Sonos Roam In-Depth Review: The Bluetooth Speaker To Beat?

[@realjaklap]

this dude really went swimming in a lake in april to test if a speaker is waterproof...proper legend!

[@katyaparijs6999]

He used a wetsuit though..

[@FoamFlingingHS]

me in Australia where its still 37 degrees: whatever

[@stevenjamesrash]

@@FoamFlingingHS me in the United States wondering what you mean by that. #freedomunits

[@FoamFlingingHS]

@@stevenjamesrash #aussielandmetric

[@Survivethejive]

in a wetsuit

[@TheBethro]

You guys create really amazing, in-depth, well filmed content. As someone who researches everything intensely before buying, I really appreciate it. It's not something you often see from retailers, so well done.

[@smarthomesounds]

Thanks for feedback its appreciated. We have some big plans for 2021 so stay tuned 👍🏻

[@elliottwood5423]

So I have the habit of researching a little bit before buying and a lot after buying, big mistake lol

[@rigshreyan]

A Stereo One vs Stereo Roam comparison would be great.

[@katanodc]

Like the humourous section of Jonathan's Scale invention ..... overall good coverage of Sonos Roam. Great job !!

[@TheNoisytrev]

Pre ordered day one can't wait.. plan to use in garage gym, garden and bathroom, already have a gen 2 one in kitchen, & arc, sub gen 3, & 2 one SL's in lounge so will complete my set up nicely!

[@StevieTyrrell]

I'll being buying 2 as soon as they can become rear surround speakers. My current lounge set-up doesn't allow for wired rear speakers.

[@lamar310]

I own the Sonos Move but it's just too heavy to travel with. I pre-ordered the Roam for road trips and to use for listening to podcasts while I workout. I've tried Bluetooth speakers by other brands and they either sound good for music but bad for podcasts or sounded flat for music but good for podcasts. Sonos is able to deliver great audio for BOTH.

[@vinceflores1185]

It’s heavy for sure but it’s an amazing speaker I love it

[@brandonbandstra226]

I enjoyed the, "welcome, we are glad you're here." and how you stated "our goal is to give you everything you need to know without searching for hours"

[@janstanislawnowak1275]

Great review! Thank you for emphasising on the sound swap part at 8:50, which basically makes Roam a Bluetooth port. Such a great feature, especially for Android phone users. If I lived in UK I would exclusively buy from you!

[@daneav8]

Can someone explain this “Bluetooth port” capability and why I might want that? I am an iPhone user and it seems that if I want to send something (eg podcast) to my home Sonos system, I just use AirPlay 2. Am I missing something…I feel like I am…lol. Thanks!

[@janstanislawnowak1275]

@@daneav8 Android :)

[@shorey66]

@@daneav8 Well, Android can't use Airplay. There you go

[@gagesaenz3864]

Pre-Ordered mine the day it released! The plan is to use it as a bathroom speaker that we can easily take on the go, or as a "guest" speaker to control aspects of our smart home when we have guests. We have a Bose Revolve+ but it simply isn't as portable as the Roam. Roam is unlikely to replace the Revolve+ as my go-to backyard speaker though.

[@flaviantropy]

THIS is the review I was waiting for!

[@JoyStickJester_]

My wife does not like when new Sonos speakers come out because I have to get them. Lol! With several Alexas and Sonos speakers in the home it's hard to choose. I currently have a Echo Dot with a VUAX speaker in the bathroom and it sounds great. Lately it's been losing power so it might be time to upgrade to Roam

[@jdr03272]

I love the detail that went into this review and especially the binaural mic setup to test the audio quality. I recently bought the Roam having already had one, five, and soundbar. I certainly didn't expect it to match the one but I was pretty underwhelmed quite frankly. I think that they overdid it on minimizing the form factor. the sound is really pretty empty even compared to a very similarly sized anker rechargeable Bluetooth speaker that I have from probably 10 years ago now. I think it cost me $30 and it fills my test room at least as good as the Roam. I do think your viewers do need to have one alternate perspective though on comparison to the Sonos Play 1. you mentioned the play one is perhaps 30% better than the roam and I completely disagree. the play one is an incredible piece of hardware and it is striking to me how loud and full the sound can get on those things without distortion and how it can completely fill a decent-sized room even without being a stereo pair. I would say that it's at least two or three hundred percent better then the roam. which frankly you would expect it to be given the difference in weight, size, and the fact that it plugs into the wall.

