Sonos has launched its new Play portable speaker at $299, positioning it as the ideal middle ground between its larger, louder Move 2 and the smaller, cheaper Roam 2. This device represents a significant reset for the company following recent turmoil, including a buggy app update, CEO replacement, and canceled products. The Play delivers impressive sound quality, versatility, and portability, making it one of Sonos' best portable offerings.

Its compact design (7.6 inches) belies powerful audio components, including a speaker array nearly identical to the Era 100, and features like IP67 water/dust resistance, a USB-C line-in port, and wireless charging. While priced $80 more than the Era 100, the Play's added portability and features justify its cost for many buyers.