After a period of relative quiet, Sonos has re-entered the consumer speaker market with the debut of two distinct new audio devices: the portable Sonos Play and the simplified Era 100 SL.

These new releases follow their announcement earlier this month and are now widely available for purchase. The Sonos Play is priced at $299, while the Era 100 SL comes in at a more budget-friendly $189.

Introducing the New Sonos Portable Play Speaker

Design and Portability Features

The brand-new Sonos Play is engineered for versatility, suitable for both home listening and on-the-go use. It features a water-resistant design and includes a utility loop for easy carrying.

This speaker boasts an impressive battery life of up to 24 hours. It is ruggedly built with an IP67 rating, protecting it against dust and water ingress. Furthermore, it supports USB-C charging and can function as a power bank for other devices.

Connectivity and Performance

A significant new feature is Bluetooth grouping. This allows users to pair the Play speaker with other Play models or the Move 2 without needing a Wi-Fi connection when away from home.

In testing, this Bluetooth connection remained stable up to approximately 200 feet, though it does not offer the full system syncing or stereo separation achievable over Wi-Fi. Sound quality focuses on clear mids and highs, providing sufficient volume for various settings.

The Play speaker sits positioned between the smaller Roam 2 and the larger Move 2 in Sonos' lineup. While A/V reviewer John Higgins noted the original Era 100 remains superior for stationary setups, the Play is recommended for portable needs matching similar performance levels.

Where to Purchase the Sonos Play

The Sonos Play is available immediately in either black or white. Consumers can purchase it from Amazon, Best Buy, or directly through the Sonos website for its retail price of $299.

The Stripped-Back Sonos Era 100 SL

Focus on Core Audio Quality

The Sonos Era 100 SL is presented as a more accessible version of the existing Era 100 speaker. Its primary cost-saving measure is the removal of the built-in microphone, eliminating support for voice controls.

Despite lacking voice capabilities, the SL model retains the same internal speaker configuration as the standard Era 100. This includes dual tweeters and a larger midwoofer, which delivers rich bass across different music genres.

Connectivity and Controls

Users will find the intuitive physical controls remain intact on the Era 100 SL. The speaker supports both Bluetooth streaming and line-in audio, the latter requiring an optional USB-C adapter.

It also maintains support for streaming via Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol. The Era 100 SL is available in black or white, priced at $189.

Availability of the Era 100 SL

The more affordable Era 100 SL is now on sale. It can be acquired from Amazon, Best Buy, or the official Sonos store for $189.