The Sonos Move 2 represents the next generation of portable speakers from Sonos, building on the success of the original Sonos Move. Known for its high-quality audio, rugged durability, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, the Move 2 aims to deliver even more advanced features and superior sound in a portable form factor. Whether at home, in the backyard, or on the go, the Sonos Move 2 promises to be a versatile and reliable companion for your music and smart home needs.
This review will delve into the design, audio performance, intelligent features, connectivity, and overall value of the Sonos Move 2. We’ll also compare it to other portable speakers in its class to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your lifestyle.
In this Sonos Move 2 Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Move 2 retains the signature look of its predecessor but introduces some refinements that enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Sleek and Robust Design
The Sonos Move 2 features a sleek, cylindrical, modern, and minimalistic design. The speaker is available in two color options: Shadow Black and Lunar White, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any environment. The Move 2’s durable outer shell is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including drops, bumps, and exposure to the elements.
The speaker is also IP56-rated and resistant to dust, water splashes, and heavy rainfall. This makes the Sonos Move 2 an ideal choice for outdoor adventures, whether at the beach, by the pool, or on a camping trip. Adding a sturdy integrated handle makes it easy to carry the speaker from place to place, enhancing its portability.
User-Friendly Touch Controls
The top of the Sonos Move 2 features capacitive touch controls that allow you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and play or pause music with a simple tap. These intuitive and responsive controls make it easy to manage your audio experience without reaching your phone. The touch interface is complemented by an LED indicator that provides visual feedback for power, connectivity, and battery status.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Sonos Move 2 is its impressive battery life. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 11 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, making it perfect for long days outdoors or extended listening sessions at home. The speaker comes with a convenient charging base that allows you to recharge the battery when needed, and it also supports USB-C charging for added flexibility.
Audio Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Sonos Move 2 is designed to deliver the premium audio experience that Sonos is known for, whether you’re indoors or outside.
Rich, Balanced Sound
The Sonos Move 2 has a high-quality mid-woofer and a downward-firing tweeter that work together to produce a rich and balanced sound profile. The mid-woofer handles the bass and mid-range frequencies, delivering deep, punchy lows and clear, detailed mids. The tweeter, meanwhile, ensures that the highs are crisp and bright without being harsh.
This combination results in a well-rounded audio experience suitable for all types of music, from bass-heavy tracks to acoustic melodies. Whether streaming your favorite playlist, listening to a podcast, or enjoying an audiobook, the Sonos Move 2 ensures that every note and word is heard with clarity and precision.
Adaptive Trueplay Tuning
One of the critical features of the Sonos Move 2 is its adaptive Trueplay tuning technology. Unlike traditional speakers that require manual adjustments to optimize sound quality, the Move 2 automatically adjusts its audio output based on the environment. Using built-in microphones, the speaker analyzes the room’s or outdoor space’s acoustics and fine-tunes the EQ settings to deliver the best possible sound. This means that whether in a small room with lots of furniture or an open field, the Move 2 will adapt to its surroundings and provide optimal audio performance.
Room-Filling Sound
Despite its portable size, the Sonos Move 2 can deliver room-filling sound that rivals larger speakers. The speaker’s wide soundstage ensures that the audio is evenly distributed throughout the space, allowing everyone to enjoy the music, no matter where they are about the speaker. This makes the Move 2 an excellent choice for both indoor gatherings and outdoor events.
Impressive Volume Levels
The Sonos Move 2 can also reach impressive volume levels without distorting the sound. The audio remains clear and well-defined even at higher volumes, making the speaker suitable for larger gatherings or parties. Whether hosting a barbecue or enjoying music in the backyard, the Move 2 can provide the power to keep the music going.
Smart Features and Voice Assistant Integration
Like other Sonos products, the Sonos Move 2 has intelligent features, making it a versatile addition to any home.
Dual Voice Assistant Support
The Sonos Move 2 offers both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred voice assistant. With voice control, you can easily play music, check the weather, set reminders, and control smart home devices. The speaker’s far-field microphone array ensures it can hear your voice commands clearly, even in noisy environments or when music is playing at high volumes.
Seamless Integration with the Sonos Ecosystem
The Sonos Move 2 is fully integrated with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to group it with other Sonos speakers for multi-room audio. Using the Sonos app, you can create speaker groups, manage playback, and customize settings to suit your preferences. Whether utilizing the Move 2 as a standalone speaker or as part of a more extensive Sonos setup, the app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling your entire system.
Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
In addition to voice control, the Sonos Move 2 supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. With AirPlay 2, you can stream audio directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the speaker, making it easy to play your favorite songs, podcasts, and more. Spotify Connect allows you to control playback directly from the Spotify app on your smartphone or tablet, giving you convenient access to millions of tracks.