[@apolozorb3649]

Great review guys as always ! Well done. Love the idea of halving it into indoor / outdoor parts P.s can we have a Jonathan 's scale section on EVERY video pls 👏

[@smarthomesounds]

Glad you enjoyed the review!

[@royeastham5277]

I agree with the XB-13 speaker review and this one is excellent too...but I don't like having to connect WiFi to make Bluetooth operable.

[@J-A-V]

Great review! What were the names of the songs you all used for the sound test?

[@thefitnessbooth]

Great video guys! Definitely answered some questions I had about my bluetooth record player connectivity! Very clear and concise.

[@smarthomesounds]

Glad to hear you enjoyed! Thanks for watching

[@flaviantropy]

I have not found other reviewers talk about dust resistance or bluetooth coverage or bluetooth 5.0. SHSL always go the extra mile. One question was is there a change in quality of sound over WIFI vs Bluetooth?

[@daiboy8076]

Watched your video, impressed by the review and the speaker, ignored the main retailers and bought from your store. Put the time in and get rewarded I say! keep it up guys

[@kaptain314]

just got mine today in the white. I think it’s a good buy if you already have a sonos product to pair it with. I’ve also got the marshal stockwell 2 and that might have it edged out in sound quality and loudness. but tbh, it would more fair to compare it to the emberton or bose mini soundlink. usb-c and airplay is an automatic win for me

[@olive4naito]

Can Emberton stream KZbin because I found that Sonos doesn't and I might have to return it since that's what I bought it for.

[@iggymgreen]

Thanks for the review and covering the Bluetooth turntable and swapping to an existing "sonos speakers" set up. Sounds just the trick for adding Record source to Sonos. When you share the Roam Bluetooth turntable source with another speaker in a group, is it the case you either take the wifi group source or the bluetooth source . Hope this make sense.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Ian, good question and yes it is the case that you can take either wifi or Bluetooth source. It works really well.

[@iggymgreen]

@@smarthomesounds Excellent , I will definitely purchase one. I was holding off on finding a solution to share music until the Roam was tested . Bonus you can now use Trueplay through Bluetooth.

[@RJB500]

Top review, had already ordered but this just reinforced confidence in product. Also appreciated that you muted listing *Alexa support without saying aloud and causing the house the freak out : )

[@alexs6453]

Excellent review that answered all my questions! I wish there was a way to buy from you in the US, but for now I will continue liking your videos to support

[@smarthomesounds]

Thanks for the support Alex it all helps and we will keep the content coming :-)

[@homeboy11153]

Great review. I would like a more in depth comparison video with the various speakers.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Kevin, thanks for the comment we are looking to do this in an upcoming video so stay tuned.

[@johannheyns3905]

@@smarthomesounds Hi could you perhaps do a comparison of 2 roams in stereo pair vs 1 Move, as its quite similar in price? Thanks!

[@texr2000]

Tempted to swap the play one i have in the kitchen to a roam on a charge dock for the option to move it around and take it outside. Looking forward to hearing first hand how it sounds before biting the bullet, also be good if a SL version without voice assistance to make a little more affordable. Thanks for the review, but still not 100% convinced yet

[@WannaBuyIt]

I can't wait to test this speaker out. great review bud

[@stevenpanter46]

Purchases today Comes on the 25th Woop woop

[@caleb9734]

Great video. A lot of good information. I have already pre-ordered one. Looking forward even more now!

[@schepersmaxim8718]

Great extensive review, thanks! Could you do a comparison video of Marshall Emberton vs Sonos Roam? Or perhaps just some advice? I prefer the design of Marshall (and the price of course) but I'm intrigued by the auto-true-play feature of Sonos. The most crucial factor for me is ultimately the sound quality.

[@noodlemcdoodle4385]

Best review of this I’ve seen. By far! Nice job.

[@svendsen1111]

Jonathan' for president! :) Thanks for another great video guys

[@awkc63]

Being able to attach a lanyard would be amazing. I've had 2 Monster speakers in the last decade that have served me well, and I've loved having lanyards for them.

[@markevans880]

2nd vote for stereo pair of Roam v Move. Considering a stereo pair brings them close on price point, I’m wondering what’s going to give the best sounds experience. I have moved my play one from the kitchen and added as a rear on my beam, so now looking for a replacement for kitchen. Thought Move as I’ll then be able to take around the house and garden as well. But wondering if one or two Roam would be just as good or better?

