Sonos Roam and Sonos Move are two popular portable Bluetooth speakers from Sonos. The Sonos Move was released in 2019 as the company’s first outdoor speaker, while the Roam followed shortly after that in 2021 as a more compact, affordable option.
Both offer similar features such as voice control, Wi-Fi access points, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, some key differences exist between them, such as size with more battery life for longer outdoor activities on the Sonos Move. Sonos Roam offers better portability and waterproofing, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Regardless of which option you select, both speakers deliver impressive audio quality making them great options for those searching for high-quality portable audiophiles.
Let’s break down these two Sonos Bluetooth speakers to give you the full picture of how they stack up.
Sonos Roam vs. Sonos Move: Side-by-Side Comparison
©History-Computer.com
| Sonos Roam | Sonos Move | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168 x 62 x 60mm | 240 x 160 x 126mm |
| Weight | 0.43 kg | 3.0 kg |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 11 hours |
| Charging | USB-C | Base charging station |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP67 rating | IP56 rating |
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Waterproof, lightweight, and durable
- Automatic Trueplay tuning
- Up to 10 hours of playtime
- Renewed
- Battery-powered smart speaker
- Wi-Fi compatibility
- Bluetooth
- Built-in Alexa compatibility
- Black
Sonos Roam vs. Sonos Move: What’s the Difference?
These two Sonos speakers share some similarities in design and features but stand apart in size and sound quality. Both cater to the market for portable Bluetooth speakers. With the Sonos Roam being smaller and more budget-friendly, the Sonos Move offers better audio performance and a longer battery life. Let’s get into the details.
Design and Portability
One major difference between the Sonos Roam and Move is their design and portability. The Sonos Roam is a smaller device, measuring 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 inches and weighing only 0.95 pounds. This makes it highly portable for taking on the go as it fits easily in pockets or backpacks.
On the other hand, the Sonos Move measures 9.44 x 6.29 x 4.96 inches with a weight of 6.61 pounds. While still portable, it’s not as lightweight as its smaller counterpart. Furthermore, Sonos Move comes equipped with an integrated handle, making it feel more like carrying around like a briefcase.
The Sonos Roam offers a more rugged design, boasting a silicone rubber exterior that can withstand drops, bumps, and water splashes. It also has an IP67 rating which means it is fully waterproof and submersible in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without any damage. In comparison, the Sonos Move offers an elegant aesthetic with either white or black finishes and a more premium feel. Its IP56 rating means it is resistant to water and dust but cannot be fully submerged.
Battery Life
The Sonos Roam and Sonos Move differ in regard to battery life. The Sonos Roam offers a rechargeable battery that can provide up to 10 hours of continuous playback with just one charge, plus it comes with its own USB-C charging cable for convenient charging.
On the other hand, the Sonos Move offers a rechargeable battery that can last for up to 11 hours on one charge and includes its own charging dock that charges both speakers. This dock should be kept indoors and connected to power sources via its included adapter.
Sound Quality
While both speakers provide great audio, there are some subtle distinctions. The Sonos Roam comes equipped with two Class-H amplifiers, one tweeter, and a mid-woofer for improved clarity in any environment. It also has automatic Trueplay tuning that optimizes the sound based on your environment.
On the other hand, the Sonos Move offers two Class-D amplifiers, a downward-firing tweeter, and a mid-woofer. It also has automatic Trueplay tuning for enhanced sound quality compared to the Sonos Roam’s limited sound output. Plus, with its higher maximum volume capacity and immersive sound experience, Sonos Move provides more of a surround sound experience.
©Niks Evalds/Shutterstock.com
Water Resistance
The fourth major difference between the Sonos Roam and Sonos Move is their water resistance rating. Sonos Roam boasts an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for outdoor use since you won’t have to worry about damage if it accidentally falls into a pool or gets wet.
On the other hand, the Sonos Move boasts an IP56 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand splashes of water but cannot be submerged. While this rating is still respectable, it’s not quite up to par with the Sonos Roam’s, so you should exercise caution when using it outdoors, especially if it’s raining.
Price
The Sonos Roam is priced around $179, offering great sound quality without breaking the bank. This makes it an ideal option for those seeking a portable speaker that offers excellent sound quality without spending much money.
