Sonos Roam 2 Review: The Best Portable Speaker in 2024?

We give you our thoughts on the Sonos Roam 2 and go into the reasons why it’s a great portable speaker option.

Sonos Releases - Updated 13th September 2024

Sonos Roam 2 Review: The Best Portable Speaker in 2024?

Written By

Emily Phillips

Everything You Need to Know about the Sonos Roam 2

Three years after its initial release, Sonos’ Roam Portable Speaker has had an upgrade. The Sonos Roam 2 promises to deliver the same high-quality sound and portability as its predecessor, with some subtle tweaks and enhancements to improve overall usability.

Boasting the same RRP of £179 and designed to be used as both a home speaker and as a neat portable solution for on-the-go listening, the Sonos Roam 2 is compatible with both Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi to give you the best of both worlds.

We’ve had plenty of time to get to know the Sonos Roam 2 and have gathered our thoughts to help you decide whether this speaker is right for you.

Interested in a Sonos portable speaker? We've also filmed a Sonos Roam 2 vs Sonos Move 2 head-to-head over on our YouTube channel, which is worth checking out.

SHOP SONOS ROAM 2

Sonos Roam 2: What's New

Launched alongside Sonos Ace, Sonos’ first-ever wireless headphones, the Sonos Roam 2’s launch went a little under the radar initially.

Boasting the same battery life, IP67 weatherproof rating, impressive sound signature and advanced smart technology as the original, it's fair to say the Roam 2 hasn’t undergone a complete overhaul.

However, beyond the familiar features, Sonos has worked hard to address a suite of long-requested enhancements to make it an overall more compelling package. The key changes are as follows:

1. Refreshed Monotone Finish
2. Seperate power & Bluetooth buttons for improved ease of use
3. Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity straight out of the box
4. Improved USB-C to USB-C charging cable

For a deeper dive into the specific improvements, check out our blog post, Sonos Roam 2 vs. Sonos Roam: A Worthwhile Upgrade?.

Sonos Roam 2: Sound Quality

Just like the original Roam, the Sonos Roam 2 utilises two Class-H digital amplifiers to power a mid-woofer and tweeter, which offers a great range between lower frequencies and crisp, higher notes. For a speaker of this size, the sound output is impressive and balanced, which makes it a great option for both taking out and about or using as a music solution in a smaller room in the house.

A neat feature that’s been carried over from the original is that the Roam’s EQ settings will automatically adjust based on whether it’s in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Paired with Auto-Trueplay, a feature that acoustically adjusts the speaker output based on the size and shape of the space it’s positioned in, the Roam 2 will sound as good as possible wherever you’re using it.

At this size and price point, the Roam 2 doesn’t offer quite the same bass performance as bigger speakers in the Sonos range like the Sonos Move 2, but compared to similar portable speakers, the Roam 2 will hold its own, making it the perfect companion for your travels.

✓ Crisp and Clear Audio Performance

✓ Automatic EQ Adjustment

✓ Auto-Trueplay Tuning

More: Sonos Move 2 Review: Portability Perfected?

Sonos Roam 2: Size and Design

One thing that struck us when handling the original Sonos Roam was the premium nature of its finish, and this has only improved with this second iteration.

With an updated, monochromatic finish that matches Sonos' newer products and a rounded, pyramid-shaped grille, the Roam 2 sits securely on any surface, so you won't have to worry about it rolling away while you listen.

Sonos have also addressed one of the Sonos Roam’s biggest issues by supplying the Roam 2 with separate Power and Bluetooth buttons on the rear. By improving the ergonomics, Sonos has made it easier than ever to power on and connect to your device via Bluetooth. With dedicated controls, you can spend less time messing around with settings and more time enjoying your music.

At only 0.43kg, it won’t weigh you down on the go. We’d have liked to see a carry case or carry strap supplied with the Roam 2, but its rugged exterior and compact form make it perfect for throwing in a backpack all the same.

The rounded, pyramidal shape also aids acoustic performance, as it angles the speaker driver up towards the listener and not down towards the floor or hard surface. A rubberised top and bottom increase durability; in our tests, the Roam 2 was happy being rough handled, with no external damage or internal issues to the speaker driver or sound quality.

