Sonos Roam 2 vs Sonos Move 2: Which Speaker is Right for You?

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, Sonos has established itself as a leading brand, delivering high-quality sound in sleek, durable designs. Two of its standout models are the Sonos Roam 2 and the Sonos Move 2. While both speakers offer exceptional sound, impressive features, and the renowned Sonos quality, they cater to different needs and preferences. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences and similarities between these two powerful portable speakers to help you choose the right one for your lifestyle.

1. Sonos Roam 2 Bluetooth Speaker

The Sonos Roam 2 is a highly portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker that packs impressive sound quality into a compact and rugged design. With its precision-engineered drivers, the Roam 2 delivers clear, well-balanced sound that defies its size, offering both crisp treble and deep bass. Whether you’re using it at home or taking it outdoors, it provides an immersive listening experience.

One of the standout features of the Roam 2 is its ultra-portable nature. Weighing just a few pounds, it’s easy to carry on the go and can be stood upright or laid on its side, allowing for flexible placement. It’s also waterproof (IP67 rating) and dustproof, making it perfect for adventures like hiking or beach trips. The speaker’s 10-hour battery life ensures it’ll last through most outdoor activities, and the ability to charge it wirelessly or with a USB-C cable adds convenience.

Setting up the Roam 2 is a breeze, and it integrates seamlessly with other Sonos products via Wi-Fi, unlocking multi-room audio capabilities. With Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, controlling the speaker hands-free is a nice bonus. Automatic Trueplay further enhances sound quality by adjusting it to suit the room or environment.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Compact and lightweight design for portability
2. IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
3. Up to 10 hours of battery life
4. Wi-Fi connectivity for multi-room audio and more features
5. Hands-free control via Sonos Voice Control and Alexa

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality for its size
• Durable and ideal for outdoor use
• Easy setup and integration with Sonos ecosystem
• Long battery life for extended listening
• Flexible design allows for different placements

Cons:

• Some connectivity issues with app and speakers

2. Sonos Move 2 Bluetooth Speaker

The Sonos Move 2 is a powerful and versatile wireless Bluetooth speaker that takes portable sound to the next level. With its upgraded acoustic architecture, featuring dual tweeters and a precision-tuned woofer, the Move 2 delivers superior stereo sound with crisp vocals, detailed instruments, and deep, dynamic bass. Whether you’re inside or outdoors, the speaker’s sound performance feels immersive and lifelike, capturing the emotional essence of a live performance.

One of the most impressive improvements in the Move 2 is its battery life, offering up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge, doubling the battery life of the previous model. This extended playtime, combined with its IP56 rating for dust and water resistance, makes it perfect for long outdoor sessions, from poolside parties to hiking trips. The speaker is also built to withstand accidental drops thanks to shock-absorbent materials.

The Move 2 is easy to carry around with a built-in handle, and its wireless charging base allows for convenient recharging. Additionally, with automatic Trueplay tuning, the speaker adapts to its surroundings for optimal sound, ensuring the best audio experience wherever you are.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Dual tweeters for enhanced stereo sound
2. Up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge
3. IP56 rating for water and dust resistance
4. Automatic Trueplay tuning for optimal sound
5. Built-in handle and wireless charging base for easy portability

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear treble
• Long battery life, ideal for extended use
• Durable, shock-absorbent design for outdoor use
• Easy setup and integration with Apple HomeKit
• Portable with a convenient built-in handle

Cons:

• App functionality and connectivity issues reported

Comparison of Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Move 2

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, Sonos offers two standout models: the Sonos Roam 2 and the Sonos Move 2. Both deliver high-quality sound and robust features, but they are designed for different needs and preferences. The Roam 2 is perfect for those looking for ultra-portability, while the Move 2 provides enhanced audio performance and extended battery life for more stationary or longer outdoor use.

1. Design and Portability

Sonos Roam 2
The Roam 2 is an incredibly compact and lightweight speaker, making it a go-to choice for on-the-go music lovers. Weighing just 0.9 pounds, it is small enough to fit into a backpack or carry easily in one hand. It also offers an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, ensuring it can withstand outdoor elements. The versatile design allows the speaker to be placed upright or laid on its side. Its small form factor is ideal for those who prioritize portability over power.

Sonos Move 2
The Move 2, in comparison, is bulkier and heavier, weighing around 6 pounds. While it’s still portable, it’s better suited for people who need a more robust speaker for extended outdoor use. The Move 2 comes with a built-in handle for easier transportation. It has an IP56 rating, which makes it water and dust-resistant, but not as impervious to harsh conditions as the Roam 2’s IP67 rating. The added size and handle, however, make it better suited for stability and better sound performance when placed on a tabletop or outdoor surface.

