As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Are you torn between the Sonos Roam and its successor, the Roam 2? Choosing the right portable speaker can be tricky, especially when both options boast similar features and promise exceptional audio quality. This comparison dives deep into the nuances, helping you make an informed decision.
The original Sonos Roam quickly became a favorite for its compact size, robust sound, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. Now, the Roam 2 has arrived, promising improvements and refinements. We’ll explore what’s new and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
We’ll examine the design, sound performance, features, and overall value of both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2. This comparison aims to provide a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, so you can pick the perfect portable speaker for your needs.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | sonos roam | roam 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.95 lbs | 0.95 lbs |
| Dimensions | 6.61 x 2.4 x 2.36 inches | 6.61 x 2.4 x 2.36 inches |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Dust Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Charging | USB-C, Wireless Charging (optional) | USB-C, Wireless Charging (optional) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Trueplay | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Pairing | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Sonos Roam: Compact and durable design with IP67 water and dust resistance. Offers a sleek aesthetic, but some users found the buttons a bit finicky to use.
- Roam 2: Similar compact design with improved button functionality for easier control. Also maintains IP67 water and dust resistance, with enhanced drop protection.
- Winner: Roam 2
Sound Quality
- Sonos Roam: Delivers surprisingly good sound for its size, with a balanced profile and decent bass. However, it can struggle at higher volumes and lacks true stereo separation in a single unit.
- Roam 2: Maintains a similar sound signature to the original, but with refined audio processing. Offers improved clarity and slightly better bass response, with a more open soundstage.
- Winner: Roam 2
Connectivity
- Sonos Roam: Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, with automatic switching between the two. Requires a Sonos account and app for full functionality, which can be a drawback for some.
- Roam 2: Maintains Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, with improved automatic switching and easier Bluetooth pairing. No significant changes here, but improvements to overall usability are appreciated.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Sonos Roam: Offers up to 10 hours of continuous playback. Battery life is decent, but can be shorter depending on usage and volume levels.
- Roam 2: Offers the same 10 hours of continuous playback. No improvements here.
- Winner: Tie
Charging
- Sonos Roam: Charges via USB-C or wireless charging with a compatible Sonos Wireless Charger. Wireless charging is convenient.
- Roam 2: Charges via USB-C and is compatible with the same Sonos Wireless Charger as the original. No changes here.
- Winner: Tie
Voice Assistant Integration
- Sonos Roam: Supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering voice control capabilities. Integration is seamless within the Sonos ecosystem.
- Roam 2: Maintains support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with the same functionality. No changes here.
- Winner: Tie
Setup and Usability
- Sonos Roam: Setup requires the Sonos app, which can be a bit cumbersome for some users. Can be integrated into an existing Sonos ecosystem.
- Roam 2: Slightly improved setup process, with easier Bluetooth pairing. Simpler to use overall, especially for first-time Sonos users.
- Winner: Roam 2
Price
- Sonos Roam: Typically available at a slightly lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option, especially if on sale.
- Roam 2: Slightly higher price compared to the original, reflecting the improvements and new features.
- Winner: Roam (If price is a priority)
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | roam 2 |
| Durability | Tie |
| Sound Quality | roam 2 |
| Features | roam 2 |
| Portability | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Portability: Both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 are designed for portability, making them ideal for listening to music on the go. Their compact size and lightweight design allow for easy transport and placement in various settings.
- Durability: Both speakers share an IP67 rating, indicating a high level of water and dust resistance. This ensures they can withstand outdoor use and exposure to the elements, making them perfect for beach trips or poolside lounging.
- Connectivity: Both models offer versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This allows users to stream music from various sources, whether at home or away from a Wi-Fi network.
- Voice Control: Both the Roam and Roam 2 are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This enables hands-free control of music playback, volume adjustments, and other smart home features.
- Multi-Room Audio: Both speakers seamlessly integrate into a Sonos multi-room audio system. This allows users to synchronize music playback across multiple Sonos speakers throughout their home for a unified listening experience.
Sonos Roam Vs Roam 2 Buying Guide
Features and Functionality
The Sonos Roam and Roam 2 are both portable smart speakers offering a similar core set of features. Both support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless streaming from various music services and devices. They both boast Trueplay tuning, which automatically adjusts the sound output based on the environment. The Roam 2 improves upon the original with enhanced Bluetooth range and a slightly updated internal design. While the core functionality remains largely the same, the Roam 2 subtly refines the user experience with its improvements.
