If the Sonos Move 3 has these features, I'm buying it.

The Sonos Move 2 updates its predecessor with improved battery life, Bluetooth 5.0, and additional speaker drivers. However, its mixed bag of features and notable omissions make it difficult to recommend over similar rivals. With stiff competition from JBL, Ultimate Ears, Google, and more, the Sonos Move 2 fails to make our list of the best Bluetooth speakers. Can the Sonos Move 3 place the company back on track and deliver future-proof features for the masses?

At the time of writing, there has been no official confirmation of the Sonos Move 3. Here is everything I want to see while we wait for concrete details.

A cheaper price tag

Sonos manufactures many different speakers. For example, the Sonos Five brings a loud output volume and Ethernet connectivity to expand your pre-existing Sonos setup. On the other hand, the Sonos Roam 2 features a lightweight IP67-rated design that’s perfect for taking on the move. Both vary in price, with the former costing $549 and the latter costing $179 at launch. However, you don’t have to spend vast quantities to receive industry-leading sound and features.

For example, the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 costs $199 and has excellent sound quality, Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC, and spatial audio capabilities. Similarly, smart home enthusiasts can bag the popular Google Nest Audio for $79. This speaker brings Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, integrated Chromecast, and Google’s Media EQ and Ambient IQ features. Sure, neither the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 nor the Google Nest Audio is as versatile as the Sonos Move 2. However, the Sonos Move 3 will need a cheaper price tag to convince price-conscious consumers who know what they want.

A lightweight design

The Sonos Move 2 wears an IP56-rated exterior to protect it from the elements. This should guard it against a soaking from powerful water guns and resist damage from small solid particles. However, while this is handy for taking the speaker out and about, its 3kg build makes it less portable than rival Bluetooth speakers. The lip on the back panel is also less desirable and maneuverable than a dedicated carrying handle.

Truth be told, there are many alternatives better suited for the great outdoors than the Sonos Move 2. For example, the JBL Charge 6 costs less than half the price and enjoys a superior IP68 rating. It also lasts over 24 hours on a single charge, has a detachable handle, and supports Auracast connectivity. The speaker’s USB-C port even doubles as an in/out to charge your phone on the move. All of this is packed into a 988g frame — that’s less than a third of the weight of the Sonos Move 2. The Sonos Move 3 must showcase a lightweight design.

Google Assistant

Sonos has no shame in supporting Apple over Android. This is evidenced by the Move 2 opting for Siri over Google Assistant. Unfortunately, this means Google fans cannot seamlessly control their Google smart home devices directly from the speaker. Others may also find that the Move 2’s Sonos VoiceControl feature is less capable when conducting complex commands or integrating with Google services.

Adding insult to injury, the Sonos Move 2 relies heavily on the Sonos app for most of its functionality. This requires users to sign up and create an account, exchanging a significant amount of their details. Sure, downloading the app benefits a loudness toggle, Sonos’s room-tuning Trueplay function, and a very basic EQ. However, Sonos could pull support for the app on your source device at any moment, making the Sonos VoiceControl feature inaccessible on Android and iOS. Google isn’t going anywhere, so it makes sense for the Sonos Move 3 to support the Google Assistant.

A speakerphone

The Sonos Move 2 does not feature an integrated speakerphone. This is surprising, given that the speaker uses built-in microphones to detect your voice for the Alexa, Sonos VoiceControl, and Siri voice assistants. Without one, fans cannot use the Move 2 to make hands-free calls. This is a misstep and will likely encourage those who frequently take calls to seek out more appropriate alternatives.

For example, the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) features an IP67-rated exterior, weighs one-fifth the weight of the Sonos Move 2, and has a built-in microphone for phone calls. Similarly, the Sony ULT Field 3‘s play/pause button can be pressed to answer and end calls when connected to your smartphone. Sure, Bluetooth speaker microphones cannot compete with smartphones and headphones. However, they are handy when out and about if you don’t want to fumble around with your phone.

More accessories

For such an expensive all-in-one speaker, the Sonos Move 2 is missing some vital accessories. For starters, those using an audio device with a 3.5mm port must purchase a separate $20 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter. Also, anyone wanting to take the speaker into the wild must spend roughly $80 on a purpose-built carry case. Adding these expenses together, the final price you’re likely to pay for full functionality well exceeds the $500 mark.

Many cheaper alternatives require fewer accessories. For example, the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 has USB-C and 3.5mm ports for audio playback from multiple devices. A soft rubber flap protects the ports from water damage. While the IPX7 rating doesn’t protect against dust, the speaker features a large handle for easier transport. The Sonos Move 3 must include more accessories out of the box when it comes to market.

