Sonos Roam vs Move: Which Portable Speaker is Best?

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When it comes to portable speakers, Sonos has been one of the leading brands in the market. Their latest releases, the Sonos Roam and Sonos Move have been generating a lot of buzz in the audio community. In this article, we will be comparing the two speakers and highlighting their differences to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Portability

The Sonos Roam is the smaller and more portable of the two speakers. It weighs only 0.95 pounds and has a compact design that can easily fit in your pocket or backpack. The Roam comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. It also has an IP67 rating, which means it can withstand dust, water, and accidental drops.

On the other hand, the Sonos Move is a larger and more robust speaker. It weighs 6.61 pounds and has a built-in carrying handle, making it easier to carry around. The Move also has an IP56 rating, which means it can withstand dust and water splashes. Its rechargeable battery can last up to 11 hours on a single charge.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, both speakers deliver impressive performance. The Sonos Roam has two Class-H amplifiers, one tweeter, and one mid-woofer. It can deliver a maximum sound pressure level of 88 dB, which is decent for a speaker of its size. However, it has a limited low-bass response, which can be an issue for bass-heavy music genres.

On the other hand, the Sonos Move has a more powerful sound system. It has two Class-D amplifiers, one downward-firing tweeter, and one mid-woofer. It can deliver a maximum sound pressure level of 97 dB, which is significantly louder than the Roam. The Move also has a better low-bass response, which makes it more suitable for bass-heavy music genres.

Connectivity

Both the Sonos Roam and Move come with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options. However, the Move has a more advanced Wi-Fi system, which allows it to connect to your home network and stream music directly from popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The Move also has an Ethernet port, which makes it easier to set up in a wired network.

Price

The Sonos Roam is the more affordable option, with a price tag of $169. It is an excellent entry-level portable speaker that delivers impressive sound quality and portability. On the other hand, the Sonos Move is the more expensive option, with a price tag of $399. It is a premium portable speaker that delivers high-quality sound and advanced connectivity options.

The Sonos Roam and Sonos Move are both excellent portable speakers that deliver impressive sound quality and portability. The Roam is the more affordable and compact option, while the Move is the more powerful and advanced option. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you are looking for a portable speaker that can deliver decent sound quality and can fit in your pocket, then the Roam is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a premium portable speaker that can deliver high-quality sound and advanced connectivity options, then the Move is the better choice.

Sonos Roam vs Move: Which Portable Speaker is Best? 1

Comparing the Sonos Roam and Move Speakers

When it comes to comparing the Sonos Roam and the Sonos Move, there are a few factors to consider. While both are high-quality speakers that offer excellent sound quality, there are some differences that may make one a better fit for your needs than the other.

In terms of sound quality, the Sonos Move is generally considered to be the better speaker. It can get louder than the Roam, and it has a more extended low bass, making it ideal for music with a lot of bass. The Move also has a longer battery life, which can be a significant factor if you plan to use it for extended periods without access to a power source. That being said, the battery life can vary slightly depending on usage.

On the other hand, the Sonos Roam has a smaller and more portable design, which may be preferable for some users. It’s easy to carry around, making it ideal for outdoor use or for taking on the go. The Roam also has a built-in handle, which makes it easy to grab and go, and it’s IP67-rated, meaning it’s resistant to water and dust.

Ultimately, whether the Sonos Roam or the Sonos Move is better for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value portability and water resistance, the Roam may be the better choice. If you prioritize sound quality and battery life, the Move may be the way to go.

sonos roam vs move

Comparing Sonos Roam to Other Speakers

The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is a better option than the Sonos Roam if you are looking for superior sound quality. The Bose speaker outperforms the Sonos Roam in terms of soundstage performance, providing a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, the Bose speaker has a more extended low bass, which enhances the overall sound quality. The Bose speaker is also capable of getting louder than the Sonos Roam, making it a better choice for larger rooms or outdoor spaces.

While the Sonos Roam is a well-built speaker, the Bose Portable Smart Speaker has a more significant advantage in terms of sound quality. However, the Sonos Roam does come with a unique feature that the Bose speaker does not have, which is room correction. This feature allows the Sonos Roam to adjust its sound output based on the acoustic characteristics of the room it is in, resulting in a more balanced sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two speakers will depend on your priorities and preferences.

Comparing the Audio Quality of the Sonos Move and Sonos One

The Sonos Move sounds better than the Sonos One. The Sonos Move is equipped with a battery-powered system and has a built-in carrying handle, making it more portable and convenient to use. It also has a more powerful speaker system that can produce louder and clearer sounds. The Move has better directivity, which enhances its soundstage, making it more open and spacious. Additionally, the Sonos Move has automatic Trueplay tuning technology that adjusts its sound profile according to the environment, ensuring optimal sound quality in any setting. On the other hand, the Sonos One is a great speaker but does not have the same level of portability and power as the Sonos Move.

Is the Sonos Move Worth the Investment?

The Sonos Move is a versatile and high-quality portable speaker that is worth considering for people who want to enjoy quality audio while on the go. It has a balanced sound profile that is suitable for various types of audio content, including music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Additionally, the Trueplay room correction feature helps to optimize the sound quality for the environment it’s in, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable listening experience.

Furthermore, the Sonos Move supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, giving users the flexibility to connect to their devices wirelessly or through a network. It’s also very well-built, and the handle makes it easy to carry around with one hand.

While the Sonos Move may not be the most affordable portable speaker on the market, it offers a premium listening experience that is worth the investment for those who prioritize sound quality and versatility. the Sonos Move is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality portable speaker that can deliver a great listening experience on the go.

Conclusion

After comparing the Sonos Roam and Sonos Move, we can conclude that the Sonos Move is the better speaker overall. It has a more extended low bass and can get louder than the Roam, making it a great option for outdoor use or large rooms. Additionally, the Move has a longer battery life, making it a more reliable choice for extended listening sessions.

However, the Sonos Roam does have some advantages over the Move. It has a smaller and more portable design, making it easier to carry around on the go. It also supports wireless charging, which is a convenient feature for some users.

Ultimately, the choice between the Sonos Roam and Move will depend on what features are most important to you. If you’re looking for a more powerful and versatile speaker, the Move is the better choice. But if portability and wireless charging are your top priorities, the Roam is a great option to consider.

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James Walker

James Walker has a deep passion for technology and is our in-house enthusiastic editor. He graduated from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and loves to test the latest gadgets and play with older software (something we’re still trying to figure out about himself). Hailing from Iowa, United States, James loves cats and is an avid hiker in his free time.