When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, there's a wide spectrum of options that can make choosing the right one challenging. Today, we'll compare two popular but very different speakers: the premium Sonos Roam 2 ($179) and the ultra-portable JBL Clip 4 ($50).
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years, with devices now offering much more than just basic Bluetooth playback. Today's speakers range from simple portable units to sophisticated multi-room capable devices that integrate with smart home systems.
The key factors most people consider are:
The Sonos Roam 2 represents a significant upgrade in sound technology. Released in early 2024, it features Automatic Trueplay - a system that uses built-in microphones to analyze your environment and adjust audio settings automatically. This means whether you're in a small bedroom or large backyard, the speaker optimizes its output for the space.
The speaker includes:
In contrast, the JBL Clip 4 takes a simpler approach with a single 5W driver. While this might seem basic, JBL has tuned it well for its size, providing surprisingly full sound for such a compact unit. The speaker emphasizes vocal clarity and mid-range frequencies, making it particularly good for podcasts and acoustic music.
Here's where we see the biggest differences between these speakers. The Roam 2 offers:
The Clip 4 keeps it straightforward with:
For home theater use, the Roam 2 can act as a satellite speaker when paired with a Sonos system, though it's not its primary purpose. The Clip 4 isn't designed for home theater integration at all.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, their approaches to portability differ dramatically:
The Roam 2 (1.53 lbs):
The Clip 4 (0.53 lbs):
Both speakers advertise 10 hours of battery life, but real-world usage varies:
Roam 2:
Clip 4:
If you're already invested in the Sonos ecosystem or planning to build a multi-room audio system, the Roam 2 offers significant advantages. It can:
The JBL Clip 4 excels in situations where maximum portability is crucial:
When considering value, we need to look beyond just the price difference:
Roam 2 ($179):
Clip 4 ($50):
Consider these key questions:
The Sonos Roam 2 and JBL Clip 4 serve different segments of the portable speaker market. The Roam 2 is for users who want premium sound, smart features, and ecosystem integration, while the Clip 4 is for those prioritizing ultimate portability and simplicity.
For home theater use, only the Roam 2 makes sense as part of a larger Sonos system. However, neither speaker is primarily designed for this purpose.
The technical improvements in the Roam 2 (released 2024) over its predecessor include better battery management, enhanced sound processing, and improved wireless connectivity. The Clip 4 represents a refinement of JBL's portable speaker design, with better durability and sound quality than previous models.
Choose the Roam 2 if you:
Choose the Clip 4 if you:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases, and your choice should align with your specific needs rather than just the feature list or price point.
| Sonos Roam 2 | JBL Clip 4 |
|---|---|
| Price - Key factor in value proposition | |
| $179 (premium features justify cost) | $50 (excellent value for basic needs) |
| Sound Output - Determines overall audio quality | |
| Dual Class-H amplifiers with dedicated tweeter and mid-woofer | Single 5W driver (good for size but limited range) |
| Connectivity Options - Affects versatility and usage | |
| WiFi + Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, Multi-room audio | Bluetooth 5.1 only |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability | |
| 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.32 inches, 1.53 lbs (portable but substantial) | 5.3 x 3.4 x 1.8 inches, 0.53 lbs (ultra-portable) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 10 hours rated (8-9 real-world use) | 10 hours rated (8-10 real-world use) |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C and Qi wireless charging | USB-C only |
| Durability Rating - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 waterproof and dustproof | IP67 waterproof and dustproof |
| Smart Features - Adds functionality | |
| Voice assistants, auto-tuning, Sonos app integration | Basic controls only |
| Mounting/Portability Features - Affects usage flexibility | |
| Vertical or horizontal placement | Integrated carabiner clip |
| System Integration - Important for home audio | |
| Full Sonos ecosystem compatibility, multi-room audio | Standalone device only |
The Sonos Roam 2 can integrate with a Sonos home theater setup as a satellite speaker, while the JBL Clip 4 isn't designed for home theater use. If home theater integration is important, the Roam 2 is the clear choice.
The Sonos Roam 2 costs $179, while the JBL Clip 4 is priced at $50. The price difference reflects their different feature sets and capabilities.
Yes, both the Sonos Roam 2 and JBL Clip 4 have IP67 waterproof ratings, making them suitable for outdoor use. They can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The Sonos Roam 2 offers superior sound quality with its dual amplifiers, dedicated tweeter, and mid-woofer. The JBL Clip 4 has good sound for its size but can't match the Roam 2's audio capabilities.
Both speakers advertise 10 hours of battery life. The Sonos Roam 2 typically achieves 8-9 hours in real-world use, while the JBL Clip 4 manages 8-10 hours.
The Sonos Roam 2 can connect to your TV through the Sonos ecosystem if you have a Sonos soundbar. The JBL Clip 4 cannot connect directly to TVs.
The JBL Clip 4 is significantly more portable at 0.53 lbs with an integrated carabiner clip. The Sonos Roam 2 is still portable but heavier at 1.53 lbs.
Only the Sonos Roam 2 supports multi-room audio through the Sonos ecosystem. The JBL Clip 4 is a standalone Bluetooth speaker only.
The Sonos Roam 2 supports voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. The JBL Clip 4 does not have voice assistant capabilities.
The JBL Clip 4 is better suited for travel due to its smaller size, lighter weight, and carabiner clip. The Sonos Roam 2 is more versatile but less convenient for travel.
The Sonos Roam 2 can pair with another Roam 2 for stereo sound and integrate with other Sonos speakers. The JBL Clip 4 cannot create stereo pairs.
The JBL Clip 4 offers better value for basic portable audio needs at $50. The Sonos Roam 2 at $179 provides better value if you need smart features and home theater integration.
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 - youtube.com - outeraudio.com - jbl.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - jbl.com - harmanaudio.com - youtube.com - ggelectronics.com - greentoe.com - soundstagexperience.com
