Speakers

The lineup of Sonos portable speakers truly has an option for every on-the-go listening style.

On one end is the ultra-portable Sonos Roam 2, which packs size-defying sound into its compact, lightweight design. On the other end is Sonos Move 2, our most powerful portable speaker, complete with a precision-tuned woofer that delivers rich bass and full-range stereo sound wherever you take it. And filling out the middle is the remarkably versatile Sonos Play, with its pitch-perfect balance of compact size and bass-heavy stereo sound.

So, which Sonos portable speaker is right for you? Depending on where and how you listen, the answer could very well be “all of the above.” But each speaker has its particular strengths, so we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best portable companion for you.

Shared capabilities across all Sonos portable speakers

Though each of the three Sonos portable speakers caters to a unique listening case, they share several key features.

For example, all three showcase our commitment to sustainability through their energy-saving design and thoughtfully designed packaging that eliminates virgin plastic. And all three look as sophisticated as they sound, transitioning seamlessly between indoor and outdoor aesthetics.

Other shared capabilities include:

• Robust weatherproofing. All Sonos portable speakers are durable enough to stand up to outdoor use. Roam 2 and Sonos Play are both rated IP67, which means they’re dustproof and can even withstand temporary immersion in water. Move 2 is rated IP56, which means it can handle dust, dirt, and getting sprayed by the hose or caught in the rain.
• Sonos system integration. Using WiFi, you can connect any Sonos portable speaker to your at-home Sonos system for a multi-room audio setup when you’re not on the go.
• Automatic Trueplay™ tuning. All three speakers feature built-in Trueplay™ technology that automatically analyses the unique acoustics of a space and optimises the speaker’s EQ to improve your listening experience.
• Three options for connectivity. Connect any Sonos portable speaker via WiFi, Bluetooth, or Apple AirPlay.
• USB-C charging. All three speakers can be charged via USB-C. Sonos Play and Move 2 also feature an included wireless charging base, while Roam 2 has a wireless Qi charging base that can be purchased separately.

At a high level, WiFi and Bluetooth speakers do the same thing — they connect to a remote device to play audio without a wired connection. But these two wireless technologies work in fundamentally different ways, and these differences can affect everything from their range and audio quality to their compatibility with other devices.

If you came here looking for a definitive ‘winner’ between WiFi and Bluetooth technologies, you’ll find the reality is more nuanced. Each technology has its advantages (which explains why many Sonos products feature both capabilities). WiFi excels at streaming lossless audio thanks to its greater bandwidth, while Bluetooth is generally more portable.

In this guide, we’ll pinpoint what separates WiFi and Bluetooth so you can find the technology that best fits your audio experience.

How do WiFi and Bluetooth connect to wireless devices?

Both WiFi and Bluetooth speakers use radio waves to transmit audio to wireless devices. They just do it in distinct ways.

WiFi speakers connect to a wireless internet network, like the one you have in your home. One advantage of a wireless network is that it can handle a large amount of data transmitted over multiple devices at once. This allows for high-quality, lossless audio streaming to your speaker even if your phone, laptop, and other devices are simultaneously using the same network.

Bluetooth speakers, on the other hand, create a direct wireless connection between the speaker and the music-playing device. Think of it as a one-to-one, short-range radio signal — no internet network or router required. Pairing your Bluetooth-enabled device with a Bluetooth speaker can usually be done with one click. This means Bluetooth is generally quicker to set up than WiFi, though this approach also limits its range and audio quality.

So, it’s clear that WiFi and Bluetooth aren’t the same. But which is better? It depends on the specific dimensions and qualities that matter most to you.

Portability

Bluetooth doesn’t require an internet connection or wireless network, so it’s generally the more portable technology. If you wear your Sonos Ace headphones on your commute or take your Sonos Play to a barbecue in the park, you’re almost certainly using Bluetooth technology to connect your devices.

Another plus in terms of portability is that Bluetooth speakers tend to have a longer battery life than WiFi speakers. A Bluetooth connection uses less power to transmit data, prioritising energy efficiency over other areas where WiFi wins out, like speed and bandwidth.

While they can be just as compact and lightweight as Bluetooth speakers, WiFi speakers require a wireless network connection to function. This limits where you can use them. Before you bring a WiFi speaker over to a friend’s house or outside gathering, make sure there’s a reliable internet connection you can use to connect your devices.

Of course, many portable speakers can connect via Bluetooth and WiFi. It’s less about choosing the right speaker and more about choosing the right type of connection for each situation.