The Sonos Play and the mic-free Era 100 SL have officially launched.
After a brief hiatus, Sonos has returned with two exciting new speakers: the portable Sonos Play and the budget-friendly Era 100 SL. Priced at $299 and $189 respectively, both models are now readily available following their recent launch.
The Sonos Play is crafted for versatility, featuring a utility loop and a water-resistant design, making it perfect for both home use and outdoor adventures. A standout feature is its Bluetooth grouping capability, allowing you to connect it with other Play or Move 2 speakers without needing Wi-Fi while you’re on the move. On the other hand, the Era 100 SL simplifies the existing Era 100 by omitting the microphone, catering to those who prefer a more straightforward experience without voice control.
If you’re eyeing either of these speakers, here’s what you can expect and where to grab them.
The Sonos Play is available in black or white for $299 from various retailers. This portable speaker fits neatly between the Roam 2 and the larger Move 2, functioning well as a standalone device or as an extension of your existing Sonos setup. It’s lightweight yet powerful enough to fill larger spaces, boasting up to 24 hours of battery life and a rugged, IP67-rated design that withstands water and dust. It also includes a removable loop, USB-C charging (note that a wall adapter is not included), and the ability to act as a power bank.
One of its most impressive features is Bluetooth grouping, which allows for quick pairing with other Sonos speakers even when Wi-Fi isn’t available. In testing, it maintained a connection up to about 200 feet, although it doesn’t provide the stereo separation or full system syncing that Wi-Fi offers. In terms of sound, the Play emphasizes clarity in the mids and highs while still delivering ample volume for most indoor and outdoor settings. For those seeking a stationary setup, the original Era 100 may be the better choice, but if portability with similar performance is what you need, the Play is a solid pick.
The Sonos Era 100 SL, a more affordable alternative to the impressive Era 100, is priced at $189 and is available in black or white. The main distinction is that the SL lacks a built-in microphone, so it doesn’t support voice controls. However, it retains the same speaker configuration, featuring dual tweeters and a larger midwoofer that delivers rich, bass-heavy sound across various genres. It also includes intuitive physical controls, supports both Bluetooth and line-in audio via an optional USB-C adapter, and is compatible with Apple’s AirPlay 2 for streaming.
