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

As a remote worker, my audio experience typically revolves around headphones or AirPods. However, the newly launched Sonos Play has emerged as the perfect desk and kitchen companion for me. Released in March, this $299 speaker marks Sonos's first new offering in over a year and beautifully merges home speaker functionality with portability. Weighing in at just 1.3 kilograms, the Play features a pill-shaped dock for your desk but also includes a handy 'utility loop' for easy transport around the house or even outdoors. During my testing, I enjoyed moving the Play from my desk to the kitchen while podcasting, allowing me to stay engaged with my surroundings—no more missing conversations from across the room. Unlike headphones, the Play doesn’t require voice commands for playback control; it comes equipped with built-in Sonos Assistant and Alexa. Physical controls add another layer of convenience. Unlike adjusting volume or skipping tracks with AirPods, which can be tricky with greasy fingers, the Play’s buttons are more accessible. However, I found them slightly challenging to locate since they blend in with the silicone top. After a few days, I memorized their positions, but better contrast or more tactile buttons would have improved the experience. Durability is another strong point for the Play, boasting an IP67 rating, which means it can withstand splashes of water and brief submersion. I tested this by running it under a tap without issues. Plus, it doubles as a power bank, allowing you to charge your phone when needed—a fantastic feature for outdoor adventures. For audio performance, the Play utilizes dual-angled tweeters, a mid-woofer, and three digital amplifiers, enhanced further by two passive radiators for outdoor bass reinforcement. The sound quality is balanced and clear at moderate volumes, showcasing excellent instrument separation. However, the soundstage can feel somewhat confined, and clarity diminishes at higher volumes. This speaker is ideal for a desk or patio but may not fill a larger room like the Era 100 SL, which launched alongside it. One standout feature is the ability to pair two Play units for stereo sound, easily achieved through the app or by simultaneously pressing the play/pause button on both speakers. This pairing makes a noticeable difference in music playback, although it’s less impactful for TV audio, which the speakers are not specifically designed for. Sonos has integrated Trueplay technology, utilizing the speaker's microphones to automatically calibrate sound based on the environment, streamlining the tuning process that previously required manual adjustments. While Sonos has made significant improvements to its app, some glitches remain, such as occasional lag when syncing with my MacBook and delays when controlling audio on YouTube. Switching audio sources through AirPlay is generally reliable, but the Sonos app can be cumbersome to navigate. In summary, the Sonos Play is a compelling speaker that fulfills its promise, despite some app-related challenges. For those who prioritize portability, the Sonos Roam 2 or JBL Charge 6 might be better options. However, if you're seeking a speaker that shines on both a desk and a patio, the Play makes a strong argument for itself.