Sonos Move 2 Review: Powerful Sound, Mixed Portability Verdict
Digging into user feedback, the Sonos Move 2 Wireless Portable Speaker earns a solid 8.6/10 from cross-platform reports. Its sound quality and battery life regularly impress, but connectivity limitations and weight raise questions for certain buyers. While marketed as "the most powerful portable speaker" Sonos has ever made, actual portability depends heavily on use case — some owners treat it as a room-to-room device, not a travel companion.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — unmatched sound for stationary or semi-portable use, but less ideal for frequent travelers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich stereo sound with deep bass | Heavy at 3 kg, not easily backpack-portable |
| 24-hour battery in moderate use | Battery life drops sharply at max volume |
| IP56 water/dust resistance | No Google Assistant support |
| Simple Bluetooth pairing | Stereo pairing delays over Bluetooth |
| Durable build, replaceable battery | Price premium over similar-performing rivals |
| Works with Alexa & AirPlay 2 | Needs dongle for line-in audio |
| Easy integration with Sonos ecosystem | Limited WiFi flexibility when traveling |
Claims vs Reality
Sonos advertises 24-hour battery life, positioning the Move 2 as an all-day device. While multiple Amazon and Best Buy reviewers confirm long runtimes — “had a Christmas party running for 8 hours… with 60% battery left at end” — heavy use changes the equation. A Twitter user admitted, “at maximum volume almost constantly, it died after 7 hours,” attributing part of the drain to Trueplay being enabled.
The marketing touts portable stereo sound, with two angled tweeters delivering a wide soundstage. Reddit user feedback aligns with this: one noted, “the expanded sound stage with the angled tweeters x 4 is incredible for speakers of their size” when used as a stereo pair. Consumer Reports, however, cautions that while stereo separation exists, depth is limited: “lacks depth and has little noticeable stereo separation… improves as a stereo pair but remains in the very good range.”
Finally, Sonos promotes seamless WiFi and Bluetooth streaming. In reality, portability over WiFi is restricted. Reddit user feedback highlights frustration: “the inability to manually select a wifi network is a significant shortcoming… connecting it to a different wifi network is unnecessarily convoluted.” Others countered that switching between home and vacation house networks worked fine, but consensus suggests Bluetooth is the only effortless option outside your primary network.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Sound quality dominates the praise. Best Buy reviewers repeatedly describe “crisper sound, longer battery charge” compared to Move 1, with strong bass that doesn’t overpower mids. A verified buyer enthused, “amazingly wide sound stage, very deep and resonating bass… perfect for Bluetooth on the go or high quality streaming over WiFi.” Even critical lab testing from Consumer Reports called the audio “very good… bass has good impact and goes fairly deep.” For home users, the Move 2’s ability to integrate seamlessly with existing Sonos setups makes it a versatile addition — one Best Buy customer said it “works great with our existing Sonos system… considering buying another one for a second location.”
Battery longevity also earns consistent approval. A Sonos Community user noted runtime is “significantly longer for Move 2,” and others confirmed charging convenience via the wireless dock and USB-C portability. The IP56 durability rating reassures outdoor entertainers; one Best Buy owner uses it “for outside… dust and waterproof… 24 hours on these things, can’t beat that.”
Common Complaints
Weight and portability are frequent sticking points. WhistleOut’s review observed, “this isn’t the kind of Bluetooth speaker you can just put in the water bottle pocket of your backpack… more so a speaker you can take from room to room.” Some Twitter/X users reported Bluetooth connection failures: “can’t connect my Move 2 speaker via Bluetooth,” and Reddit saw one outright return due to “Bluetooth stuttering and AirPlay glitches.”
WiFi flexibility is another sore spot. Reddit threads reveal frustration with the need for both the speaker and controller device to be on the same network, limiting impromptu setups. A Twitter/X user wanted to “switch the wifi networks between [two homes] continuously” without reconfiguring — a capability not clearly supported. This aligns with Sonos’ own documentation that certain guest networks and hotel setups won’t work.
Divisive Features
Trueplay auto-tuning divides opinion. Some love the adaptive optimization: “vocals are more pronounced… every aspect sonically is a welcome treat,” while others note it can reduce output volume depending on room size. The touch slider volume control earns praise for precision from Sonos Community members, but its placement frustrates those with speakers on high shelves, causing accidental input when moving the unit. Stereo pairing is celebrated for expanding soundstage, yet slight delays joining over Bluetooth prompt caution for those wanting instant sync.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and long-term user posts don’t show widespread scam concerns, but durability appears strong. Owners report using Move 2 in varied conditions — from showers (“concerts in the shower… 100x better”) to outdoor parties — without damage. The replaceable battery reassures those wary of planned obsolescence. However, customer service experiences can disappoint; one EU buyer seeking a compatible wall adapter was told to buy a new base for €80, calling the response “insane… very disappointed with their customer care.”
Alternatives
For lighter, more travel-oriented needs, Sonos Roam offers genuine portability at lower cost, though with mono sound and shorter battery life. WhistleOut points out you could buy two Era 100s for the price of one Move 2, gaining true stereo separation indoors but losing weather resistance. Larger competitors like JBL Boombox deliver more raw volume, but Best Buy reviewers note they often sacrifice neutrality and introduce distortion at high volumes.
Price & Value
At retail, the Move 2 commands $449–$499 USD, with some eBay listings dropping to $319.99 new-open box. Auction sites show occasional bargains under $200 for used units. Resale value holds relatively well due to Sonos’ ecosystem loyalty and ongoing firmware updates. Community advice suggests buying if you’ll use both WiFi and Bluetooth modes regularly, and if semi-portable use fits your lifestyle; otherwise, Era 100 or Roam may offer better return.
FAQ
Q: Can the Sonos Move 2 connect to multiple WiFi networks easily?
A: Not seamlessly. It can remember more than one network, but switching between them is limited. Many users recommend Bluetooth when away from your primary network.
Q: How long does the battery last at full volume?
A: Reports show around 7 hours with Trueplay enabled and max volume. Moderate use can approach the 24-hour claim.
Q: Is the Move 2 waterproof?
A: It has IP56 rating — resistant to dust and strong jets of water, but not submersible.
Q: Can I use it as a stereo pair over Bluetooth?
A: Yes, but only when both are on the same WiFi network; expect a short delay when connecting.
Q: Does it support Google Assistant?
A: No. It works with Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, plus AirPlay 2.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an audiophile who values high-quality stereo sound, long battery life, and integration with the Sonos ecosystem, especially for home and garden use. Avoid if you need a lightweight, truly portable travel speaker or require flexible WiFi connectivity on the go. Pro tip from the community: keep a USB-C PD charger in your bag — it’s the fastest way to top up away from the dock.
