Sonos Move 2 Review
Sonos focuses on durability and timeless design for its system speakers. However, core products are regularly updated to the latest technology — as is the case with the portable Move.
When Sonos introduced the Move in the fall of 2019, the small speaker marked the beginning of a new era. Until then, the multi-room pioneer had categorically avoided Bluetooth, consistently designing its system speakers for use within home networks. However, the Move was Sonos’ first portable speaker, designed to be usable on the go as well.
At that point, it was impossible to avoid the practical wireless technology for short distances, which had evolved into a kind of universal standard for wireless transmission of audio signals. However, Sonos wasn’t satisfied with a simple Bluetooth module. The challenge proved more complex than expected, and it took until spring 2021 for Sonos to finally introduce the portable Roam speaker, which allows parallel operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — without any time lag. As a result, the Roam can also act as a Bluetooth receiver for an existing Sonos system, because it can feed the received Bluetooth signals into the Wi-Fi-based multi-room platform without latency.
After the regular and microphone-free SL versions of the portable Roam, as well as the two home speakers Era 100 and Era 300, the Sonos Move 2 also comes equipped with this improved Bluetooth feature — unlike its predecessor.
In addition, Sonos has equipped the revised Move with the universal USB-C port of the Era speakers, which can be upgraded with an optional adapter to an analog input with a 3.5mm jack, and if needed, combined with a network port. The internal structure has also changed. The old Move had a single tweeter that directed sound downward onto a special sound guide, while the new model is designed as a stereo speaker with two dedicated tweeters angled forward. Moreover, the battery life has increased from 11 to 24 hours.
In terms of sound, the Move 2 remains largely true to its predecessor’s ideals. The advertised stereo effect proved to be rather marginal in testing, as expected. However, the Move 2 impressed with a rich and highly precise, but not overly exaggerated bass, along with a pleasantly balanced and lively sound.
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THE APP CHECK
In 2020, Sonos introduced the Dolby Atmos-capable Arc soundbar with the S2 platform and a new app. Since then, the multi-room system has supported slightly higher data rates (24-bit/48 kHz) and Dolby Atmos. There’s also Sonos’ in-house internet radio platform, Sonos Radio, and its own voice assistant, which currently only understands English and French.
Measured Performance
Stereo streaming box with angled-side radiation. The frequency response shows an angle-dependent drop-off in the open field, which does not occur indoors (measured standing on the floor). Apart from that, the frequency response is surprisingly balanced and linear, without the (exaggerated) bass boost common in many cheaper streaming boxes. Up to 70 dBSP L, the Move 2, thanks to DSP tricks, delivers a foundation reaching 47 Hz (-6 dB), while at higher levels, the bass only drops off below 100 Hz. The speaker consistently delivers clean sound with minimal distortion. The maximum volume of 95 dBSP L (from 80 Hz) is excellent for a battery-powered speaker of this size.
Streamer Quick Check:
- LAN: ✓
- WLAN: ✓
- iOS: ✓
- Android: ✓
- AirPlay: ✓
- Google Cast: ✕
- Bluetooth: ✓
- aptX: ✕
Supported Streaming Services:
- Spotify
- Tidal
- Qobuz
- Amazon Music
Sonos Move 2 Tech Specs
- Model: Sonos Move 2
- Website: sonos.com
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 16 x 24.2 x 12.6 cm
- Weight: 3 kg
- Remote Control/App: ✓
- Colors: Black, White, Green
Connections
- Line In/USB/LAN: ✓ (C) (Adapter)
Speaker
- Channels/Ways: 2/2
Features
- Wireless Transmission: WLAN (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth
- Encoding: 24-bit/48 kHz
- DLNA/Hi-Res: ✓ (limited)
- Music Streaming Services: various (via app)
- Multiroom Operation: ✓
- Battery Operation/Duration: ✓ (24h)
- Hands-Free Calling: ✓
- Special Features: Auto calibration, ultra-stable, Sonos Voice Control
CONCLUSION:
The Move 2 stands out primarily with its many technical improvements, which make it even more versatile. Sound-wise, the now more affordable predecessor was already strong.
- Pros:
- Portable, robust, and weatherproof (IP56)
- Long battery life (24h, replaceable)
- Bluetooth/WLAN interface for Sonos systems
- Automatic calibration feature
- Cons:
- Accessories (AUX adapter, bag) only available for an additional charge
- Complex system architecture
Test Results
- Sound Quality: 89 (9/10)
- Features: Very good (9/10)
- Handling: Very good (9/10)
- Build Quality: Very good (9/10)
Audio Benchmark
- Overall Rating: 89 points (9/10)
- Price/Performance Ratio: Very good (9/10)
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