Review Sonos Roam Airplay on the Go!

It is the finesse and build quality that makes you just want to own this speaker. In this review, we will discuss how the Sonos Roam functions with Airplay and how it performs overall. This is however a competitive market so has Sonos done enough?

Design

The Sonos Roam impresses with its sleek design and substantial weight, lending it a luxurious feel that’s sure to turn heads. It’s reminiscent of a gadget Q might outfit 007 with before a daring mission, boasting an understated yet undeniably elegant aesthetic. It has a manageable size, and it fits comfortably in your hand, allowing you to groove to your favourite tunes with ease. Plus, with its waterproof rating (IP67), you can now even take your sing-alongs to the shower without worry. The Roam is available in a delightful array of colours too. However, there’s one notable flaw in the design: the absence of a latch, hook, or band for easy attachment to other objects. This oversight can be a slight inconvenience for those who wish to secure the Roam to a backpack or bike while on the move.

Audio Performance

Despite its small size, the Sonos Roam delivers surprisingly robust sound. Equipped with two Class-H amplifiers, a tweeter, and a custom racetrack mid-woofer, it produces rich, detailed audio with impressive clarity across a wide frequency range. Whether you’re listening to delicate acoustic melodies or thumping bass-heavy tracks, the Roam consistently delivers an immersive listening experience. The Automatic Trueplay feature adapts the sound profile to its surroundings, ensuring optimal audio performance regardless of the environment.

Wireless Connectivity

With both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, users can seamlessly switch between streaming services and devices with ease. Integration with the Sonos app allows for effortless setup and control, while compatibility with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant adds another layer of convenience. But the single deciding factor why I bought this device has to be the Airplay 2 support. This compatibility massively enhances the versatility of the Roam, allowing users to effortlessly stream audio from their iOS devices, Macs, or even Apple TV directly to the speaker. With AirPlay 2 support, users can enjoy high-quality audio playback, multi-room functionality, and easy control through their Apple devices, further enhancing the Roam’s appeal for Apple ecosystem enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The Sonos Roam offers an impressive battery life, providing up to 10 hours of uninterrupted playback on a single charge. Additionally, for extended listening sessions, the Roam supports wireless charging, enabling effortless recharges with any Qi-certified charger. However, during my testing, I encountered gravitational challenges with a generic wireless charger, when using a generic wireless charger, presumably due to the speaker’s design and weight distribution. I would advise purchasing the costly optional Sonos Wireless Charger for a more reliable charging experience. The inclusion of a USB-C port provides another charging option for added flexibility on the go.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is the best portable wireless speaker around. The overall design is very pleasant and it is easy to carry around. The Sonos Roam delivers an immersive listening experience that punches above its weight class and justifies a higher price point (€199 – 2024). You don’t have to be in the Sonos or Apple ecosystem to love this speaker but it sure helps. Though the absence of a hook is a minor drawback, it’s easily overlooked given the speaker’s overall performance. Looking ahead, the inclusion of a charger in future iterations would be a welcomed addition. All in all the Roam is the perfect companion for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, working late in the office, or simply enjoying music at home.