Sonos Roam 2: A Compact, Versatile Speaker for Sonos Enthusiasts
Consider this before buying the Sonos Roam 2 deal: Review and comparison of our audio expert, including a look at how it stacks up against other portable speakers available today.
The Sonos Roam 2 is a compact and versatile speaker that stands out for its multi-room and AirPlay 2 support, smart assistant integration, and rich, balanced sound. Here's a closer look at what this speaker offers and how it compares to other popular options on the market.
Key Features of Sonos Roam 2
- Flexible Positioning: The Sonos Roam 2 can be positioned vertically or horizontally, making it suitable for various settings.
- Smart Control: The Sonos Roam 2 comes with Sonos Voice Control for easy voice control and Alexa integration, but requires Wi-Fi for Alexa functionality.
- Aesthetic Design: The Sonos Roam 2 boasts a matte finish and a color-matched logo on the front, giving it a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
- Environmental Adaptation: The Sonos Roam 2 offers automatic Trueplay tuning to adapt to its environment for optimal sound.
- Portability: While the Sonos Roam 2 does not float or come with accessories or included handles for carrying, it is truly compact, lightweight, and versatile for indoor/outdoor use, including shower or picnic scenarios.
- Physical Controls: The Sonos Roam 2 features physical controls on the top, including volume up and down, play/pause, and controls for skipping and rewinding tracks.
Pros and Cons of Sonos Roam 2
The Sonos Roam 2 excels for those invested in a Sonos ecosystem or wanting multi-room Wi-Fi streaming and smart assistant features in a compact package. However, it has some drawbacks compared to competitors like the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Charge 6, particularly in battery life and price.
Pros
- Multi-room and Wi-Fi support: Unlike typical Bluetooth-only speakers, Roam 2 supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling seamless integration into a Sonos multi-room system and AirPlay 2 streaming.
- Sound quality: Offers rich, clear, and balanced audio with detailed mids and vocals, plus decent bass for its size. It uses Auto Trueplay to optimize sound based on the environment.
- Smart features: Has Alexa built-in for voice commands when on Wi-Fi, and a dedicated Bluetooth button improves ease of pairing.
- Build and design: IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and a sleek minimalist aesthetic; wireless charging is supported.
- Portability: Truly compact, lightweight, and versatile for indoor/outdoor use, including shower or picnic scenarios.
Cons
- Battery life: Only 10 hours, which is significantly less than JBL Charge 6’s 20 hours and slightly less than the Bose SoundLink Flex (which is about 12 hours or more).
- Price: More expensive than both JBL Flip 6 (recommended for value) and also typically higher than Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Charge 6, making it less budget-friendly.
- Bass performance: Not bass-heavy compared to some competitors, including Bose SoundLink Flex which prioritizes strong bass and clear sound.
- Bluetooth version: Uses Bluetooth 5.0, whereas the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd generation) supports Bluetooth 5.3, potentially offering a more stable or efficient connection.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Sonos Roam 2 | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) | JBL Charge 6 | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Battery life | ~10 hours | Around 12+ hours | 20 hours | | Connectivity | Bluetooth + Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Alexa | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC, AptX, Bose app EQ | Bluetooth only | | Sound profile | Balanced, rich mids, moderate bass | Strong bass, clear mids and highs | Good bass, volume; tuned for outdoors | | Multi-room support | Yes, Sonos ecosystem | No | No | | Portability & durability | IP67 waterproof/dustproof, wireless charging | Waterproof, floats, PositionIQ for orientation-based sound optimization | IP67 waterproof, rugged design| | Price | Higher than Bose Flex & JBL Charge 6 | Mid-range, often cheaper than Roam 2 | Generally best value | | Smart assistant | Alexa onboard (wifi) | No | No |
In conclusion, the Sonos Roam 2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact speaker with multi-room Wi-Fi streaming and smart assistant features. However, it may not be the best option for those prioritizing battery life or a bass-heavy sound.
- The Sonos Roam 2 connects via Bluetooth 5.2.
- Sonos Roam 2 is the smallest speaker in the Sonos line-up, approximately the size of a 500ml bottle of water.
- The Sonos Roam 2 is available in five colours: Black, Sunset, Wave, Olive, and White.
- The Sonos Roam 2 supports Apple AirPlay and can be added to an existing Sonos system for multi-room audio.
- The Sonos Roam 2 offers 10 hours of battery life, which can be topped up through USB-C or a separate wireless charging dock.
- The Sonos Roam 2's sound performance is excellent for its size, making it a versatile addition to a Sonos system.
- The Sonos Roam 2 performs well at higher volumes, especially for outdoor use.
- The Sonos Roam 2 has physical controls on the top when vertical that are easy to operate, even with wet hands.
- The Sonos Roam 2 weighs 430g.
- The Sonos Roam 2 features small silicone feet for stability when horizontal and a silicone bottom when vertical.
- The Sonos Roam 2 has USB-C connections.
- The Sonos Roam 2 is the cheapest Sonos speaker available, priced at £179.
The living room, adorned with modern art and sleek gadgets, becomes a visual spectacle with the addition of the Sonos Roam 2, a compact speaker available in five color options, adding a touch of personalization to one's lifestyle. Its rich, balanced sound complements smartphones, allowing for an immersive listening experience whether streaming music or podcasts. The Sonos Roam 2, complete with physical controls, makes a smart addition to a Sonos system for multi-room audio, enhancing the overall living space with technology.
