I work from home, so I typically listen to audio through headphones or AirPods. But the new Sonos Play has become my go-to desk and kitchen speaker.

The Play, launched in March, fills a hybrid role: part home speaker, part portable. It sits on your desk but is easy to carry around the house or take outside. While testing it, I often started a podcast at my desk and carried the Play to the kitchen while cooking or making coffee. The advantage over wearing AirPods is that you remain aware of your surroundings — no more missing what someone across the room is saying.

Physical controls are another plus. Skipping tracks or adjusting volume with greasy hands is awkward on AirPods; the Play’s buttons are more forgiving, but the learning curve can be frustrating. The speaker is sturdy and IP67-rated, meaning it can handle rain and brief submersion — I ran it under a tap without issue. It can also charge your phone in a pinch, doubling as a power bank.

For sound, the Play relies on dual-angled tweeters, a mid-woofer, and three digital amplifiers, with two passive radiators to reinforce bass outdoors. The result is balanced and detailed at moderate volumes — instrument separation is particularly good. However, the soundstage is narrow, meaning the music can feel somewhat contained rather than expansive, and at higher volumes the mix loses some of its clarity.

Sonos has built in Trueplay, which uses the speaker’s microphones to automatically calibrate sound based on the room. The Play is well-suited to a desk or a patio; it isn’t trying to fill a room. Two Play units can be paired into a stereo configuration through the app or by holding the play/pause button on both speakers simultaneously.