Feature	Sonos Roam 2	Sonos Move 2
Weight	0.9 pounds	6 pounds
Waterproof	IP67	IP56
Portability	Highly portable	Portable but bulkier
Handle	No	Yes

2. Sound Quality

Sonos Roam 2
Despite its compact size, the Roam 2 punches above its weight in sound quality. The speaker features precision-engineered drivers that provide a surprising amount of clarity and bass for such a small device. While it’s a mono speaker, it is still capable of delivering rich sound suitable for personal use or small gatherings. However, it doesn’t match the stereo soundstage that the Move 2 offers.

Sonos Move 2
The Move 2, on the other hand, is engineered for superior sound performance. It boasts dual tweeters for a stereo sound experience, offering a fuller, more dynamic range of sound with clear vocals and a more detailed instrument reproduction. The bass is deep and powerful, delivering a true “live performance” feel. The Move 2’s larger size contributes to the enhanced acoustic architecture, making it ideal for larger spaces or outdoor environments.

3. Battery Life

Sonos Roam 2
The Roam 2 has an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, which is suitable for a full day of outdoor activities. It charges via USB-C or wirelessly, offering flexibility for users who may not always have access to a traditional power outlet. While the battery life is good for a compact speaker, it does fall short when compared to the Move 2.

Sonos Move 2
The Move 2 excels in the battery department, offering up to 24 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This extended battery life is ideal for those who need a reliable speaker for long outdoor sessions, parties, or events. The Move 2 also charges via a wireless base or USB-PD power supply, allowing for quick and convenient charging. The combination of longer battery life and better sound quality makes the Move 2 the winner for users who prioritize longevity.

Feature	Sonos Roam 2	Sonos Move 2
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours	Up to 24 hours
Charging	USB-C, wireless	Wireless base, USB-PD

4. Connectivity and Features

Sonos Roam 2
The Roam 2 connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and it’s designed to work seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, providing multi-room audio if you have other Sonos products. It also supports Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa for hands-free operation. Automatic Trueplay tuning adjusts the sound depending on the environment, ensuring optimal audio no matter where you are. However, some users have reported minor connectivity issues with the app and integration with other devices.

Sonos Move 2
The Move 2 also offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, making it highly versatile in terms of pairing with various devices. Like the Roam 2, it supports Sonos Voice Control and Alexa, and it features Automatic Trueplay tuning for an optimized listening experience. The Move 2 stands out with its integration into the Apple HomeKit, allowing users with iOS devices to easily control the speaker through their home automation system. While both speakers have excellent connectivity features, the Move 2 offers more advanced integration with smart home ecosystems.

FAQ

1. What is the main difference between the Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Move 2?

The main difference between the Sonos Roam 2 and the Sonos Move 2 lies in their size, sound quality, and portability. The Roam 2 is a smaller, more portable speaker with a focus on ease of transport and outdoor use, offering up to 10 hours of battery life. In contrast, the Move 2 is larger, providing superior stereo sound, longer battery life of up to 24 hours, and better suitability for extended outdoor use, making it more robust and versatile for longer sessions.

2. Can the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 be used indoors?

Yes, both the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 can be used indoors, though their primary strengths are tailored to different environments. The Roam 2 is ideal for personal use in smaller spaces due to its compact size and ease of portability, while the Move 2 offers a fuller, more immersive sound suitable for larger rooms and can fill bigger spaces with its superior stereo sound quality.

3. Are the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 waterproof?

The Sonos Roam 2 has an IP67 rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. On the other hand, the Move 2 has an IP56 rating, which offers water and dust resistance but isn’t as resistant to water immersion as the Roam 2. This makes the Roam 2 more suitable for extreme outdoor conditions, like being submerged in water.

4. How easy is it to set up the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2?

Both the Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Move 2 are easy to set up. The Roam 2 integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, making it simple to pair with other Sonos devices via Wi-Fi for multi-room audio. The Move 2 also connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and offers additional integration with Apple HomeKit, making it easy to control with your iPhone or other Apple devices. Both models support voice control via Sonos Voice Control and Alexa, offering hands-free operation.

5. How does the battery life compare between the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2?

The Sonos Roam 2 offers up to 10 hours of battery life, which is adequate for a compact portable speaker. However, the Move 2 excels with up to 24 hours of battery life, making it the better option for longer outdoor sessions, parties, or extended use. The longer battery life of the Move 2, combined with its superior sound quality, makes it more suited for those who need a speaker that can last throughout the day without recharging.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Move 2 offer outstanding value, but they serve different purposes depending on your needs. If you’re after a compact, lightweight speaker with reliable sound for personal use and occasional outdoor adventures, the Roam 2 is a fantastic option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more robust, powerful speaker with longer battery life and superior sound quality for larger spaces or extended outdoor use, the Move 2 is well worth the investment.