Consideration first: Sonos Roam 2's deal offering before purchase - Insights from an audio expert on its comparison to other portable speakers available in the market
The Sonos Roam 2, the latest addition to Sonos's line of multi-room speakers, is a compact, versatile, and feature-rich portable speaker that caters to those who value design, smart features, and seamless integration with their Sonos ecosystem.
Sporting a minimalist aesthetic, the Sonos Roam 2 is available in five colour options – Black, Sunset, Wave, Olive, and White – and is approximately the size of a 500ml bottle of water, making it incredibly portable. The speaker can be positioned vertically or horizontally for stability, with the top finished in silicone and featuring physical controls for volume up and down, and a multi-function play/pause button.
The Sonos Roam 2 is the cheapest Sonos speaker available, priced at £179. It maintains the same sound architecture as the original Roam speaker, offering a great overall audio performance, with clear and detailed vocals, decent bass, and a wide soundstage when placed horizontally. The speaker can be adjusted via the Sonos app when in Wi-Fi mode, and it features automatic Trueplay tuning.
In terms of connectivity, the Sonos Roam 2 supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect to your devices wirelessly. It also supports Sonos Voice Control, Alexa (when connected to Wi-Fi), and offers full Sonos multi-room capabilities, as well as integration with over 100 music streaming services.
When it comes to battery life, the Sonos Roam 2 offers 10 hours of playtime, chargeable through USB-C. A wireless charging dock is available separately. However, it lags behind some competitors in this regard, with the Bose SoundLink Flex offering slightly longer battery life, and the JBL Charge 6 boasting an impressive 28 hours.
The Sonos Roam 2 stands out from its competitors in terms of smart features and multi-room capabilities. It works seamlessly as part of a Sonos multi-room system or via AirPlay 2, and includes features such as Sonos Voice Control and Alexa (on Wi-Fi), as well as advanced features like Sound Swap, which transfers audio to a nearby Sonos speaker when you move indoors.
In comparison to the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Charge 6, the Sonos Roam 2 offers a more premium audio experience, with a focus on clarity and balance, but it falls short in terms of battery life and volume output. The Bose SoundLink Flex is a solid, rugged choice for portability and durability, with slightly better battery life and straightforward Bluetooth use, but it lacks smart features and multi-room integration. The JBL Charge 6 is ideal for those who prioritize battery life and louder, bass-heavy sound – perfect for outdoor use. However, it doesn’t integrate with smart home systems or multi-room setups like the Roam 2.
In conclusion, the Sonos Roam 2 is an excellent choice for those deeply invested in the Sonos ecosystem or those wanting smart features and multi-room audio flexibility. Its main drawbacks are shorter battery life and a premium price tag compared to similarly sized competitors. For rugged, simple, and slightly longer-lasting portable audio, the Bose SoundLink Flex may be a better choice, while the JBL Charge 6 is unbeatable for all-day, high-volume outdoor use – but neither offers the smart home or multi-room capabilities of the Roam 2.
In the living room, the Sonos Roam 2's color options match a variety of lifestyle choices, connecting seamlessly with Smartphones via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Its compact size, smart features, and rich sound quality make it an ideal addition to the Sonos ecosystem. Art enthusiasts may appreciate the speaker's minimalist aesthetics, as it rests stylishly among gadgets.
