The ultra-portable speaker market is fiercely competitive, yet Sonos has consistently carved out a premium niche for itself. With the new Roam 2, the company isn’t just releasing an update; it’s refining its vision for go-anywhere audio that lives seamlessly within a wider ecosystem. This iteration focuses less on revolution and more on addressing the key usability critiques of its predecessor.
At first glance, the Sonos Roam 2 is a dead ringer for the original, retaining the same elegant, rounded triangular prism design that’s both easy to grip and stable on flat surfaces. The build quality remains exceptional, with an IP67 rating that ensures it’s fully dustproof and can survive submersion in a meter of water for 30 minutes. The main design tweak is a welcome one: a new monochromatic finish, where even the Sonos logo matches the body color, creates a sleeker, more understated look. The most significant physical change, however, is the introduction of a dedicated power and Bluetooth pairing button, a direct response to the confusing single-button setup of the first-gen model. This small change makes a world of difference, simplifying the process of switching between modes and making the Roam 2 instantly more intuitive for on-the-go use.
Sonically, the Roam 2 delivers the same impressive audio performance that made the original a standout in its size class. The sound profile is surprisingly rich and well-balanced, avoiding the tinny highs or muddy bass that plague many small speakers. It won’t fill a large party with thunderous bass, but for personal listening, small groups, or adding ambiance to a room, it excels. The magic of Automatic Trueplay returns, using the speaker’s built-in microphones to constantly analyze its surroundings and tune the EQ accordingly. This means the Roam 2 sounds great whether it’s tucked into a bookshelf, placed in an open field, or sitting poolside, a feature that provides a tangible and consistent audio advantage.
The true value of the Roam 2, like any Sonos product, is its deep integration into the company’s ecosystem. At home, it functions as a flawless Wi-Fi speaker, grouping with other Sonos devices for multi-room audio and controlled via the robust Sonos app. When you walk out the door, it transitions to a high-quality Bluetooth speaker. This dual personality is its core strength. Battery life is still a point of contention; Sonos claims up to 10 hours of playback, which is respectable but falls short of competitors like the JBL Flip 6 or Bose SoundLink Flex. While it will get you through a full day at the beach, you’ll want to keep the USB-C cable handy for longer trips.
Ultimately, the Sonos Roam 2 is an intelligent, if incremental, upgrade. The simplified Bluetooth control removes the single biggest frustration of the original, making it a much more pleasant device to use every day. For existing Sonos users, the Roam 2 is the best ultra-portable companion for their system, offering a seamless extension of their home audio experience. For those new to the Sonos world, however, the value proposition is more complex. You’re paying a significant premium for that Wi-Fi integration, and if you only ever plan to use it as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, there are more affordable options that offer comparable sound and superior battery life.
Where to Buy:
Sonos Roam 2 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
-
Value:
84% -
Design:
89% -
Performance:
87% -
Quality:
91% -
Popularity:
83%
Top Pros
- ✅ Seamlessly integrates with the wider Sonos Wi-Fi ecosystem.
- ✅ Dedicated Bluetooth button significantly improves everyday ease of use.
- ✅ Sound quality is impressive for its compact, durable size.
- …
Key Cons
- ❌ Battery life remains average compared to leading competitors.
- ❌ Premium price is steep for a standalone Bluetooth speaker.
- ❌ Audio performance is not a major leap over its predecessor.
