The Sonos Roam 2 and Roam SL are quite similar in design and sound quality, but they differ in a few key areas. The most notable difference is that the Roam SL lacks built-in microphones, which means it doesn’t support voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This also means the Roam SL doesn’t have features like Automatic Trueplay tuning, which uses microphones to adjust audio output based on your surroundings. Additionally, the Roam SL doesn’t include the Sound Swap feature, which allows you to transfer audio to the nearest Sonos speaker. Both models share the same compact size, IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and up to 10 hours of battery life.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 and Roam SL are nearly identical in size, shape, and core functionality, but a few key differences set them apart. Both speakers are compact and lightweight at 168 x 62 x 60mm and around 0.43kg, making them easy to carry around. They also share the same IP67 rating, which means they are fully dustproof and can survive being submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. Both support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity and work with Apple AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream music from an iPhone or other Apple devices. The battery life is the same for both models, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a full charge. Audio-wise, they both feature the same driver setup, with one tweeter and one midwoofer, powered by Class-H digital amplifiers. This means the overall sound performance should be identical, delivering a well-balanced and clear listening experience.
The biggest difference is that the Roam 2 includes built-in microphones, while the Roam SL does not. This means the Roam 2 supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, allowing for hands-free operation. The microphones also enable Automatic Trueplay, which adapts the sound based on the surrounding environment to optimize audio quality. The Roam SL lacks this capability, making it a more stripped-down version of the Roam 2.
Table Comparison
| Specification | Sonos Roam 2 | Sonos Roam SL |
| Dimensions | 168 x 62 x 60 mm | 168 x 62 x 60 mm |
| Weight | 0.95 lbs (0.43 kg) | 0.95 lbs (0.43 kg) |
| IP Rating | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes (Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control) | No |
| Automatic Trueplay Tuning | Yes | No |
| Sound Swap | Yes | No |
| Colors Available | Black, White, Sunset, Wave, Olive | Shadow Black, Lunar White |
| Amplifiers | Two Class-H digital amplifiers | Two Class-H digital amplifiers |
| Tweeter | One | One |
| Mid-Woofer | One | One |
| Charging | USB-C (15W, 5V/3A) and Qi wireless charging | USB-C (15W, 5V/3A) and Qi wireless charging |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 1.34 Watts (USB-C); 2.79 Watts (Wireless Charger) | 1.24 Watts (USB-C); 2.58 Watts (Wireless Charger) |
| Processor | Quad Core 1.4 GHz A-53 | Quad Core 1.4 GHz A-53 |
| Memory | 1 GB SDRAM, 4 GB NV | 1 GB SDRAM, 4 GB NV |
Sound Comparison
Both the Sonos Roam 2 and the Sonos Roam SL use the same audio setup—a single tweeter and mid-woofer powered by Class-H amplifiers—so the core sound signature is nearly identical. Listening to “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, both speakers delivered crisp highs and a strong midrange, but I noticed that the Roam 2 had slightly better depth in the low end. That could be due to the Automatic Trueplay tuning in the Roam 2, which adjusts the sound based on the environment. Since the Roam SL doesn’t have built-in microphones, it lacks this tuning, so the bass felt a bit less refined in comparison.
Switching to “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, a track that moves from soft vocals to full rock energy, I could hear the difference more clearly. The Roam 2 adapted better when I moved from an open room to a smaller space, keeping the balance between the vocals, guitar, and piano intact. The Roam SL still sounded great, but in certain sections, the highs were a little sharper, and the bass didn’t have the same warmth when placed in a different room. Without Trueplay, the Roam SL produces a consistent sound no matter where it’s placed, which is fine, but it lacks the ability to fine-tune itself for different acoustic environments the way the Roam 2 does.
Testing a more acoustic track like “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman really helped bring out the strengths of both speakers. The guitar sounded natural, the vocals were clear, and the overall experience was enjoyable on both. But again, the Roam 2 had a slight edge in how it handled the subtle details, likely because of its ability to adapt. If I were choosing based purely on sound performance, I’d go with the Roam 2 for its ability to optimize itself depending on where I’m listening. The Roam SL still delivers solid audio and is a great option if you don’t need voice control or adaptive tuning, but for a more dynamic listening experience, the Roam 2 feels like the better pick.
Design Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 and Roam SL are nearly identical in design and build quality, both boasting a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into various environments. Each measures 168 x 62 x 60 mm and weighs approximately 0.43 kg, making them highly portable. Their durable construction includes an IP67 rating, indicating they are both dust-tight and can withstand submersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. This ruggedness makes them suitable for outdoor use, whether you’re heading to the beach or enjoying a picnic in the park.
A subtle difference lies in their physical controls. The Sonos Roam 2 introduces separate power and Bluetooth buttons, enhancing user-friendliness by simplifying connectivity and operation. This update addresses previous concerns about the multifunctional button on the original Roam, which could be less intuitive. In contrast, the Roam SL maintains the original design with a single button serving multiple functions, which might require a bit more familiarity to operate efficiently.
The Verdict?
Personally, I would go with the Roam 2 because it offers more flexibility with voice control, Automatic Trueplay tuning, and Sound Swap. The microphones make a difference, especially with Trueplay, which adapts the sound to its environment. When I tested both, the Roam 2 sounded slightly better in different spaces, adjusting to room acoustics in a way the Roam SL simply can’t. If you’re someone who likes hands-free control or wants the best possible sound in any setting, the Roam 2 is the smarter pick.
That being said, I think the Roam SL is still a good option for those who don’t need voice assistants or automatic tuning. If you’re just looking for a high-quality speaker that sounds great right out of the box, the Roam SL does exactly that at a lower price. The sound quality is nearly identical, so if you don’t mind tweaking the EQ yourself, you’re not losing much in terms of performance. But for me, the added convenience of the Roam 2 is worth the extra cost. Overall, the Roam 2 is the better speaker because it gives you more control over your listening experience while keeping the same great portability and sound.