Sonos One SL vs Sonos Roam SL (Pros & Cons)

When it comes to high-quality audio devices, Sonos is a brand that often stands at the forefront. Sonos has established itself as a top choice for individuals who value exceptional sound quality and versatile, user-friendly products.

The Sonos One SL and the Sonos Roam SL are two prime examples of Sonos’ commitment to excellence, but they cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of these two speakers to help you decide which one is the best fit for your requirements.

Sonos One SL: The Standalone Speaker

The Sonos One SL is a compact, standalone speaker designed to deliver crystal-clear audio with an emphasis on simplicity and versatility. Here are the pros and cons of the Sonos One SL:

Pros

1. Superb Sound Quality: The Sonos One SL boasts remarkable sound quality, producing rich and immersive audio. Its compact size does not compromise on sound depth.
2. Trueplay Tuning: This feature ensures the speaker adapts to its surroundings and optimizes sound quality for the room it’s in, providing a tailor-made listening experience.
3. AirPlay 2 Compatibility: If you’re an Apple enthusiast, the Sonos One SL can be integrated seamlessly into your Apple ecosystem. It supports AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream music from your Apple devices.
4. Stereo Pairing: You can pair two Sonos One SL speakers for a stereo listening experience, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your home audio setup.
5. Integration with Sonos Ecosystem: The Sonos One SL works seamlessly with other Sonos products and is compatible with popular voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Cons

1. No Bluetooth: Unlike the Sonos Roam SL, the One SL lacks Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its portability.
2. Indoor Use: While the One SL excels as an indoor speaker, it’s not designed for outdoor or on-the-go use.
3. Price: The Sonos One SL is relatively more expensive compared to some competitors, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious consumers.

Sonos Roam SL: The Portable Powerhouse

The Sonos Roam SL is designed with portability in mind. It’s a versatile, outdoor-friendly speaker, and it comes with several advantages and a few limitations:

Pros

1. Trueplay Auto: Like the Sonos One SL, the Roam SL includes Trueplay tuning, ensuring you get the best sound quality regardless of your location.
2. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: The Roam SL offers both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it perfect for outdoor use, on-the-go adventures, or simply moving it from room to room.
3. IP67 Rating: This speaker is not only resistant to dust but is also waterproof, allowing you to use it by the pool, at the beach, or even in the shower.
4. Long Battery Life: The Roam SL features an impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 hours, ensuring you won’t run out of music during your outdoor escapades.
5. Sound Swap: With Sound Swap, you can seamlessly switch playback between your Roam SL and other Sonos speakers in your home.

Cons

1. Sound Quality: While the Roam SL offers great sound quality for its size, it may not match the audio depth of the larger Sonos One SL.
2. Single Unit Stereo: For a stereo listening experience, you need two Roam SL units. This could be an added cost for those looking for stereo sound.
3. Price Point: The Roam SL, although more affordable than some high-end portable speakers, is still relatively pricey for a compact outdoor speaker.
4. Size: The Roam SL is portable, but its size is larger than many competitors in the portable speaker market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the Sonos One SL and the Sonos Roam SL largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize outstanding sound quality and plan to use the speaker indoors, the Sonos One SL is an excellent choice. However, if you need portability, outdoor use, and a versatile speaker for both indoor and outdoor settings, the Sonos Roam SL is a great option.

Ultimately, both speakers are remarkable products, and the decision should be based on how you plan to use them. If budget is a primary concern, the One SL may be the better option. But if you value portability and flexibility, the Roam SL is the way to go. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy premium audio quality, backed by Sonos’ renowned reputation for excellence.

Investing in a Sonos speaker is an investment in a superior audio experience, and both the One SL and the Roam SL deliver on that front. It’s just a matter of matching the right one to your unique lifestyle and audio needs.