Sonos Roam 2: Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Category: Budget-Friendly Picks

Key Features

Advanced Precision-Engineered Drivers
Ultra-Compact and Lightweight Design
Durable, IP67 Waterproof Rating
Rechargeable Battery with Up to 10 Hours of Playtime
Automatic Trueplay for Environmentally Adaptable Sound Quality
Voice Control via Sonos Voice or Amazon Alexa
Versatile Stand-Up and Lie-Down Design Options
Tactile Buttons with Preventative Accidental Press Mechanism
USB-C Cable and Wireless Charging Compatibility
WiFi Connectivity for Multiroom Audio
No Built-in MP3 Player

Overview and First Impressions

The Sonos Roam 2 is a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality in a waterproof design. The speaker's advanced drivers produce rich, clear audio and bass, making it ideal for both casual listening and more demanding music genres. Its lightweight and durable build makes it easy to carry around, whether you're heading out on a day trip or setting up at home.

Design and Build Quality

The Sonos Roam 2 boasts an ultra-compact design that measures just 6.61 inches tall when standing upright. Its compact size is complemented by its lightweight build, tipping the scales at only 0.42 kilograms. The speaker's sleek and modern appearance with a white finish adds to its discreteness and style. However, the build quality feels somewhat lower than more expensive models; while it is durable enough for outdoor use, it may not withstand the most aggressive handling. The inclusion of Tactile buttons that prevent accidental presses is a nice feature, enhancing user experience.

Setup and Ease of Use

The Sonos Roam 2's setup process is straightforward and intuitive. You can connect it to your device using Bluetooth or via WiFi for seamless playback. The speaker includes both a USB-C cable and a wireless charger, making it easy to charge on the go. The included user guide provides clear instructions on how to get started, and the voice control capabilities with Sonos Voice or Amazon Alexa make it simple to navigate through menus and adjust settings without physically touching the device.

Sound Quality

The Sonos Roam 2's sound quality is exceptional for its size. The precision-engineered drivers produce clear, detailed audio that delivers rich bass and well-balanced frequencies. Its ability to adapt sound based on the environment via Automatic Trueplay adds to its versatility, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. While it isn't as powerful as some larger speakers, the Roam 2 manages to deliver a great listening experience in a portable form factor.

Bluetooth Performance

The Bluetooth performance of the Sonos Roam 2 is solid. It can connect seamlessly with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. The speaker's range is adequate for typical use cases, and it can handle multiple devices simultaneously without interference. However, in some crowded environments, you might experience slight lag or dropped connections.

Battery Life

The Sonos Roam 2 boasts a rechargeable battery that provides up to 10 hours of continuous playtime. This is an impressive battery life for a portable speaker, making it ideal for extended use without needing to worry about charging frequently. The included USB-C cable and wireless charger make it easy to charge on the go or at home.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The Sonos Roam 2 is designed with durability in mind, featuring an IP67 waterproof rating that makes it suitable for use in a variety of outdoor environments. However, its build quality feels somewhat lower than more expensive models, which may not withstand the most aggressive handling. The speaker can be stood up or laid down, providing flexibility in setup.

Features and Extras

The Sonos Roam 2 comes with a variety of features that enhance its usability and convenience. The automatic Trueplay feature adapts the sound to each environment, ensuring optimal audio quality. Voice control via Sonos Voice or Amazon Alexa allows you to navigate menus and adjust settings without physically interacting with the device. Additionally, the speaker can be connected to WiFi for multiroom audio, allowing you to play music across multiple devices simultaneously.

Performance in Use

In real-world use, I found that the Sonos Roam 2 delivers an excellent listening experience. Its size and portability make it perfect for outdoor activities such as picnics, beach trips, and hiking. The speaker's sound quality is clear and detailed, even at higher volumes. However, some users may find the sound slightly muffled at extremely high volumes. The ability to connect to WiFi for multiroom audio adds a lot of flexibility, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes across multiple devices.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros: - Exceptional sound quality - Compact and lightweight design - Durable IP67 waterproof rating - Long battery life (up to 10 hours) - Automatic Trueplay for environmentally adaptive sound quality - Voice control via Sonos Voice or Amazon Alexa - Multiroom audio capability with WiFi Cons: - Somewhat lower build quality compared to more expensive models - Slightly muffled sound at very high volumes

Final Verdict and Recommendation.

The Sonos Roam 2 is an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker that combines premium sound quality with robust durability. Its long battery life, versatile design, and smart features make it an excellent option for parties, outdoor adventures, and beach outings. While some users may find the sound slightly muffled at high volumes, its overall performance and value justify its price point.

Overall Rating

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