Key options
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay
- Ecosystems: Alexa, Apple Home, SmartThings
4 years after the unique Transfer hit the retailers, the Sonos Transfer 2 was formally revealed by the multi-room audio specialist large in late 2023.
4 years is a very long time in tech and the Transfer 2 is testomony to that; most notably with the battery life, which is up from 10 hours on the unique Transfer to a formidable 24 hours.
It is also the primary moveable Sonos speaker able to stereo sound by itself; the unique Transfer and the Sonos Roam are each mono audio system and also you’d want two of every to create stereo pairs.
Nonetheless, all that additional punching energy comes at a value – the Sonos Transfer 2 prices $449 / £449, which is $50 / $50 greater than the unique Transfer (which stays on sale).
That makes it the identical price because the Sonos Period 300 – a improbable spacial audio speaker that has been designed from the bottom as much as take Sonos to the following stage with its sound profile.
Verdict: Sonos Period 300 assessment
Nonetheless, it is not likely designed to go head-to-head with the Period 300, as that is a speaker that very a lot has to remain put, whereas the Transfer 2 will be taken out and about – so that you’re paying for the portability facet too.
So, is it well worth the money? Learn our full Sonos Transfer 2 assessment to search out out.
Design and construct
- New slider quantity controls
- USB-C port can cost your telephone
- Line in and Ethernet each potential
The Sonos Transfer 2 is likely to be moveable, however make no mistake, this isn’t a speaker you possibly can simply chuck in a bag and overlook about. A light-weight Bluetooth speaker for on the go, it’s not.
At a stable 3kg, it’s fairly bloody heavy. It’s nearly 10 inches tall too, and a little bit over 6 inches huge. Aspect by aspect to the unique Transfer, it would not look too completely different in any respect.
And whereas it may be taken out with you, it’s totally a lot a ‘plan forward’ affair; ensure you’ve received a large enough seaside bag or an area for it within the backyard.
In the event you’re in search of a Sonos speaker that may reside within the backside of your rucksack then check out the Sonos Transfer.
Moveable showdown: Sonos Roam vs Sonos Transfer
I am reviewing the white Transfer 2 mannequin and right here it’s side-by-side with my unique black Transfer.
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In addition to black and white, there’s additionally a brand new fancy trying olive inexperienced shade on provide for the Transfer 2.
That additional bulk measurement makes room for higher audio system and, in fact, an even bigger battery.
As talked about, the Transfer 2 seems to be a helluva lot like the unique, however it options that new quantity slider that Sonos launched on the Period 100 and 300 earlier this 12 months. So up high it seems to be fairly completely different certainly…
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)
Extra intuitive than the faucet buttons you will discover on older Sonos audio system and the unique Transfer, the slider makes it a lot simpler to realize a exact desired quantity, though outdated habits die exhausting and I do typically discover myself nonetheless tapping on the slider to no avail.
In addition to the brand new slider you will discover the same old array of Sonos contact buttons; play/pause, observe skip ahead/again and in addition a button to summon a voice assistant.
Like the unique, the underside of the Transfer 2 is made from rubber, so you possibly can place it on the grime, some grass, the sand, a moist floor – wherever you could be – and you will not have to fret about it being scratched or broken.
If and whenever you do knock it over, concern not because the Transfer 2 has been constructed to resist all types of abuse. In any case, you’re going to be taking into the outside, the place “the weather” lie. As such, the Transfer is IP56 rated, which means it’s very protected towards mud and may stand up to moisture.
I have been informed that you should use the Transfer 2 (and the unique too) as a rest room speaker and never fear about condensation, however should you’re taking it for a pool occasion, do not knock it within the water as it isn’t meant to be submerged.
On the again of the Transfer 2 you will discover a recessed space which you could hook your fingers inside to hold it round with you.
There’s additionally three buttons around the again. There is a energy button will be tapped to wake the speaker or put it in sleep mode, or be held down for 10 seconds to energy the speaker off solely.
Under that’s the Bluetooth button, which you faucet to change between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modes.
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)
And beneath that’s the microphone slider so you possibly can cease Alexa and Gus Fring listening in in your conversations; however extra on that in a bit.
Down the underside you will discover a USB-C port which is definitely extra intelligent than the one on the unique Transfer.
Not solely can you utilize it to cost your Transfer 2 utilizing a USB-PD, you can even use it as a lifeline in your different devices, making it your go-to energy financial institution on the go.
It additionally permits for line-in and Ethernet choices too. Sonos sells a combo adapter for 3.5mm and Ethernet for $25 / £25.
While you’re not out and about and utilizing the battery, the Transfer 2 sits on a charging base that juices it up. It additionally offers the Transfer a extra sturdy base to relaxation on, although a good middle of gravity means the Transfer will not tumble simply when it isn’t docked.
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A full cost from the bottom takes round 3 hours and, when you’re absolutely loaded, you possibly can anticipate as much as 24 hours of life – though that relies on how and what you are streaming, and the way loud. I’ve had practically 20 hours from the Transfer 2 streaming lossless audio at round 65% quantity over Wi-Fi.
The Transfer 2 mechanically switches to sleep mode after being idle for half-hour and you can even configure the Battery Saver possibility within the Sonos S2 app to energy the Transfer 2 off after 10 minutes of sitting idle.
