As if the world of smart speakers wasn’t already confusing enough, market leader Sonos decided to make new versions of its popular Roam speaker, which it calls the Sonos Roam SL. But what is this new speaker, and how is it different from the first Roam?
Both speakers are made to be used outside, with materials and designs that can handle all kinds of weather and environments. When we had a chance to review the Sonos Roam, we gave it a perfect score. We like the brand’s products in general, and our ultimate guide to Sonos has more information about the audio company.
Read on to find out how the two speakers are different and which one might be best for your home. Check out our list of the best smart speakers you can buy for more like this. Design-wise, the Roam and Roam SL are even more alike than in terms of price. In fact, they are very similar and can only be told apart by a few small details.
Price and availability
The Sonos Roam was shown off on March 9, 2021, and went on sale on April 20, 2021. It was called the company’s “first true portable outdoor speaker.” It cost £159, $169, or AU$279 when it first came out, but Sonos has since raised the price to £179, $179, or AU$299.
On March 1, 2022, Sonos Roam SL was made public. The cheaper version of the Roam can now be pre-ordered at sonos.com, and the speaker will start shipping on March 15, 2022. The price is £159, $159, or AU$269 per item.
Sonos Roam SL vs Sonos Roam Comparison Table
| Sonos Roam | Sonos Roam SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £179 | £159 |
| Special feature | Waterproof | Multiroom audio |
| Dimensions | 3.94 x 0.79 x 1.06 inches | 25.4 x 5.08 x 6.86 cm; 430 Grams |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB | USB |
| Item Weight | 7.1 ounces | 168 x 62 x 60 mm; 0.43 kg |
Sonos Roam SL vs Sonos Roam: Design
The Sonos Roam is shaped like a Toblerone and is only 17 cm tall and not too heavy (430g). It has an IP67 rating, which makes it great for picnics and pool parties (it can be completely submerged in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes).
The built-in battery can play music for up to 10 hours on a single charge, so the music shouldn’t stop before the last guest leaves. You can charge it with the USB-C cable that comes with it or with a Qi wireless charger. For an extra £44, $49, or AU$79, Sonos also sells a magnetic wireless charger.
The size and shape of the newer Roam SL are the same as its predecessors, and it has the same IP rating, 10-hour battery life, and rubberized controls. Both models can be controlled by the Sonos app, and both come in Shadow Black and Lunar White. The only difference between these two speakers in terms of how they look is that the Roam has a button for a microphone and the Roam SL does not.
Sonos Roam SL vs Sonos Roam: Sound quality
The Sonos Roam is shaped like a Toblerone and is only 17 cm tall and not too heavy (430g). It has an IP67 rating, which makes it great for picnics and pool parties (it can be completely submerged in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes).
The built-in battery can play music for up to 10 hours on a single charge, so the music shouldn’t stop before the last guest leaves. You can charge it with the USB-C cable that comes with it or with a Qi wireless charger. For an extra £44, $49, or AU$79, Sonos also sells a magnetic wireless charger.
The size and shape of the newer Roam SL are the same as its predecessors, and it has the same IP rating, 10-hour battery life, and rubberized controls. Both models can be controlled by the Sonos app, and both come in Shadow Black and Lunar White. The only difference between these two speakers in terms of how they look is that the Roam has a button for a microphone and the Roam SL does not.
Sonos Roam SL vs Sonos Roam: Performance
Both the Sonos Roam and the Roam SL have the same driver setup, which is made up of two Class-H digital amplifiers, one tweeter, and one mid-woofer. We were very impressed with the sound quality of the Sonos Roam, and in our review, we said it was one of the best-sounding portable speakers on the market.
The tone of the Roam is similar to that of the Sonos Move and the Sonos One SL, but it doesn’t sound as full or bassy as the bigger speakers. The mid-range gives vocals a lot of clarity and detail, which makes for an expressive performance. At the top of the frequency range, the treble has a good sense of bite and detail.
The speaker is also very dynamic, has a lot of drive and power, and can handle music from many different genres. But the bass doesn’t have as much presence as the B&O Beosound A1 2nd Gen or as much depth as the Ultimate Ears Boom 2.
Sonos Roam SL Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional sound for its size
- Auto Trueplay now works over Bluetooth
- Easily portable design
- A lot of connectivity options
Cons
- No mic
- Mono audio
- No stereo pairing over Bluetooth
- Battery life a little under claimed
Sonos Roam Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional sound for its size
- Auto Trueplay now works over Bluetooth
- Easily portable design
- A lot of connectivity options
Cons
- No stereo pairing over Bluetooth
- Battery life a little under claimed
- Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
- Wireless charging plate an optional extra
Which one should you consider?
The Sonos Roam and Sonos Roam SL are very similar, at least in terms of how they look, how long their batteries last, and how they make sound. The main difference between them is that the Sonos Roam SL doesn’t have a microphone, so it doesn’t have as many features as the original Roam.
The Roam SL doesn’t have Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa built in, nor does it have Sonos Sound Swap or Automatic Trueplay tuning. Aside from that, both models have the same features, such as automatic switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, compatibility with the Sonos system, and Apple AirPlay 2.
The Sonos Roam SL is a little cheaper than the Roam, and most people will find it to be a great choice for a portable Bluetooth speaker. The extra features that Roam offers are helpful, but they are not essential to the experience as a whole.
