Xiaomi launches the Sound Play, a visually impressive and weather-resistant Bluetooth speaker priced at £49.90 in the UK, featuring modern lighting, waterproofing, and stereo pairing, though with some compromises on sound quality and software support.
Xiaomi’s latest portable speaker is built to do more than simply play music. The Sound Play combines a compact form factor with decorative lighting, rugged weather protection and modern wireless features, all while undercutting many rivals on price. In the UK, it costs £49.90, and Xiaomi launched it alongside the 17T smartphone line in May 2026, positioning it as an affordable but unusually feature-rich Bluetooth speaker.
The design is one of its strongest selling points. Xiaomi has fitted an infinity mirror-style light on the top panel and an ambient ring at the base, both of which can change appearance and, according to early hands-on reports, include multiple lighting effects. The speaker is also available in Black, White, Purple and Green, and its fabric-wrapped body gives it a more polished look than many budget models.
It is also built for rougher use. Xiaomi gives the Sound Play an IP68 rating, which means it is dust-tight and able to withstand immersion in water for limited periods. That level of protection is uncommon at this price, and it makes the speaker easier to justify for travel, outdoor use or poolside listening. The company also says the 18W output is intended to fill small spaces without making the product cumbersome.
Wireless support is similarly up to date. The Sound Play includes Bluetooth 6.0, Auracast and true wireless stereo pairing, so two units can be linked for a wider stereo image. That is a useful feature set for a speaker at this level, especially when paired with a quoted 14-hour battery life. Xiaomi has not indicated a US launch, and Australian availability is not due until August 2026.
Sound quality, though, appears to be the main compromise. TechRadar found the speaker clear enough for vocals and generally balanced at moderate volume, but less expansive and less forceful than stronger rivals. Bass loses authority at higher levels and the sound can feel compressed on busier tracks, while the lack of higher-resolution codecs such as LDAC or aptX limits its technical ambition.
The other notable omission is software support. Unlike many competitors from brands such as Earfun, Edifier and Tribit, the Sound Play does not come with a companion app, which means no remote equaliser controls, no deeper lighting customisation and no detailed battery read-out. That makes the speaker feel less complete than its spec sheet suggests, even if the hardware itself is well judged for the money.
For buyers on a tight budget, the Xiaomi Sound Play looks like a sensible option with a strong design and a useful feature list. But readers who want better sound and more control are likely to be better served by alternatives such as the JBL Flip 7, while the smaller JBL Grip and Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 remain more established rivals in the same broad category.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
