{"id":46778,"date":"2026-04-23T15:16:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T07:16:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=46778"},"modified":"2026-04-23T15:16:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T07:16:42","slug":"sonos-play-review-a-versatile-portable-speaker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=46778","title":{"rendered":"Sonos Play review: A versatile portable speaker"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The Play is Sonos\u2019 first major new hardware product in years, and it\u2019s arguably the brand\u2019s most versatile speaker to date. Priced at <b>S$549<\/b>, it occupies a sensible middle ground between the smaller and more affordable Sonos Roam 2 (S$329) and the pricier and larger Sonos Move 2 (S$799). The pitch is straightforward: The Play is a speaker that works not only as a full-featured home speaker, but also as a portable Bluetooth speaker for outdoor use. With this speaker, you get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, up to 24 hours of battery life, and IP67 water and dust resistance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">After spending some time with the Play, we think Sonos has largely succeeded. The sound quality is strong for a speaker of this size, and the design is thoughtful in ways that actually encourage you to use it. Crucially, the feature set is comprehensive without being bloated or excessive.\u00a0It\u2019s not perfect, and there are some trade-offs to note, least of which is the price tag\u00a0that\u00a0is not exactly modest, but\u00a0the Play makes a persuasive case as a one-speaker solution for buyers who value flexibility.<\/p>\n<section class=\"_expanded_lwxdk_22\"><button class=\"_title_lwxdk_1\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><default:path d=\"M1 1L9 8L17 1\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/default:svg><\/button><\/p>\n<ol class=\"_list_lwxdk_28\">\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\">1. <!-- -->Design and build quality<\/li>\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\">2. <!-- -->Features and connectivity<\/li>\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\">3. <!-- -->Sound quality<\/li>\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\">4. <!-- -->Closing thoughts and buying advice<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<h2 id=\"design-and-build-quality\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">Design and build quality<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"Sonos Play outdoors\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"1140\" height=\"760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/8fb798279206120fcb0e6640c7bf809fd1aa189bd33902e20231b8125cd53a3a?w=500&amp;q=85 500w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/8fb798279206120fcb0e6640c7bf809fd1aa189bd33902e20231b8125cd53a3a?w=800&amp;q=85 800w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/8fb798279206120fcb0e6640c7bf809fd1aa189bd33902e20231b8125cd53a3a?w=1000&amp;q=85 1000w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/8fb798279206120fcb0e6640c7bf809fd1aa189bd33902e20231b8125cd53a3a 1140w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/8fb798279206120fcb0e6640c7bf809fd1aa189bd33902e20231b8125cd53a3a?w=1000&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.5;contain-intrinsic-size:1140px 760px\"\/><figcaption class=\"_figureCaptions_wioo3_158\">\n<p class=\"_imageCaption_wioo3_165\">The Play is well-built and has a simple aesthetic.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The Play clearly follows the design language set by Sonos\u2019 existing offerings. One look is all it takes to know that the Play is a Sonos product. It clearly follows the same design language as their existing offerings. Coming in either Black or White (our review unit came in the latter colour), the front and sides are wrapped in the company\u2019s familiar perforated hard grille, while\u00a0the top and bottom sections use a rubberised material that provides grip and drop resistance. <\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The overlap between the rubberised top and the hard grille gives the Play a reassuringly solid feel in hand, which we like. That said, we are concerned about the rubberised surfaces.\u00a0In our experience, <b>such material\u00a0has the tendency\u00a0to\u00a0get\u00a0sticky over time<\/b>, and we worry it will be the same for the Play.\u00a0However, only time will tell how it will hold up in our high-humidity weather.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"Sonos Play handle\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"1140\" height=\"760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/f49e7e46432ec3908d630dbd0406738b3a5f1be13abd1829e04b9f6d6a7f4419?w=500&amp;q=85 500w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/f49e7e46432ec3908d630dbd0406738b3a5f1be13abd1829e04b9f6d6a7f4419?w=800&amp;q=85 800w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/f49e7e46432ec3908d630dbd0406738b3a5f1be13abd1829e04b9f6d6a7f4419?w=1000&amp;q=85 1000w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/f49e7e46432ec3908d630dbd0406738b3a5f1be13abd1829e04b9f6d6a7f4419 1140w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/f49e7e46432ec3908d630dbd0406738b3a5f1be13abd1829e04b9f6d6a7f4419?w=1000&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.5;contain-intrinsic-size:1140px 760px\"\/><figcaption class=\"_figureCaptions_wioo3_158\">\n<p class=\"_imageCaption_wioo3_165\">A built-in handle makes it easy to carry around.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">In terms of size, the Play measures 113 x 192 x 77mm. It\u2019s slightly taller than the Era 100, but noticeably thinner and lighter. Sonos says the speaker weighs about 1.3kg, which does make it a little heavy in the hand, but then its weight also gives it a feel of solidity. Thankfully, there\u2019s a groove in the back that acts as a natural gripping\/holding point.