Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Sonos Starts Selling Play Portable Speaker and Mic‑Free Era 100 SL

The move underscores a system‑first strategy focused on portability plus a lower entry price.

Overview

  • Both speakers are now available Tuesday at Sonos, Amazon, and Best Buy, with the Play listed at $299 in the U.S. and the Era 100 SL at $189, though 7NEWS reported a higher Play price that reflects regional differences.
  • The Play targets a mid‑size portable slot with Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, a 24‑hour battery, IP67 water and dust resistance, a wireless charging base, a removable loop, and USB‑C phone charging.
  • New Bluetooth grouping lets a Play connected to a phone sync with up to three more Play or Move 2 speakers away from Wi‑Fi, though reviewers noted it lacks true stereo separation without a Wi‑Fi link.
  • The Era 100 SL drops the built‑in mic for those who skip voice control, keeps the Era 100’s sound hardware, and supports AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and optional line‑in through a USB‑C adapter.
  • Sonos positions the Play between the Roam 2 and Move 2 and highlights a replaceable battery and longer product life, echoing leadership’s pledge to build on the existing multiroom system rather than replace it.