Sonos Roam 2 Review: Portable Power with Caveats
A surprising number of users across Best Buy, Reddit, and Trustpilot agree that the Sonos Roam 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker delivers sound that far exceeds its size, earning it a strong consensus score of 8.7/10. While officially marketed as a rugged, waterproof, and ultra-portable smart speaker, digging into user feedback reveals that its real-world performance shines in portability, multi-environment sound quality, and seamless integration with existing Sonos systems — but with caveats around volume limits, occasional connectivity quirks, and rare battery reliability issues.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for Sonos ecosystem owners, good for travel and outdoor use, less compelling if you want maximum volume or standalone smart features.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich, clear audio with strong bass for its size | Pricey compared to non-Sonos rivals |
| Seamless Wi-Fi & Bluetooth integration | Limited maximum volume |
| Automatic Trueplay adapts sound to environment | Alexa can’t control music playback |
| IP67 waterproof & dustproof durability | Rare battery failure reports |
| Lightweight, highly portable design | Bluetooth version behind some competitors |
| Works brilliantly within multi-room Sonos setups | No Google Assistant support |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “size-defying clarity and bass” and “10 hours of listening time” in a durable IP67 waterproof build. Users broadly confirm the clarity and bass claim — Best Buy reviewer “richards” noted: “The bass and treble are great out of the box… The Trueplay feature is excellent in balancing the sound throughout my room.” This suggests Sonos’ acoustic engineering delivers as promised, especially when paired with the app for EQ tweaks.
Battery life is more nuanced. While Sonos advertises up to 10 hours, actual usage varies. “richards” reported “around 8-10 hrs… fine for me since my shift is 8 hrs”, aligning with the spec but showing it’s volume-dependent. Another Best Buy user “javi” praised it as “lasting through long days of use”, but a few isolated cases, like “bridgets tv”, saw early battery failure: “At one month old it will not turn on nor hold a charge despite attempts to reset.”
The waterproof and rugged claim is largely validated. Many buyers use it outdoors confidently. “gabinom” said: “It sounds loud and great both inside and outside… I was a little scared I wouldn't hear enough bass outdoors, but it actually sounds great!” However, some cautious users, like “kash”, avoid testing water resistance until they find a way to keep it floating.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Portability is the standout benefit. Weighing less than a pound, it’s easy to carry in a bag or by hand. “amandam” found it ideal for travel: “It makes it easy to bring with you… connects with my current outdoor Sonos speakers and allows me to bring up to pool deck or inside home.” Durability also earns praise — Reddit and Trustpilot posts highlight it shrugging off drops, dirt, and outdoor conditions.
Sound quality is consistently lauded for its fullness relative to size. “doug” declared: “Hands-down the best sounding, most durable, and longest-lasting portable speaker I’ve ever used.” Integration into the Sonos ecosystem is another major win. “james d” emphasized: “Best portable speaker I’ve ever owned… especially if you have a Sonos system since it has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.”
Automatic Trueplay tuning emerges as a favorite feature for those moving between environments. Quora’s “Big Sam” described it as “a portable soundstage… cleverly analyzes the environment and adjusts its sound profile accordingly.” For outdoor enthusiasts, this means better performance without manual EQ tweaks.
Common Complaints
Volume ceiling is the most frequent gripe. Some users feel it could be louder for large outdoor spaces, with Best Buy noting “volume” as a common con. Alexa integration disappoints those expecting full music control — PCMag confirms: “You can't use Alexa to control music and radio playback… you must choose Sonos voice control.”
Connectivity quirks occasionally delay Wi-Fi pairing. “michaels” observed: “Takes a bit to connect to Wi-Fi, but has strong connection once it does.” Battery reliability issues, while rare, are serious when they occur, as in “bridgets tv”’s case of complete failure after one month.
Divisive Features
Mono sound output divides opinion. For solo listening or portability, it’s fine — “richards” uses two for stereo when desired. But audiophiles may prefer stereo-capable competitors. The Bluetooth 5.0 spec (per PCMag) feels outdated to some, especially Android users wanting LDAC support. Yet for Apple ecosystem users, AirPlay 2 integration offsets this limitation.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Best Buy reviews show generally high reliability, with many six-month owners still satisfied. “javi” reported ongoing top performance and integration into his home setup after half a year. However, isolated early failures like battery non-charging raise concerns — Sonos’ support is often recommended in these cases. Ruggedness claims hold up across user stories, with no widespread reports of physical degradation despite outdoor and travel use.
Alternatives
The Sonos Move 2 is frequently mentioned as the larger, more powerful sibling — offering stereo sound and 24-hour battery life but at a much higher price. PCMag suggests the Anker Soundcore Motion 300 as a non-Sonos alternative: cheaper, stereo-capable, and with superior Bluetooth codec support, but lacking Sonos’ multi-room integration.
Price & Value
Current retail prices hover around $179, with sale drops to $139 reported. Enthusiasts consider it competitive with UE, Bose, JBL, and Sony in sound quality, especially for existing Sonos users. Resale values vary — auction sites show used units selling as low as $46, indicating depreciation but also affordability for budget buyers. Community tips highlight buying in pairs for stereo use and waiting for seasonal discounts.
FAQ
Q: Does the Sonos Roam 2 work without Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, it functions as a standard Bluetooth speaker without Wi-Fi, but advanced features like multi-room audio and Trueplay require Wi-Fi via the Sonos app.
Q: Can Alexa control music on the Roam 2?
A: Not fully. Alexa handles smart assistant tasks like weather or routines, but music control is limited to Sonos Voice Control.
Q: How waterproof is the Roam 2?
A: Rated IP67, it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Users report strong resistance to splashes and dust.
Q: Is the battery life truly 10 hours?
A: At moderate volumes, yes. High volumes or heavy bass tracks can reduce runtime to around 8 hours according to user reports.
Q: Does it support stereo sound?
A: On its own, no — it’s a mono speaker. Pairing two Roam 2 units via the Sonos app enables stereo playback.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a Sonos ecosystem owner seeking a portable, rugged speaker with quality sound and seamless integration. Avoid if you need maximum volume, stereo sound from a single unit, or advanced Bluetooth features. Pro tip from the community: pair two Roam 2 units for stereo, and wait for seasonal discounts to offset the premium price.