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Mark, that is great comparison and we will be doing a video soon so stay tuned :-)

[@shorey66]

I'm thinking similarly. I had two ikea symfonisks as a stereo pair in the kitchen but it was a bit overkill so moved them into the living room as rears for the beam. This seems like a perfect kitchen replacemt. Must say these guys are the only UK retailer that could tempt me away from Richer Sounds. Same 6 year warranty and price but I feel I should buy from SHS just for the quality of these review videos.

[@philoupc2239]

i just went out and bought one ! Thanks for the review i really love the sound that comes out of this speaker it is very impressive considering its size !

[@carlosbarbon3855]

I would like to take a pair of Roam 2 , as in the Adventure Set, out and about on the back and create a Stereo Pair on a camping trip without WiFi. Can this be done?? Thanks for your work!!

[@stevekissoon]

A great review and I purchased my Roam via your website. Something I have discovered is that you can pair the Roam to a Beam and steam your TV audio on both at the same time to create surround sound feel.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Steve, thanks for the feedback. Yes that is a way to group the audio and hopefully they will enable full surround sound capability on the Roam one day.

[@roxyskinflint22222]

I was ready to order a roam then my old JBL Onbeat xtreme died, so it’s 2 birds one stone and I’ll buy that move

[@dshiznz10]

I’ve got the move and love it. Only thing is it is a bit bulky to really carry around. I will be buying the roam simply to be able to carry it around with me.

[@johnphelan6458]

Fantastic review! Now I’m itching to get one, I’m thinking white.

[@patricschielke]

What if the roam stays connected with the charging cable plugged in (or is always placed on a charging pad), would this hurt battery life or is it smart enough to handle this?

[@charlietreamer5988]

That's what I'm thinking

[@tvnathreviews]

Please do a comparison with Marshall Emberton... Thanks

[@lawrencegatt4515]

I am new to Sonos Roam speakers 🔊 I live in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 does it work on a H/p laptop & an apple 🍎 tablet 3 years old. Great video. 👏👏👏

[@CWJY68]

Thank you sir for the insight! Could you do a sound test comparison against move?

[@brandonbandstra226]

AWESOME transition @13:18

[@Herazio]

Amazing review! Great detail as well even from the video itself. I was firstly confused why you wouldn't say "Amazon Alexa" until I realized that Alexa is a wake-up word. Clever!

[@luvdogzz]

Excellent review. I think the price point is appropriate for the features you get. However, I am disappointed in the lack of bass and volume. I feel like the sound quality of the Bose SoundLink is better.

[@haithamki]

in depth comparison between Move, One and Roam, would be great to watch . thanks

[@M82RKY]

Really disappointed these can't be used as rears with the Arc.... Great video non the less

[@Epimetheus88]

If you leave the Roam in the (wireless) charger will this reduce the lifespan of the battery pack?

[@Yowzoe]

good q.

[@Ryan-fo8fq]

Would like to see a roam Vs ue Megablast comparison. Really want to know what the overall volume level differences are. Just got a Megablast and the audio is nice and loud when I need it out and about with mates, but the Alexa function is poor in comparison to the roam (the Megablast seems broken with that feature)

[@paddond]

Neither of the pro’s and con’s at the end mention sound quality? How does it compare to a benchmark like a SoundTouch mini?

[@wrthomas69]

does the roam play Apple Music DIRECTLY through Alexa, IE "Alexa play Pink Floyd from Apple Music". I know it will do it through bluetooth on phone and airplay 2, but I need direct Apple Music support through the Alexa feature.

[@FrancescoZara]

Perfect review, thank you for sharing! It would be interesting to see and hear a direct comparison with other portable competitors at that price point! Cheers!

[@johnlilley4220]

Am I right in thinking the lunar white doesn’t match the One SL white? If so, it probably looks a bit odd sitting alongside it in cosmetic terms. But can it be used alongside the One SL to form a stereo pair? And I’d like a sound review to compare it with other speakers, like a JBL equivalent please. Part of me wants to get this speaker, but only if it can really play a part in enhancing my existing Sonos eco system!

[@edwardferry8247]

The problem for me with Sonos is their reliance on wifi even for the initial blue tooth connection. With the Sonos One, you have to reconfigure each speaker if you change your wifi. It's not just a case of switching to another wifi source. The entire setup process has to start again. If you use these new portable ones, then will the same apply? They require wifi to set up the Bluetooth connection, which is crazy odd. If they are used outdoors, does this mean that they need the same wifi source as the original set up wifi to keep working in Bluetooth? Their products sound great but they suck at the user experience.

