Sonos Move 2 Portable Speaker Review

This guide to the Sonos Move 2 will help photographers, filmmakers, and creative professionals decide if this versatile wireless speaker is a worthwhile addition to your creative workflow.

Whether you need background music during editing, soundtracks at client viewings, or just something to keep the vibe going between shoots, we’ll investigate whether this portable speaker is the one for you.

As a hobbyist photographer who often spends long days at home, I’ve been testing the white Sonos Move 2 extensively over the past few weeks.

I also borrowed a friend’s olive green model for product photography and field testing.

In this in-depth review, you’ll learn precisely how the Move 2 performs across real-world use cases and whether it’s worth its premium price.

What is the Sonos Move 2?

 

The Sonos Move 2 is a premium portable wireless speaker designed to deliver excellent audio both indoors and outdoors.

It’s part of the Sonos ecosystem, meaning it can link with other Sonos speakers in a multi-room setup over Wi-Fi.

It also functions independently via Bluetooth when you’re away from home or studio, and can even be used via a 3.5mm input jack as an auxiliary speaker.

Available in black, white, and a beautiful olive green (my favourite), the Move 2 brings smart features, durable design, and a whopping 24-hour battery into one powerful package.

For photographers and filmmakers, the Move 2 is a versatile companion—equally suited to playing background music during editing sessions, setting a mood during client presentations, or providing sound on location.

The Move 2 improves over its predecessor with stereo sound output (instead of mono), longer battery life, and a refined touch interface.

There’s also a convenient wireless charging dock, that makes topping up the battery a one-handed breeze.

It’s a speaker built for people who need flexibility: you can use it as part of a fixed studio setup, or carry it around for shoots or personal use.

While it’s not nearly as compact as a true travel speaker, it balances portability and high-quality sound, making it ideal for creatives who split time between multiple spaces.

The Move 2 is aimed at users who want a durable, high-quality speaker that bridges home, studio, and outdoor use.

It’s a premium “movable” speaker that performs like a home system while offering the flexibility to relocate as needed.

• Dimensions: 240 x 160 x 127 mm (9.45 x 6.3 x 5 inches).
• Weight: 3 kg (6.6 lbs).
• Battery life: up to 24 hours.
• Weather resistance: IP56.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, Alexa, Sonos Voice.
• Includes: USB-C port and wireless charging dock.

Technical Specifications

The Sonos Move 2 packs serious specs for its size. It features two angled tweeters and a woofer, providing true stereo audio instead of the mono sound from the original Move.

This change significantly improves the soundstage and better separates instruments and vocals.

The battery is rated for 24 hours of playback, more than double the previous generation. It charges using a wireless charging dock or via a USB-C port.

The speaker supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Sonos Voice Control.

It weighs 3 kg and measures 240 x 160 x 127 mm, making it large for a portable speaker but manageable for home and studio mobility.

Durability is a key spec too—the Move 2 is IP56 rated, protecting it from dust, splashes, and even light rain, although you need to be careful about corrosion on the charging terminals.

This makes it suitable for outdoor shoots or casual use outside the studio without worry.

Its USB-C port can even reverse charge devices, allowing you to top off your phone or camera battery in a pinch.

These specs add up to a speaker that balances power, flexibility, and durability, making it well-suited for creatives who want reliable sound across different environments without sacrificing quality.

Design and Build Quality

The Sonos Move 2 maintains the sleek, modern look that Sonos products are known for. (I’ve also reviewed the Sonos Ace wireless headphones, which are equally sleek and stylish.)

Its minimalist design, rounded edges, and matte finish make it look right at home on a studio shelf or editing desk.

The white model I tested blends beautifully with a clean, modern workspace, while the olive green version I photographed adds a subtle, earthy tone to a more eclectic setup.

I have to admit that I didn’t care much for the white model, which looks a bit sterile – the olive green is unique and matches perfectly with the tones and aesthetics of my home.

At 3 kg, the Move 2 is not lightweight, but that heft reflects solid construction. The plastic casing feels dense and durable, while the metal grille reinforces a premium build.

A built-in carry handle carved into the back makes it easy to lift and carry between rooms or locations, though I wouldn’t want to hike with it or stuff it in a camera bag.

The touch controls have been redesigned for better usability. The new capacitive volume slider is a standout feature: sliding your finger across it gives fine volume control without needing physical buttons.

Playback controls are recessed so they’re not triggered accidentally, yet easy to find by feel when multitasking.

Overall, it feels like a product designed for users who value both aesthetics and functionality—a piece of gear that fits visually and practically into a creative workspace.

Performance and Sound Quality

Audio quality is where the Move 2 really justifies its premium price. Compared to other portable speakers I’ve used, it delivers a much richer, more detailed sound, even at low volumes.

This makes it ideal for background music during editing, where you want clarity without overpowering the task at hand.

The stereo output creates a noticeable sense of space, especially for wide mixes. The sound fills the room evenly, whether I’m listening to a film score while color grading or a playlist during retouching.

Bass response is strong without muddying mids, and vocals stay crisp and forward.