<\/p>\n<div class=\"_tableOverflow_ag6jz_1\">\n<table class=\"_tableStyles_ag6jz_5\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"_tableHeadRow_ag6jz_18\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\"\/>\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Sonos Roam 2<\/th>\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Sonos Play<\/th>\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Sonos Move 2<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Sound output<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Mono<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Stereo<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Stereo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Water\/dust resistance rating<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">IP67<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">IP67<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">IP56<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Battery life<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Up to 10 hours<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Up to 24 hours<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Up to 24 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Weight<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">0.43kg<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">1.3kg<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">3kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Voice Control<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Wi-Fi support<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Wi-Fi 6<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Wi-Fi 6<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Wi-Fi 6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Bluetooth support<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Bluetooth 5.2<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Bluetooth 5.3<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Bluetooth 5.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Line-in support<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">No<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Yes (via USB-C adapter)<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">Yes (via USB-C adapter)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Charging<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">USB-C<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">USB-C &amp; wireless charging base<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">USB-C &amp; wireless charging base<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_tableBodyRow_ag6jz_22\">\n<th class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9 _fontBold_ag6jz_14\">Price<\/th>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">S$329<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">S$549<\/td>\n<td class=\"_cellStyles_ag6jz_9\">S$799<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">A flexible grab loop is attached to the top rear of the speaker, and it can be used for carrying or hanging the Play on a door handle, towel rack, or bag strap. The loop feels sturdy and well-secured, and comes finished in a light green accent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The bottom line is, if you already have Sonos products at home, the Play will blend in without issue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The box comes with a charging cradle, which is essentially an oval-shaped plastic dock with a 2-metre USB-C cable. The Play starts charging once you slot it in place and the magnetic contact points align.\u00a0<b>One thing to note is that Sonos does not include a power adapter in the box<\/b>, so you\u2019ll\u00a0have\u00a0to\u00a0get your own.\u00a0If it\u2019s any consolation, USB-C power adapters are easy to find these days, and the Play will work with any that\u2019s rated at 18W or higher.\u00a0The Play can also be charged via its USB-C port directly if you prefer, or if you are travelling without the cradle.\u00a0If you\u2019re using a 45W charger, Sonos\u00a0says\u00a0it takes 60 minutes to\u00a0go from 0% to\u00a050% charge,\u00a0and an additional 120 minutes to achieve a full charge.\u00a0In our tests, these numbers seem entirely reasonable.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"Sonos Play Controls\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"1140\" height=\"760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/dd3dad19807680d2202c48892828dc9448c328531d12e15bef0ba11401d7d1be?w=500&amp;q=85 500w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/dd3dad19807680d2202c48892828dc9448c328531d12e15bef0ba11401d7d1be?w=800&amp;q=85 800w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/dd3dad19807680d2202c48892828dc9448c328531d12e15bef0ba11401d7d1be?w=1000&amp;q=85 1000w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/dd3dad19807680d2202c48892828dc9448c328531d12e15bef0ba11401d7d1be 1140w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/dd3dad19807680d2202c48892828dc9448c328531d12e15bef0ba11401d7d1be?w=1000&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.5;contain-intrinsic-size:1140px 760px\"\/><figcaption class=\"_figureCaptions_wioo3_158\">\n<p class=\"_imageCaption_wioo3_165\">The controls can be difficult to see since there\u2019s no colour differentiation.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The top of the speaker has touch-sensitive controls for media control, volume adjustment, and voice assistant activation. <b>They can be challenging to see since the icons are the same colour as the speaker\u2019s body<\/b>.\u00a0\u00a0You do get used to the layout, since there are only four controls, but it\u00a0feels like an unnecessary concession to aesthetics over usability.\u00a0The power button is located on the back panel, which is fine when\u00a0you are\u00a0setting the speaker\u00a0up, but less convenient when you want to quickly wake it from sleep.\u00a0We would have liked to see a tap-to-wake function on the top panel.