Sound Quality Comparison
Both speakers deliver impressive sound quality for their size. The Roam 2 builds on the foundation of the original Roam, offering a refined audio experience. You can expect clear highs, a balanced mid-range, and surprisingly punchy bass. The Roam 2 may have slight enhancements in sound separation and clarity due to its internal updates. However, the differences are subtle, and both speakers provide enjoyable listening experiences, particularly in smaller spaces or outdoors. The Roam 2 offers a more consistent sound profile.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Roam and Roam 2 share a similar compact and rugged design, making them ideal for portability. They are both dustproof and waterproof (IP67 rated), providing excellent protection against the elements. The Roam 2 has subtly updated aesthetics, and improved the physical buttons. The materials used feel durable and premium in both models. The Roam 2 is designed with improvements to the internal components and overall structure. The build quality of both speakers is robust, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor use.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life is approximately 10 hours of continuous playback for both. The Roam and Roam 2 both charge via USB-C and are also compatible with wireless charging. The Roam 2 may have slightly better power efficiency due to its updated internal components. The difference in battery performance between the two models is minimal, and both offer enough playback time for a day at the beach or a backyard gathering. Charging times are also similar, ensuring minimal downtime.
Connectivity and Smart Home Integration
Both speakers offer seamless connectivity with the Sonos ecosystem and support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows for multi-room audio setups and easy streaming from various sources. Integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant is also available, providing hands-free control. The Roam 2 retains the same connectivity options as the original Roam but may offer a more stable Bluetooth connection due to its improved internal design. Both speakers work well with smart home setups.
Value for Money
When considering value, the Roam 2 may justify its slightly higher price with the subtle improvements. Both speakers are a great value, offering a premium audio experience in a portable package. The Roam is still a fantastic option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. The Roam 2 may be the better choice if you prioritize the latest features, a more stable Bluetooth connection, and minor refinements to the user experience. Consider your budget and preferences.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sonos roam If…
- You find a great deal on the original Roam.
- You prioritize the absolute lowest price possible.
- You only need basic features and don’t mind missing the slight improvements of the Roam 2.
Buy roam 2 If…
- You want the latest features and improved performance.
- You value a more refined design and easier setup.
- You want a speaker with longer battery life.
- You prioritize the best possible sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Sonos Roam and Roam 2?
The Roam 2 offers improvements to Bluetooth connectivity, with a better range and more stable connection. It also features slightly refined internal components, which may contribute to a marginal improvement in sound quality and battery efficiency. Design is subtly updated. Both speakers offer dust and water resistance, and the ability to work with WiFi and Bluetooth. The core functionality and features are very similar.
Is the Sonos Roam 2 worth the upgrade from the original Roam?
Whether the Roam 2 is worth the upgrade depends on your needs. The improvements are incremental, but they do enhance the overall user experience. If you value a more stable Bluetooth connection, and slightly improved sound, then the upgrade might be worthwhile. If you are happy with the original Roam, the differences may not justify the added cost. Consider your budget.
Can I use the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 together in a multi-room setup?
Yes, both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 are fully compatible with the Sonos ecosystem. You can seamlessly integrate them into your multi-room audio setup, allowing you to play music in sync throughout your home. They can be grouped with other Sonos speakers and controlled via the Sonos app. This provides flexibility and convenience for your audio experience.
How durable are the Sonos Roam and Roam 2?
Both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 are built to be durable and withstand outdoor use. They are both IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, meaning they can handle splashes, rain, and even being submerged in water for a short time. They are designed to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor activities, such as camping or the beach.
Does the Sonos Roam 2 have better battery life than the original Roam?
The battery life of the Roam 2 is similar to the original Roam, offering approximately 10 hours of continuous playback. The Roam 2 might have slightly better power efficiency due to internal improvements, but the difference is minimal. Both speakers provide ample playtime for most listening scenarios. The battery life is a key feature.
Can I control the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 with voice assistants?
Yes, both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can control your music playback, adjust the volume, and access other features using voice commands. The integration with voice assistants adds convenience and hands-free control to your listening experience. This is a very useful feature.
What are the charging options for the Sonos Roam and Roam 2?
Both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 charge via USB-C. They are also compatible with wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging options. You can use any USB-C charger or a wireless charging pad. This makes charging easy at home or on the go. The charging options are very useful.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Roam 2 improves upon the original Roam with enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, slightly refined sound, and a few design tweaks. While the core functionality remains the same, the Roam 2 offers a more polished experience. Both speakers provide exceptional portability, sound quality for their size, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. The Roam 2 is the better overall product.
Winner: Sonos Roam 2