Sonos Move 2 vs Roam: Portable Speakers Comparison

By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023

Sonos Move 2 vs Roam: Portable Speakers Comparison

Sonos has a range of portable speakers. The Move 2 and the Roam are some of its most recommended models. Both speakers offer excellent sound quality and are highly portable, but there are some differences to consider when deciding which one to purchase. Let's take a closer look!

SpecsSonos Move 2Sonos Roam
  Buy on  
 Amazon 
  Buy on  
 Amazon 
Price$449$179
Dimensions242 x 160 x 126 mm168 x 62 x 60 mm
Weight3 kg0.43 kg
ColorsBlack, white, oliveShadow black, lunar white, sunset, wave, olive
IP RatingIP56IP67
Automatic TrueplayYesYes
Spatial SoundNoNo
Voice ControlSonos, Alexa Sonos, Alexa, Google Assistant
Battery Life24 hours10 hours
Wireless ChargingYes, includedYes, excluded
Line-In AdapterYesNo

Key Takeaways

Move 2 has an IP56 rating while Roam has a higher IP67 rating. Roam is also lighter at 0.43kg, compared to Move 2 which weighs 3kg. However, Move 2 lasts up to 24 hours while Roam lasts only up to 10 hours. Move 2 also delivers powerful stereo sound with 2 tweeters and 3 amplifiers, compared to Roam's single tweeter and 2 amplifiers.

Sonos Move 2

Sonos Move 2

Powerful Portable Speaker

✓ Powerful stereo sound
✓ IP56 Water-Resistant
✓ Up to 24 hours of playback
✓ Automatic Trueplay

Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam

Ultra-Portable Speaker

✓ Compact and lightweight
✓ IP67 Waterproof
✓ Up to 10 hours of playback
✓ Automatic Trueplay

#1 Price

Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam

When it comes to price, Sonos Roam is more affordable at USD$179. Sonos Move 2, on the other hand, is quite expensive at US$449, making it a more premium option for those willing to pay more for top-notch quality. After all, the Move 2 is currently Sonos' most powerful portable speaker, justifying its higher price tag.

#2 Design & Durability

Sonos Move 2

Sonos Move 2

Sonos Move 2 is quite bulky in appearance, measuring 242 x 160 x 126 mm. However, it is still portable with a built-in handle and a reasonable weight of 3 kg, making it easy to carry around for trips or outdoor activities. The speaker also has an IP56 rating, which makes it resistant to dust, dirt, spills, splashes, rain, and sun. The Move 2 is also drop-resistant and is available in 3 colors: black, white, and olive.

Sonos Roam is much smaller and lighter with dimensions of 168 x 62 x 60 mm and a weight of only 0.43 kg. It doesn't have a built-in handle, but the design is ergonomic and small enough for easy one-handed carrying. It also has a higher IP67 rating, which makes it dustproof, waterproof, and capable of being submerged in 1 m of water for up to 30 minutes. Sonos Roam is also drop-resistant and comes in 5 colors: shadow black, lunar white, sunset, wave, and olive.

Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam

Another advantage that the Roam has over the Move 2 is its versatile design. You can either place it standing upright to save space or lay it horizontally for more stability. What's more impressive is that the sound can adjust to the speaker's position, ensuring an optimal listening experience.

Another difference both speakers have when it comes to design is the physical control. Sonos Move 2 has touch controls, while Sonos Roam offers button controls. Button controls are more tactile, but touch controls can be easier to use. This difference may ultimately come down to personal preference.

#3 Sound & Performance

Sonos Move 2

Sonos Move 2

With a larger build, the Move 2 delivers a more powerful sound performance. It features two tweeters, three class-D digital amplifiers, one mid-woofer, and a microphone array. Sonos Roam, on the other hand, features only one tweeter, two class-H digital amplifiers, one mid-woofer, and a microphone array.

Both speakers support Automatic Trueplay, which uses the microphone of the speaker to analyze the acoustics of the surrounding environment and adjust the sound accordingly, delivering the optimal listening experience wherever you are.

With the Sonos app, you can also fine-tune the sound settings of both speakers to your liking, such as adjusting bass, treble, and loudness.

#4 Connectivity

Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam

You can connect both the Sonos Move 2 and Roam to WiFi when you're home or to Bluetooth devices when you're away. Apple AirPlay 2 is also supported on both speakers, so you can stream music from your Apple devices running on iOS 11.4 or higher.

One difference between the two speakers is that the Move 2 works with Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa on both Bluetooth and WiFi. Sonos Roam, on the other hand, supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant on WiFi and Sonos Voice Control on both WiFi and Bluetooth.

Sonos Move 2 also supports the Sonos Line-In Adapter, a 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter that allows you to connect a turntable, computer, CD player, or other audio sources to the speaker.

#5 Battery & Power

Sonos Move 2

Sonos Move 2

Sonos Move 2 has a better 44Wh battery that provides up to 24 hours of continuous playback. It also comes with a Wireless Charging Base included, so you can extend the battery life even longer without worrying about cables.

Sonos Roam, on the other hand, is powered by an 18Wh battery with a battery life of 10 hours. It is significantly shorter than the Move 2, but it is good enough for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Sonos Roam also works with a wireless charger, but it needs to be purchased separately for US$49.

Sonos Move 2 vs Roam

Final Thoughts

Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam

Sonos Move 2 is an excellent portable speaker with powerful stereo sound and impressive battery life, but Sonos Roam has better portability and durability with its compact design, lightweight, and high IP67 rating.

We recommend the Move 2 if you're looking for a more premium option with a more powerful sound and longer battery life, and if you don't mind its larger size and weight. However, if you prioritize portability and durability and don't mind sacrificing a bit on the sound quality and battery life, then the Roam is the perfect fit for you.

If you like to read more about Smart Home Speakers, check out our other relevant guides here:

The Best Smart Home Speakers 2023

Apple HomePod Mini Review

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Review

Sonos Move 2 vs Sonos Move

Sonos Move 2 vs Era 300

Sonos Move 2 vs Era 100

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs HomePod Mini

Apple Homepod Mini vs Sonos One (Gen 2)

Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Google Nest Mini

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Don't miss out on tech

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.

Recommended reading

Insta360 Link 2 vs Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra

By Elisabeth Christ | Oct 03, 2024
Read more

Insta360 Link 2 vs Logitech MX Brio

By Elisabeth Christ | Oct 03, 2024
Read more

Insta360 Link 2 vs Obsbot Tiny 2

By Elisabeth Christ | Oct 03, 2024
Read more