Check out our review and comparison of the Sonos Roam 2 deal against other portable speakers available on the market, offered by our audio expert.
The Sonos Roam 2, the latest addition to Sonos' lineup of wireless speakers, offers a unique blend of features that sets it apart from its competitors, such as the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) and JBL Charge 6.
Advantages of Sonos Roam 2
The Sonos Roam 2 boasts several advantages that make it an appealing choice for music enthusiasts. It supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing seamless integration into a Sonos multi-room audio system and compatibility with AirPlay 2. This versatility enhances its usability, whether you're enjoying music at home or on the go.
The Roam 2 also includes built-in Alexa and Sonos voice assistants, providing hands-free control when on Wi-Fi, a feature not commonly found on other portable speakers. Its sleek, minimalist design, compact form factor, and IP67 dust and waterproof rating make it durable for outdoor use and stylish for home environments. The speaker delivers balanced, rich, and clear audio with decent bass for its size, and uses Trueplay tuning to adjust sound to the environment. Additionally, it supports wireless charging and has a replaceable battery, which can extend the speaker's usable life.
Disadvantages of Sonos Roam 2
While the Sonos Roam 2 offers numerous advantages, it also has some notable disadvantages. Its battery life, for instance, is significantly lower than that of competitors like the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex, with a maximum of 10 hours. This may limit long outdoor sessions. Furthermore, the Roam 2 is relatively expensive compared to other portable speakers with similar Bluetooth audio capabilities, making it less budget-friendly. Lastly, the Roam 2 downmixes stereo to mono, which can be a drawback for users who prioritize true stereo separation in portable mode.
Comparisons with Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) and JBL Charge 6
| Feature | Sonos Roam 2 | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) | JBL Charge 6 | |------------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Connectivity | Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and AptX | Bluetooth only | | Battery Life | ~10 hours | Up to 30 hours | ~20 hours | | Water and Dust Rating | IP67, floats | IP67, floats | IP67 | | Sound Quality | Balanced, rich, Trueplay tuning | Excellent bass and clarity, position-aware sound | Good bass and clarity | | Smart Features | Alexa and Sonos voice assistant | No smart assistant on Wi-Fi | No smart assistant | | Price | Premium (around $179 or more) | Mid-range | Mid-range | | Additional Features| Wireless charging, replaceable battery | Customizable shortcut button, app EQ, SimpleSync | Rugged design, longer battery life|
Choosing the Right Speaker
The choice between the Sonos Roam 2, Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), and JBL Charge 6 depends on your priorities. If you value smart speaker features, multi-room Wi-Fi connectivity, and integration with a Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Roam 2 is the ideal choice.
For those who prioritize excellent sound quality, long battery life, Bluetooth 5.3, and slightly better value, the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) might be more appealing. If you want the longest battery life, ruggedness, and reliable Bluetooth performance at a more affordable price but without smart features, the JBL Charge 6 would be a suitable option.
Each speaker caters to somewhat different priorities—Sonos Roam 2 excels in smart and integrated home audio features while Bose and JBL focus more on battery life and traditional portable Bluetooth speaker strengths.
The Sonos Roam 2's battery can be charged through USB-C, and a wireless charging dock is available separately. The speaker can be positioned vertically or horizontally for optimal stability. It has automatic Trueplay tuning on board to adapt to its environment and deliver the best possible sound. The Sonos Roam 2 is available in five colours: Black, Sunset, Wave, Olive, and White. It can be added to an existing Sonos system for multi-room audio.
In conclusion, the Sonos Roam 2 offers a unique combination of smart features, versatile connectivity, and excellent sound quality, making it a strong contender in the portable Bluetooth speaker market. However, its battery life and price may be a consideration for some users.
- The Sonos Roam 2, with its support for AirPlay 2, can complement the color scheme of your living room when used as part of a SmartHome lifestyle, given its availability in five colors: Black, Sunset, Wave, Olive, and White.
- As you unwind in your home, you might appreciate the Sonos Roam 2's ability to deliver clear and balanced audio, which can be further enhanced with technology like Trueplay tuning that adjusts the sound to suit the environment.
- Remember, when catching up on work or entertainment on your smartphone, the Sonos Roam 2's versatile connectivity options make it a seamless companion; its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities allow it to easily integrate into your existing gadgets.
