Sonos introduced its first portable speaker, the Move, four years ago. While the Move offered a solid speaker experience, it had some drawbacks, such as a below-average battery life. However, Sonos now has a new portable speaker called the Move 2, designed to power autumn days outside.
The Move 2 maintains the same formula as its predecessor. It is a large, loud speaker that you can easily carry around with you. It is also durable, able to withstand drops, bumps, extreme temperatures, and even rain and snow.
Inspired by the recent Era 100 and Era 300 speakers, Sonos has made some improvements to the Move 2. The new top panel features touch controls that are identical to those found on the Era speakers. It includes a volume slider and dedicated forward and back buttons. Additionally, the Move 2 has a USB-C line-in jack, allowing you to connect it to a turntable or any other audio equipment.
One of the most significant enhancements of the Move 2 is its internal speaker design. It incorporates two angled tweeters, similar to the Era 100, to provide stereo sound. While it may not deliver a true stereo experience like multiple speakers, it is still a significant improvement.
Another notable change is the increase in battery life. Sonos has more than doubled the battery life of the Move 2, offering more than 24 hours of playtime compared to the original Move’s 11 hours. This improvement addresses one of the main criticisms of the original model.
The Move 2 is available in a new color, olive green. However, it would have been ideal if it also came in the blue and orange shades available for the smaller Sonos Roam.
Like its predecessor, the Move 2 supports audio over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, making it versatile for both on-the-go use and when connected to your home network. With the Bluetooth sharing feature, friends can easily play music on the Move 2, and the speaker can also stream Bluetooth audio to other Sonos speakers. Additionally, you can group and share audio across multiple Sonos devices using traditional multi-room audio controls.
The Move 2 features built-in microphones for automatic speaker tuning using Sonos’ Trueplay software. These microphones also work with the Sonos voice assistant and Amazon Alexa. A physical mute switch is present on the back of the speaker, allowing you to disconnect power to the microphones. If you have two Move 2 speakers, you can pair them together to create a stereo setup. However, if you take one on the go and remove it from your Wi-Fi network, you will need to re-pair the speakers.
Unfortunately, the Move 2 comes with a higher price tag. It costs $449, compared to the $399 price of the original model. While the Move 2 offers several improvements, the constant price hikes from Sonos raise concerns. The true value of the Move 2 will need to be determined through testing. The speaker will be available for purchase on September 20.
In conclusion, Sonos has launched the Move 2, a new portable speaker with various enhancements compared to its predecessor. With its durability, improved battery life, and enhanced sound quality, the Move 2 offers an appealing option for those seeking a portable speaker for outdoor use. However, the higher price may deter some potential buyers, and it remains to be seen whether the improvements justify the increased cost.
