The Sonos Roam SL Speaker is made compact, portable, rugged, and wireless to facilitate a high-quality sound whilst easy to take on a go. It is also perfect for outdoor enthusiasts wanting a versatile speaker in a Sonos ecosystem. But with its durable build and as part of the broader network of Sonos, it shows to be one of those devices that can be expected. It is an economy version of the original Sonos Roam, minus the voice assistant microphone, thus giving it an affordable variant to those who do not have the need for voice command functionality.
Although lacking that smart functionality, this speaker still has excellent audio output for its size with satisfactory bass and clear mids, ideal for small parties or personal use. Moreover, with its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, this speaker is constructed to withstand the elements. This makes it ideal for outdoor adventures such as camping or beach trips. When used as a single Bluetooth speaker or as part of a multi-room Sonos system, the Sonos Roam SL Speaker delivers exceptional value and performance and turns out to be an excellent solution for those looking for reliable and portable audio.
Design and Build Quality of Sonos Roam SL Speaker
The Sonos Roam SL Speaker is a compact design that is rugged, yet excellent for portability even in the face of strong elements. It weighs around 430g and flaunts a sleek, minimalistic look with a triangular shape that is small, rounded off. This makes the Sonos Roam SL Speaker very easy to take with you as you go out to the beach, camping, or just lounging at home. It is available in a variety of colors such as Shadow Black and Lunar White, giving customers the choice of style.
Durability-wise, the Sonos Roam SL has got its own durability, coming in an IP67 rating and guaranteeing it to be water and dustproof. So it can be submerged 1 meter underwater for up to 30 minutes. Therefore, it is good enough for outdoor adventures, since bumps and drops will not destroy the performance of this speaker. For ease of use on the move, the Sonos Roam SL Speaker comes in wireless charging through a Qi-compatible charger. Besides wireless charging, this device allows USB-C charging for use while on the go, for travel or to play under the sun or the starlight.
Performance and Sound Quality of the Sonos Roam SL Speaker
The Sonos Roam SL Speaker has good performance, especially for its size. It does not compare to larger, more powerful models, but it delivers a good listening experience for moderate listening. The sound quality of the Sonos Roam SL is defined by balanced mids and clear vocals, which makes it good for casual listening and smaller spaces. However, the bass response is somewhat limited, and may be a disappointment to bass heads or those seeking deep, thumping lows. Optimized for clarity and mid-range tones, it makes for a good speaker when the genre emphasizes vocals or acoustic sounds.
At higher volumes, the Sonos Roam SL has a tendency to distort and lacks punch for larger gatherings or open spaces. Although it performs well for daily use, such as outdoor activities or smaller rooms, the sound quality may not be as immersive as larger, more powerful speakers like the Sonos Move. Despite this, the Sonos Roam SL Speaker remains a solid option for anyone looking for portability without sacrificing basic sound quality. Overall, it’s a great choice for Sonos ecosystem users who value convenience and decent sound quality in a compact speaker.
Features and Functionality
The Sonos Roam SL Speaker offers several excellent features to enhance portability and sound quality. Among the features that stand out from this speaker is its compact, lightweight design, which suits users who are always in motion. The speaker boasts an IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dustproof, ensuring durability even under harsh conditions. One drawback of the Sonos Roam SL Speaker is it lacks a microphone, meaning no voice assistant integration like Alexa or Google Assistant is supported. In this respect, it could be more affordable for a user who doesn’t necessarily require smart features.
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For connectivity, Roam SL supports Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth that offers smooth switching between these both according to the place condition. The Sonos Roam SL Speaker has all integration with the Sonos system and allows adding the sound to multi-room audio for its users. In it, there is great quality with some moderate volume, yet has not been featured in profound bass and loud noise making for a party among dozens of people. Its automatic switching between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi makes it versatile for indoor and outdoor use, while the inclusion of the Trueplay feature adjusts the sound to optimize the listening experience based on the surrounding environment.
