In the ever-evolving world of portable speakers, two popular options stand out for very different reasons. The recently released (May 2024) Sonos Roam 2 at $179 and the established Anker Soundcore 2 at $45 represent opposite ends of the portable speaker spectrum. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
Portable speakers have come a long way from the simple battery-powered units of the past. Modern speakers pack impressive technology into compact forms, offering features like water resistance, smart assistance, and sound quality that rivals much larger systems.
The main considerations when choosing a portable speaker are:
The Sonos Roam 2 employs sophisticated audio engineering with dual Class-H amplifiers, a custom-designed racetrack mid-woofer, and a dedicated tweeter. This hardware combination, along with Sonos' Automatic Trueplay tuning (which adjusts audio output based on the speaker's surroundings), delivers remarkably balanced and room-filling sound.
In contrast, the Anker Soundcore 2 uses a simpler but effective dual-driver setup with passive radiators. While it can't match the Roam 2's audio sophistication, it produces surprisingly good sound for its price point, particularly excelling in vocal clarity and mid-range performance.
Here's where we see the biggest technological gap between these speakers. The Roam 2 offers both WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0, enabling:
The Soundcore 2, with its Bluetooth 4.2 connection, provides simpler but reliable connectivity. While it lacks advanced features, its straightforward operation makes it incredibly easy to use.
Despite being newer, the Roam 2's 10-hour battery life falls short of the Soundcore 2's impressive 24-hour runtime. This difference reflects their design priorities: the Roam 2 powers more advanced features and higher-quality audio components, while the Soundcore 2 focuses on longevity and reliability.
The Roam 2 does offer wireless charging support, something the Soundcore 2 lacks. Both use USB charging, though the Roam 2 employs the newer USB-C standard compared to the Soundcore 2's micro-USB port.
Both speakers handle outdoor use well, but differently:
The Roam 2's IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can handle submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Its automatic audio adjustment feature really shines outdoors, adapting to different environments.
The Soundcore 2's IPX5 rating protects against splashes and light rain, making it suitable for most outdoor scenarios, just not full submersion. Its longer battery life makes it particularly good for extended outdoor use.
The Sonos Roam 2 excels as part of a home audio setup. It can:
The Anker Soundcore 2 functions purely as a standalone speaker. While it can connect to your home devices via Bluetooth, it lacks any special home integration features.
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the Roam 2 can integrate with a Sonos home theater setup as a satellite speaker or for multi-room audio. The Soundcore 2 isn't suitable for home theater applications beyond basic TV audio via Bluetooth.
The price difference between these speakers is substantial, but so are their capabilities. The Roam 2's $179 price tag brings:
The Soundcore 2's $45 price delivers:
Choose the Sonos Roam 2 if:
Choose the Anker Soundcore 2 if:
Since the Soundcore 2's 2018 release, portable speaker technology has evolved significantly. The Roam 2 represents the current state of the art, with features like automatic tuning and seamless ecosystem integration that weren't common in 2018. However, the Soundcore 2's core features - good sound, long battery life, and durability - remain relevant and valuable today.
The Roam 2 points to where portable speakers are headed: smarter, more integrated, and more adaptable. Yet the Soundcore 2 proves that solid fundamentals at an affordable price point maintain their appeal.
For most users, the decision between these speakers will come down to how they plan to use them and their budget. The Roam 2's premium features and integration capabilities justify its price for those who'll use them, while the Soundcore 2 remains an excellent choice for straightforward portable audio needs.
Consider your specific use case, budget, and how important additional features are to you. Both speakers excel in their respective categories - it's just a matter of choosing which category best suits your needs.
| Sonos Roam 2 | Anker Soundcore 2 |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $179 (premium pricing) | $45 (budget-friendly) |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and clarity | |
| Two Class-H amplifiers with custom mid-woofer and tweeter | Dual 6W drivers with passive radiator |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 10 hours (shorter runtime) | 24 hours (excellent longevity) |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof, submersible) | IPX5 (splash resistant only) |
| Connectivity Options - Affects versatility | |
| WiFi + Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth 4.2 only |
| Smart Features - Adds functionality beyond audio | |
| Voice assistants, auto-tuning, multi-room audio | None |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C and wireless Qi charging | Micro-USB only |
| Size/Weight - Impacts portability | |
| 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.32 inches, 1.53 lbs | 6.5 x 2.2 x 1.77 inches, 0.78 lbs |
| Audio Quality Features - Affects sound experience | |
| Automatic Trueplay tuning, dedicated tweeter, custom EQ | BassUp technology, basic EQ |
| Ecosystem Integration - Important for home setup | |
| Full Sonos system compatibility, multi-room audio | Standalone operation only |
| Build Quality - Affects durability | |
| Premium materials, reinforced construction | Durable plastic, rubber coating |
The Sonos Roam 2 is significantly better for home theater use as it can integrate with a Sonos surround sound system as a satellite speaker. The Anker Soundcore 2 doesn't offer any home theater integration features.
If you plan to use it as part of a home audio system or value smart features, the Sonos Roam 2 at $179 is worth the investment. For basic portable audio needs, the Anker Soundcore 2 at $45 offers better value.
The Anker Soundcore 2 has superior battery life at 24 hours, compared to the Sonos Roam 2's 10 hours of playback time.
Both speakers are water-resistant, but the Sonos Roam 2 has better protection with IP67 rating (fully waterproof) compared to the Anker Soundcore 2's IPX5 rating (splash resistant).
The Sonos Roam 2 offers superior sound quality with its advanced drivers and auto-tuning technology. The Anker Soundcore 2 provides good basic sound quality but lacks the same refinement.
The Sonos Roam 2 can connect to your TV through a Sonos system. The Anker Soundcore 2 can only connect via Bluetooth if your TV supports it.
Only the Sonos Roam 2 works with voice assistants. The Anker Soundcore 2 doesn't have smart features.
The Sonos Roam 2 excels at multi-room audio through the Sonos ecosystem. The Anker Soundcore 2 doesn't support multi-room functionality.
The Sonos Roam 2 can be used as part of a Sonos surround sound setup. The Anker Soundcore 2 cannot be used for surround sound.
The Anker Soundcore 2 is slightly lighter at 0.78 lbs compared to the Sonos Roam 2's 1.53 lbs, making it more portable.
Only the Sonos Roam 2 supports wireless charging. The Anker Soundcore 2 uses micro-USB charging only.
The Sonos Roam 2 offers better streaming capabilities with both WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0, while the Anker Soundcore 2 only supports Bluetooth 4.2 streaming.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - theshortcut.com - housebeautiful.com - youtube.com - cgmagonline.com - automatednow.com - bestbuy.com - nfm.com - creativeaudio.net - sonos.com - shop.menshealth.com - support.sonos.com - youtube.com - skybygramophone.com - community.anker.com - forums.androidcentral.com - community.anker.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - community.anker.com - wirelessplace.com - cnet.com - youtube.com - walmart.com - us.ankerwork.com - support.soundcore.com
