Few days back we have covered that Sonos is set to revolutionize home entertainment with premium tv streaming device. This time, we have the second-generation Sonos Move 2 speaker for review, known in the company’s lineup as the first speaker that could be connected via Bluetooth, offering extensive portability. The Move 2 model was announced two months ago – at the beginning of September – making it the latest addition to the Sonos speaker family.
The new Sonos Move 2 model can’t be described as an entirely new speaker, as it is visually almost identical to the previous-generation model. However, this wireless speaker has received quite useful improvements. It complements the new Era 100 and Era 300 speakers exceptionally well, and the Move 2 model could be positioned between these two.
After the test, I must say that I would consider purchasing this model because it truly combines the best features offered by the new Era series. The ability to use it without a charging cable and easily move it around provides broader everyday utility.
Design and Build of Sonos Move 2
Existing Move owners will notice that the Move 2 model is very, very similar to the existing speaker. Yes, that’s indeed the case. It retains the same dimensions of 24.1 x 16 x 12.7 cm, with a weight of 3 kg. Admittedly, it is substantial enough to give your biceps a workout or perhaps throw around for fun, as this speaker is designed for outdoor use as well.
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The front of the Sonos Move 2 features a metallic grille, also present in the first-generation model, and now adopted by the Era 100 and Era 300 speakers. Placing all three side by side, you can see the Sonos design language. The top of the speaker has received new touch-sensitive controls, allowing volume adjustment with a sliding motion.
The base of the wireless speaker is made of rubber to ensure better grip on various surfaces, preventing it from sliding easily. As mentioned earlier, the Move 2 is intended for use in different conditions and places. Significant visual changes are seen at the back of the speaker. While the large power button is still visible, the new additions include a reduced Bluetooth pairing button and a new microphone button. Similar to other Sonos products, it allows you to disable the microphone to prevent voice commands, adding an extra layer of security.
Overall, the Sonos Move 2 is almost a twin brother to the first-generation model. Both feature a convenient portable handle, allowing a comfortable grip and secure carrying. There’s no fear of accidentally dropping it, and it can be comfortably held with several fingers. However, the rear could have been better designed, as there are noticeable gaps between components.
This wireless speaker comes with a special charging base, making it both a wireless speaker and a classic one since it can be left on the charging station daily, ensuring it never runs out of power. The charging base is oval-shaped with a specific charging connection. It won’t take up much space, as it remains open, but it needs to provide a secure place for the Move 2 to dock.
In addition, Sonos offers various accessories for this speaker, allowing it to be attached to a wall or carried with a special shoulder bag. This covers everything about the portability of this speaker. The last design update is the olive-green color, complementing the classic black and white appearance of the speaker.
Sound Quality of Sonos Move 2 Speaker
We don’t conduct in-depth and serious sound analysis at TheTechBasic, and physically, it wouldn’t be possible without additional equipment. However, from experience, I can say that the Move 2 sounds very similar to the Era 100. Perhaps the bass is slightly more pronounced, as the Move 2 is simply larger in size. As usual, Sonos provides clear and room-filling sound, highlighting both vocals and melodies.
To better evaluate the sound, I’ve relied on information from trusted reviewers at What Hi-Fi. Comparing it to the previous-generation Sonos Move, the low-frequency line has more depth and firmness. It’s a speaker best suited for background party music, but with the Move 2, there’s more room for organized sound. The Move 2 is also equipped with two tweeters, unlike the previous model, enabling stereo playback.
Overall, it’s the most significant improvement both technically and in terms of sound. Some reviewers consider it not a completely new second-generation model but rather a slight improvement. However, the sound itself will be better compared to the four-year-old model.
Everyday Use
The Sonos Move 2 speaker is not just intended for playing music; it can also serve as an external battery, making it durable and portable. One of the advantages is the doubled battery life, allowing music playback for 24 hours.
For external device charging, there is a USB-C port, which also serves as a charging option. Therefore, the Move 2 can be charged with both a special charging base and through the USB-C port. Another connection innovation is that this model provides the ability to connect to another playback device using USB-C. For example, a wide-range player. The first-generation Move did not provide this capability.
To extend the speaker’s battery life, the Sonos app allows setting various battery-saving options, such as automatic shutdown and disconnection if not used for 30 minutes. This helps conserve battery life even more. However, these settings can be inconvenient when the speaker is in sleep mode and cannot be turned on manually with the power button. If the Sonos Move 2 is connected to the charger, these situations will not be relevant.
From a setup perspective, this is another Sonos product that needs to be initially set up using the app and a wireless internet connection. Afterward, it can be used with Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, or wireless internet coverage. Multiple Move 2 speakers can be connected to create a better stereo sound effect. This wasn’t possible with the Era 100 model.
From a practical standpoint, I managed to connect these two speakers simultaneously using the AirPlay option. It worked very well, and both speakers played the desired song in parallel. There was no noticeable lag, allowing for an enjoyable music experience.
I personally like this model for its mobility. It doesn’t need to be constantly connected to one point for power. Depending on daily habits, carrying it around the house or apartment adds additional functionality. In a way, this speaker can replace two stationary models. Similarly to the Era 100, this model also features voice control and a light indicator, allowing you to assess the speaker’s operation from a distance.
In Conclusion
As I have been a Sonos Era 100 user for some time now, my first thought after testing the Move 2 was that I would prefer to buy this model. Simply because it can be moved to another room and still get the Sonos quality speaker, even though it is quite massive. However, it must be emphasized that this is an expensive, and perhaps very expensive, speaker. Its official price is US$ 449.00.
This speaker can be an excellent addition to outdoor activities and garden parties, as it can fill a sufficiently large space with sound and serve as a charging device. However, it should be considered that this comes with the trade-off of weight and size; it won’t be the portable gadget you can easily slip into your pocket. However, the special handle ensures comfortable carrying.
If financial capabilities allow, I would definitely recommend this model, regardless of whether you consider the Era 100 or Era 300 models when looking at it purely from the perspective of the new models. Of course, audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Era 300 for its superior sound, but the Move 2 offers very broad everyday use. Clearly, Sonos is not a budget speaker brand, and discerning buyers will find the model that suits them.
In any case, I have had a positive experience with this speaker, which, in a way, becomes somewhat routine as I know what to expect. However, the high price is always a significant ‘but,’ similar to the situation with iPhone smartphones.