For a long time, my home audio setup was fragmented, a collection of decent speakers that never quite integrated, leaving gaps in sound coverage and convenience. The constant struggle of moving a larger speaker from room to room, or worse, having no quality sound for outdoor gatherings, was a real nuisance. This problem became particularly evident when I wanted seamless background music throughout my living spaces or a robust companion for a garden party. If this issue wasn’t addressed, I’d continue to compromise on audio quality and convenience, constantly tethered to a single spot or enduring subpar sound. Finding a versatile solution like the Sonos Roam 2 would have helped me immensely in those moments.
What to Consider Before Investing in a Portable Speaker
Before diving into any specific model, it’s crucial to understand why you need a portable speaker in the first place and what key attributes distinguish a good one. People typically seek portable speakers to solve the problem of limited audio reach, wanting to take their music, podcasts, or audiobooks wherever they go, be it across rooms, into the garden, or on a trip. The ideal customer for a device like the Sonos Roam 2 is someone who values sound quality, robust build, and flexible connectivity, often already invested in a multi-room audio ecosystem like Sonos, or someone looking to start one. They appreciate the convenience of voice control and a speaker that can withstand the elements.
However, this category isn’t for everyone. If you’re a hardcore audiophile primarily seeking raw power and earth-shattering bass for large parties, a compact portable speaker might not fully satisfy; you might need something larger or a dedicated PA system. Similarly, if your budget is extremely tight, there are more affordable, albeit less feature-rich, options on the market. Those who exclusively use Bluetooth and have no interest in Wi-Fi streaming or smart home integration might find some of the advanced features unnecessary. Before buying, consider sound quality, balancing clarity, bass, and mids; portability, ensuring it’s lightweight and compact enough for your needs; durability, particularly if you plan outdoor use (look for IP ratings); battery life, to match your listening habits; connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and multi-room capabilities; and any desired smart features such as voice assistants.
Introducing the Sonos Roam 2: A Compact Powerhouse
The Sonos Roam 2 is a sleek, ultra-portable smart speaker designed to bring the signature Sonos sound experience both inside and outside your home. It promises impressive clarity and bass that defy its compact size, seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem via Wi-Fi, and versatile standalone Bluetooth functionality. When you purchase it, you receive the speaker itself and a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, though you’ll need to supply your own power adapter or a compatible wireless charger. Compared to its predecessor, the original Sonos Roam, the Roam 2 offers a more user-friendly, dedicated Bluetooth button, streamlining the pairing process without needing the Sonos app, a small but significant improvement in usability. While it stands in a premium segment alongside rivals like the Bose SoundLink Flex or JBL Charge, the Roam 2 distinguishes itself with its multi-room Wi-Fi capabilities and Automatic Trueplay.
This particular speaker is ideally suited for individuals who want premium audio quality in a highly portable format and are either existing Sonos users looking to expand their system’s reach or new users drawn to the brand’s ecosystem. It’s also perfect for those who frequently move their speaker between rooms, take it outdoors, or desire smart assistant functionality on the go. It might not be the best fit for someone seeking only a basic, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker with no intention of using Wi-Fi or multi-room features, as its full value lies in its comprehensive smart audio experience.
Pros:
* Exceptional sound quality for its size, with balanced audio.
* Highly portable, lightweight, and durable with IP67 waterproofing.
* Seamless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, including multi-room audio.
* Automatic Trueplay tuning optimises sound for any environment.
* Integrated voice control (Sonos Voice Control, Amazon Alexa).
Cons:
* Battery life, while decent, isn’t class-leading compared to some rivals.
* Official wireless charger is sold separately and quite expensive.
* Lack of Amazon Alexa “Drop In” and calling features on third-party devices is a limitation.
* Takes time to boot up from a fully off state.
* Premium price point might be a barrier for some.
Diving Deep into Features and Benefits
Exceptional Sound Quality and Performance
From the moment I first powered on the Sonos Roam 2, I was genuinely taken aback by the sound it produced. Despite its compact footprint, the precision-engineered drivers truly deliver a soundstage that defies its size. The clarity is astonishing, allowing individual instruments and vocals to shine through with remarkable detail. What impressed me most was the balance across the frequency spectrum. Unlike many portable speakers that over-emphasise bass at the expense of everything else, the Roam 2 presents a well-rounded audio profile where treble, mids, and bass are harmoniously integrated. While I did fine-tune the EQ slightly within the Sonos app to match my personal preferences – a feature I greatly appreciate – the default sound is already excellent.
