The Sonos Roam 2 offers seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem, featuring Wi-Fi connectivity, multi-room audio support, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Its compact design and automatic Trueplay tuning make it versatile for various environments. However, its battery life is around 10 hours. In contrast, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) delivers rich, deep bass and omnidirectional sound, providing a more immersive audio experience. It has an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours at moderate volumes and supports Alexa voice assistant over Bluetooth. While it lacks Wi-Fi and multi-room capabilities, its elegant design and superior sound quality make it a strong contender for those prioritizing audio performance over smart features.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 is equipped with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which means it can be part of a multi-room audio setup while still working as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. It’s compact and lightweight at just under a pound, making it easy to throw in a bag. Sound-wise, it has a tweeter and a mid-woofer, powered by two Class-H amplifiers, giving it balanced, detailed audio with decent clarity across different genres. But with only 10 hours of battery life, it might need frequent charging, especially on long trips.
The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen), on the other hand, leans heavily into premium sound quality and battery performance. It’s a little heavier at 1.23 pounds, but it feels sturdy and well-crafted. It uses a 3.5-inch woofer and a 0.6-inch tweeter, each powered by 30W Class D amplifiers, delivering rich, full-bodied sound with deep bass and a 360-degree listening experience. The battery life is a major advantage, lasting up to 18 hours at moderate volume, making it a great option for long days outdoors or extended listening sessions. It doesn’t have Wi-Fi or multi-room support, but it still offers Bluetooth 5.1 and Amazon Alexa integration, making it one of the few portable Bluetooth speakers with built-in voice control.
Both speakers are IP67-rated, meaning they can handle dust, splashes, and even full submersion in water, so durability isn’t an issue for either. Choosing between them really comes down to what matters more. If you want a speaker that integrates into a smart home setup, works with voice assistants, and offers multi-room audio, the Sonos Roam 2 makes the most sense. But if battery life and powerful, immersive sound are your top priorities, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is the better fit.
Table Comparison
| Specification | Sonos Roam 2 | Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 168 x 62 x 60 mm | 46 x 133 x 133 mm |
| Weight | 0.43 kg | 0.558 kg |
| IP Rating | IP67 (Dustproof and waterproof up to 1 m for 30 minutes) | IP67 (Dustproof and waterproof) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging Time | Not specified | Approximately 2.75 hours with 5V – 3A charging |
| Amplifiers | Two Class-H digital amplifiers | Two 30W Class D amplifiers (one for each driver) |
| Drivers | One tweeter, one midwoofer | 1 x 3.5″ woofer, 1 x 0.6″ tweeter |
| Frequency Range | Not specified | 55 Hz – 20,000 Hz (-10 dB) |
| Maximum SPL | Not specified | 92 dB SPL at 1 meter |
| Wireless Connectivity | WiFi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.2, Apple AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth 5.1, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs |
| Voice Assistant Support | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Amazon Alexa built-in |
| Stereo Pairing | Yes, with another Sonos Roam 2 | Yes, with another Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) |
| Adjustable EQ | Yes, via the Sonos app | Yes, five presets available in the Bang & Olufsen app and fully customizable |
| Automatic Trueplay | Yes | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Qi Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
Sound Performance
Playing Hotel California by Eagles, the Sonos Roam 2 delivered clear vocals and crisp guitar details, making the acoustic sections sound natural. The mids were well-balanced, and the tweeter helped the high frequencies come through without harshness. However, when the bassline and drums kicked in, I felt the Roam 2 struggled a little with depth. The mid-woofer does a good job of delivering warmth, but the overall bass response felt controlled rather than powerful, which is great for a balanced mix but might leave bass lovers wanting more.
Switching to the Beosound A1, the difference was immediate. The same track had a much richer and fuller sound, especially in the lower frequencies. The 3.5-inch woofer and 30W Class D amplification gave the song a weightier presence, making the bassline feel deeper and more pronounced. Playing Blinding Lights by The Weeknd, the A1 handled bass-heavy sections with more authority, producing a more immersive low-end experience. The 360-degree sound dispersion made the music feel more open, creating a larger soundstage compared to the Roam 2’s more directional approach. However, the highs weren’t as crisp as on the Roam 2, and I found that in more delicate tracks, the vocals sometimes blended slightly into the mix rather than standing on top of it.
For a final test, I played Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, a track that shifts between quiet, vocal-focused moments and intense, instrument-heavy sections. The Roam 2 did well with the harmonies and midrange clarity, making Freddie Mercury’s vocals sound sharp and well-defined. The A1, however, delivered more presence in the crescendos, making the climactic sections feel bigger and more powerful. Both speakers had their strengths, but I felt the Roam 2 was better suited for detailed listening at lower to moderate volumes, while the A1 had the edge when it came to a more immersive, room-filling experience with a stronger bass response.
Design Comparison
The Roam 2’s triangular prism shape, complemented by a sleek grille and silicone end caps, gives it a modern and minimalist look. Its IP67 rating means it’s dust-tight and waterproof, capable of being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes, making it a reliable companion for different environments. The tactile buttons are thoughtfully designed to prevent accidental presses during transit, and the durable materials provide confidence against drops and bumps.
In contrast, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) offers a completely different design experience. Its flat, circular form with a 5.2-inch diameter and a height of just 1.8 inches fits comfortably in the palm of my hand. Weighing 1.2 pounds (approximately 558 grams), it feels solid and well-built, with a premium aluminum top grille that gives it an elegant yet sturdy feel. The waterproof push-button interface blends seamlessly into the design, and like the Roam 2, it has an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof. A leather carrying strap is a nice addition, making it easier to carry or hang on a hook, and it adds a touch of refinement to the overall aesthetic.
Both speakers feel well-designed and durable, but they take different approaches. The Sonos Roam 2 is lighter and more ergonomic, making it ideal for people who are always on the move, while the Beosound A1 has a more substantial and luxurious feel, making it great for those who prioritize premium materials and a sleek design. If portability and versatility are the priority, the Roam 2 feels like the better pick, but for those who prefer a more high-end, statement piece, the Beosound A1 definitely has a more premium aesthetic.
The Verdict?
Personally, I would go with the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) as the speaker sounds slightly better than the Roam 2 – the 30W Class D amplifiers, 3.5-inch woofer, and 360-degree audio dispersion create a much fuller and more immersive sound, making music feel richer and more dynamic. The bass response is stronger, and it delivers a more room-filling experience compared to the Sonos Roam 2, which has a more balanced but slightly restrained low-end. The 18-hour battery life is another major advantage, meaning I wouldn’t have to charge it as often, making it perfect for long listening sessions, travel, or outdoor use. The aluminum build and leather strap also give it a more premium feel, which is a nice bonus if aesthetics matter.
That being said, I think the Sonos Roam 2 is the better choice for someone who values smart features and multi-room connectivity over pure sound performance. The Wi-Fi integration, AirPlay 2 support, and Sonos ecosystem compatibility make it incredibly versatile for people who already own Sonos speakers or want a portable speaker that works seamlessly in a smart home setup. The automatic Trueplay tuning also gives it an edge in terms of adjusting sound based on the environment. It’s also smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry around for those who prioritize portability. Overall, if I wanted a speaker purely for the best sound experience, I’d pick the Beosound A1, but if I needed a more connected and versatile speaker, the Sonos Roam 2 would be the better fit.