[@alexadams78]

Cracking review as always! I ordered mine the day it came out so have been eagerly awaiting your review :)

[@smarthomesounds]

Hope you enjoy your Roam when it arrives!

[@Errcyco]

I think for the money vs quality, the JBL Flip 5 is the one to beat. I know others have stereo and other features.. just at $100 the Flip 5 is pretty amazing. I’d like this and probably pick one up but sounds like it’s about even with what I currently have so more prudent to just buy another flip and pair them.

[@LindonSlaght]

My Sony XB33's are shaking in their all day battery life boots, whilst trembling in their feels-like-you're-there-sound-quality socks.

[@Sport4Life]

I’m listening to this on my cheapass headphones and I had to take them off thinking I left my speakers on. Thank you for an impressive review

[@Bluem00n7]

yes bought this for bluetooth to add 2 ones to my tv

[@simonconquest]

Sorry for being thick but I don’t understand how the hand off from WiFi to Bluetooth works. Are you saying that the speaker will switch from streaming a track over WiFi to streaming a track via my phone and 4g and Bluetooth it to the roam?

[@patrickpaganini]

There is no hand off.

[@carsandmore365]

Do you think they'll update their soundbars to do true play with the mics built into the soundbar that way you don't have to do a calibration with your phone

[@jmckii]

Stereo roam Vs the move

[@grigorischaralampopoulos4999]

Nice video! May I ask roam has airplay 2. Can you add it in the apple HomeKit app?? In order to see it and control it in the apples home app??

[@ravibhatt]

Wonderful review as always SHS team - thank you! Stunning outdoor location - where was this filmed? Also, would be great to get your verdict on a stereo pair of Roams vs a single Sonos One please! Thanks once again!

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Ravi, thank you for your comment. It was filmed in the Forest of Dean, it's a lovely place! I will add that comparison to our list. Thanks for watching.

[@RupertHair]

Thanks for this. Were you able to test the 'bluetooth input' function? I saw it mentioned but didn't see it tested.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Rupert, yes this works well and you can group the Bluetooth audio to other Sonos speakers within the Sonos App as long as you are on wifi.

[@RupertHair]

Great! Thanks again. Just placed my pre-order with @@smarthomesounds

[@neekoskev]

@@smarthomesounds Hi. How exactly can you do this if Sound swap doesn't work with Bluetooth?

[@marcandsebe]

I have a Nebula 3 laser and wondered whether I could connect 2 of these at the same time to it. Has anyone tested this with a projector?

[@IaMBatman9000]

A bit late but can’t wait for my roam and move

[@will4977]

Am I right in saying the Roam doesn’t work with the original Sonos S1 app? The Sonos Move does. If true this would be a shame as my system still has some legacy products in it, locking me into S1.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Will, that is correct, unfortunately the Roam will only work on the S2 version of the Sonos app. You can still use a split system (2 apps) but understand might be a bit clunky. All new Sonos products moving forward will be supported on S2 only. Thanks for watching!

[@childishtombino1275]

What’s the deal with the sound swap only working with the sonos amp if you’re using their ceiling speakers?? Correct me if i’m wrong but the amp would not have the intelligence to only work to full function if used with a certain set of speakers.

[@omian1]

Thanks for comprehensive review. When switching to Bluetooth mode does the Sonos app switch from being a controller app to a player app, streaming music to the speaker? Or do you have to switch to using a 3rd party app to stream music to the speaker? If you set up two roams as a stereo pair and then grab one to take one out of the home does the remaining roam automatically switch back to single speaker mode and instantly visible in Sonos app for others in home to use? Or is some manual re-configuration needed before it can be used? When you bring the second roam back into the home does Sonos automatically re-configure the two roams into stereo pair or do you need to do that manually? Can you do a single roam vs stereo pair roam test with your binaural microphone?

[@mazeson]

Thanks for a great review! What is your opinion if you compare it to the IKEA-SONOS Symphony speakers?

[@jdkrot]

Great review! Thanks, folks! It's the first time I see a special microphone for precise audio recording, I wonder if it's possible to record One & Move as well to hear this "30%" difference! :-)

[@dcdemon813]

Does this have Google Home integration? Can I use it with my Google Nest speakers in unison?

[@barakathiongo4835]

Would you recommend this for people without smart speakers and just want a Bluetooth speaker?

