The new Sonos Play has become my go-to desk and kitchen speaker

The reviewer says Sonos’ new $299 Play works well as a compact desk speaker that can be lifted from its dock and carried around the home or outside. They praise its balanced sound, IP67 durability, physical controls, voice assistant support, and ability to act as a power bank, while noting the low-contrast buttons take time to learn.

The Play reflects a growing push toward hybrid speakers that blend stationary home audio with portable, rugged designs for flexible work-from-home and outdoor use. Sonos is also leaning into convenience features beyond sound quality, suggesting premium speakers increasingly compete on mobility, durability, and multi-use utility.