✓ Light and small

✓ Updated modern finish with rubberised ends for extra protection

✓ Separate Bluetooth and Power buttons for ease of use

✓ Pyramid shape aids speaker performance and stability

Sonos Roam 2: Charging and Battery

In our tests, the Roam 2’s charge comfortably exceeded the 10-hour playback time suggested by Sonos, meaning you can keep the music playing without concern that you’ll be left short as the day progresses. This also means you might be able to go a whole camping trip or weekend away without needing to charge the Roam 2 up, depending on how long you’re listening for each day.

The power button on the speaker also allows you to turn the Roam 2 off fully or put it into a low-power sleep mode, a handy feature if you’re taking the Roam 2 away and want to conserve your battery life for as long as possible.

As standard, the Sonos Roam 2 is now supplied with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, allowing you to charge it back up more efficiently. Not only will the Roam 2 charge faster than its predecessor, but by increasing the capacity of the charging cable, you’ll be able to spend less time tethered to the mains power and more time enjoying your favourite audio wherever you’re listening.

The Roam 2 is also compatible with wireless Qi charging bases. You may be familiar with this feature found in some of the latest tech, and this gives you the option to charge the Roam on a compatible base without having to plug it in via USB-C cable. Sonos does supply their own wireless charging base for £44 if you want to purchase one separately.

SHOP ROAM 2 WIRELESS CHARGER

Sonos Roam 2: Bluetooth Pairing and Auto Switching

Sonos is well known for its extensive multi-room ecosystem, offering a wide range of features for those who enjoy a totally connected listening experience. However, the updated Roam 2 caters to those seeking a more straightforward approach with Bluetooth connectivity straight out of the box.

With improved Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, you can now play music directly from your device without any setup process within the Sonos app. While we still recommend using the app for the full range of features, the Roam 2 is now a much better option for those who want to listen to music without any fuss.

If you do opt to connect via the Sonos app, the Roam 2 facilitates the seamless transition between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth courtesy of the Auto Switching feature. When taken nearer to your router, the Roam 2 will automatically connect back to your home WiFi network and become visible on the Sonos App again.

Another benefit is you can also send any Bluetooth audio to the rest of your Sonos speakers, including non-Bluetooth Sonos speakers. This feature can be used to share audio from a Bluetooth turntable to your other Sonos speakers, enabling you to bring that into your system.

✓ Enhanced Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity

✓ Bluetooth connectivity straight out of the box

✓ Auto Switching makes swapping between Bluetooth and WiFi seamless

Sonos Roam 2: Sound Swap

Another returning feature on the Sonos Roam 2 is Sound Swap. This enables you to send any audio from your Roam 2 to the nearest Sonos speaker in your home.

To do this, you simply have to press and hold the play/pause button, and the audio will automatically start playing on the closest Sonos speaker.

In our testing, this feature worked seamlessly and would be great if you're listening to the Roam 2 outside in your garden and want to carry on listening on your Sonos Era 100 in the kitchen, for example.

Sonos Roam 2: Weather Rating

The Roam 2 comes certified with an IP67 weather rating, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes. Though it’s unlikely that you’ll want to give your new Sonos Roam 2 a bath, it’s reassuring to know the longevity of this product won’t be hindered by rain, drink spills, or even accidental dropping in the pool. IP67 also protects the Roam 2 against dust exposure, making it the perfect choice for taking to the beach.

Interestingly, Sonos’ Wireless Qi charging base is also IP54 rated. This might seem a bit unnecessary, but it does mean you can shove this charger in the same bag as the Roam to take out for adventures without needing to worry about it getting dusty or damp.

An operating temperature range of between 5 and 35℃ ensures the Roam will handle most extremes of the British weather, but be aware that the battery performance is likely to degrade after long exposure outside of the specified temperature range.

✓ IP67 Rating for water and dust protection

✓ 5-35℃ operating temperature covers most scenarios

Sonos Roam 2 Review: Our Verdict

So, what do we think of the Sonos Roam 2? While it's a bit more expensive than other portable speakers, when you consider what you’re getting for the money, you can see why this will appeal to both existing Sonos fans and newbies alike.

The Roam 2 is a great addition to your Sonos system, perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, or even outdoor listening, and its small size makes it easy to take anywhere with you.

Plus, with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi onboard, the Roam 2 seamlessly blends the convenience of a portable speaker with the connectivity of a dedicated smart speaker, offering full integration with your wider Sonos home ecosystem. It's a unique proposition in the wider portable speaker market, and although it might not be right for everyone, it definitely offers enough to be worth considering.

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