Short answer: the Sonos Roam 2, if you are buying new. The Sonos Roam ranks higher than the B&O Beosound Explore (#95 vs #142 of 177 medium speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Sonos Roam 2, is rated 3.2/5 at $179 and is still sold new.
The B&O Beosound Explore is the longer-running, tougher pick. A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery. It is rated for 27 hours of battery against 10 for the Sonos Roam. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sonos Roam. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Sonos Roam. The catch: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
The Sonos Roam is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 10dB, against 70Hz for the B&O Beosound Explore. At 0.9 lbs (429 g) it weighs noticeably less than the B&O Beosound Explore at 1.4 lbs (631 g). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the B&O Beosound Explore lacks. Watch for: Bass extension isn’t very good.
Buy the Sonos Roam 2, the replacement for the discontinued Sonos Roam; it is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound Explore.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery.
A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support.
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Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound Explore | Sonos Roam | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $294.99 | $169.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #142 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #95 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs (631 g) | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | - |
| Maximum SPL | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| App | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) | Sonos S2 App |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| Strap | Yes (carabiner) | No |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control |
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