Battery life: 24hrs
Bluetooth: Yes (5.3)
Dimensions (hwd): 19.2 x 11.3 x 7.7cm
Weight: 1.3kg
Finishes: x 2 (black, white)
The Play is a well-built, solid Sonos speaker that's a good size for both taking with you and using at home. Because it doesn't rely on iOS, it's more versatile than the HomePod 2, and has bags of features, but it doesn't sound as open or natural as its Apple rival.
Pros
- Sounds clear, powerful and detailed
- Nicely judged bass handling
- More impressive versatility than the HomePod 2
- More portable and durable, too
Cons
- Sonic presentation can occasionally lack drama
- HomePod sound more spacious and open
- There are cheaper, portable Bluetooth-only models that sound more fun
Battery life: N/A
Bluetooth: Yes (5.0), but not used for wireless playback
Dimensions (hwd): 16.8 x 14.2 x 14.2cm
Weight: 2.3kg
Finishes: x 2 (black, white)
As the name suggests, the HomePod is a home speaker through and through. It's bulkier and heavier than the Play, it can't play tunes over Bluetooth (using AirPlay 2 instead), and you'll need not only an iOS device but also an Apple Music subscription to get the most from it, but it sounds really superb.
Pros
- More natural and spacious sound than the Play
- Spacious and three-dimensional, particularly with Atmos
- Brilliantly well made
Cons
- Still only suitable for dedicated Apple users
- No portability, unlike the Play
- No Siri control for Spotify, Tidal etc
