Sonos has recently upgraded its premium battery-powered wifi and Bluetooth speaker, the Move 2, featuring enhanced battery life, superior stereo sound, and new touch controls. Priced at £449 (€499/$449/A$799), the Move 2 is designed to be a versatile sound system suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, weighing 3kg and similar in size to a traditional bookshelf speaker.
Functionally identical to the Era 100, the Move 2 differentiates itself by having a battery, allowing for easy relocation from one room to another, outside, or for travel. Its performance stands out, even surpassing its mains-powered counterpart, especially when the volume is increased.
The Move 2 maintains a design akin to its predecessor, boasting resistance to drops, water, dust, sun, and cold. It connects to home networks via wifi 6, supporting streaming from over 100 services like Spotify and BBC Sounds through the Sonos app. The speaker enters sleep mode when not docked and can be awakened with a power button. It also features a Bluetooth mode for streaming outside the home and a physical switch to disable microphones for privacy.
Technical Specifications:
– Dimensions: 241 x 160 x 127mm
– Weight: 3kg
– Connectivity: wifi 6, Bluetooth 5, USB-C, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
– Battery: 44Wh (24 hours playback), 120 hours standby, three hours to charge
– Charging: Included dock or USB-C 45W
– Water resistance: IP56 (dust and high-pressure water jets)
The Move 2 delivers high-quality stereo sound with its array of tweeters and a large central woofer, producing a powerful, bass-heavy sound. The sound quality remains crisp and balanced, even at higher volumes, and the speaker automatically adjusts its audio to the surroundings. It supports pairing with another speaker for enhanced audio and integration into a multi-room system with other Sonos or Ikea speakers.
Voice assistants supported include Amazon Alexa and Sonos voice assistant, ensuring rapid, private response processing. The upgraded battery offers up to 24 hours of playback and is more energy-efficient in various modes, contributing to its longevity and power saving.
Sustainability and Support:
Sonos ensures that the Move 2 is repairable, with a commitment to a minimum of five years of software updates post-sale, and a history of long-term support. The battery, designed for 900 full charge cycles, is replaceable for £79. The speaker incorporates recycled plastic and is designed for easy disassembly for repair, refurbishment, and recycling. Sonos also offers trade-in and recycling options, detailing the product’s environmental impact in their report.
Comparative Pricing:
– Sonos Move: £299
– Sonos Roam: £179
– Sonos Era 100: £249
– Sonos Era 300: £449
– Bose Portable Smart Speaker: £380
– Ultimate Ears Epicboom: £330
Final Assessment:
The Move 2 stands out as a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering superior sound, longer battery life, modern connectivity, and durable design. While its price is notably higher than similar products, its quality and longevity make it a valuable investment for a versatile, high-quality speaker usable in various environments. It may not support Google Assistant or spatial audio, and it’s heavier than typical portable speakers, but its pros outweigh these cons for those seeking a robust, long-lasting sound system.
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