Sonos launches new Roam 2 hybrid portable smart speaker with AirPlay 2 at $179

Brand new!/$179

Well it might not be quite as exciting as what some are calling the AirPods Max killers Sonos just officially debuted and put up for pre-order, but the lauded audio brand has now officially launched its new Roam 2 speaker as well. The new Roam 2 speaker seems to take just about everything anyone loved from the original and adds some quality of life improvements along the way – it does away with that odd Sonos app requirement of the first one apparently (more on this below). It is now available for purchase at $179, and we’ll dive into the details after the jump. 

Sonos launches new Roam 2 speaker

Joining today’s exciting debut of the new Sonos Ace Wireless Over Ear Headphones – a pair of cans we saw coming from a mile away, the new Sonos Roam 2 has arrived as well:

Astonishingly lightweight, durable, and powerful, Roam 2 makes it easy to enjoy Sonos sound everywhere life takes you.

The new Roam 2 speaker does away with the need to connect it to the Sonos app and your Wi-Fi before it can be taken on the go this time around by the sounds of it. While it does deliver on the same 10 hours of battery life the original was rated for, it does appear as though Sonos has made a conscious effort to offer a longer-lasting battery here, one that will hold a better charge for longer, but only time will tell on that. 

Get up to 10 hours of non-stop playback. Use the power button to save battery life, and efficiently charge with the included USB-C cable and any compatible power adapter.

The IP67 dust- and water-proofing here safeguards the Sonos speaker while out and about on summer adventures, but when you are back at home base it will also play nice with the rest of your Sonos ecosystem of sound makers. You can link it up with the usual suspects (Bluetooth-compatible sound sources) while also leveraging the brand’s Sound Swap tech to pass audio between your Sonos speakers. You’ll also find some AirPlay 2 action in there was well. 

• Size-defying sound – delivers the same rich, detailed sound and bass with the clarity, depth, and fullness you’d expect from a larger speaker.
• Refreshed design and UI – includes a sleek monochromatic logo and separate, discrete power and Bluetooth buttons for easy use.  
• Instant set up – as soon as you unbox, easily connect to your mobile device over Bluetooth and enjoy immediate music on the go. Set up on WiFi at home to connect to the rest of your Sonos system. 
• Automatic Trueplay – always tuned for the best listening experience in any environment, available on both Bluetooth and WiFi.
• Powered for adventure – up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
• Ready for the elements – dust proof and fully waterproof with a rigorously tested IP67 rating, so it can handle splashes, dirt, heat and cold with ease.
• Five vibrant colors –  available in Olive, Sunset, Wave, Black and White to fit your style.

The new Sonos Roam 2 is now available for purchase in five colorways at $179 shipped.