As an avid listener and Sonos fan comparing my options for a killer new portable speaker, I‘m thrilled to share my comprehensive head-to-head analysis between two top contenders – the impressively tiny yet mighty Sonos Roam that puts big sound in your pocket against the flagship Sonos Move pairing larger-than-life audio with battery-powered freedom.
Both speakers promise to unleash great Sonos sound from the confines of wall power. But does ultra-portability or maximum performance win the day? Let‘s fully examine the key factors differentiating these flexible wireless speakers to make the best choice for any adventure.
At a Glance: How the Sonos Roam and Move Match Up
The Sonos Roam and Move share convenient Bluetooth streaming plus access to the Sonos app ecosystem. But the Roam‘s petite form sheds size and heft to focus mobility while the Move doubles down on resonant bass and battery life befitting its larger sound chamber and drivers. Glancing at core stats quickly reveals…
| Metric | Sonos Roam | Sonos Move |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.44 x 6.61 x 2.36" 168 x 62 x 60 mm | 9.44 x 6.29 x 4.96" 240 x 160 x 126 mm |
| Weight | 0.95 lbs 0.43 kg | 6.61 lbs 3.0 kg |
| Battery | Up to 10 hrs playback | Up to 11 hrs playback |
| Water Resistance | IP67 Submersible 1m for 30 min | IP56 Weather resistant |
| Speaker Drivers | Two Class-H digital amps One tweeter + one mid-woofer | Two Class-D digital amps One downward tweeter + one mid-woofer |
| Automatic TruePlay | Built-in via mic | Requires smartphone app |
| Wireless Protocols | WiFi b/g/n, 2.4GHz / 5 GHz Bluetooth 4.2 | WiFi a/b/g/n, 2.4GHz / 5 GHz Bluetooth 4.2 Ethernet port |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa + Google Assistant | Alexa + Google Assistant |
| Stereo Pairing | With other Sonos speakers | Supports two Moves |
| Price | $179 | $399 |
Even purely on specs, we observe how the Roam capitalizes on compact mobility as the Move doubles down on more resonant audio capabilities. Now let‘s scrutinize how performing metrics and experiential elements either justify or undermine key differences for real world usage across both models.
Evaluating True Portability: Size, Weight and Build
Make no mistake – the Sonos Roam makes an imposing first impression for its size…
