Sonos, known for its high-quality and reliable speakers, introduced its first portable speaker, the Move, four years ago. This was a significant departure from their previous offerings, as it was the first speaker to support both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and had a 10-hour battery life. Since then, Sonos has integrated these features into many of their products, including the more affordable Roam speaker and recent home speakers like the Era 100 and 300.
The Move 2, recently announced by Sonos, brings the company’s latest technology and design cues to their existing portable speaker. While it may not indicate a new direction for Sonos products, it offers several improvements over its predecessor.
One of the standout features of the Move 2 is its excellent battery life. Sonos claims that it can last for up to 24 hours, and in testing, it exceeded that expectation. With its long-lasting battery, users can enjoy uninterrupted music throughout the day and into the night. Additionally, the Move 2 charges quickly and has a durable build, making it ideal for outdoor use.
In terms of sound quality, the Move 2 delivers an improved listening experience compared to the original. It features two angled tweeters and a midwoofer, similar to the Era 100. This setup provides better stereo sound, although it doesn’t quite match the separation of a dedicated stereo pair. However, the Move 2 offers clear and balanced audio with prominent bass and detailed high-end frequencies. It faithfully reproduces sound across all ranges of the spectrum, making it suitable for a variety of music genres.
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The Move 2 retains several features from its predecessor, such as the ability to stream audio over Wi-Fi and control the speaker using voice commands through Alexa or Sonos’ own voice assistant. It also supports Bluetooth for wireless connectivity when a Wi-Fi network is not available. The Move 2’s built-in microphones allow for automatic audio tuning to optimize sound quality, a feature that was first introduced in the original Move.
One area where the Move 2 differs from the original is its design. While it looks similar at first glance, a closer inspection reveals some changes. The top touch controls have been redesigned to match the layout of Sonos’ latest speakers. The volume controls are now a slider, and there are dedicated buttons for track skipping and muting the microphones. The Move 2 also includes a physical switch on the back to completely disable the microphones.
Like its predecessor, the Move 2 is built to withstand the elements with its dust- and water-resistant IP56 rating. It can withstand a wide temperature range and is suitable for outdoor use. While it may not be fully submersible like the smaller Roam, it can handle being hosed down or left outside overnight.
In terms of pricing, the Move 2 is more expensive compared to its predecessor and other Sonos speakers. Priced at $449, it is the same price as the Era 300, which offers spatial audio playback. It is also more expensive than buying an Era 100 and a Roam separately. This raises questions about its positioning in Sonos’ lineup, especially considering the availability of other portable and home speakers with similar features at lower price points.
Overall, the Move 2 brings incremental improvements to Sonos’ portable speaker lineup. It offers excellent battery life, improved sound quality, and a durable build. While it may not be as portable as the smaller Roam, it remains a versatile option for indoor and outdoor use. With its integration of Sonos’ latest technology and design cues, the Move 2 is a solid choice for those looking for a high-quality portable speaker from a reputable brand.