Automatic Updates and Privacy Controls
The Sonos Move 2 is designed to get better over time with automatic software updates that add new features and improve performance. Sonos is committed to user privacy, and the Move 2 includes privacy controls such as the ability to mute the microphone with a single tap. You can also manage your privacy settings through the Sonos app, giving you control over how your data is used.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Sonos Move 2 offers a range of connectivity options that make it easy to integrate into your existing setup or use on the go.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
The Sonos Move 2 connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to stream music directly from your favorite services without relying on a smartphone or other device. The speaker also supports Bluetooth, making it easy to switch to a wireless connection when you’re away from home. This dual connectivity ensures that you can enjoy your music no matter where you are.
Versatile Compatibility
The Sonos Move 2 is compatible with a wide range of streaming services and smart home platforms, making it a versatile addition to any home. Whether you use Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect, the Move 2 seamlessly integrates with your existing setup. The speaker also supports voice control for popular streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify, giving you access to millions of songs at your fingertips.
Easy Setup and Management
Thanks to the Sonos app, setting up the Sonos Move 2 is quick and easy. The app guides you through the setup process, helping you connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network and configure your voice assistant settings. Once set up, you can use the app to manage your Sonos system, create speaker groups, and adjust settings to suit your preferences. The app’s intuitive design makes getting the most out of your Move 2 simple.
Comparison with Competitors
The Sonos Move 2 competes with other portable smart speakers, including the Bose Portable Smart Speaker, JBL Xtreme 3, and Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3. Here’s how it stacks up against these competitors:
Bose Portable Smart Speaker
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is known for its excellent sound quality and compact design. While the Bose and Sonos Move 2 offer similar features, including voice assistant support and multi-room audio, the Sonos Move 2 stands out with its adaptive Trueplay tuning and superior battery life. The Move 2’s rugged design and IP56 rating also make it a better choice for outdoor use, while the Bose speaker is more suited for indoor environments.
JBL Xtreme 3
The JBL Xtreme 3 is a powerful portable speaker designed for outdoor adventures. While it delivers impressive bass and high volume levels, the Sonos Move 2 offers a more refined sound profile with better balance across all frequencies. Additionally, the Move 2’s intelligent features and integration with the Sonos ecosystem give it an edge in versatility, making it a more comprehensive solution for indoor and outdoor use.
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is another popular portable speaker known for its 360-degree sound and waterproof design. While the MEGABOOM 3 excels in portability and durability, the Sonos Move 2 offers a more premium audio experience with richer sound quality and advanced intelligent features. The Move 2’s adaptive Trueplay tuning and voice assistant support make it a more versatile option for users who want high-quality sound and smart home integration.
Pricing and Availability
The Sonos Move 2 is priced as a premium product, reflecting its high-quality design, audio performance, and advanced features. It is available for purchase directly from Sonos, as well as from major retailers and online stores. While it may be more expensive than some competitors, the Move 2 offers excellent value for those who demand the best in sound quality and smart home integration.
Conclusion
The Sonos Move 2 is an outstanding portable smart speaker with a premium audio experience, durable design, and advanced intelligent features. Whether using it at home or on the go, the Move 2 delivers rich, balanced sound that adapts to its environment, ensuring optimal performance in any setting. Its seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, support for multiple voice assistants, and versatile connectivity options make it a top choice for anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience.
Summary of Sonos Move 2 Features
Feature | Description |
Design and Build Quality | Sleek, durable design with an IP56 rating and integrated handle for portability. |
Audio Performance | Rich, balanced sound with adaptive Trueplay tuning and room-filling audio. |
Smart Features | Dual voice assistant support, multi-room audio, and Apple AirPlay 2. |
Connectivity | Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. |
Comparison | Outperforms competitors like Bose Portable Smart Speaker and JBL Xtreme 3 in versatility and intelligent features. |
Pricing and Availability | Competitively priced, available through Sonos and major retailers. |
The Sonos Move 2 is a top-tier portable smart speaker that offers exceptional value for anyone looking to enjoy indoor and outdoor high-quality sound. Its superior audio performance, intelligent features, and rugged design make it a standout choice in the smart speaker market.
Sonos Move 2 FAQ
How does the Sonos Move 2 compare to the original Sonos Move?
The Sonos Move 2 builds on the success of the original Sonos Move with several key improvements. These include enhanced battery life, up to 11 hours of playback, improved sound quality with more refined bass and mid-range, and upgraded intelligent features such as dual voice assistant support. The Move 2 also retains the rugged design and portability of the original, making it an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor use.
Is the Sonos Move 2 truly portable and suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, the Sonos Move 2 is designed to be highly portable and durable, making it perfect for outdoor use. It features an IP56 rating, which means it is resistant to dust, water splashes, and even heavy rain. The integrated handle makes it easy to carry the speaker wherever you go, and the rechargeable battery provides up to 11 hours of continuous playback, ensuring your music can go the distance.
Can I use the Sonos Move 2 with other Sonos speakers in a multi-room setup?
Absolutely. The Sonos Move 2 seamlessly integrates with other Sonos speakers, allowing you to create a multi-room audio setup. Using the Sonos app, you can group Move 2 with other Sonos speakers to play the same music throughout your home or different tracks in different rooms. The speaker also supports Apple AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream content from your devices across multiple speakers easily.