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"features-and-connectivity\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">Features and connectivity<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"Sonos Play kill mic button\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"1140\" height=\"760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/24ec65e4473d6b94bf7623ef98145c00dee71da5dc3e5f6dfcad91e43a1893d6?w=500&amp;q=85 500w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/24ec65e4473d6b94bf7623ef98145c00dee71da5dc3e5f6dfcad91e43a1893d6?w=800&amp;q=85 800w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/24ec65e4473d6b94bf7623ef98145c00dee71da5dc3e5f6dfcad91e43a1893d6?w=1000&amp;q=85 1000w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/24ec65e4473d6b94bf7623ef98145c00dee71da5dc3e5f6dfcad91e43a1893d6 1140w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/24ec65e4473d6b94bf7623ef98145c00dee71da5dc3e5f6dfcad91e43a1893d6?w=1000&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.5;contain-intrinsic-size:1140px 760px\"\/><figcaption class=\"_figureCaptions_wioo3_158\">\n<p class=\"_imageCaption_wioo3_165\">At the back of the speaker is a switch to kill the microphone completely.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The Play supports <b>Wi-Fi 6 <\/b>(802.11a\/b\/g\/n\/ac\/ax, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, to be exact) and <b>Bluetooth 5.3<\/b>.\u00a0When connected to your home network, it functions as a full Sonos system speaker with access to the company\u2019s app, multi-room grouping, and Hi-Res Audio streaming from supported services. It also supports streaming via Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">If you want to use a wired connection, the USB-C port on the rear supports line-in audio via\u00a0Sonos\u2019\u00a0optional adapter (sold separately).\u00a0This\u00a0lets\u00a0you connect sources like turntables, CD players, or any other\u00a0source\u00a0with an analogue output that can be converted into a 3.5mm input.\u00a0The same port also accepts an Ethernet adapter for a wired network connection. These are features the smaller Roam 2 lacks, and they make the Play noticeably more versatile as a home speaker.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">A new feature that the Play has is <b>Bluetooth Grouping<\/b>. This allows you to sync multiple portable Sonos speakers over Bluetooth when you are away from your home Wi-Fi network, so you can connect your phone to one speaker and have the audio shared across the group. You can link up to four speakers this way, and it can be handy if you have multiple Play speakers that you want to use in an outdoor setting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The Play also supports stereo pairing with a second unit. In this manner, it can be used as a standard pair of stereo speakers or as rear surrounds in a Sonos home theatre configuration. However, once two units are placed in a stereo pair, the Sonos app treats them as a single group.\u00a0If you want to\u00a0grab one\u00a0speaker\u00a0and take it\u00a0to another room on a whim, you will need to unpair\u00a0them\u00a0first through the app, which also resets any Trueplay tuning.\u00a0This is a small friction point that works against the Play\u2019s grab-and-go personality.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"1140\" height=\"760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/aaeb1594d45de3c49de14d0faceb014716e04525777738b693e324e640779c81?w=500&amp;q=85 500w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/aaeb1594d45de3c49de14d0faceb014716e04525777738b693e324e640779c81?w=800&amp;q=85 800w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/aaeb1594d45de3c49de14d0faceb014716e04525777738b693e324e640779c81?w=1000&amp;q=85 1000w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/aaeb1594d45de3c49de14d0faceb014716e04525777738b693e324e640779c81 1140w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/aaeb1594d45de3c49de14d0faceb014716e04525777738b693e324e640779c81?w=1000&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.5;contain-intrinsic-size:1140px 760px\"\/><figcaption class=\"_figureCaptions_wioo3_158\">\n<p class=\"_imageCaption_wioo3_165\">From left to right: Sonos Move 2, Sonos Play, and Sonos Roam 2.<\/p>\n<div class=\"_imageDescription_wioo3_189\">\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Sonos Move 2, Sonos Play, and Sonos Roam 2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Photo: Sonos<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Battery life is rated at <b>up to 24 hours <\/b>from a 35Wh battery, and in our experience, that figure holds up well. The exact number depends on whether you are streaming over Wi-Fi (which uses more power) or Bluetooth, and on your volume level, but we\u00a0found that the speaker comfortably lasted through several days of intermittent desktop use on a single charge. The battery is also user-replaceable, which is a welcome design decision for long-term ownership and sustainability. As a bonus, the USB-C port can be used to charge external devices. In other words, the Play can double as a power bank in a pinch.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Voice control is available through Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control. The far-field microphone array uses beamforming and multichannel echo cancellation for voice pickup.\u00a0A hardware switch on the rear panel fully disconnects the microphone from the system for privacy, though\u00a0toggling this off also disables Automatic Trueplay\u00a0since\u00a0both features rely on the same mic array.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sound-quality\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">Sound quality<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"Sonos Play pair\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"1140\" height=\"760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/721db9dadeef6683678054e29dd613b932fa5bf57971f79828e619d0b353d2ce?w=500&amp;q=85 500w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/721db9dadeef6683678054e29dd613b932fa5bf57971f79828e619d0b353d2ce?w=800&amp;q=85 800w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/721db9dadeef6683678054e29dd613b932fa5bf57971f79828e619d0b353d2ce?w=1000&amp;q=85 1000w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/721db9dadeef6683678054e29dd613b932fa5bf57971f79828e619d0b353d2ce 1140w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/721db9dadeef6683678054e29dd613b932fa5bf57971f79828e619d0b353d2ce?w=1000&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.5;contain-intrinsic-size:1140px 760px\"\/><figcaption class=\"_figureCaptions_wioo3_158\">\n<p class=\"_imageCaption_wioo3_165\">The Play sounds mighty impressive for its size. And it sounds even better if you have two in a stereo pair.