The new Xiaomi Sound Play is an 18 W Bluetooth speaker that combines IP68 durability, TWS stereo pairing, Auracast multi‑room sync and customizable ambient lighting, all for about €50.
Xiaomi Sound Play – First Impressions
Xiaomi’s latest entry in the smart‑speaker lineup is the Sound Play, an 18 W Bluetooth unit that aims to be as eye‑catching as it is functional. It arrives in four colourways – Black, White, Purple and Green – and carries a price tag of roughly €50, positioning it firmly in the budget‑friendly segment.
Build and Design
Weighing 415 g and sealed to an IP68 rating, the Sound Play can survive dust, rain and even brief immersion without a hiccup. Its silhouette resembles a 400 ml bottle, which makes it easy to slip into a backpack pocket or attach to a bike’s bottle cage. A small top handle doubles as a carry point and a mounting loop for straps.
On the front panel sit three tactile buttons: volume ↑, play/pause and volume ↓. The rear houses a covered USB‑C charging port, a combined Power/Bluetooth button, an Auracast trigger and a dedicated light‑control button.
Light Features
Inside the speaker two light modules create a visual experience that goes beyond the usual LED ring. The ambient ring glows around the base, while an infinity‑mirror panel sits behind the driver, reflecting light into a seemingly endless tunnel. Users can pick from orange, blue, green or purple, and the lights can sync to the beat of the music, turning any dark corner into a mini‑concert.
Audio Performance
The Sound Play houses a single full‑range driver delivering 18 W of power. Xiaomi has tuned the output for clarity, with a focus on vocals and mids. Bass response is restrained – it stays in its lane and does not overwhelm the mids, which keeps the overall sound balanced for pop, rock and acoustic tracks.
At 60‑70 % volume the speaker fills a typical living‑room without strain. Pushing past 90 % introduces a noticeable distortion, especially on bass‑heavy material, so it’s best used at moderate levels for clean playback.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.2 provides a stable link up to 10 m, with low‑latency support for video sync.
- TWS stereo pairing lets you link two Sound Play units for true left‑right separation.
- Auracast (formerly Broadcast Audio) enables simultaneous playback on up to 100 speakers, turning a small gathering into a synchronized sound field.
Ecosystem Considerations
Xiaomi’s smart‑home suite includes the Mi Home app, which controls not only speakers but also lights, cameras and appliances. Adding a Sound Play to an existing Mi ecosystem means you can trigger playback via voice assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa, provided you have a compatible hub. The speaker’s Auracast feature also works with other Xiaomi audio devices, making it a convenient entry point for users who plan to expand their multi‑room setup.
Verdict
For €50 the Xiaomi Sound Play offers a compelling mix of durability, visual flair and decent sound. It won’t replace a high‑end bookshelf speaker, but its IP68 rating, TWS capability and multi‑room sync make it a versatile option for outdoor picnics, bike rides or a bedroom light‑show. If you already own Xiaomi’s smart‑home gear, the speaker integrates smoothly; otherwise it still stands as a solid, feature‑rich portable Bluetooth unit.
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