Battery Life
The Sonos Roam SL Speaker comes with a very reliable battery life, going up to 10 hours with continuous playback depending on volume levels. It’s very great for day trips and long periods outdoors. It might have variable battery life, however, if used with features such as voice assistants. The Sonos Roam SL Speaker is powered with a USB-C port, where it can easily be charged and supports wireless charging using Qi-compatible charging pads. Though the battery life is adequate, the user must note that at high volumes or by using many smart features frequently, its duration may get a bit affected.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact and Portable: The Sonos Roam SL Speaker is lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for on-the-go use. | Limited Sound Volume: The Sonos Roam SL Speaker is not loud enough for larger rooms or outdoor parties. |
| Durable Design: With an IP67 rating, the speaker is waterproof and dustproof, making it suitable for outdoor use. | Limited Battery Life: Battery lasts around 5.1 hours at high volume, which might be insufficient for long listening sessions. |
| Affordable Option: The Sonos Roam SL Speaker offers great value, being a more affordable alternative to the Sonos Roam. | No Voice Assistant Support: Lacks a microphone for Alexa and Google Assistant, which is available in the standard Roam model. |
| Wireless Charging Support: The Sonos Roam SL Speaker supports Qi wireless charging, offering convenient power-up options. | Limited Advanced Features: Lacks features like Automatic Trueplay and Sound Swap found in the regular Sonos Roam. |
| Easy Integration: Easily integrates with the Sonos ecosystem, making it a great addition for existing Sonos users. | Sound Quality at High Volume: While sound is good at moderate levels, it may lack depth and clarity at higher volumes. |
Sonos Roam vs. Roam SL comparison
| Feature | Sonos Roam | Sonos Roam SL Speaker |
| Voice Assistant Support | Alexa and Google Assistant integration for voice control | Lacks microphone, so no voice assistant support |
| Portability | Compact and lightweight, ideal for outdoor use | Similar in size and weight, perfect for portability |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP67 rating, can withstand water immersion up to 1 meter | IP67 rating, equally durable against dust and water |
| Sound Quality | Bass-heavy, great for outdoor use but may overwhelm indoors | Similar sound quality but lacks deep bass at higher volumes |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours depending on usage | Offers about 10 hours of battery life |
| Charging Options | Supports Qi wireless charging and USB-C charging | Also supports Qi wireless charging and USB-C charging |
| Integration with Sonos Ecosystem | Seamless integration with Sonos multi-room audio setup | Integrates well with Sonos ecosystem, lacks some advanced features |
| Smart Features | Includes Sound Swap and Auto Trueplay | Does not include Smart features like Sound Swap or Auto Trueplay |
| Price | Priced higher due to voice assistants and smart features | More affordable alternative, lacks voice assistants |
| Ideal For | Sonos users seeking a portable, smart speaker | Budget-conscious Sonos users or those looking for basic portability |
Durability and Outdoor Use
Sonos Roam SL Speaker has been designed to withstand all the challenges that come with outdoor usage, hence it’s a perfect travel companion. It is rated as IP67, meaning that it’s fully waterproof and dustproof. Hence, it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes without sustaining any form of damage. It can be valuable to anyone desirous of an outdoor withstanding speaker as they venture on a camping or even travel adventure outside. Having a compact but rugged and rough Sonos Roam SL ensures to be used even if a user can’t resist being careless so it doesn’t give away too much.
Additionally, the speaker is lightweight and portable, weighing only 430 grams, which makes carrying it even easier. Given the size, the Sonos Roam SL Speaker still does an excellent job in offering good sound quality for outdoor activities like small to medium-size gatherings. However, this would not be enough when used for bigger events because of its volume. The nonavailability of voice assistants, in the case of Roam SL, makes this version more straightforward and, at the same time, affordable without losing durability. In conclusion, the Sonos Roam SL Speaker can be rated as one of the best portable speakers which has great durability and could therefore be considered for use outdoors in diverse environments.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Roam SL Speaker is ideal for one who wants to acquire an affordable portable speaker that looks great and also delivers top-notch build quality, all with smart features. Many benefits are associated with Sonos Roam SL speakers: they have rugged design that comes with IP67, which makes the product both water and dust-resistant. This one’s easy to carry to the beach or a hike; its compact size and light design make it travel easy.
