Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $149 and is still sold new; the Sonos Roam ranks #95 (rated 3.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sonos Roam’s replacement, the Sonos Roam 2, is rated 3.2/5 at $179.
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. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Sonos Roam lacks. The catch: 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 is the lighter pick. A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control 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 tradeoff: Bass extension isn’t very good.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Sonos Roam is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete 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, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | Sonos Roam | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $169.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #95 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 | 5.0 |
| 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 | Dual full-range drivers + 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 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control |
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