I recently got my hands on the Sonos Roam portable speaker, and we have to say, it’s something I’ve been waiting for a long time! It’s a compact and lightweight speaker designed for portability, with unique features that make it stand out.
I was excited to look closer at the Sonos Roam and see how it stacks up compared to other Bluetooth speakers.
In this article, we’ll review its design and features, audio performance, connectivity options, and how it compares to other speakers in its class, like the Sonos Move and Bose SoundLink Revolve+.
- Stream music and more over WiFi, and enjoy easy control with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
- Use Bluetooth when you take this waterproof, lightweight, and durable speaker on the go.
- Experience astonishingly clear and perfectly balanced sound with automatic Trueplay tuning.
- Get up to 10 hours of continuous play time, and recharge with the included USB-C cable and any 7.5W (5V / 1.5A or 2.1A) or higher USB power adapter, or any Qi wireless charger.
- Create a multiroom sound system with other Sonos speakers and enjoy music, TV, and more all around your home.
Overview of the Sonos Roam
Get ready to revolutionize your listening experience and take it wherever you go! The Sonos Roam is a portable Bluetooth speaker with superb sound quality in a small package. Moreover, it packs impressive power into its compact size, delivering a clear and powerful audio experience.
This speaker features an IP67 waterproof rating and dustproof protection to handle splashes, spills, sandstorms, and more. It also has auto-tuning technology, automatically adjusting the sound based on its environment for optimal audio performance.
It has up to 10 hours of battery life when used at moderate volumes and charged via USB-C. Additionally, the Sonos Roam works seamlessly with other Sonos speakers, so you can easily create multiroom audio setups anywhere.
Design and Features
You’ll love the design and features of the Sonos Roam. It’s lightweight but durable, making it perfect for taking on the go compared to its big brother, the Sonos Move.
The device is outfitted with two Class-D digital amplifiers and one mid-woofer, allowing you to enjoy powerful audio even in loud environments. Additionally, the speakers feature Trueplay technology, which automatically tunes your audio to match its surroundings for maximum clarity.
With its IP67 water resistance rating, you can bring your music outdoors or into damp spaces without worrying about water damage. Its intuitive touch controls also make it simple to adjust the volume and switch between tracks quickly and easily.
Audio Performance
I’ve been testing the Sonos Roam portable speaker for a few weeks and was impressed with its audio performance. The Sonos Roam delivers incredibly powerful audio in various environments, whether I take it to the bathroom to get ready in the morning or take it on a picnic with my wife.
The Roam features Auto Trueplay technology, which automatically adjusts the sound profile to fit the room it is playing in. It also has a full range of sound that covers everything from low bass notes to high treble sounds.
The Roam has a ten-hour playtime on a single charge when using a Bluetooth connection. Its audio performance shines outdoors or in noisy areas thanks to its loudness and clarity, even at maximum volume levels.
Connectivity Options
Getting started with the Sonos Roam is as effortless as setting up any other Sonos device. Unbox the Sonos Roam, switch it on and launch the Sonos app on your mobile device. You may need to download and install any available updates from Sonos before you can begin using it. Once you have successfully registered and added the Roam to your Sonos app, you can play your favorite tunes without hassle.
To start using the Sonos Roam at home, you only have to press the power button on the back. Once turned on, you can stream music from your mobile device or the Sonos app.
If you’re not connected to your home WiFi, you can activate Bluetooth mode on the Sonos Roam by holding the power button for 3-5 seconds. Look for a blue blinking light to confirm Bluetooth mode is on, and then add the Sonos Roam to your Bluetooth device. For example, I set it up with my iPhone to play music on the Sonos Roam even when I’m not home.
Comparison to Sonos Move
The Sonos Roam has several improvements, making it an excellent choice for music lovers looking to upgrade their sound systems.
For starters, it’s much lighter and smaller than the Sonos Move, weighing in at just 0.9 pounds (0.43 kg) and 6.61 inches tall – making it incredibly portable and easy to take wherever you go.
The Sonos Roam also offers improved audio quality for its compact size, giving listeners dynamic sound with deep bass and crisp highs from anywhere in their home or on the go. Additionally, the Roam features advanced Bluetooth technology that allows users to stream high-quality audio up to 30 feet away from their devices without interruption.
Here are some key differences between the two:
- The Roam is lighter (0.9 lbs vs. 6.61 lbs) and smaller (6.61 inches tall vs. 9.44 inches tall).
- The Move has improved audio quality over Roam with deeper bass and crisper highs.
- The battery life of Roam is 10 hours, while that of Move is 11 hours when used wirelessly.
