Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 for better sound quality, the Sonos Roam for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Mini 2 ranks #55 of 136 medium speakers at $184. The Sonos Roam ranks #72 at $175, $9 cheaper.
The case for the Bose Soundlink Mini 2: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. The catch: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
On the Sonos Roam side: Very neutral. IP67 rated at ~1 lb. Watch for: Bass extension isn’t very good.
One note: the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 is discontinued, but it still ranks #55 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sonos Roam if the price matters more than sound quality.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sonos Roam at IPX5 (water jets) holds up far better than the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini 2 | Sonos Roam | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.00 Discontinued | $175.00 |
| Ranked | #55 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #72 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g | 0.9 lbs / 429 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 33mm fullrange | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2" x 2.3" (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | - |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Sonos S2 App |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 95dB |
| Wifi | - | Yes |
| EQ | - | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
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- Bose Soundlink Mini 2 vs Sonos Roam 2
- Sonos Roam 2 vs Sonos Roam
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Mini 2: $184.00 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. ~10 hour battery life; can pair to two devices at once and remembers up to 8.
Cons: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers. Upper treble rolled off. Bass is 2db less boosted than the Mini. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others. Failures of the mainboard are common. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Mini 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2" x 2.3" (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 33mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross: Hall of Fame classic vs latest Bose tech! More from alanrossreviews →
- Patricio Benadon: Bose SoundLink Flex vs. Mini 2 SE. Music audio quality sound test. Listen 4 different genres!
- techkiste.net: Bose Soundlink Mini 2 vs the world ;) (Denon Envaya DSB250, Vifa Reykjavik, iRoar Go)
- Reddit Search for Bose Soundlink Mini 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Bose Soundlink Mini 2 vs Bose Soundlink Mini
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- Bose Soundlink Mini 2 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable
- Bose Soundlink Mini 2 vs Sony XB33
- Bose Soundlink Mini 2 vs JBL Charge 4
- Bose Soundlink Mini 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Flow
- Bose Soundlink Mini 2 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve
- See all 23 comparisons
Sonos Roam: $175.00 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. IP67 rated at ~1 lb. Wireless (Qi) charging - rare for a portable speaker. Works with Alexa/Sonos Voice Control and the wider Sonos ecosystem over Wi-Fi.
Cons: Bass extension isn’t very good. Not stereo. Gets distorted if you turn up the bass.
Full Sonos Roam review and specifications →
| App | Sonos S2 App |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 429 g |
| Wifi | Yes |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons