Sonos Move vs Roam: Which is better?

Even though the Sonos Move, the Move 2 and the Sonos Roam are visually very different from each other, there are still good reasons to compare the two speakers.

While Sonos is better known for traditional home systems, these two speakers are Bluetooth versions that are suitable for mobile use.

However, the speakers differ not only in terms of design, but also in terms of technology and price.

My comparison below reveals which model offers the best price-performance ratio and in which situation which speaker can convince.

This much in advance: both devices are among the best speakers in the overall test.

Big move and small roam

The most striking difference between the two speakers is clearly their size.

With its dimensions of 17 x 6 x 6 centimeters, the Sonos Roam is based on the successful competitor models from JBL, Bose or Ultimate Ears and, with a weight of just 400 grams, offers high mobility.

The Sonos Move is considerably different, measuring 24 x 16 x 12.5 centimeters and weighing three kilograms, it seems quite bulky and stretches the definition of “mobile” – this Bluetooth speaker doesn’t fit easily into a trouser pocket. Nor does it fit in a handbag or even a rucksack.

It is therefore less intended for leisure activities such as an afternoon in the park or hiking, and more for short journeys from the living room to the terrace.

Sonos Roam can dive

The Sonos Roam is better equipped for outdoor use and can even be submerged under water without damage thanks to its IP67 certification.

The Sonos Move “only” offers IP56 certification, which still protects against rain and is therefore more than sufficient for everyday use.

Ultimately, both speakers live up to their respective names: the Move can be carried comfortably from room to room within your own home, but is not really suitable for longer distances.

The Roam, on the other hand, is ideal for longer outdoor use.

Move & Roam up to 10 hours battery

Both speakers can be connected to mobile devices via Bluetooth, allowing music to be played via smartphone, tablet and other devices. However, other manufacturers can do this too.

The special feature is that the two portable speakers can be integrated into the Sonos multiroom system at home. The Sonos app can then be used to play the same or different music on one or more speakers throughout the house.

According to Sonos, both speakers can offer up to ten hours of battery life, which is sufficient for everyday use, but is rather mid-table compared to the competition.

After all, voice control is supported by Sonos, Alexa and the Google Assistant, which is a popular addition to the home system. The Sonos Roam is also available without a voice assistant with the suffix “SL”.

Sonos Roam is younger and fitter

When looking at the technical differences, it quickly becomes apparent that two years more research and development went into the Sonos Roam – after all, it came onto the market much later.

For example, it scores with automatic switching between WiFi and Bluetooth, which allows it to connect to a Bluetooth device fully automatically as soon as the home WiFi is disconnected.

However, manually switching between WLAN and Bluetooth can be a bit tiring for Roam.

The Roam also features Swap technology, which transfers the music played on the Roam to the nearest Sonos speaker at the touch of a button.

This is particularly practical if, for example, the speaker has been in use on the road but you want the music to continue playing directly on the Sonos home system at home.

Both speakers offer Sonos’ automatic TruePlay technology: the speakers listen to themselves via integrated microphones, so to speak, and optimize the sound depending on where they are placed. This actually works and delivers audible improvements.

Sonos Roam SL without microphone

The Sonos Roam SL does not have an integrated microphone and therefore not only does without voice control, but also without the above-mentioned features such as Swap and TruePlay. On the other hand, the device is slightly cheaper.

Move vs Roam: Which one sounds better?

While the Sonos Roam is ahead in terms of features and innovations, we still have to give the point for sound to the Sonos Move.

After all, the sound here is comparable to the popular Sonos One and scores with a dynamic, strong bass, accentuated mids and appealing highs.

Of course, this is not least due to the fact that the speaker’s membrane and body are simply much larger than those of the Sonos Roam.

However, the Roam is definitely not a bad speaker: it also offers the usual Sonos quality, which includes a well thought-out sound image.

However, it is simply smaller and quieter in comparison – which of course corresponds to its purpose: while the Sonos Move can fill larger rooms or even gardens with music, its little brother is intended more for a tight round in the park or on the beach.

The Sonos Roam is now available not only in black and white but also in blue, green and red.

Twice as expensive and twice as good?

In terms of price, there are big differences between the speakers. At 199 euros, the Roam is comparable to the top models from the competition and offers similar performance.

The Roam SL without voice control is even cheaper. If you already use Sonos speakers, you get good value for money here.

At just under 399 euros, the Move is more than twice as expensive, but also offers six times the body of its little brother. However, it offers a noticeably better sound with a higher maximum volume.

Sonos Roam or Sonos Move?

Ultimately, the choice between Move and Roam depends on the available budget, but also very much on the planned use.

The Sonos Roam is ideal for day trips – be it to the beach or the quarry pond, an afternoon in the park or hiking and cycling tours.

Thanks to its robust construction, it can even be used in bad weather or by and in the pool without any problems and also scores with innovations that are not yet found on the Sonos Move.

Its big brother, on the other hand, scores points for more stationary use in and around the home.

It can be carried from one room to the next or used in the garden or on the balcony. However, it is simply not designed for longer distances due to its size and weight.

However, both speakers stand out thanks to their strong connectivity and easy integration into the Sonos system, as well as their convincing, clear sound.