In the competitive world of portable speakers, two popular models stand out: the brand new Sonos Roam 2 at $179 and the established JBL Flip 6 at $129. Let's explore how these speakers stack up and which might be right for your needs.
Portable speakers have come a long way from simple battery-powered units. Today's models pack sophisticated audio engineering into remarkably compact packages. They need to handle everything from peaceful podcast listening to powering backyard parties, all while surviving the occasional splash or drop.
The latest generation brings some impressive advances. The Roam 2, released in May 2024, builds on its predecessor with improved battery life and refined audio tuning. The Flip 6, while older (December 2021), represents JBL's decades of portable audio expertise with its sixth-generation design.
The Roam 2 takes a sophisticated approach to audio, using automatic Trueplay tuning (think room correction that happens automatically) to optimize sound for your space. It employs a custom-designed oval woofer paired with a dedicated tweeter, creating clear separation between low and high frequencies.
The sound signature is notably balanced and refined, though it won't shake the walls with bass. What it lacks in raw power, it makes up for in clarity and detail. The speaker particularly shines with vocal-heavy content and acoustic music.
The Flip 6 takes a more traditional but highly effective approach. Its racetrack-shaped woofer and dual passive radiators (think bass-enhancing ports that move with the music) deliver impressive low-end punch for its size. The dedicated tweeter ensures crisp highs don't get lost in the mix.
In testing, the Flip 6 consistently produces louder volumes with minimal distortion. The bass response is notably fuller, making it better suited for electronic music and outdoor use where environmental noise is a factor.
Here's where these speakers really diverge in their approach:
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance (meaning they can survive submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes), but they handle environmental challenges differently.
The Roam 2 has a more refined, minimalist design that looks at home on a bookshelf but still handles outdoor use well. Its automatic Trueplay tuning actively adjusts the sound as you move it around.
The Flip 6 features a more rugged build with protective rubber ends and a durable fabric covering. It's clearly designed with outdoor use as a primary consideration, and the sound profile reflects this with its stronger bass and higher volume capability.
Battery performance remains a key differentiator:
Real-world testing often shows slightly lower numbers for both, especially at higher volumes. The Roam 2's wireless charging option adds convenience, though it requires a separate charging pad.
The price difference ($50) between these speakers reflects their different approaches:
The Roam 2 justifies its higher price through:
The Flip 6 delivers value through:
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Sonos Roam 2 is the clear choice for those wanting a sophisticated, connected speaker that can handle both home and portable use. Its smart features and ecosystem integration make it more than just a speaker.
The JBL Flip 6 remains the go-to for those prioritizing pure portable audio performance. It delivers superior sound quality and durability at a lower price point, though without the smart features.
In my testing, I've found myself reaching for the Flip 6 more often for pure portable use, while the Roam 2 has become a favorite for home listening where its smart features shine. Your choice should ultimately align with how you plan to use the speaker most often.
| Sonos Roam 2 | JBL Flip 6 |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $179 (premium pricing) | $129 (better value for pure audio) |
| Audio Configuration - Affects sound quality and clarity | |
| Custom racetrack woofer + tweeter with smart tuning | Racetrack woofer + tweeter with dual passive radiators |
| Maximum Volume - Important for outdoor use | |
| Moderate volume output, better for personal listening | Higher max volume, suitable for group settings |
| Connectivity - Determines flexibility of use | |
| WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2, Voice Control | Bluetooth 5.1 only |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 10 hours (with smart features enabled) | 12 hours (longer life for outdoor use) |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C and Wireless Qi charging | USB-C only |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor durability | |
| IP67 (30 min at 1m depth) | IP67 (30 min at 1m depth) |
| Smart Features - Adds functionality beyond audio | |
| Voice control, auto-tuning, multi-room audio | Basic EQ control via app only |
| Size and Weight - Affects portability | |
| 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.32 inches, 1.53 lbs | 7.0 x 2.6 x 2.8 inches, 1.21 lbs |
| Multi-Speaker Pairing - Expands sound coverage | |
| Full Sonos ecosystem integration | PartyBoost for JBL speakers only |
| Sound Signature - Determines listening experience | |
| Balanced, refined sound with emphasis on clarity | Bass-forward, energetic sound with higher volume |
The Sonos Roam 2 is better integrated for home theater use since it can connect to other Sonos speakers and soundbars. While the JBL Flip 6 can work as a standalone speaker, it lacks the ecosystem integration for proper home theater applications.
Only the Sonos Roam 2 can be used as part of a surround sound setup when paired with a Sonos soundbar. The JBL Flip 6 cannot be integrated into a home theater surround system.
The JBL Flip 6 has more powerful bass and higher volume output, while the Sonos Roam 2 offers more balanced, refined sound. For pure audio quality, the Flip 6 has an edge, especially in larger spaces.
The Sonos Roam 2 costs $179, while the JBL Flip 6 is priced at $129, making it $50 less expensive.
The JBL Flip 6 offers 12 hours of playback compared to 10 hours on the Sonos Roam 2, making it better for extended outdoor use.
The Sonos Roam 2 can be connected to your TV through the Sonos ecosystem when paired with a Sonos soundbar. The JBL Flip 6 can only connect via Bluetooth if your TV supports it.
Both the Sonos Roam 2 and JBL Flip 6 have IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, but the Flip 6 has a more rugged design better suited for outdoor use.
The Sonos Roam 2 can connect with any Sonos speaker for multi-room audio. The JBL Flip 6 can only pair with other JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers.
The Sonos Roam 2 offers voice control, automatic audio tuning, and WiFi connectivity, while the JBL Flip 6 is a basic Bluetooth speaker without smart features.
Both speakers support streaming, but the Sonos Roam 2 offers more options with WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, while the JBL Flip 6 is limited to Bluetooth streaming.
The Sonos Roam 2 is better suited for small rooms due to its more balanced sound and automatic room tuning. The JBL Flip 6 might be too powerful for very small spaces.
The JBL Flip 6 offers better value for pure audio performance at $129, while the Sonos Roam 2 at $179 is worth the premium if you'll use its 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 - techradar.com - phonearena.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - wcucampusstore.com - jbl.com.sg - pcrichard.com - kh.jbl.com - musicarts.com - jbl.com - cnet.com - youtube.com
