The Roam 2 is a portable speaker with a 10-hour battery life and an IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dustproof—ideal for outdoor use. In contrast, the Era 100 is a stationary speaker that requires constant power and isn’t designed for portability. Sound-wise, the Era 100 offers richer audio with two angled tweeters and a mid-woofer, providing stereo separation and deeper bass compared to the Roam 2’s single tweeter and mid-woofer setup. Both speakers support voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and offer Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Era 100 lacks the Roam 2’s Sound Swap feature, which allows seamless audio transfer between Sonos speakers.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 is a portable speaker and is designed for rugged outdoor use. It has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s both dustproof and waterproof, capable of being submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for outdoor use. The Roam 2 offers up to 10 hours of battery life, supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and is compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa. Its audio setup includes one tweeter and one mid-woofer, powered by Class-H digital amplifiers, delivering clear and balanced sound.
In contrast, the Sonos Era 100 is designed for stationary use and requires a constant power source and does not have a battery, making it unsuitable for portable use. The Era 100 features two angled tweeters and one mid-woofer, powered by three Class-D amplifiers, providing stereo sound with richer bass compared to the Roam 2. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and includes a USB-C port for line-in connections using an adapter (sold separately). The Era 100 also works with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control.
Specs Table
| Specification | Sonos Roam 2 | Sonos Era 100 |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 inches (168 x 62 x 60 mm) | 7.18 x 4.72 x 5.14 inches (182.5 x 120 x 130.5 mm) |
| Weight | 0.95 lbs (0.43 kg) | 4.44 lbs (2.02 kg) |
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery (up to 10 hours playback) | Requires constant power connection |
| IP Rating | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) | Not rated for water or dust resistance |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.2, Apple AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, Line-in via USB-C (adapter required) |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes (Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control) | Yes (Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control) |
| Audio Components | One tweeter, one mid-woofer, two Class-H digital amplifiers | Two angled tweeters, one mid-woofer, three Class-D digital amplifiers |
| Automatic Trueplay Tuning | Yes | Yes |
| Idle Power Consumption | 1.34 Watts (USB-C); 2.79 Watts (Wireless Charger) | 1.98 Watts |
| Colors Available | Shadow Black, Lunar White, Olive, Sunset, Wave | Black, White |
Note: Specific wattage and power output details for the speakers’ audio performance are not publicly disclosed by Sonos.
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2, being a small portable speaker with a single tweeter and mid-woofer, has a clean and well-balanced sound, but it doesn’t push a lot of depth or stereo separation. When I played “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, the vocals were crisp, and the guitar had a nice clarity, but the bass didn’t hit as hard as I would have liked, especially in a larger room. The Era 100, on the other hand, filled the space effortlessly. With its dual-angled tweeters and a dedicated woofer, the sound had more dimension. The stereo effect was noticeable even though it’s still a single speaker, and the bass felt richer without being overpowering.
Switching to “Hotel California” by The Eagles, I wanted to hear how both speakers handled the layered instrumentation. The Roam 2 did a decent job keeping the acoustic guitar and vocals clear, but when the drums and bassline kicked in, I could tell it had some limitations, especially in the lower frequencies. The Era 100, being much larger and more powerful, delivered a much fuller experience. The individual instruments had more space to breathe, and the bass guitar had a warmth that wasn’t as present on the Roam 2. Even the little details, like the reverb on the vocals, came through more naturally, making it feel more immersive.
For a final test, I played “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, a track with a strong beat and dynamic production. The Roam 2 sounded good at moderate volume, but when I turned it up, the bass started to lose some impact, and the sound became slightly compressed. The Era 100, on the other hand, handled the volume increase effortlessly. The bass stayed punchy, the vocals remained clear, and the energy of the song was much more present. Personally, I think the Era 100 is the better speaker for anyone who wants a powerful and room-filling sound, but the Roam 2 is still a solid choice for portable listening. It’s great for casual use, but if sound quality is the priority, the Era 100 is in a different league.
Design Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 and Era 100 are built for completely different listening experiences, and their designs reflect that. The Sonos Roam 2 is small, lightweight, and made for portability. It fits easily in one hand, weighs less than a pound, and has a tough, durable feel. It’s rated IP67, meaning it’s completely dustproof and can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for outdoor use. Whether I’m taking it to the beach or just moving it around the house, it feels like a speaker that can handle a little rough treatment. The physical buttons are easy to press and feel more responsive than touch controls, which is great when using it on the go. The overall design is sleek but practical, with a sturdy body that feels well-protected against drops and scratches.
The Era 100, on the other hand, is clearly built to stay in one place. It’s much larger and heavier than the Roam 2, so while I can pick it up and move it between rooms, it’s not something I’d casually toss into a bag. It has a smooth, minimalist look with a slightly curved body that blends into a home setup effortlessly. Unlike the Roam 2, it doesn’t have water or dust resistance, so it’s meant to stay indoors. The touch controls on the top panel feel modern and work well, and there’s even a physical switch to disable the microphone for privacy, which is a nice touch. Both speakers feel premium and well-made, but they’re designed for completely different purposes. The Roam 2 is all about portability and durability, while the Era 100 is built for stationary, high-quality home listening. It really comes down to where and how you plan to use your speaker.
The Verdict?
The Sonos Roam 2 is the perfect option if you want something lightweight, durable, and portable. With its IP67 rating, it can handle outdoor adventures, whether that’s a trip to the beach or just moving around the house. It also runs on battery, which gives you up to 10 hours of playtime without being tied to an outlet. But when it comes to sound, it has its limitations. While it delivers clear and balanced audio, the single tweeter and mid-woofer don’t provide the same depth or power as a larger speaker. Personally, I would go with the Roam 2 if I needed a speaker that I could take anywhere without worrying about durability or charging.
If sound quality is the priority, though, I would say the Era 100 is the better choice. With its dual tweeters and a dedicated woofer, it creates a fuller, richer listening experience with better stereo separation and more powerful bass. It’s a speaker meant for home use, and it sounds great whether you’re listening at low volume or turning it up for a party. The only downside is that it’s not portable—it needs to stay plugged in and doesn’t have the same rugged build as the Roam 2. But if I had to pick based purely on sound, the Era 100 wins without question. Overall, it comes down to how and where you listen. If portability matters, the Roam 2 is the way to go, but if you want the best sound, the Era 100 is the stronger speaker.