Sonos Roam 2 vs Move 2

Sonos Roam 2 vs Move 2: Which should you get?

The Sonos Roam 2 is ultra-portable, weighing just 0.95 pounds and has an IP67 rating, making it both dust-tight and waterproof. It’s ideal for on-the-go use, offering up to 10 hours of battery life. In contrast, the Move 2 is larger and heavier at 6.6 pounds, but this size allows for more powerful stereo sound with enhanced bass. It has an IP56 rating, providing resistance against dust and water splashes, and impressively delivers up to 24 hours of battery life.

Both speakers support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, integrate with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, and can seamlessly connect with other Sonos devices. However, the Sonos Move 2’s superior audio performance and extended battery life come at a higher price point and reduced portability compared to the Roam 2.

Specs Comparison

The Sonos Roam 2 is a highly portable speaker and easy to carry around. It features an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof, capable of being submerged in water up to one meter deep for 30 minutes. The battery life offers up to 10 hours of playback, which is suitable for day trips or short outings. In terms of connectivity, the Roam 2 supports Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2, providing versatile options for streaming music.

On the other hand, the Sonos Move 2 is significantly larger and heavier, weighing 6.6 pounds (approximately 3 kilograms) and standing 9.44 inches tall. Its size allows for a more powerful audio performance, with two angled tweeters and a woofer, delivering stereo sound with deep bass. The Move 2 has an IP56 rating, making it resistant to dust and water splashes, suitable for outdoor use. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 24 hours of continuous playback, which is ideal for extended use without frequent recharging. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2, similar to the Roam 2, but the Move 2 also supports USB-C line-in, allowing for wired connections to external audio sources.

Table Comparison

SpecificationSonos Roam 2Sonos Move 2
Dimensions (H x W x D)6.6 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches (168 x 62 x 60 mm)9.44 x 6.29 x 4.96 inches (240 x 160 x 126 mm)
Weight0.95 lbs (0.43 kg)6.6 lbs (3 kg)
IP RatingIP67 (Dustproof and waterproof)IP56 (Dust and water-resistant)
Battery LifeUp to 10 hoursUp to 24 hours
Charging TimeApproximately 2 hoursApproximately 2 hours
AmplifiersTwo Class-H digital amplifiersThree Class-D digital amplifiers
DriversOne tweeter, one mid-wooferTwo tweeters, one woofer
Frequency ResponseNot specifiedNot specified
Maximum SPLNot specifiedNot specified
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2
Voice Assistant SupportAmazon Alexa, Sonos Voice ControlAmazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control
Stereo PairingYes, with another Roam 2Yes, with another Move 2
Adjustable EQYes, via the Sonos appYes, via the Sonos app
Automatic TrueplayYesYes
USB-C ChargingYesYes
Qi Wireless ChargingYesNo

Sound Comparison

The Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 are two very different speakers in terms of size and sound output but both deliver a solid listening experience. The Roam 2 has a compact design with a single tweeter and midwoofer driven by two Class-H amplifiers while the Move 2 is much larger and packs a dual-tweeter setup along with a powerful woofer supported by three Class-D amplifiers. Testing them with “Lost Cause” by Billie Eilish, the Roam 2 produced a clean and balanced sound with crisp vocals but lacked the depth in the bass that the Move 2 delivered effortlessly. The Move 2 had a wider soundstage with clearer separation between the instruments making it a better choice for more immersive listening.

Switching to “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, the difference became even clearer. The Roam 2 handled the softer piano and vocal sections well but when the song reached its powerful operatic rock section, it felt slightly constrained. The Move 2, on the other hand, maintained clarity and handled the dynamic shifts with ease. The dual tweeters created a stereo-like effect even though it’s a single speaker which made a noticeable difference in how the guitar and vocal harmonies were presented. The woofer also brought out more depth in the low end, making the bass guitar and kick drum more prominent without overshadowing the mids and highs.

Testing “Solar Power” by Lorde, a more relaxed track, showed the Roam 2’s strengths in portability and ease of use. It delivered a pleasing and natural sound that worked well for casual listening, especially in quieter environments. The Move 2, however, had a fuller and warmer presentation, making the acoustic guitar and layered vocals feel richer and more engaging. While the Roam 2 is an excellent choice for on-the-go listening, the Move 2 offers a more premium audio experience with deeper bass, better dynamics and a more spacious sound profile.

Design Comparison

The Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 are built for different kinds of listeners, and you can feel that difference the moment you pick them up. The Roam 2 is incredibly light (just 0.95 pounds) and small enough to toss in a bag without thinking twice. It has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s fully dustproof and can survive being submerged in water, which makes it a solid choice for outdoor adventures or just worry-free listening by the pool. The design is simple and clean, with tactile buttons that are easy to use and less likely to be pressed by accident when you’re carrying it around.

The Move 2, on the other hand, is a beast by comparison. It’s much larger (weighing 6.7 pounds), and while it’s still technically portable, you’ll probably carry it from room to room or to the backyard rather than throw it in a bag. The built-in handle helps with that, making it easier to grab despite its weight. It has an IP56 rating, so while it’s not fully waterproof like the Roam 2, it can handle dust and water splashes without any issues. The design feels more premium, with smooth touch controls that blend seamlessly into the top panel, giving it a sleek and modern look.

I would say that the Roam 2 is all about portability, durability, and convenience—it’s the kind of speaker you would use for travel or casual listening anywhere. The Move 2 feels more like a home speaker that happens to be portable, with a sturdier build and a more substantial feel. If you need something ultra-light and adventure-ready, the Roam 2 makes more sense. If you want something tougher, louder, and better suited for both indoor and outdoor use, the Move 2 is the way to go.

The Verdict?

If portability is your priority, the Roam 2 is the clear winner. It’s small, light, fully waterproof (IP67), and easy to take anywhere. It still delivers great sound for its size, making it a solid choice for casual listening at home, in the park, or even at the beach. The 10-hour battery life is decent, but if you’re out for the whole day, you might need to recharge. On the other hand, the Move 2 is built for bigger, fuller sound. It’s got a dual-tweeter setup for more immersive stereo separation and a powerful woofer that brings out deeper bass. It’s not fully waterproof like the Roam 2, but its IP56 rating still means it can handle dust and splashes. The 24-hour battery life is a huge plus, making it a great option for all-day listening without worrying about charging.

Personally, I would go with the Sonos Move 2 if I wanted the best sound experience and planned to use it in a more stationary way (like at home or in the backyard). It just sounds bigger, richer, and more detailed, making it a better choice for those who really care about audio quality. But if I needed something truly portable—something I could throw in a bag and take anywhere without worrying about weight or durability—I think the Roam 2 makes more sense. Overall, the Move 2 is the better speaker in terms of sound performance and battery life, but the Roam 2 is the better pick for anyone who values lightweight convenience over power.