This balanced approach means that whether I’m listening to intricate jazz, thumping electronic music, or engaging podcasts, every element is rendered with fidelity. The bass, in particular, is punchy and deep without being boomy or muddy, providing a satisfying foundation to the audio. This superior sound quality is incredibly important because it elevates the listening experience from mere background noise to an engaging, immersive one, ensuring that music sounds as the artists intended, even on a portable device. It directly addresses the core problem of wanting high-quality audio anywhere, without compromise.
A standout feature is **Automatic Trueplay**, which is nothing short of brilliant. This technology uses the speaker’s built-in microphone to analyse the acoustic properties of its environment, then subtly adjusts the EQ to optimise the sound. I tested this extensively in various settings – a tiled kitchen, a carpeted living room, and even an echo-prone outdoor patio. Each time, after activating the mic, Trueplay kicked in, and I could discern the subtle but significant improvements. The sound became richer, more articulate, and surprisingly, even in challenging spaces, I experienced no noticeable echo, even at maximum volume. This intelligent adaptation ensures that you consistently get the best possible sound, regardless of where you place the Sonos Roam 2, enhancing its versatility and justifying its premium standing among portable speakers.
Portability and Robust Design
One of the primary reasons for choosing a portable speaker is, naturally, its portability. The Sonos Roam 2 excels here. It’s incredibly lightweight and ultra-compact, making it effortless to carry around the house or toss into a bag for a day out. While it’s not quite as featherlight as some tiny Bluetooth-only speakers, its balance of size and sound output is exceptional. It fits comfortably in my hand and easily slides into my backpack without adding significant bulk. This compact design is vital because it truly allows the “sound anywhere” promise to be realised, solving the problem of having to compromise on audio quality when away from your main setup.
Beyond its size, the construction of the Roam 2 is remarkably solid and durable. Crafted from high-quality plastic or rubber, it feels reassuringly robust. This build quality gives me confidence when taking it outdoors, knowing it can withstand the bumps and scrapes of daily life. Crucially, the Sonos Roam 2 boasts an **IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating**. I’ve had no qualms using it by the pool, in the bathroom, or taking it to the beach – a quick rinse is all it needs to clean off any grime. This level of durability is indispensable for an outdoor speaker, protecting your investment and ensuring longevity, effectively preventing the frustration of a delicate device being damaged by everyday use. The versatile design allows it to be stood upright or laid on its side, providing flexibility in placement, while the tactile buttons are easy to use and prevent accidental presses, a small detail that contributes significantly to user experience.
Flexible Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Multi-Room Audio
Connectivity is where the Sonos Roam 2 truly shines and differentiates itself from many competitors. It supports both **Bluetooth 5.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi**, providing the best of both worlds. The new, dedicated Bluetooth button is a much-appreciated upgrade. On the original Roam, switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sometimes felt like a fiddly process involving the Sonos app. Now, a simple press of a physical button on the back makes pairing with my phone or laptop instantaneous, removing any friction. This ease of switching is crucial because it caters to different usage scenarios: Bluetooth for pure portability when away from your home network, and Wi-Fi for superior sound quality and seamless integration into your Sonos multi-room audio system.
Speaking of multi-room audio, the Wi-Fi connectivity unlocks the full Sonos experience. I can group the Sonos Roam 2 with other Sonos speakers throughout my home, playing the same music simultaneously, or different audio in different rooms. This capability transforms a collection of speakers into a cohesive, whole-home audio system, dramatically enhancing the convenience and enjoyment of music around the house. It’s also compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, offering another high-quality streaming option for Apple users. The stable and reliable connection, whether via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, means fewer dropouts and a consistently smooth listening experience, directly solving the problem of unreliable wireless audio.
Smart Control: Voice Assistants and App Integration
The integration of voice control is a significant convenience feature on the Sonos Roam 2, featuring both **Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa**. Having a built-in microphone allows for hands-free control, which is incredibly useful whether you’re in the kitchen with messy hands or simply don’t want to reach for your phone. When connected to Wi-Fi, it acts like any other smart speaker, responding to commands for music playback, news updates, weather forecasts, and controlling other smart home devices. I particularly enjoy being able to simply tell my speaker to turn up the volume or switch tracks without lifting a finger.
However, I must highlight a couple of limitations I encountered regarding Alexa integration. One of my main reasons for wanting a smart portable speaker was the ability to use Amazon’s “Drop In” feature to communicate between rooms or use Alexa calling. Unfortunately, Amazon currently restricts these features on third-party Alexa devices, including the Roam 2. While I understand the reasoning – Echo devices typically have multiple microphones for better voice pickup, whereas the Roam 2 has one – it was still a letdown for my specific use case. Despite this, the Sonos Roam 2 still performs excellently for announcements, adding items to shopping lists, setting timers, and general queries, responding quickly and accurately. This hands-free ease undeniably contributes to a more modern and integrated smart home experience, despite these specific Alexa-related shortcomings.
Powering Up: Battery Life and Charging Options
Battery life is always a critical factor for any portable device, and the Sonos Roam 2 offers up to **10 hours of listening time** on a single charge. For my typical daily use, moving it between my office and the living room, this is generally sufficient. It comfortably lasts through a full workday or a long afternoon in the garden. However, when compared to some other portable speakers on the market that boast 15-20+ hours, the Roam 2’s battery life, while reasonable, isn’t groundbreaking. If you’re planning extended outdoor trips or multiple days of use without access to a charger, you might find yourself needing to top it up more frequently than ideal. This minor drawback is important to consider if maximum uptime away from power is your absolute priority.
When it comes to charging, Sonos has embraced the modern convenience of **USB-C to USB-C charging**. This means that if you pair it with a capable power adapter, you can expect relatively fast charging speeds. The speaker comes with the necessary USB-C cable, which is handy. Additionally, the Sonos Roam 2 supports wireless charging, which is a fantastic feature for convenience. Simply placing it on a compatible Qi-certified wireless charger eliminates the need to fiddle with cables. The catch, however, is the price of the official Sonos wireless charging base – at £49, it’s a significant additional investment. While any Qi charger will work, the official one integrates seamlessly with the Roam 2’s design. My only other minor gripe is the boot-up time; if the battery fully drains overnight, it takes a noticeably long time to power on the next morning, which can be frustrating when you want immediate access to smart features like Alexa.
Value Proposition and Premium Experience
Priced at £179, the Sonos Roam 2 firmly positions itself in the premium segment of portable speakers. This isn’t a budget option, and for good reason. The investment brings with it a host of features and a level of audio quality that justify the cost for the right user. The precision-engineered sound, the advanced Automatic Trueplay tuning, the robust IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, and the seamless integration into the multi-room Sonos ecosystem via Wi-Fi all contribute to a superior user experience. You’re not just buying a speaker; you’re buying into a sophisticated audio system that offers flexibility and high fidelity both at home and on the go.
The value derived from the Roam 2 lies in its ability to solve multiple problems: providing excellent sound quality in a portable format, offering versatile connectivity options, and integrating smart features for a modern lifestyle. While there are undoubtedly cheaper portable speakers, they often compromise on one or more of these fronts. The Sonos Roam 2 aims to deliver a comprehensive, no-compromise solution for those who appreciate premium audio and smart home convenience. For existing Sonos users, it’s an obvious and valuable extension to their system, truly filling the portable gap. For new users, it offers a compelling entry point into the Sonos ecosystem with a device that stands strong on its own merits.
What Others Are Saying: User Experiences with the Roam 2
Having scoured the internet, it’s clear that many users share my positive sentiments about the Sonos Roam 2. One user highlighted its excellent integration into their existing Sonos home system, praising the sound quality even at low volumes for not disturbing others – perfect for a quiet retreat. Another customer loved its aesthetic appeal and compact size, finding it ideal for smaller, damp rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, noting its impressive sound for such a small speaker. On the other hand, some users have expressed frustrations, particularly with initial Bluetooth pairing issues and occasional instability, wishing for better user-friendliness given the price point. One person, for example, reported battery charging failures after only a couple of months, an experience that led to a replacement but left them pondering alternatives.
Final Thoughts: Is the Sonos Roam 2 Right for You?
Ultimately, the Sonos Roam 2 is a remarkably well-engineered portable speaker that elegantly bridges the gap between a robust home audio system and on-the-go listening. It directly addresses the problem of wanting premium, versatile sound that follows you, whether you’re moving between rooms, enjoying the garden, or heading out on an adventure. The complications of not solving this problem include settling for inferior sound quality, constantly relocating bulkier speakers, or lacking smart functionality away from fixed power.
The Roam 2 stands out as a great fit to solve this with its exceptional sound quality and Automatic Trueplay tuning, ensuring optimal audio performance in any setting. Its durable, IP67 waterproof and dustproof design guarantees it can handle life’s demands, making it a reliable companion. Finally, its seamless integration with the wider Sonos ecosystem via Wi-Fi, alongside versatile Bluetooth connectivity, makes it incredibly flexible for both multi-room home audio and standalone portable use. If you value top-tier sound, robust build quality, and a smart, connected audio experience, the Sonos Roam 2 is a stellar choice. Click here to discover the Sonos Roam 2 for yourself!