β‘οΈ 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.
βοΈ 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. |
π§ Whatβs 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. |
π° Is It Worth It? β 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. |
βοΈ 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. |
π‘ 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.
π 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.
- Itβs 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.
π 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.
π 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 |
π Summary β 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.