On the other hand, the Sonos Move is more expensive at around $399 and may seem like an extravagant purchase. While this price tag may seem high for a portable speaker, its features, such as powerful sound output, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and extended battery life, make it worth considering.
So, if you’re searching for a feature-packed portable speaker but are willing to spend some extra cash, the Sonos Move is worth considering.
Voice Control
Both speakers are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to use your voice for playback control, volume adjustment, and even asking for information such as weather updates or news stories.
The Sonos Move offers hands-free access to Alexa and Google Assistant without the need for an external device. It also provides access to these assistants but requires a nearby compatible device to send voice commands. The Move provides standalone voice assistant functionality, while the Roam requires a nearby compatible device in order to send commands.
Sonos Roam vs. Sonos Move: Pros and Cons
Sonos Roam
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly portable, weighing only 0.43 kg and measuring 168 x 62 x 60 mm – making it easy to take with you wherever life takes you | The audio quality isn’t quite up to par with other Sonos products. Though it sounds great for its size, it doesn’t quite match up to other Sonos speakers in terms of audio quality |
| Up to 10 hours of battery life, an impressive number for a speaker of its size | Its price point may make it less accessible for some consumers than other portable Bluetooth speakers on the market |
| Supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to connect their devices in various ways | Due to its small size, there is limited bass response from this speaker |
| Boasts an IP67 rating, making it dust and waterproof as well as submersible in water up to one meter deep for 30 minutes | Cannot be paired with another Roam for stereo sound; it must only be used in combination with other Sonos speakers to get stereo audio |
Sonos Move
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Boasts excellent sound quality with deep bass and crisp highs | The Sonos app may be difficult for some users to use at first, necessitating some time to learn its features |
| Has an impressive battery life of up to 11 hours of continuous playback time | At almost 7 pounds, it may be cumbersome for some users |
| Portable, so it can be used indoors or outdoors | The charging base must be purchased separately |
| Features built-in Bluetooth connectivity, making it simple to connect to any device | One of the more expensive portable speakers on the market |
Sonos Roam vs. Sonos Move: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Sonos Roam is the smaller and more budget-friendly of two portable Bluetooth speakers, while the Sonos Move boasts larger dimensions and a pricier price point.
- Both speakers provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, but the Sonos Move also features an Ethernet port.
- The Sonos Move features a carrying handle, while the Roam is designed to fit in your pocket or bag.
- Both speakers feature voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- The Sonos Move features a charging base that also serves as a Wi-Fi station, while the Roam charges via USB-C.
- The Sonos Roam boasts Automatic Trueplay technology that adjusts the sound based on the environment, while the Sonos Move requires manual Trueplay calibration.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Waterproof, lightweight, and durable
- Automatic Trueplay tuning
- Up to 10 hours of playtime
- Renewed
- Battery-powered smart speaker
- Wi-Fi compatibility
- Bluetooth
- Built-in Alexa compatibility
- Black
Sonos Roam vs. Sonos Move: Which One is Better?
After carefully comparing the features and capabilities of both Sonos Roam and Sonos Move portable Bluetooth speakers, it is clear that Sonos Move is superior in every respect.
The Sonos Move offers superior sound quality, with deeper bass and more powerful audio output. Plus, it is equipped with two class-D amplifiers to guarantee clear and distortion-free sound at high volumes. The Move also supports Sonos Trueplay tuning technology which optimizes audio based on your environment.
Additionally, the Sonos Move offers greater versatility with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling it to operate indoors or outdoors. Its durable build has earned it an IP56 rating which guarantees dustproof immunity and water resistance from any direction. Moreover, its battery life is longer at up to 11 hours of playback time on a single charge, which is perfect for long listening sessions.
On the other hand, the Sonos Roam, while smaller and more portable, offers less audio output and connectivity options. Its battery life is slightly shorter at 10 hours of playback time and does not offer the same level of sound quality or tuning capabilities as its larger sibling, the Sonos Move.
The Sonos Move comes out on top in our comparison between Sonos Roam and Sonos Move. It boasts superior audio quality, greater versatility, and longer battery life, making it an ideal option for anyone seeking a high-quality portable speaker.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©MAV_malaga/Shutterstock.com.
