When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 stand out as two great choices. Both promise excellent sound quality, portability, and durability, but which one truly excels? Let’s break down the features of both, helping you make an informed decision based on your needs.
Why Do I Recommend The Sonos Roam 2?
The Sonos Roam 2 offers an enhanced sound experience, improved battery life, and more powerful features compared to the original Roam. Here are some compelling reasons why I recommend the Roam 2:
- Better Sound Quality: The Roam 2 provides clearer audio with a more robust bass, making it superior to the first generation.
- Extended Battery Life: With a longer playtime, Roam 2 is perfect for extended use, especially on the go.
- Improved Connectivity: Roam 2 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ensuring seamless streaming and a more stable connection.
- Enhanced Durability: It comes with an upgraded IP67 rating, offering better protection against dust and water.
- Better Charging Options: The Roam 2 includes faster USB-C charging, which makes it more convenient than the original Roam.
When compared to the original Sonos Roam, while it offers decent audio quality and durability, the Roam 2 is simply a more advanced and practical option for those seeking superior performance.
Side By Side Comparison Chart: Sonos Roam 1 vs Roam
| Feature | Sonos Roam (1) | Sonos Roam 2 |
| Sound Quality | Clear but lacks deep bass | Enhanced bass and clearer audio |
| Battery Life | 10 hours playback | 12 hours playback |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth only | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth for more versatile options |
| Durability | IP67 rating | Improved IP67 rating with extra durability |
| Charging Options | Micro USB charging | Faster USB-C charging |
| Waterproof | Yes, IP67 | Yes, with better protection |
| Voice Assistant | Limited functionality | Full voice assistant compatibility (Google, Alexa) |
| Size & Portability | Compact, lightweight | Same compact size, but slightly improved design |
What Common Features Can the Sonos Roam Do?
Both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 share several notable features that make them both fantastic options for any music lover on the go. These common features set them apart from many other portable Bluetooth speakers in the market.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 use Bluetooth for wireless music streaming, ensuring easy and quick connections to your devices. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or laptop, the connection is stable and reliable for music, podcasts, and calls.
- Waterproof Rating: The Sonos Roam speakers are built to withstand the elements. With an IP67 rating, both can be submerged in water for a limited period, ensuring you can take them to the pool or beach without worry.
- Portable Design: Both speakers feature compact designs that are easy to carry around. You can slip them in a bag or carry them by hand without much hassle.
- Voice Control: Both the Roam and Roam 2 have built-in voice assistants that allow hands-free control of your music and other smart devices. They support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, giving you a variety of options.
- Multi-Room Audio: Using the Sonos app, both devices allow for multi-room audio, so you can connect multiple Sonos speakers and create a whole-home sound system.
Common Features of Sonos Roam 1 vs Roam 2
| Feature | Sonos Roam (1) | Sonos Roam 2 |
| Waterproof | Yes, IP67 | Yes, IP67 with improved durability |
| Portable Design | Compact and lightweight | Same size but with slight design enhancements |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes, stable connection | Yes, supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Voice Control | Google Assistant & Alexa support | Google Assistant & Alexa support |
| Multi-Room Audio | Supported via Sonos app | Supported via Sonos app |
| USB Charging | Micro USB | Faster USB-C |
A Detailed Comparison of the Sonos Roam 1 vs Roam 2
Sound Quality:
The Sonos Roam provides a solid audio experience, with clear mids and highs. However, it lacks the depth of bass that some users may desire. The Sonos Roam 2, on the other hand, enhances the overall sound experience with deeper bass and richer sound clarity. This improvement is perfect for those who want a more immersive listening experience whether indoors or outdoors.
Battery Life:
The Sonos Roam 1 offers up to 10 hours of continuous playback, which is good for most casual users. The Sonos Roam 2 improves this with a 12-hour battery life, meaning you can enjoy more music between charges. For long trips or extended outdoor use, the Roam 2 is the better option.
Connectivity:
While both models support Bluetooth connectivity, the Sonos Roam 2 comes with the added bonus of Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a more versatile device for those who prefer streaming via Wi-Fi. This feature gives it a stable connection for music streaming in areas with a strong Wi-Fi network, while the original Sonos Roam relies solely on Bluetooth.
Durability:
Both models are built to last, but the Sonos Roam 2 takes durability a step further with an upgraded IP67 rating. This means it offers extra protection against dust and water. Both models are waterproof and ideal for outdoor adventures, but the Roam 2 will withstand harsher conditions.
Charging Options:
The Sonos Roam 1 uses Micro USB charging, which can be slower and less convenient than the newer USB-C standard. The Sonos Roam 2 includes USB-C charging, offering faster charging times and greater convenience. The USB-C port is also more common in modern devices, making it a more universal choice.
Conclusion:
After carefully reviewing both the Sonos Roam 1 and Roam 2, I highly recommend the Sonos Roam 2. Its superior sound quality, extended battery life, and versatile connectivity make it a better choice overall. The Roam 2 is perfect for those who want a portable, reliable, and durable speaker for all occasions. Don’t miss out on this upgrade for your music needs.
FAQs:
- What’s the difference between the Sonos Roam 1 and Roam 2?
The Roam 2 features improved sound quality, extended battery life, and additional Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a more versatile option. - Is the Sonos Roam waterproof?
Yes, both models are waterproof with an IP67 rating, allowing them to withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes. - How long does the Sonos Roam 2 last on a single charge?
The Sonos Roam 2 provides up to 12 hours of continuous playback, offering longer use than the original Roam. - Can I use the Sonos Roam 2 with Wi-Fi?
Yes, the Sonos Roam 2 supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for seamless streaming. - Does the Sonos Roam support voice assistants?
Yes, both the Sonos Roam and Roam 2 support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. - How is the sound quality on the Sonos Roam 2?
The Roam 2 provides richer sound with more pronounced bass and clearer audio compared to the original Roam. - Can the Sonos Roam 2 be used as part of a multi-room system?
Yes, both models support multi-room audio through the Sonos app, allowing you to sync multiple Sonos devices. - What is the charging method for the Sonos Roam 2?
The Sonos Roam 2 uses USB-C charging, which is faster and more convenient than the Micro USB used by the original Roam.
Alex Turner is a dedicated product researcher and reviewer at TopBuyGuide.com, known for his clear, honest, and data-driven insights. He spends countless hours testing, comparing, and analyzing products to help readers make confident and informed buying decisions.