Short answer: the Sonos Roam 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Grip for the lower price. The Sonos Roam 2 ranks #71 of 136 medium speakers at $177. The JBL Grip ranks #75 at $99.95, $77.05 cheaper.
On the Sonos Roam 2 side: Very neutral. Set against that: Exact same sound quality as the original Roam.
What the JBL Grip gets right: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. The catch: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
Buy the Sonos Roam 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Grip if the price matters more than sound quality.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Grip at IP68 (extended submersion) holds up far better than the Sonos Roam 2 at IPX5 (water jets).
Specifications Side By Side
| Sonos Roam 2 | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $177.00 | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #71 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #75 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | No | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 429 g | 0.8 lbs / 385 g |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) | 2.5" x 6" x 2.6" (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| App | Sonos S2 App | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) | Yes (7 band) |
| Drivers | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP68 |
| Max Volume | 95dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Auracast) |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 16W |
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- Sony ULT Field 1 vs Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4
- Beats Pill 2024 vs Sonos Roam
- Sonos Roam vs Sony ULT Field 1
- Sonos Roam vs JBL Grip
- JBL Charge 3 vs Sonos Roam 2
The Two Speakers In Full
Sonos Roam 2: $177.00 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. Additional button for pairing instead of being shared with power button
Cons: Exact same sound quality as the original Roam. Bass extension isn’t very good. Not stereo. Gets distorted as you turn up the bass.
Full Sonos Roam 2 review and specifications →
| App | Sonos S2 App |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x 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 |
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JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5" x 6" x 2.6" (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 385 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons