The Roam 2 is lighter at 430 grams, making it more portable than the 680-gram Beats Pill. Both have an IP67 rating, so they’re dustproof and waterproof. However, the Beats Pill offers a longer battery life of 24 hours, compared to the Roam 2’s 10 hours. Sound-wise, the Beats Pill delivers stronger bass, while the Roam 2 provides clearer mids and highs. Additionally, the Roam 2 supports Wi-Fi connectivity and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, whereas the Beats Pill focuses on straightforward Bluetooth functionality without these smart features.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 is lighter at 430 grams, making it lighter and more portable than the 680-gram Beats Pill. Both speakers are IP67-rated, meaning they’re dustproof and can handle being submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes, so they’re both suitable for outdoor use. However, the Beats Pill offers a longer battery life of up to 24 hours, compared to the Roam 2’s 10 hours.
In terms of sound, the Beats Pill delivers a bass-heavy output, which is great for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or dance music. The Roam 2, on the other hand, provides clearer mids and highs, making it more versatile across different music styles. Additionally, the Roam 2 supports Wi-Fi connectivity and integrates with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, offering more smart features than the Beats Pill, which focuses on straightforward Bluetooth functionality without these extras.
Specs Table
Here’s a comparison of the key specifications between the Sonos Roam 2 and the Beats Pill:
| Specification | Sonos Roam 2 | Beats Pill |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 inches (168 x 62 x 60 mm) | 2.8 x 8.6 x 2.8 inches (71 x 219 x 71 mm) |
| Weight | 0.95 lbs (0.43 kg) | 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) |
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery (up to 10 hours playback) | Rechargeable battery (up to 24 hours playback) |
| IP Rating | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, Apple AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C audio |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes (Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control) | Yes (via connected smartphone’s assistant) |
| Audio Components | One tweeter, one mid-woofer, two Class-H digital amplifiers | One racetrack woofer, one tweeter |
| Automatic Trueplay Tuning | Yes | No |
| Colors Available | Black, White | Matte Black, Statement Red, Champagne Gold |
| Additional Features | Sound Swap, Drop resistant, Button controls | Fast Fuel charging (10-minute charge = 2 hours playback), USB-C device charging |
Note: Specific wattage and power output details for the speakers’ audio performance are not publicly disclosed by Sonos or Beats.
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 and Beats Pill have very different sound profiles. The Sonos Roam 2 has a single tweeter and mid-woofer powered by Class-H digital amplifiers, while the Beats Pill uses a racetrack woofer and a tweeter. Listening to “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, the Roam 2 delivered a balanced and clear mix, with crisp vocals and well-defined instrument separation. The bass was present but didn’t overpower the mids and highs. The Beats Pill, on the other hand, had a much stronger low end, making the bassline more prominent, but the vocals felt slightly less detailed in comparison. The Beats Pill definitely had more energy in the lower frequencies, which could be great for bass-heavy genres, but for this track, the Roam 2 felt more natural.
Switching to “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, I wanted to see how both speakers handled a modern pop track with a wide soundstage. The Roam 2, with its Automatic Trueplay tuning, adapted well to different spaces and maintained clarity, especially in the high frequencies. The synths and percussion were sharp, and the stereo-like effect felt spacious even though it’s a mono speaker. The Beats Pill brought more punch to the bass, making the song feel more energetic, but it didn’t create the same depth in the highs. At higher volumes, the Beats Pill’s bass was fun, but it started to dominate the mix, while the Roam 2 kept everything balanced, making it easier to pick out different elements in the song.
To test acoustic clarity, I played “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. The Roam 2 excelled in bringing out the warmth in the vocals and the richness in the guitar, making the performance feel more intimate. The Beats Pill still sounded good, but the bass-heavy tuning made the lower mids a little muddy in comparison. If I were listening to hip-hop or EDM, I’d probably prefer the Beats Pill for its deep bass response, but for overall versatility and clarity, the Roam 2 felt like the better speaker. Personally, I’d go with the Roam 2 if I wanted a more natural and well-rounded sound, but if strong bass and a louder, more aggressive sound signature were my priority, the Beats Pill would be the better pick.
Design Comparison
When comparing the design and build quality of the Sonos Roam 2 and the Beats Pill, I noticed distinct differences that cater to various preferences. The Roam 2 weighs 430 grams, making it lighter than the 680-gram Beats Pill. Both speakers have an IP67 rating, indicating they are dustproof and waterproof, suitable for outdoor use. The Roam 2’s compact size allows it to fit into a jacket pocket, enhancing its portability. In contrast, the Beats Pill’s larger dimensions and additional weight make it less convenient to carry without a bag.
In terms of aesthetics, the Beats Pill has a sleek, iconic design that many find appealing. Its extra weight contributes to a sense of solidity and premium quality. The Sonos Roam 2, while smaller, offers a modern look with its triangular shape and matte finish. Both speakers are designed with durability in mind, but the Roam 2’s lighter build may be more suitable for those seeking true portability.
The Verdict?
The Sonos Roam 2 is a more well-rounded option with its Wi-Fi connectivity, smart features like voice assistant support, and Automatic Trueplay tuning that adjusts the sound based on where you’re listening. It’s also lighter, easier to carry, and has a durable IP67-rated build, making it a great companion for outdoor adventures. The sound is balanced and clear, which works well for a variety of music genres, and while it doesn’t hit as hard in the bass department as the Beats Pill, it delivers a more refined listening experience. Personally, I would go with the Roam 2 if I wanted a speaker that works just as well at home as it does on the go, especially since it can integrate with a larger Sonos system.
That being said, I think the Beats Pill is a solid choice for someone who just wants a loud Bluetooth speaker with strong bass and long battery life. It lasts up to 24 hours compared to the Roam 2’s 10, which makes a big difference if you’re using it all day without easy access to charging. It also has that signature Beats sound, with deep lows and an energetic feel that works best with hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. If bass-heavy music is your thing and you don’t need Wi-Fi or smart features, the Beats Pill could be the better pick. Overall, though, the Roam 2 offers more versatility and better overall sound clarity, making it the better speaker in my opinion.