Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen ranks #5 of 29 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $349; the Sonos Roam ranks #94 of 178 medium speakers by sound quality at $169.99.
What the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen does well: A compact smart speaker with natural, spacious sound that tunes itself to the room, ideal for Apple Music and AirPlay users. Watch for: What Hi-Fi’s own comparison found the pricier Sonos Era 300 has more power, punch and detail, and Siri cannot launch Spotify, Tidal or other non-Apple services directly, only Apple Music by voice; everything else has to be sent over AirPlay from a phone.
The Sonos Roam is the battery-powered, tougher option. A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support. Its battery is rated for 10 hours, while the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen needs an outlet. It is rated IPX5, while the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen has no water resistance. Watch for: Bass extension isn’t very good.
One note: the Sonos Roam is no longer in production and isn’t widely stocked new anymore. The Sonos Roam’s replacement, the Sonos Roam 2, is still sold new.
Buy the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen at $349 for a powered desktop speaker, or the Sonos Roam at $169.99 for a medium speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact smart speaker with natural, spacious sound that tunes itself to the room, ideal for Apple Music and AirPlay users.
A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support.
Prices on this page were last checked November 5, 2026 at 10:30 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Apple HomePod 2nd Gen | Sonos Roam | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 each | $169.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #94 of 178 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room) | - |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (detachable cable) | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Apple Home) | Sonos S2 App |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (far-field array, no physical mute switch) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Reduce Bass toggle + automatic room correction) | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| TWS | Yes (stereo pairing via Home app) | Yes |
| Drivers | 4in high-excursion woofer, 5x horn-loaded tweeters | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | - |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 5.6” x 5.6” (170 x 142 x 142 mm) | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Apple Siri | Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 63Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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