Sonos Roam 2 Review: The Ultimate Portable Speaker Experience in 2025

Unpacking the Sonos Roam 2’s blend of compact power, smart features, and seamless connectivity for music lovers on the go.

A Portable Powerhouse Worth Your Attention

As someone who's tested a mountain of Bluetooth speakers, I can vouch for Sonos’ knack for fusing great sound with smart tech in convenient sizes. The Sonos Roam 2 keeps that tradition alive, delivering crisp, immersive audio packed into a sleek, travel-ready design. Unlike its predecessor, the first Roam, the Roam 2 ditches the Bluetooth fussiness with a dedicated button that makes switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth a breeze. If you’re chasing a speaker that travels well without skimping on sound quality, this little device deserves a spot on your checklist.

Sonos Roam 2 at a Glance

• What is it? A lightweight, portable Bluetooth speaker available in five stylish colors.
• Price tag: Around $220 USD.
• New vs. Old: The Roam 2 adds a dedicated mode-switch button, Bluetooth setup for first-time use, but retains the original’s battery life and durability.
• Waterproof credentials: Rated IP67, so it can survive a dip up to 1 meter for 30 minutes — beach-proof and then some.
• Battery life: Solid 10 hours per full charge.

Sonos Roam 2 Specs Breakdown

Why Sonos Roam 2 Shines

Compact Yet Mighty Sound

Trying to find a Bluetooth speaker that punches well above its weight? The Roam 2 nails it. Sonos consistently delivers great sound, and this speaker is no exception. Whether you're streaming pop jams in the shower or firing up a casual backyard party, it fills the space with a surprisingly big soundstage. The infectious beats and brass in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” come through sharply, with his vocals crisp and clear.

Turn the volume to max, and sure — the sound quality dips a bit, as with most portable speakers. But Sonos’ Automatic Trueplay technology steps in to adapt the sound to your environment. This feature debuted with the Sonos Move, and now the Move 2 continues the legacy. While the Move 2 costs about twice as much and isn’t as pocket-friendly, it’s a brilliant choice for home or backyard use if your budget allows.

Bluetooth Connection Made Easy

Remember the original Roam’s challenge with Bluetooth? That’s history. The Roam 2 adds a dedicated button to switch between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth playback, making toggling modes painless. Even better, you can now set it up straight from Bluetooth out of the box — no need to hook up to Wi-Fi first. As a long-time Sonos user myself, I prefer Wi-Fi setup for its stability, but this Bluetooth option is a welcome upgrade for newcomers.

At home, the Roam doubles as an Alexa speaker for hands-free control and smart home commands. While it doesn’t support Google Assistant like older Sonos models, the built-in Sonos Voice Control brings a quirky charm — its voice sounds surprisingly like actor Giancarlo Esposito! This assistant works over both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which is rare and incredibly handy. Instead of fumbling for your phone or speaker buttons, you can just tell it to turn up the volume or skip tracks.

Seamless Integration with Sonos Ecosystem

If you’re already invested in Sonos gear, the Roam 2 fits right in. You can group your speakers in the Sonos app for synchronized sound across your home. Plus, the app gives you access to streaming services and Sonos Radio’s free content. Whether you keep the Roam 2 stationary or carry it around the house, it blends effortlessly with your setup. Bonus: pair two Roams in one room for true stereo sound.

Where Sonos Roam 2 Could Improve

Battery Life Leaves Room for Growth

Here’s the catch: despite all its perks, the Roam 2 still offers just 10 hours of battery life — the same as the original. For comparison, competing models like the 2024 Beats Pill deliver up to 24 hours and come in cheaper by about $35, while the Anker Soundcore 3 also boasts 24 hours. Even the Bose SoundLink Flex clocks in around 20 hours in tests.

Still, I spent a few sun-drenched days at the beach with the Roam 2 before it buzzed that it was low on juice, so 10 hours is pretty respectable in real use. At home, I’ve made it a habit to keep the speaker on its charger when not roaming.

Final Thoughts on Sonos Roam 2

For me, the Sonos Roam 2 is the go-to portable speaker for beach days and backyard hangs. Its hands-free voice commands and stunning sound quality make it easy to love. Sure, I can’t help but compare it to the Beats Pill — which offers longer battery life and a slightly lower price. If you want a powerhouse for home use, the Sonos Move 2 is top-notch, and for cheaper outdoor options, brands like Ultimate Ears or JBL are solid choices. But what puts Sonos ahead is the smooth blend of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi playback, all controlled through the slick Sonos app.

“Sonos Voice Control allows hands-free playback adjustments over both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — a real game-changer for portable speakers.”

FAQ

• How does the Sonos Roam 2’s Bluetooth setup improve over the original?
  The Roam 2 adds a dedicated button for switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus allows initial setup via Bluetooth without needing Wi-Fi first.
• Is the Roam 2 truly waterproof?
  Yes, it has an IP67 rating, so it can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes without damage.
• Can I pair two Roam 2 speakers together?
  Absolutely. You can create a stereo pair with two Roam 2 units for richer sound.
• What’s the typical battery life in real-world use?
  Sonos claims up to 10 hours, and actual usage matches that pretty closely depending on volume and content.
• Does the Sonos Roam 2 support voice assistants?
  Yes, it includes Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, but does not support Google Assistant.

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