At high volumes, the Move 2 uses dynamic limiting to prevent distortion, reducing some bass impact but keeping clarity intact.

One of the most impressive features is its automatic Trueplay tuning.

The speaker listens to its environment and adjusts EQ accordingly. Indoors, it sounds warm and full; outdoors, it boosts certain frequencies to compensate for open-air acoustics.

I tested this moving between my editing room, living room, and deck, and it adapted seamlessly without any manual tweaking.

This is a massive plus for creatives who shift between controlled studio environments and unpredictable locations.

Battery Life and Power Options

Battery life is a considerable improvement over the original Move. I ran the Move 2 for multiple full workdays without needing to recharge.

One day, I had music playing at moderate volume for about 10 hours straight and still had over 50% battery left by evening.

This endurance makes it worry-free for long shoots or back-to-back client sessions.

Charging is convenient thanks to the included wireless dock—just set the speaker down and it charges without fiddling with cables. This is by far ny favourite feature of the Move 2.

When away from the dock, you can charge via USB-C. That same port allows you to use the speaker as a power bank, which came in handy when my phone battery died on location.

I appreciate the user-replaceable battery, giving the Move 2 better longevity than many sealed devices.

Sonos also made the speaker more energy efficient, using less power in standby mode compared to the original Move.

Ease of Use and Setup

Setting up the Sonos Move 2 took under 10 minutes with the Sonos app.

Once connected to Wi-Fi, it automatically updated firmware and integrated with my existing Sonos One speaker.

I loved how seamlessly it blended into my multi-room setup: when I played music, I could group the Move 2 with my studio speaker or have it act independently in another space.

The interface is intuitive. The app lets you adjust EQ, group speakers, and control playback, but you can also control it directly from streaming apps like Spotify or Apple Music.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stay connected at the same time, which means moving the speaker from home to location is seamless—no need to manually switch modes.

Voice control with Alexa worked reliably in my tests. It recognized commands even with background music playing.

The omission of Google Assistant might disappoint Android users, but Alexa and Sonos Voice cover most basic needs.

For creatives juggling gear, lights, and screens, the touch controls and voice commands make the Move 2 easy to operate even when your hands are full.

Price and Value for Money

The Sonos Move 2 retails for around US$449, putting it squarely in premium speaker territory.

While expensive, it offers features and sound quality that justify the cost for users who will leverage its full capabilities.

If you just need a Bluetooth speaker for casual use, cheaper options exist. But if you’re looking for a speaker that can serve as a home audio hub, portable solution for shoots, and presentation tool for clients, the Move 2 makes sense as a multi-role investment.

It’s especially valuable for creatives who want reliable, great-sounding audio in different workspaces without compromising quality.

Its long battery life, durability, and seamless integration into existing setups mean it can adapt to changing workflows over time.

For me, the Move 2 replaces the need for multiple smaller speakers with a single, flexible device.

How I Tested the Sonos Move 2

I tested the white Move 2 in my photography studio, editing suite, living room, and outdoor deck.

I also used the olive green unit for product photography and to see how the finish looked in different environments.

I streamed via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay; grouped it with other Sonos speakers; and tested it during a client presentation and slideshow viewing.

Testing included playing music at various volumes for long durations, using voice controls, checking battery longevity across multiple days, and moving it between different acoustic environments.

I evaluated durability by using it in light rain and placing it on dusty outdoor sets. This hands-on approach helped me see how the Move 2 would fit into real creative workflows and daily routines.

Alternatives to the Sonos Move 2

If you’re comparing options, the Bose Portable Smart Speaker offers a similar balance of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with voice control, but it’s lighter and less powerful in sound.

The JBL Xtreme 3 provides louder outdoor volume and ruggedness but lacks the sophistication and app integration of Sonos. The Sonos Roam is more portable and affordable, but its smaller size compromises sound output and battery life.

The Move 2 stands out if you prioritize premium sound quality, flexible connectivity, and the ability to integrate into a multi-room system while also traveling between workspaces.

FAQs

Is the Sonos Move 2 good for professional audio editing?

It’s great for casual playback and reference listening but not a substitute for studio monitors when mixing or mastering.

Can I use Google Assistant with the Move 2?

No, it only supports Alexa and Sonos Voice Control.

Does the Move 2 need Wi-Fi to work?

No, it can operate as a Bluetooth speaker when Wi-Fi isn’t available.

Can it be used in a home theater setup?

No, it doesn’t support surround or Dolby Atmos configurations.

Sonos Move 2 Review | Conclusion

The Sonos Move 2 blends rich sound, durable design, and impressive battery life into a speaker that fits naturally into a creative workflow.

It works equally well as background music during editing, an audio boost for client slideshows, or a portable sound system for casual listening between shoots.

It’s not the cheapest or lightest option, but its flexibility and quality make it a worthwhile investment for creatives who want reliable audio across home and studio spaces.

I’ll be keeping mine, and it’s earned a permanent spot in my workflow. I’m just a bit jealous of my friend, who owns the olive green version!