When to Roam, Play, or Move: Guide to Sonos Portable Speakers
The lineup of Sonos portable speakers truly has an option for every on-the-go listening style.
On one end is the ultra-portable Sonos Roam 2, which packs size-defying sound into its compact, lightweight design. On the other end is Sonos Move 2, our most powerful portable speaker, complete with a precision-tuned woofer that delivers rich bass and full-range stereo sound wherever you take it. And filling out the middle is the remarkably versatile Sonos Play, with its pitch-perfect balance of compact size and bass-heavy stereo sound.
So, which Sonos portable speaker is right for you? Depending on where and how you listen, the answer could very well be “all of the above.” But each speaker has its particular strengths, so we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best portable companion for you.
Shared capabilities across all Sonos portable speakers
Though each of the three Sonos portable speakers caters to a unique listening case, they share several key features.
For example, all three showcase our commitment to sustainability through their energy-saving design and thoughtfully designed packaging that eliminates virgin plastic. And all three look as sophisticated as they sound, transitioning seamlessly between indoor and outdoor aesthetics.
Other shared capabilities include:
- Robust weatherproofing. All Sonos portable speakers are durable enough to stand up to outdoor use. Roam 2 and Sonos Play are both rated IP67, which means they’re dustproof and can even withstand temporary immersion in water. Move 2 is rated IP56, which means it can handle dust, dirt, and getting sprayed by the hose or caught in the rain.
- Sonos system integration. Using WiFi, you can connect any Sonos portable speaker to your at-home Sonos system for a multi-room audio setup when you’re not on the go.
- Automatic Trueplay™ tuning. All three speakers feature built-in Trueplay™ technology that automatically analyzes the unique acoustics of a space and optimizes the speaker’s EQ to improve your listening experience.
- Three options for connectivity. Connect any Sonos portable speaker via WiFi, Bluetooth, or Apple AirPlay.
- USB-C charging. All three speakers can be charged via USB-C. Sonos Play and Move 2 also feature an included wireless charging base, while Roam 2 has a wireless Qi charging base that can be purchased separately.
When to Choose Roam 2
As its name suggests, Roam 2 is designed for those who travel far and wide — and need a speaker that won’t weigh them down.
This ultralight and compact speaker is small enough to comfortably fit inside a small backpack, hip pack, or even a large coat pocket, making it an ideal option when space is at a premium.
Since Roam 2 is small enough to take anywhere from the beach to the slopes, it required some of the most durable construction we’ve ever put into a product. With an IP rating of IP67, it’s dustproof and waterproof, making it a good option for outings or poolside splash zones.
Due to its small size and build, Roam 2 delivers mono sound. In other words, it plays all audio through a single channel rather than splitting audio across two channels. Play and Move 2 both have stereo capabilities, and may be better options if you value detailed sound with more left-right depth and pronounced bass.
Plug the Line-In Adapter into the USB-C input on the back of your speaker, and use a standard stereo RCA to 3.5mm cable to connect to your turntable. You can also connect to Era 300 and Era 100 via Bluetooth (more on that later).
Sonos Roam 2 is best for:
- Travelling with only a small carry-on bag or backpack
- Long hikes with a forecast of potential rain
- Sliding into your pocket as you wander between rooms in your home
When to Choose Sonos Play
The latest addition to our portable lineup, Sonos Play is all about versatility.
Though not as small as Roam 2 and not quite as large as Move 2, Sonos Play achieves an impressive balance of compact size and powerful, bass-heavy stereo sound. This makes it a great all-around, do-everything speaker, with a slim profile that can slide into a backpack but still look like a refined addition to an in-home sound system.
If you can make just a bit more room in your pack, Sonos Play offers the best of all worlds: a speaker that’s small enough to take wherever you go, a sonic profile that punches well above its weight, and a battery life that allows for up to 24 hours of continuous playback (on par with the larger Move 2). Still have some room left? Pick up a second Sonos Play speaker and pair it with your first to create a more powerful and space-filling soundstage, with stereo pairing or simple speaker grouping over WiFi.
Oh, and don’t let the rugged silicone utility hook fool you. While Sonos Play is truly built for the outdoors, you may end up using it just as much at home — where you can swivel the hook down for a more elegant look.
Sonos Play is best for:
- Powerful audio that transitions seamlessly from indoors to outdoors
- Throwing into a suitcase for plane travel
- Listening while charging your phone (Sonos Play also doubles as a power bank, thanks to its reverse-charging capability via USB-C)
When to Choose Move 2
As the largest and most powerful Sonos portable speaker, Move 2 is admittedly a bit less portable than its smaller siblings. That’s why, despite its 24-hour battery life, it may not be your first choice to take on a hike or long camping trip. But if your goal is to soundtrack a backyard barbecue or pack up your music for a weekend road trip, no portable speaker can outshine this sonic powerhouse.
Even compared to its impressive new sibling, Move 2 offers stunningly wide and spacious stereo sound. Whereas most portable speakers tend to sacrifice a bit of oomph on the low end, Move 2 defies the competition with a precision-tuned woofer that produces deep, dynamic, and clean bass even in outdoor settings.
Put simply, Move 2 is the perfect portable speaker for audio purists who can’t stand missing out on powerful, detailed sound even when they’re on the go. And it’s plenty versatile in its own right, thanks to an included charging base with a wireless speaker connection and an elegant shape that blends seamlessly with your in-home sound system.
Move 2 is best for:
- Listeners who value powerful sound more than saving some extra weight
- A versatile speaker that can fill a backyard or living room
- House parties, summer barbecues, and other in-home social events
Sonos on the go
There’s no telling where life will take you. But wherever you go, there’s a Sonos portable speaker that offers the perfect blend of size and sound. Your choice may come down to how much space you have in your backpack, or how much you can’t live without heart-pumping bass.
Just remember that versatility means different things to different people. Move 2 might be less portable than Roam 2… but it also makes for a powerful addition to your at-home audio setup (and can fill an entire room all on its own). Many listeners mix and match, finding that they prefer different portable speakers for different experiences.
Want to compare Sonos portable speakers and see which one is right for you? Get in touch with a Sonos expert by phone or chat.