Although the Roam SL does not feature a voice assistant like in the standard Roam, this does not diminish the smooth connectivity offered by the Sonos app as well as other devices from the Sonos family and the seamless integration that can be made from within the Sonos environment for its users.
Sound quality is good, for the size, anyway. There’s good clarity with the mids and solid bass response. It just isn’t deep and richly sounding for those audiophile listeners. The battery is also decent with around 10 hours of playback on it and wireless charging compatibility for that extra convenience. The Sonos Roam SL Speaker is a great option for someone looking to have a portable speaker with moderate listening needs, where the user prefers an affordable entry into the Sonos family. If you want something simple, rugged, and reliable with smart features, the Sonos Roam SL Speaker is the worth contender.
Alternatives to Consider
| Alternative Speaker | Key Features | Why Consider It |
| Sonos Roam | IP67 waterproof and dustproof, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, Google Assistant and Alexa integration, Automatic TruePlay feature, compact and portable design. | If you prefer a more feature-rich option with voice assistant support and seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Roam is a strong alternative to the Sonos Roam SL Speaker. |
| Sonos Move | Larger and more powerful, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, indoor/outdoor usage, robust sound, voice assistant support, IP56 rating, automatic switching between modes. | For a louder and more robust option, the Sonos Move is ideal, though it’s less portable compared to the Sonos Roam SL Speaker. |
| Bose SoundLink Flex | IP67 rating, balanced sound, rugged design, Bluetooth connectivity, compact and portable. | If sound quality and balance are a priority, the Bose SoundLink Flex offers a louder performance than the Sonos Roam SL Speaker while still being highly portable. |
| JBL Charge 5 | IP67 waterproof and dustproof, up to 20 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.1, deep bass, large audio output, portable. | For longer battery life and a louder sound profile, JBL Charge 5 is a solid alternative, though it lacks the Sonos ecosystem integration of the Sonos Roam SL Speaker. |
| Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 | 360-degree sound, IP67 rating, 15 hours of battery life, Bluetooth, portable and waterproof. | The UE BOOM 3 offers excellent portability and sound performance for outdoor use, though it lacks the app integration and smart features of the Sonos Roam SL Speaker. |
| Anker Soundcore Motion+ | High-fidelity sound, IPX7 rating, 12 hours of playtime, Bluetooth, customizable EQ. | For those seeking more customizable sound, the Anker Soundcore Motion+ is an affordable choice but doesn’t offer the voice assistant or multi-room features like the Sonos Roam SL Speaker. |
Conclusion
The Sonos Roam SL Speaker is an attractive option for someone who wants a compact, portable speaker with essential features and good performance. It will not compete with the likes of larger, more powerful speakers like the Sonos Move, but it’s worth the money due to its affordability, robust build quality, and integration into the Sonos ecosystem. The Sonos Roam SL Speaker provides reliable sound experience for moderate volumes, especially outdoors, with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
Though lacking the voice assistant feature found in its competitor, Roam, and having lower battery life, the Roam SL offers tremendous value in its price range. Ideal for people requiring a very rugged speaker that can keep up with mobile use while not requiring any voice-control or other more advanced smart features, it is best suited for a user with portability as the most important consideration and an interest in simplicity along with great app functionality.
If you are already a member of the Sonos universe or want a waterproof, great-sounding speaker with great value for money, the Sonos Roam SL Speaker is a safe investment. However, if you want more bass, better smart features, and much more, you could think about the full Sonos Roam or some of the more premium offerings in this market.