Will there be a Sonos Move 3?

Sonos remains invested in the portable Bluetooth speaker category. For example, the Sono Roam 2 launched on May 21, 2024, and is an excellent introductory smart speaker. Despite its tiny 168 x 62 x 60mm frame, it produces a loud output volume and connects seamlessly via Bluetooth. However, setting up the Sonos app is a finicky process, and the speaker has virtually the same design, specs, and features as its predecessor.

Sono has not mentioned the Move 3 yet, and rumors are sparse at the time of writing. However, Sonos’s previous release schedule reveals much about when we can expect its next-gen speaker to materialize.

• Sonos Move — September 24, 2019
• Sonos Move 2 — September 20, 2023

For example, the original Sonos Move launched on September 24, 2019. Almost four years to the day, the updated Sonos Move 2 launched on September 20, 2023. If the company sticks to its previous release schedule, we should expect the Sonos Move 3 to launch in the fall of 2027. However, we must wait for confirmation from Sonos for concrete details.

Should you wait for the Sonos Move 3?

The Sonos Move 2 is for those who want a catch-them-all speaker that tries its hand at everything. Given that we are likely still a couple of years away from seeing the Sonos Move 3, interested parties should probably purchase the current model. This is available from major retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy.

The Sonos Move 2 ($449 at Amazon) is a competent multi-purpose Bluetooth speaker. With an IP56-rated exterior, 24 hours of battery life, and simple controls, the speaker is suitable for the great outdoors. However, its support for Alexa, Sonos VoiceControl, and the Siri voice assistant makes it an equally capable companion at home. Those willing to take the Sonos Move 2 outside can fully charge the speaker in three hours. Sonos also states that the Move 2 can be left in the charging cradle without degrading the battery life. However, you can swap the battery if you notice it is not holding a charge. Smartphone owners can connect via Bluetooth 5.0 or Wi-Fi, while those with iOS devices can use Apple’s AirPlay 2. The sound quality is decent, and the speaker can be grouped with other Sonos speakers to create a multi-speaker system.

If you’re invested in the Sonos ecosystem and want portable audio, grab the original Sonos Roam ($418 at Amazon). Like its successor, the Sonos Roam wears a robust IP67-rated exterior. It’s also small and lightweight enough to easily stow away in a backpack without taking up too much space. The Sonos Roam connects to devices via Bluetooth 5.0 over the SBC and AAC codecs. However, it can also be grouped with other Sonos speakers over Wi-Fi and supports the Sonos app. Downloading the app lets you select your preferred voice assistant, download firmware updates, and enable stereo playback with two compatible Sonos speakers. The Sonos Roam also ships with Sonos Radio for music streaming. Unfortunately, the battery life only endured five hours and 23 minutes during our testing period. Setting up the speaker is also a pain, and the EQ only works with Sonos Radio. Phone callers should also keep looking.

The JBL Charge 6 ($199 at Amazon) is a premium and rugged portable Bluetooth speaker. Fans receive 24 hours of playback time and the ability to sacrifice bass with JBL’s “Playtime Boost” to achieve an additional four hours of playtime. Those in a bind can fast charge 150 minutes of juice from a 10-minute top-up. Sound quality is decent, with more prominent bass reproduction than its predecessor. Tinkerers can use the upgraded seven-band custom EQ in the JBL Portable app to hone the speaker’s sound profile. Downloading the app also unlocks Auracast audio sharing, four EQ presets, and vital firmware updates. The speaker connects to your source device wirelessly over Bluetooth 5.4 or USB-C for wired, lossless-quality audio. The USB-C port can also be used to charge your device on the move. The IP68-rated housing is handy for taking the JBL Charge 6 out in the elements.

The Google Nest Audio ($99.99 at Best Buy) is the reigning champion smart speaker. The speaker does not have an ingress protection rating, but it has a pleasing pillow-like aesthetic. Those embedded in the Google ecosystem with multiple Nest Audio or Google Home products can enjoy multiroom and stereo playback. Unlike the Sonos Move 2, the Google Nest Audio supports the industry-leading Google Assistant. This can be used to make calls, set reminders, ask questions, and much more. Likewise, music and podcast fans can enjoy Google’s music service support and Chromecast for Google TVs. You can even broadcast to Nest Audio from your phone when away from home. Google’s Media EQ is handy for automatically tuning the sound signature of your speaker depending on the type of media you are streaming. Likewise, Ambient IQ changes the speaker volume according to your environment.

Sonos Move 3 FAQs