New Sonos speakers including a refreshed Play model and microphone-free Era 100 SL variant have had their pricing and release dates revealed through retail leaks.
New Sonos speakers including a refreshed Play model and microphone-free Era 100 SL variant have had their pricing and release dates revealed through retail leaks.
A recent discovery on Best Buy Canada's website first tipped off the tech community to an unannounced Sonos Play wireless speaker. The product page was quickly removed, but not before screenshots circulated online. Now, prominent leaker Billbil-kun has provided additional details about not just the Play, but also a second model called the Era 100 SL.
What's New: Two Distinct Models
The Sonos Era 100 SL appears to be a variant of the existing Era 100, but with a key difference - it lacks built-in microphones. This means no voice assistant support, making it a more privacy-focused option for users who prefer local control only. Both speakers will be available in black and white color options.
Pricing Breakdown
According to the leak, pricing varies by region:
United States:
- Sonos Play: $299
- Era 100 SL: $189
Europe:
- Sonos Play: €299-€349 (varies by country)
- Era 100 SL: €199
United Kingdom:
- Sonos Play: £299
- Era 100 SL: £169
The price difference between the two models reflects the Era 100 SL's reduced feature set, particularly the absence of microphones and voice control capabilities.
Release Timeline
Both speakers are scheduled to launch on March 31, 2026. Pre-orders are expected to begin on March 10, 2026, suggesting an official announcement should arrive in the coming days.
How It Compares
The new Sonos Play appears to be a refreshed version of Sonos's entry-level speaker, though specific technical details remain scarce. The Era 100 SL's microphone-free design positions it as an alternative for users concerned about privacy or those who simply don't need voice assistant features.
Compared to the standard Era 100, the SL variant offers a more affordable entry point at $189 versus the original's $249 price tag, though it sacrifices voice control functionality.
Who It's For
These speakers target different segments of the Sonos ecosystem. The Play model likely aims at first-time Sonos buyers or those seeking a straightforward wireless speaker experience. The Era 100 SL caters to privacy-conscious consumers and existing Sonos users who want a secondary speaker without voice assistant capabilities.
The timing of this launch suggests Sonos is expanding its product lineup to capture different market segments ahead of the holiday season later in 2026.
Source: Billbil-kun via X
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