Sonos Announces Move 2 Speaker: Playtime up to 24 hours without recharging
The Sonos Move 2, the second-generation successor to Sonos' portable Bluetooth speaker, is set to hit the market on September 20, priced at a premium of $450 compared to its predecessor's launch price in 2019. This new model offers a range of improvements and new features, making it a strong contender in the portable speaker market.
Key Specs and Features
The Sonos Move 2 boasts a USB-C port for using a 3.5mm audio source or connecting to ethernet, similar to the Sonos Era speakers. It retains its IP56 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in various environments. However, it does not support Google Casting.
One of the standout features of the Sonos Move 2 is its extended battery life. With up to 24 hours of playback, it significantly outperforms its predecessor, which offered 11 hours. The speaker is available in three colours: black, white, and olive tone.
Comparison with Competitors
| Aspect | Sonos Move 2 | Bose SoundLink Max | Sonos Roam 2 | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) | Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Sound Quality | Powerful, rich, balanced; tailored for larger sound | Great sound with solid bass, good clarity | Surprisingly powerful for its size but smaller scale sound | Excellent bass and clarity for compact size | Good punchy sound, strong midrange for size | | Durability & Rating | IP56 rated (dust and water resistant) | IP67 rated (more waterproof) | Rugged design, IP67 rating | IP67 waterproof and dustproof | IP67 waterproof and dustproof | | Connectivity | Bluetooth & Wi-Fi; integrates with Sonos ecosystem | Bluetooth only | Bluetooth & Wi-Fi; part of Sonos system | Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC, AptX support | Bluetooth only | | Battery Life | Up to 24 hours playback | Up to 20 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 30 hours | Around 12 hours | | Smart Features | Voice assistant support (Google Assistant, Alexa) | No voice assistants | Voice assistants built-in | No voice assistants | None reported | | Portability | Larger and heavier vs. smaller speakers | Large portable | Compact and easy to carry | Compact and rugged | Very compact and pocketable | | Additional Features | USB-C power bank to charge other devices | USB-C charging phone support | Smart home controls, AirPlay 2 compatible | Customizable equalizer, orientation detection | Budget option with good audio | | Price Range | Premium priced (generally $400+) | Typically in the $300-$350 range | Mid-range portable ($179) | Mid-range compact speaker (~$150-$200) | Budget speaker (~$60-$80) |
Key Insights
The Sonos Move 2 offers one of the most complete packages with strong, room-filling audio, smart assistant support, and robust build quality with up to 24 hours of playtime. Its integration into the Sonos ecosystem (via Wi-Fi) distinguishes it from many purely Bluetooth portable speakers.
Compared to the Bose SoundLink Max, the Move 2 has a slightly better battery life (24h vs 20h) but a lower waterproof rating (IP56 vs IP67). Both can act as a power bank charging other devices. The Bose SoundLink Max is also durable but does not support smart assistants.
The Sonos Roam 2 is smaller, more travel-friendly, and integrates seamlessly in the Sonos ecosystem but has shorter battery life (~10 hours) and less powerful sound than the Move 2. It targets users wanting true portability plus smart speaker features.
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is highly rated for compactness, excellent bass for its size, long battery life (up to 30 hours), and durability with IP67 rating. It’s slightly more affordable but lacks integrated voice assistants.
On the lower end, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is a great budget choice with decent sound, IP67 protection, and about 12 hours battery life, suitable for personal use but not audiophile sound quality.
Choosing the Right Speaker
Choosing the right portable speaker depends on your priorities between sound quality, portability, battery life, smart features, and budget. For premium large sound and smart features, the Sonos Move 2 leads but costs more. For compact, rugged, and long battery life without smart assistants, Bose SoundLink Flex or Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 are strong alternatives. For mid-sized portability with smart ecosystem integration, Sonos Roam 2 is ideal.
In testing, a single Sonos Move 2 outperformed a second-gen Apple HomePod in a stereo pair. The Sonos Move 2 also uses Trueplay to optimize audio relative to its environment, ensuring the best sound quality in any setting. It promises up to 24 hours of playback before requiring a charge, and it has a replaceable battery.
The Sonos Move 2 works with Sonos' voice assistant and Amazon's Alexa, but it does not offer access to Google Assistant. It is a worthy investment for those seeking a premium portable Bluetooth speaker with enhanced features and strong audio performance.
- The Sonos Move 2, a premium-priced portable Bluetooth speaker, competes in the tech industry with its powerful, rich, balanced sound quality and long battery life of up to 24 hours, significantly outperforming its predecessor.
- With its integration with the Sonos ecosystem, voice assistant support for Google Assistant and Alexa, and additional features like USB-C power bank, the Sonos Move 2 offers a comprehensive technology package for tech enthusiasts and gadget lovers.
- In the future, smartphone users may find the Sonos Move 2 a great companion for their gadgets, offering excellent audio quality and smart features that promise an enhanced listening experience.
