In an era where audio technology is constantly evolving and new products are launched frequently, some devices manage to stand the test of time, providing consistently high performance and reliability. One such product is the Amazon Sonos Play 3, a speaker that has been on the market for over a decade yet still delivers an exceptional audio experience.
Amazon Amazon Sonos Play 3 Review Review
Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who appreciates great sound, this Amazon Sonos Play 3 review will give you a deep dive into why this device remains a strong contender in today’s audio scene, despite newer, flashier models.
Let’s explore the features of the Amazon Sonos Play 3 and review its performance:
Design: Minimalist and Versatile
The Sonos Play 3 is all about simplicity and functionality. It boasts a sleek, minimalist design that fits into nearly any home environment without drawing too much attention. Available in both black and white finishes, the Play 3 can blend effortlessly into your décor. Its compact size—about 10 inches wide and 6 inches tall—makes it easy to place on a bookshelf, counter, or even mount on the wall using optional brackets.
One of the standout features of the Play 3 is its versatility in placement. You can position it both horizontally and vertically, and the built-in sensors will adjust the sound output accordingly to ensure optimal audio quality, no matter how you place it. The rubberized feet ensure that it remain stable on most surfaces, preventing vibrations or slipping during playback.
Sound Quality: Balanced and Robust
When it comes to sound performance, the Sonos Play 3 delivers much more than you’d expect from a speaker of its size. It features three amplifiers powering three separate drivers: one tweeter for crisp high frequencies and two mid-woofers for full-bodied mids and bass. The result is a well-balanced sound profile that excels across various music genres, from rock and pop to classical and jazz.
While the Play 3 may not have the subwoofer-like bass found in larger speakers, it offers a surprisingly rich low-end for its size. The mids are detailed, bringing vocals and instruments to life, and the highs are crisp without being overly sharp or fatiguing. Even at higher volumes, the Play 3 maintains clarity without distortion, making it suitable for everything from background music to more immersive, louder listening sessions.
Its strength truly shines when paired with other Sonos speakers. For those looking to create a stereo setup, you can easily pair two Play 3 units to produce true stereo sound. You can also incorporate it into a Sonos multi-room setup, linking it with other Sonos devices to stream synchronized music throughout your home.
Smart Features: Limited, But Still Relevant
Although the Sonos Play 3 predates the era of voice-assistant-enabled smart speakers, it still offers a decent amount of smart features that fit well into a connected home. While it doesn’t have built-in Alexa or Google Assistant like the newer Sonos One or Era models, you can still control it via voice commands if you have an Amazon Echo or another compatible Alexa device.
This allows for hands-free operation, such as playing, pausing, or adjusting volume without needing to interact directly with the speaker. The Play 3 is primarily controlled via the Sonos app, which is available on both Android and iOS devices. The app provides access to numerous streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and many others.
Additionally, you can use the app to create custom playlists, adjust EQ settings, and control any other Sonos speakers you may have in your system.
While the Play 3 lacks the flashy smart features of more modern speakers, its seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem and compatibility with smart assistants via other devices still make it a relevant option for those looking for solid audio performance in a connected home.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Over Bluetooth
One of the key differences between the Sonos Play 3 and many modern smart speakers is its reliance on Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth. While some users may miss the convenience of Bluetooth for quick, direct connections to their mobile devices, the use of Wi-Fi offers several significant advantages. With Wi-Fi, the Play 3 can stream higher-quality audio files compared to Bluetooth, ensuring better sound fidelity.
Wi-Fi also enables multi-room audio, one of the defining features of the Sonos ecosystem. If you have multiple Sonos speakers throughout your home, the Play 3 can easily sync with them to provide consistent, uninterrupted audio in every room. Whether you’re hosting a party or just moving from room to room, the ability to stream music seamlessly across multiple devices is a major selling point for the Sonos Play 3.
However, it’s important to note that the Play 3 doesn’t come with an auxiliary input or Bluetooth connectivity, which limits its ability to connect to devices that aren’t Wi-Fi enabled. This is something to keep in mind if you prefer using devices that may not support the Sonos app or Wi-Fi streaming.
Software and Updates: Built for the Long Haul
Despite being an older model, the Amazon Sonos Play 3 continues to receive regular software updates from Sonos, ensuring its compatibility with new features and services. This longevity is one of the key reasons why many users have stuck with the Play 3, even as newer speakers have hit the market.
Sonos has a reputation for supporting its products long after they’ve been released, which means the Play 3 remains a viable option for those looking for a durable, reliable speaker.
Through regular updates, the Play 3 continues to integrate with new streaming services and features, such as Trueplay, which adjusts the speaker’s output to match the acoustics of the room it’s in. This feature ensures that the Play 3 sounds its best, no matter where you place it in your home.
Drawbacks: What’s Missing?
While the Sonos Play 3 offers a lot of great features, it does come with a few notable limitations, especially when compared to newer smart speakers. First, the lack of built-in voice assistants means you’ll need to pair it with an external device to access voice controls, which can be a hassle for users who are used to more integrated smart devices.
Additionally, the absence of Bluetooth connectivity means you can’t easily connect your phone or other devices directly to the speaker, which may be inconvenient for some users. Another potential downside is that the Play 3 doesn’t have the most powerful bass response compared to larger speakers or newer models like the Sonos Five.
While it does a commendable job for its size, those looking for room-shaking bass may want to invest in a separate Sonos Sub or a larger speaker for their setup.
Conclusion
The Amazon Sonos Play 3 may not be the newest or most feature-packed speaker on the market. But it remains a reliable, high-quality option for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio setup. Its sleek design, robust sound, and seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem make it a great choice for users who value simplicity and performance.
While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of more modern speakers. It’s still a solid performer that can hold its own in today’s competitive audio landscape. If you’re looking for a compact speaker that delivers balanced, powerful sound. And integrates smoothly with your smart home setup, the Sonos Play 3 is still very much worth considering.
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