The Roam 2 connects via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, meaning it can be part of a Sonos home setup and work as a smart speaker with Alexa and Google Assistant. The Boom 4, on the other hand, is purely designed as an outdoor Bluetooth speaker, making it a simpler, more straightforward option for those who just want to play music without extra smart features. One big difference is how they project sound—the Boom 4 is built for 360-degree audio, so it fills a space more evenly, while the Roam 2’s sound is more directional.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 is designed as a portable Bluetooth speaker with loud sound performance and good bass. It offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless integration into a home Sonos system and enabling smart features like voice assistant support. The Roam 2 also features an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes, which is ideal for outdoor use. Its battery life provides up to 10 hours of continuous playback, suitable for daily use but may require more frequent charging during extended outings.
On the other hand, the UE Boom 4 is designed for robust outdoor performance. It features a cylindrical shape that delivers 360-degree sound which provides consistent audio quality from any angle. Slightly taller and heavier than the Roam 2, the Boom 4 stands at 7 inches and weighs around 1.2 pounds, which still makes it portable but with a more substantial feel. It operates exclusively via Bluetooth, with a range of up to 147 feet, and does not support Wi-Fi or voice assistants, focusing instead on straightforward functionality. The Boom 4 also carries an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof, and it even floats, adding an extra layer of convenience for poolside or beach activities. The Boom 4 also provides up to 15 hours of battery life, providing longer listening sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
Table Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of the Sonos Roam 2 and the Ultimate Ears (UE) Boom 4:
| Specification | Sonos Roam 2 | UE Boom 4 |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 inches (168 x 62 x 60 mm) | 7.2 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches (183 x 71 x 71 mm) |
| Weight | 0.95 lbs (0.43 kg) | 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg) |
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery (up to 10 hours playback) | Rechargeable battery (up to 15 hours playback) |
| IP Rating | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof; floats in water) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, Apple AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes (Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control) | No |
| Audio Components | One tweeter, one mid-woofer, two Class-H digital amplifiers | Two 1.6″ full-range drivers, two 1.6 x 3.2″ passive radiators |
| Automatic Trueplay Tuning | Yes | No |
| Maximum Sound Level | Not specified | 85 dB |
| Frequency Response | Not specified | Not specified |
| Colors Available | Black, White | Active Black, Raspberry Red, Cobalt Blue, Enchanting Lilac |
| Additional Features | Sound Swap, drop-resistant, button controls, voice-enabled | 360-degree sound, PartyUp mode (connects over 150 Boom series speakers), floats in water |
Sound Comparison
When I played “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, the Roam 2 delivered crisp and detailed vocals, making the lyrics feel front and center. Its tweeter and mid-woofer setup helped bring out the warmth in Sheeran’s voice and the clarity of the guitar plucks. The UE Boom 4, however, sounds more spacious but less focused. With its 360-degree sound design, the audio felt more dispersed, filling the room evenly but lacking some of the precision in the mids. The vocals weren’t as distinct as they were on the Roam 2, but the Boom 4 had more presence in the bass, which made the song feel punchier. If I were listening to this track in a quiet indoor space, I’d lean toward the Roam 2, but for an outdoor setting where I wanted music to reach more people, the Boom 4 had the advantage.
Switching to “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, I wanted to see how both speakers handled bass-heavy, energetic tracks. The Boom 4 immediately had a stronger impact, delivering deeper bass that gave the song more punch. The Roam 2 still had good low-end presence, but it felt more controlled rather than booming, which made the mix sound more balanced. Playing “Hotel California” by Eagles, a track with layered guitar work and harmonies, the Roam 2 impressed me with its clarity—I could hear each instrument distinctly, and the vocals had a richness that made the song feel immersive. The Boom 4, while still enjoyable, felt more focused on power than detail, which meant some of the finer elements of the song didn’t stand out as much.
Design Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 features a sleek, modern design that is both compact and durable which makes it ideal for portable use. Its smooth, rounded edges and lightweight form factor ensure ease of transport, while the high-quality materials, including the matte finish and sturdy construction, offer a sleek appearance. The speaker is IP67 rated, meaning it is both waterproof and dustproof and is perfect for outdoor adventures. I like that the Sonos Roam 2 blends style, portability, and practicality, creating a versatile speaker for both home and on-the-go listening.
On the other hand, the UE Boom 4 is designed for extreme outdoor performance. It features a cylindrical shape that delivers 360-degree sound, providing consistent audio quality from any angle. Slightly taller and heavier than the Roam 2, the Boom 4 stands at 7.2 inches and weighs around 1.2 pounds, which still makes it portable but with a more substantial feel. It operates exclusively via Bluetooth, with a range of up to 150 feet, and does not support Wi-Fi or voice assistants, focusing instead on straightforward functionality. The Boom 4 also carries an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof, and it even floats, adding an extra layer of convenience for poolside or beach activities. I like that the UE Boom 4 provides up to 15 hours of battery life, providing longer listening sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
The Verdict?
Personally, I would go with the Sonos Roam 2 if I wanted a speaker that could work seamlessly at home and on the go. Its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it more versatile, especially if you already have other Sonos speakers and want to connect them for a multi-room setup. The sound is also more refined, with clearer vocals and a balanced mix that works well for a variety of genres. It’s not as bass-heavy as the Boom 4, but with Automatic Trueplay tuning, it adapts to different environments, making the listening experience more natural. The Roam 2 is also smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry around, though its 10-hour battery life means it might need charging more often than the Boom 4.
That being said, I think the UE Boom 4 is the better option for someone who wants a tough, party-ready speaker built for the outdoors. The 360-degree sound makes a difference in open spaces, and the stronger bass gives music more energy, especially with bass-heavy tracks. The fact that it floats adds another level of durability, making it perfect for pool days or beach trips. The longer 15-hour battery life is also a big plus if you don’t want to worry about recharging as often. Overall, if I were looking for a speaker for everyday use, home integration, and a more balanced sound, I’d go with the Roam 2. But if I wanted something purely for outdoor adventures, with bigger sound and longer battery life, the Boom 4 would make more sense.