This Waterproof Sonos Roam 2 Portable Speaker Is $40 Off for Labor Day
Labor Day sales are already in full swing, and Lifehacker is sharing the best deals based on product reviews, comparisons, and price tracking tools before they’re gone. You can also sign up for our Add to Cart newsletter to get the best deals delivered to your inbox.
Labor Day sales often bring discounts that make you wonder if it’s worth upgrading your tech, and the current deal on the Sonos Roam 2 fits that description. The waterproof portable speaker is on sale for just $139, just a few dollars above its all-time low, according to price trackers .
For a Sonos device, that’s a tempting price cut, especially if you already own other Sonos products. The Roam 2 is small, shaped like a rounded triangular block with rubber feet so it doesn’t wobble around on your countertop when the bass kicks in. It produces mono sound through a midrange driver and tweeter, delivering a more powerful sound than its size suggests. However, placement matters: Stand it upright and you’ll notice a reduction in detail, since the tweeter is facing downward. Stand it horizontally, and clarity improves.
The real issue for most users will be connectivity, which is a mixed bag. It comes with Bluetooth 5.0, which already feels dated compared to speakers pushing new standards, and support is limited to AAC and SBC codecs , so don’t expect the highest quality streaming. Multipoint pairing and Google Fast Pair are also missing, meaning switching between your phone and laptop isn’t as seamless as it could be. On the plus side, it does have dual-band Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, making it a great option for a home setup, especially if you already have other Sonos speakers.
Alexa is available for hands-free control, but oddly, it doesn’t let you control music playback. Sonos Voice Control can handle that, but the limitation is noticeable if you’re used to smarter assistants, as noted in this PCMag review . Battery life hovers around 10 hours, which is fine for day trips but not impressive at this price point. The inclusion of wireless charging makes it stand out, though — you can simply place it on a Qi charger instead of fiddling with cables. Durability shouldn’t be a concern, either: With an IP67 rating, the Roam 2 can handle sand, dust, and even a 30-minute dip in a pool, making it a good choice as an outdoor sound system for Labor Day gatherings near the water.