Beside the Sonos Ace headphones, the audio company has also refreshed its entry-level portable speaker, the Sonos Roam.
The Roam was released in 2021 and, while it was generally well received, some customers encountered issues with its software, particularly the Bluetooth/power combo button.
Fortunately, Sonos has addressed the button issue with an update. The new Roam now features two buttons on the back for easier Bluetooth setup. It is unclear if the overall connection software has been improved, but with the release of the Move 2 and Ace models since the original Roam, it is likely that enhancements have been made.
In addition to the button changes, Sonos has made it easier to set up the speaker right out of the box. Previously, the speaker needed to be paired with the Sonos app on home Wi-Fi, but now it functions as a Bluetooth speaker until the user decides to connect it to Wi-Fi.
While there are minimal changes to the speaker otherwise, such as the same colors, speaker layout, and battery life, the new Roam may offer slightly improved battery performance according to Sonos CEO. However, it does not seem to be a significant upgrade over the original model's 10-hour battery life.
The price of the new Sonos Roam will remain the same as the original model at $229 in Canada.