Regarding performance, I don’t believe the Sonos Roam surpasses the Sonos Move. Nonetheless, I tend to bring the Sonos Roam for road trips rather than the Sonos Move due to its smaller size. On the other hand, during outdoor BBQs with my family or friends, I prefer the Sonos Move because of its superior audio output. Both speakers are exceptional in their own right!
Comparison to Bose SoundLink Revolve+
Both speakers provide excellent sound quality, but they have different features that set them apart from one another.
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ has a 360-degree design that helps to spread the sound evenly throughout the space. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and an auxiliary input, so you can easily connect to any device. Its battery life is also rated at 17 hours of playtime, making it ideal for outdoor trips or extended listening sessions. However, its price tag is slightly higher than the Sonos Roam’s.
The Sonos Roam also has impressive audio capabilities, but it also offers some unique features like Alexa voice control and automatic switching between WiFi networks and Bluetooth when you travel. It also has an IP67 rating for water resistance, making it great for outdoor use. Regarding battery life, it lasts up to 10 hours of playback time per charge – not quite as much as the Bose SoundLink Revolve+, but still enough for most uses.
Ultimately, both speakers offer excellent sound quality and are worth considering depending on the features you’re looking for in a portable speaker.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Phenomenal Sound Quality – The Sonos Roam speaker boasts rich, clear audio that will bring your music to life. With custom-designed drivers and Class-D amplifiers, the Sonos Roam delivers powerful bass, crisp mid-range tones, and soaring highs.
- Portability Perfected – Weighing in at just under one pound, the Sonos Roam’s lightweight and compact design ensures maximum portability. The sleek, ergonomic shape makes it easy to slip into your bag or hold in your hand as you venture outdoors.
- Effortless Connectivity – The Roam offers seamless connectivity options with Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities. This dual connectivity allows you to stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or computer while enabling multi-room audio when connected to other Sonos speakers.
- Rugged Durability – Built to withstand the elements, the Sonos Roam features a waterproof and dustproof design. With an IP67 rating, this speaker can endure submersion in water for up to 30 minutes and remain unscathed by sand or dust.
- Intelligent Features – The Roam’s Trueplay tuning technology adapts to your environment, optimizing sound quality based on your surroundings. Additionally, the built-in voice assistant compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allows for hands-free control.
Cons:
- Price Point – The Sonos Roam, while offering exceptional quality, comes at a higher price point compared to some competitors. Prospective buyers should consider whether the premium features justify the investment.
- Battery Life – With a 10-hour battery life, the Roam may require frequent recharging during extended use. Some users might find this inconvenient, especially when traveling or during outdoor activities.
- Limited Stereo Pairing – While the Roam can connect to other Sonos speakers for multi-room audio, it only supports stereo pairing with another Roam speaker. This limitation could disappoint those looking to create a more expansive audio setup.
- No Auxiliary Input – The Sonos Roam lacks a 3.5mm auxiliary input, limiting wired connection options. This could be a drawback for users who prefer a wired connection or have older devices without Bluetooth capabilities.
- Size vs. Sound Trade-off – While the Roam’s compact design is a significant selling point, some users may feel it compromises sound quality compared to larger speakers. A bigger device might be more suitable for those seeking the ultimate audio experience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve reviewed the Sonos Roam and found it to be an impressive portable speaker. Its sleek and modern design, while its features are robust and powerful. In addition, the audio performance is top-notch, with clear highs and a strong bass response that will impress any music lover.
I find the Sonos Roam to be my preferred portable speaker due to its compact size and ease of transport, although it does not surpass the performance of the Sonos Move. If given the opportunity, I would bring both speakers to an outdoor gathering to enhance the music experience.
Overall, I think the Sonos Roam is worth its price for those looking for a great portable speaker.
Sound Review Hub Ratings SONOS ROAM |
Design Sound Quality Connectivity Overall Value The Sonos Roam portable speaker is your perfect companion for any adventure, offering unrivaled sound quality in a compact, waterproof design. It couples Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring continuous music streaming from your devices. Despite its small size, it delivers a surprisingly big sound, proving that good things truly do come in small packages. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Sonos Roam and Sonos Roam SL?
The Sonos Roam SL doesn’t have microphones and does not include automatic Trueplay, voice control (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Sonos Voice Control), and sound swap.
Does the Sonos Roam have an aux-in port?
No, the Sonos Roam does not have an aux-in port.
Does the Sonos Roam support voice commands?
The Sonos Roam works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant on WiFi. You can also use Sonos Voice Control on WiFi and music playback while streaming over Bluetooth.
What is the battery life of the Sonos Roam?
We’ve tested the Sonos Roam’s battery life and found it quite impressive. It can last up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with standby time lasting up to 10 days.
The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery is also quick to recharge, taking just 3 hours for a full charge from 0%.