[@robotbakugan]

Great review! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@louiscarole9091]

Should i keep my sonos one or replace it with a sonos roam + homepod mini, or replace it with a Bose Portable Home Speaker ?

[@o0Hotiron0o]

Got one and it's the Shiznit..... Great review!

[@simonduncan8327]

Bang and Olufsen Beosound Level has to be the worlds best portable speaker

[@glockman9c]

Any chance these can be used for rears with beam since the move can't? Never mind. Disappointed as usual.

[@heureuse8568]

Which of all portable speakers around 150£ has the best sound quality? (not loudest)

[@lysanderasuncion9271]

I have the 1st generation sonos 5’s in the house so therefore running on S1 app. Would I need to download the S2 app just to get the Roam up and running during initial setup?

[@andyduddy]

Hi great video, I already have on pre order with you. Can you pleeeeese sent out before the 20th ???

[@noupot]

I’m using a Mac Mini M1 with a HomePod Mini and I have crazy sound lags with KZbin and Netflix. Will it be better with a Roam or the problem will be the same ? Tks for advice.

[@Spinvids]

Finally..... kept me waiting ✌️I’ve held off until this review.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Spinvids]

@@smarthomesounds yeah, I’m torn. I have a UE Boom which is fine for being out and about. But I hate the fact I have to Bluetooth to use it in the garden. Not sure if I just just commit and get a Move? Any news of a new one in the pipeline?

[@smarthomesounds]

@@Spinvids The Move is relatively new product for Sonos and we wouldn't expect a replacement for many years. Hope this helps.

[@RickaB]

Another great review. Quick question, with the move it sits on its docking station and is always powered, with the Roam do you have to leave it unpowered until the battery flattens then charge again or can you leave it on the powered station permanently?

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Richard, good question the Roam can either be left on the charging dock or connected via USB-C permanently the same as the Move. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.

[@RickaB]

@@smarthomesounds Great, thanks!

[@mikerlife]

Great review and thanks for highlighting the lack of stereo support in Bluetooth mode. That’s a deal breaker for me and a bit of a surprise vacancy for such a basic feature.

[@Yowzoe]

I’m wondering if that can be added with a software update. That would be fantastic.

[@michaltrousil6273]

Did you try connecting it via bluetooth to laptop or TV? Because Move is often invisible for these devices

[@41tim]

Great review , I love the roam , but my heart is with the move

[@kennethmo0327]

It’s actually IP68 and you can check the remaining battery in Sonos app when you’re away from WiFi 👌🏻 anyway great review!

[@aggaviriyo790]

Really?

[@kevinmontague1984]

Could this withstand direct sunlight when brought out into the garden in the summer?

[@rutgerv.6050]

Using sunscreen is advised

[@AA-yi3po]

Great Video guys!

[@Feniantimmy]

Getting the Roam to join the Sonos 2 ap was difficult. The 'tapping', the 'sound' etc did not work. 2 different Sonos techs could not help. Nothing worked and I was ready to return it, contacted Sonos and received the shipping label. I tried it one more time. Yup. This time it joined right up using the 'sound' recognition. Then paired with BT. WTF? Clumsy at best..

[@svijayrao]

What capacity power brick do you recommend for charging ? Apple 20W adapter is sufficient?

[@smarthomesounds]

Yes that's fine, the 10W is good also.

[@s.upegui359]

In-depth, quality review. Instant sub!

[@smarthomesounds]

Welcome aboard!

[@arkasingha6111]

Is the bass/sound as good as the SoundLink Revolve II???? BTW awesome video.

[@maxflight777]

I just ordered two via the Sonos (s1-S2 upgrade ) However , a bit miffed that Sonos treat us badly AGAIN! Why do I say that? Well John Lewis ship these on April 20, but Sonos ship in May ? Another kick in the teeth from Sonos.

[@Yowzoe]

hey, thanks for the great rundown. Got one at Costco in the US for 199, which included the wireless charging pad. My question is about Bluetooth stereo possibilities. Do you see this happening with the future Sonos update? I know there’s no way to tell for sure, but is it even possible, I wonder… I would love to get a second unit and has stereo capability out and about!

[@ivalo03]

Is tihis play youtube and my music in bluetooth when iam not in app?

[@GregoryBurlingame]

Excellent review, well done.

[@toppergreen5864]

Will it connect to a WiFi extension plug , whilst the other sonos are using the main WiFi ?