

• Sonos Play: $299, pre‑order now, shipping March 31.
• Era 100 SL: $189, pre‑order now, shipping March 31.

Both speakers are positioned as entry points into Sonos’s ecosystem, with the Play targeting portable use and the Era 100 SL offering a more affordable, mic‑free home speaker.