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The Play\u2019s internal speaker array\u00a0consists of\u00a0two angled tweeters, one midwoofer, and two passive bass radiators, powered by three Class H amplifiers.\u00a0The passive radiators are intended to improve bass performance in open-air environments where there are no walls for the sound to reflect off.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The bass is the first thing you notice. For a speaker this compact, <b>the low-end extension is impressive<\/b>, and the two passive radiators give the Play noticeably more grunt than you would expect. The bass is punchy and present, though it can be a touch heavy-handed depending on the surface the speaker is placed on. On a wooden table, for instance, there can be a slightly boomy quality to some tracks. This is a common characteristic of passive radiator designs, and it is a trade-off for the amount of low-end impact the Play delivers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The mid-range is solid and well-defined.\u00a0<b>Complex mixes retain their individual elements rather than collapsing into a muddy blur,<\/b>\u00a0which is\u00a0a weakness\u00a0of\u00a0many portable speakers at lower price points.\u00a0Vocals\u00a0come through with good weight and presence, and the transition from mid-range\u00a0down into\u00a0the bass registers is smooth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">The two angled tweeters deliver clear, well-separated highs that sit nicely above the rest of the mix. Sonos has promoted the idea of stereo sound from a single Play, and while the angled tweeters do create a slightly wider soundstage than a single front-facing driver would, the stereo effect from one speaker alone is minimal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">You will need a stereo pair for genuine left-right separation.\u00a0Unfortunately, we only have a single speaker to test, but we did manage to get a quick listen to a pair of Sonos Play during a closed-door media event, and it was remarkable how much better it sounded than a single Play setup.\u00a0It really is a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. If the budget allows, a pair of Play speakers is the way to go.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"closing-thoughts-and-buying-advice\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">Closing thoughts and buying advice<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"Sonos Play \" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"1140\" height=\"760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/78e7d1f1a34e9255ba543627437889f09daa231fa33c6b72096910afb5f43336?w=500&amp;q=85 500w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/78e7d1f1a34e9255ba543627437889f09daa231fa33c6b72096910afb5f43336?w=800&amp;q=85 800w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/78e7d1f1a34e9255ba543627437889f09daa231fa33c6b72096910afb5f43336?w=1000&amp;q=85 1000w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/78e7d1f1a34e9255ba543627437889f09daa231fa33c6b72096910afb5f43336 1140w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/hardwarezone\/78e7d1f1a34e9255ba543627437889f09daa231fa33c6b72096910afb5f43336?w=1000&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.5;contain-intrinsic-size:1140px 760px\"\/><figcaption class=\"_figureCaptions_wioo3_158\">\n<p class=\"_imageCaption_wioo3_165\">The Play is a high versatile speaker that can be used in many scenarios and environments.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: HWZ<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">All in all, the Play is a solid new addition to Sonos\u2019 speaker lineup. It\u2019s everything you\u2019d expect from a Sonos speaker, and it\u2019s reasonably priced. S$549 isn\u2019t chump change, but the Play sounds better and offers more features than the smaller and cheaper Roam 2. And if portability is a priority, the Play is considerably more portable than the larger, heavier Move 2.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\"><b>For us, the Play\u2019s biggest advantage is its flexibility<\/b>. It works well on its own and can be used as a permanent fixture or as a speaker that you can take with you. It can also be paired to create a fantastic-sounding stereo setup. You can add additional Sonos speakers to it, and they will all work together in harmony. In this sense, it\u2019s a great starter speaker for anyone who is new to Sonos. But for those who already have other Sonos products, the Play can be an excellent addition, whether as standalone speakers or as rear surrounds to an existing setup like the Arc Ultra. It\u2019s this flexibility that makes it such a compelling option for anyone who is shopping for a relatively compact speaker to add to their home.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Note: You can find the Sonos Play on Lazada, Shopee, and from Tat Chuan Acoustics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hardwarezone.com.sg\/lifestyle\/audio\/sonos-play-wireless-portable-speaker-review-singapore-price\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Play is Sonos\u2019 first major new hardware product in years, and it\u2019s arguably the brand\u2019s most versatile speaker to date. Priced at S$549, it&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":46779,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[2651,3069,28,1223,1226,11031],"class_list":["post-46778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech-gadgets-reviews","tag-play","tag-portable","tag-review","tag-sonos","tag-speaker","tag-versatile","wpcat-32-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46778","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=46778"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46778\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/46779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=46778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=46778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=46778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}