Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $149; the Sonos Roam 2 ranks #94, rated 3.2/5, and costs $179, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding, tougher option. A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sonos Roam 2. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Sonos Roam 2 lacks. Watch for: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
The Sonos Roam 2 is the lighter choice. A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support. At 0.9 lbs (429 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen at 1.3 lbs (586 g). The catch: Exact same sound quality as the original Sonos Roam.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonos Roam 2 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit.
A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | Sonos Roam 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $179.00 |
| Ranked | #37 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #94 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Sonos S2 App |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 63Hz |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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