When it comes to smart speakers, Sonos has always been a major player. Known for delivering exceptional sound quality and a sleek design, Sonos products are loved by music enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike. But until recently, most of their lineup was designed to stay indoors. That changed with the launch of the Sonos Move, the company’s first portable smart speaker—and it’s safe to say, it made a splash.
The Sonos Move combines the powerful performance that Sonos fans expect with the convenience of portability. It works seamlessly within your existing Sonos ecosystem, but it also functions as a standalone Bluetooth speaker when you’re out and about. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, relaxing on the beach, or just moving from the kitchen to the patio, the Move is designed to keep the party going.
But is it worth the price tag? And how does it hold up in terms of performance, durability, battery life, and smart features? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore in this in-depth article.
Design and Build: Rugged Yet Refined
At first glance, the Sonos Move might not look very different from other Sonos speakers. It has the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic—rounded edges, matte finish, and a clean control panel. But pick it up, and you’ll quickly realize it’s built to go places.
First off, the Move is surprisingly hefty, weighing about 6.6 pounds (3 kg). This isn’t a lightweight, toss-it-in-your-bag kind of speaker. Instead, it feels sturdy and solid—more like something you’d bring to the backyard or a picnic rather than on a hiking trip. That weight comes from high-end internal components and a massive battery, which we’ll get into later.
The durability is top-notch, with an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance. That means it can handle splashes, rain, and even a bit of dust or sand—perfect for outdoor use. Sonos has also tested it against drops, and while you wouldn’t want to throw it around, it can survive the occasional tumble without breaking a sweat.
On the back, there’s a handy built-in handle that makes carrying it easier. It’s not the most ergonomic handle, but it gets the job done. All in all, the design walks a nice line between rugged functionality and sleek sophistication.
Audio Quality: Room-Filling Sound in Any Environment
If there’s one area where Sonos consistently delivers, it’s sound quality—and the Move doesn’t disappoint. This speaker packs a punch well above its size class, producing rich, room-filling sound with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs.
One standout feature is Auto Trueplay, which automatically tunes the speaker’s output based on its surroundings. Whether you’re indoors or outside, the Move adjusts the sound profile to ensure optimal performance. This is a huge advantage over other portable speakers, which often struggle to adapt to different environments.
Vocals are clean and detailed, instruments are distinct, and the bass—while not overpowering—is full and satisfying. You can crank the volume without experiencing distortion, which is great for parties or larger gatherings. Compared to similarly priced Bluetooth speakers, the Move easily comes out on top in terms of overall audio performance.
Whether you’re streaming via Wi-Fi at home or switching to Bluetooth in the park, you’re getting premium sound no matter where you are. And if you’re already using other Sonos speakers, the Move integrates seamlessly for multi-room audio.
Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi—The Best of Both Worlds
One of the biggest features that sets the Sonos Move apart from the rest of the Sonos lineup is its dual connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. At home, it connects over Wi-Fi just like any other Sonos speaker. This allows you to use the Sonos app, group it with other speakers, and control playback with Alexa or Google Assistant.
But once you’re out of range, the Move switches to Bluetooth mode, allowing you to stream directly from your phone, tablet, or laptop. The transition is smooth and user-friendly. A button on the back lets you toggle between modes easily.
This hybrid approach is a game-changer. Most smart speakers are tethered to Wi-Fi, limiting their use to the home. But the Move lets you take your music with you—and still enjoy great sound quality.
The Bluetooth performance is reliable, with a strong signal and minimal lag. There’s no aptX support, which might disappoint audiophiles, but for most casual listeners, it’s not a deal-breaker.
Battery Life and Charging: Built to Keep Playing
Battery life is a critical factor for any portable speaker, and the Sonos Move holds its own. It offers up to 11 hours of continuous playback on a full charge, depending on your volume levels and usage. That’s more than enough for a day at the park, a long dinner party, or just moving around the house.
Charging is super convenient thanks to the included charging base. You just place the Move on the ring-shaped dock, and it juices up quickly. It takes about 2-3 hours to fully charge, which is pretty standard for a speaker of this size and power.
If you’re on the go, you can also charge the Move via USB-C, which adds to its portability. This is especially handy if you’re traveling or don’t want to carry the dock with you. Just bring a USB-C cable and a power bank or wall adapter, and you’re good to go.
The battery is replaceable, which is rare in the speaker world and adds serious longevity to your investment. You won’t have to toss it out after a couple of years just because the battery can’t hold a charge.
Smart Features: Voice Assistants and More
The Sonos Move comes with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you full access to smart features. You can ask it to play music, check the weather, set reminders, control smart home devices, and more. It also works with Apple’s AirPlay 2, making it a great option for iOS users.
The voice recognition is solid, even in noisy environments, thanks to its far-field microphones. When outdoors or using it in Bluetooth mode, voice control isn’t available, but that’s expected since the assistant needs an internet connection.
The Move also supports automatic software updates, ensuring it stays current with the latest features and security patches. That’s a big plus in a world where tech products can become outdated fast.
If you’re already in the Sonos ecosystem, the Move becomes an even more powerful addition. You can easily group it with other speakers for synchronized playback throughout your home. And when you return from your adventures, just place it back on the dock and it instantly rejoins your home network.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Move
Let’s take a moment to break down the main advantages and drawbacks of the Sonos Move to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Durable and weather-resistant build
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Seamless integration with Sonos system
- Voice assistant and AirPlay 2 support
- Replaceable battery
Cons:
- On the heavier side (not super portable for travel)
- Premium price point
- No stereo pairing in Bluetooth mode
- No aptX or LDAC support
So, while the Move isn’t perfect, its strengths far outweigh the cons—especially if you’re looking for a premium portable speaker with smart capabilities.
Final Thoughts: Is the Sonos Move Worth It?
The Sonos Move is not your average Bluetooth speaker. It’s a smart, high-fidelity powerhouse that’s just as comfortable on your bookshelf as it is in your backyard. It blends the convenience of portability with the performance of a premium home speaker, making it a versatile addition to any setup.
Sure, it’s not the most lightweight or budget-friendly option out there. But if you’re someone who values sound quality, durability, smart features, and seamless integration, then the Move is more than worth the investment.
In a world full of portable speakers that sound average and struggle with connectivity, the Sonos Move truly stands out. Whether you’re a dedicated Sonos user or a newcomer to the ecosystem, this speaker offers an unmatched combination of portability and performance.
