Electronics

SONOS Roam (2021)

Great Sound or Short Battery?

⚑️ Quick Verdict - SONOS Roam (2021)

  • Best For: Users seeking a portable speaker that integrates into the Sonos ecosystem and offers smart features.
  • Strengths: Compact size, robust build quality, automatic Wi-Fi/Bluetooth switching, surprisingly rich sound for its size.
  • Drawbacks: Battery life variability, no analog input, voice assistant microphone sensitivity.
  • Verdict: A versatile portable speaker integrating seamlessly with Sonos.

βš–οΈ Pros & Cons Explained

Aspect Pros Cons
Sound Quality Users report impressive sound clarity and surprising bass response for a speaker of its compact size, often noting it performs well for its category. Some users find the sound lacks the depth of larger Sonos speakers, and at very high volumes, it can exhibit some distortion.
Portability & Design Its lightweight and durable design, combined with an IP67 rating, makes it ideal for outdoor and travel use. Users appreciate its sleek, discreet aesthetic. The small size means it can be easily misplaced, and the button layout on the end can be less intuitive for some users.
Connectivity The seamless automatic switching between Wi-Fi (for Sonos features) and Bluetooth (for portability) is a highly praised feature. AirPlay 2 support is also a plus for Apple users. Users occasionally experience initial setup difficulties or occasional drops when transitioning between networks, though these are often resolved with firmware updates.
Battery Life When used intermittently, the battery life is generally sufficient for a day out or casual listening sessions. Standby power consumption is efficient. Continuous playback, especially at higher volumes or with constant Wi-Fi streaming, can lead to shorter than advertised battery life, with some users reporting less than 10 hours.
Smart Features Integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant provides convenient hands-free control, and Sound Swap allows for easy audio transfer to other Sonos speakers. The built-in microphone for voice assistants can sometimes be less sensitive or responsive in noisy environments compared to dedicated smart speakers.

πŸ”§ What’s Included? & Why It Matters

Item Why It Matters
Sonos Roam Speaker The core product, offering portable smart speaker capabilities with Sonos ecosystem integration.
USB-C to USB-A Cable Provides universal charging capability, allowing users to power the device using standard USB power adapters (not included).
Quickstart Guide Offers essential instructions for initial setup and connecting to the Sonos app and network.

πŸ’° Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency

Aspect Positive Negative
Build Quality Users appreciate the premium, durable feel of the Roam, noting its IP67 rating provides confidence for outdoor and rugged use, suggesting longevity. While robust, some users feel the plastic casing might be prone to scratching over extended rough use, potentially affecting its aesthetic over time.
Features for Price The combination of Sonos ecosystem integration, automatic switching, voice assistant support, and robust portability offers a unique value proposition for its segment. The absence of an auxiliary input or a charging adapter in the box means users might incur additional costs or limitations if they require these features.
Long-term Value Being part of the Sonos ecosystem, the Roam benefits from regular software updates and feature enhancements, contributing to a longer usable lifespan and continued performance improvements. The battery, like all rechargeable batteries, will degrade over time, which could affect the product's portability performance after several years of use.

βš”οΈ Alternatives vs SONOS Roam (2021)

Aspect JBL Charge 5 Bose SoundLink Flex Sonos Roam (2021)
Sound Profile Known for its powerful bass and loud output, well-suited for outdoor parties. Offers a balanced and natural sound with clear highs and decent bass, adaptable to orientation. Delivers impressive clarity and spatial audio, especially for its size, with automatic Trueplay tuning for optimal sound.
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.1 for robust wireless connection; no Wi-Fi or smart assistant. Bluetooth 4.2 for reliable wireless connection; no Wi-Fi or smart assistant. Seamless automatic switching between Wi-Fi (Sonos ecosystem, AirPlay 2, voice assistants) and Bluetooth.
Smart Features No built-in smart assistant; focus is purely on audio playback. No built-in smart assistant; focus is purely on audio playback. Integrated Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant when on Wi-Fi; Sound Swap feature for multi-room audio.
Durability IP67 dust and waterproof rating; robust fabric and rubberized casing. IP67 dust and waterproof rating; rugged exterior and steel grille. Floatable design. IP67 dust and waterproof rating; durable matte finish and silicone end caps.
Portability Larger and heavier than Roam; integrated power bank for charging other devices. Compact and lightweight with a utility loop for easy attachment. Extremely compact and lightweight, designed for easy grab-and-go portability.

πŸ’‘ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • How long does the battery last on a single charge? The Sonos Roam is rated for up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
  • Is the Sonos Roam waterproof? Yes, it has an IP67 rating, meaning it is fully dust-tight and can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.
  • Can I use two Sonos Roams together for stereo sound? Yes, you can stereo pair two Sonos Roam speakers when they are connected via Wi-Fi for a wider soundstage.
  • Does the Sonos Roam support voice assistants? Yes, when connected to Wi-Fi, the Sonos Roam supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
  • Can I charge the Sonos Roam wirelessly? Yes, the Sonos Roam can be charged wirelessly using any Qi-certified wireless charger, including the optional Sonos Roam Wireless Charger.

πŸ‘ Positive Reviews - What Users Love

  • The sound quality is surprisingly good for its size, easily filling a small room and sounding great outdoors.
  • The automatic Wi-Fi to Bluetooth switching is seamless and makes using it between home and on the go incredibly convenient.
  • It’s incredibly durable and the IP67 rating is genuine; I've used it by the pool and haven't worried about splashes.
  • Being able to integrate it into my existing Sonos system while also taking it with me is a game-changer.
  • The compact design makes it perfect for travel, fitting easily into a backpack without adding much weight.

πŸ‘Ž Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better

  • The battery life isn't always consistent; sometimes it dies faster than expected, especially when using Wi-Fi and voice assistants.
  • I wish it had an auxiliary input for connecting devices that don't have Bluetooth, like older MP3 players.
  • The voice assistant microphone seems less sensitive than on other smart speakers, sometimes requiring me to speak louder.
  • Initial setup can be a bit finicky for some users, taking several attempts to get it connected to the Wi-Fi network.
  • It's a bit pricey for its size, especially considering some portable speakers offer longer battery life at a lower cost.

πŸ“‹ Key Details & Specifications

Feature Specification
Dimensions (H x W x D) 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 inches (168 x 62 x 60 mm)
Weight 0.95 lbs (0.43 kg)
Connectivity Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2
Battery Life Up to 10 hours of continuous playback, up to 10 days standby
IP Rating IP67 (dustproof and waterproof)
Voice Assistants Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Audio Features Automatic Trueplay tuning, two Class-H digital amplifiers, one tweeter, one mid-woofer
Charging USB-C, Qi wireless charging compatible

πŸ”š Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?

  • The Sonos Roam (2021) offers a compelling blend of portability, smart features, and Sonos ecosystem integration, making it a unique contender in the portable speaker market.
  • Its standout features include automatic Wi-Fi to Bluetooth switching, robust build quality with IP67 rating, and surprisingly rich sound for its compact size, enhanced by Trueplay tuning.
  • While it excels in convenience and sound quality for its category, potential drawbacks include variable battery life for continuous playback and the lack of an analog audio input.
  • It is an excellent choice for existing Sonos users who want to extend their multi-room audio experience to outdoor adventures or different rooms without sacrificing smart capabilities.
  • For those prioritizing maximum battery life or loudest output above all else, other Bluetooth-only speakers might be considered, but for a truly versatile smart portable speaker that connects seamlessly to your home Wi-Fi and beyond, the Roam presents a strong case.

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