We’re informed that the packaging is responsibly designed, utilizing sustainably sourced supplies with zero virgin plastic and is curbside recyclable.
Sonos states that the Transfer 2 additionally reduces idle vitality consumption by over 40% and incorporates recycled plastics.
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)
Options
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi work in tandem
- Auto TruePlay produces greatest efficiency
- Wi-Fi 6E for seamless streaming
Like Sonos’ different moveable audio system, the Transfer 2 is able to being an everyday Bluetooth speaker, whereas on the identical time in a position to turn into a part of your common Sonos system by means of the common Sonos Wi-Fi mode.
Nonetheless, it really trumps the unique Transfer on the Bluetooth entrance as, identical to the Sonos Roam, it is in a position to be on each Bluetooth and Wi-Fi mode on the identical time.
Due to that, it might probably ping a Bluetooth tune round your different Sonos audio system whenever you’re in vary of them.
Primarily, you should use any music app in your telephone that you simply wish to ship to the Transfer 2 after which group the Roam with different Sonos audio system.
You possibly can even stream by way of Bluetooth to a stereo pair of Transfer 2 audio system when linked to Wi-Fi.
Moreover, the Transfer 2 can play part of an AirPlay 2 multi-room system and additionally it is appropriate with Spotify Join.
The Transfer has each Amazon Alexa and Sonos’ personal voice assistant, voiced by Giancarlo Esposito of Gus Fring fame, baked in. There is not any signal of the Google Assistant sadly.
This being a Sonos speaker it does, in fact, have an absolute wealth of cloud and native streaming choices out there together with the likes of Sonos Radio, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz and Pandora.
Information: The right way to use Sonos Voice
Sonos’ Auto TruePlay is inbuilt, so it adjusts dynamically to its environment, registering all the completely different reflection patterns of every particular person house.
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When the unique Transfer went on sale this was solely potential whereas streaming over Wi-Fi and also you have been locked to a typical Bluetooth sound profile, however gladly that is not the case on both the Transfer 1 or 2 now; you get the perfect sound high quality potential on each Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modes.
Primarily, Auto TruePlay adjusts the speaker’s sound profile dynamically to optimize audio high quality based mostly on the encompassing atmosphere, to make sure a superb listening expertise whether or not you are indoors or exterior.
Wi-Fi (6E) can be on board and the Transfer 2 additionally helps line-in; though you’ll have to purchase a separate adapter ($19 / £19 for simply the three.5mm one or $6 / £6 extra if you need Ethernet too).
Audio high quality
Contained in the Sonos Transfer 2 is a totally revamped dual-tweeter acoustic structure, alongside a precision-tuned woofer that produces deep, dynamic bass, which is ideal for out of doors events.
The Sonos Transfer 1 was already an ideal sounding Bluetooth speaker, however the Transfer 2 undoubtedly surpasses that. Not simply due to its stereo capabilities; all the things simply sounds fuller with vocals seemingly now extra separate.
It is not an ideal stereo expertise; that is fairly unattainable with a comparatively compact one-speaker setup because the tweeters are at all times going to in close-ish proximity, however you possibly can undoubtedly decipher completely different ‘sides’ to recordings.
It is nothing like a pair of stereo audio system, in fact, however that can be an possibility as a result of, in addition to working as a standalone speaker, you possibly can pair a duo of Transfer 2 audio system in a stereo pair.
However you do not essentially have to; it is an ideal audio expertise from the one – and one that offers you loads of flexibility as you possibly can choose it up and take it anyplace you go, with that Auto TruePlay tech protecting the sound sounding as tip-top as is feasible.
It is not a 360-degree speaker although and Sonos tells us that, for peak efficiency, you need to eave a minimum of an inch of house across the again of Transfer 2 when putting it subsequent to a wall.
It is value noting that there is been a bounce in Bluetooth from the Transfer 1 to the two, with the latter’s Bluetooth 5.0 trumping the previous’s 4.1.
That may not sound too vital within the grand scheme of issues – Bluetooth is Bluetooth, proper? Properly, yeah – but when there’s one factor Bluetooth fails on, time and time once more, it is latency and also you should not expertise that as a lot with BT 5.0 on board.
True audiophiles may lament the truth that Sonos’ Transfer vary nonetheless would not embody aptX HD or LDAC, with the usual SBC and AAC codecs on provide for Bluetooth streaming. However true audiophiles would not stream over Bluetooth anyway, in order that’s a little bit of a non-runner.
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Primarily, it does imply that there are higher Bluetooth audio system on the market… however there aren’t higher Bluetooth Sonos audio system on the market.
In relation to Wi-Fi streaming, there’s help for streaming as much as 24-bit/48kHz high quality, so it makes your lossless streaming subscription value it.
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)
Ultimate ideas
The Sonos Transfer 2 takes the already spectacular sound high quality of the Transfer 1 and refines it with enhanced amplifiers and improved tweeters, promising an much more immersive and satisfying audio expertise.
It provides stereo sound, line-in capabilities, enhanced Bluetooth playback choices and greater than double the battery life… all for not an excessive amount of additional money.
How we take a look at
After we publish our critiques, you possibly can relaxation assured that they’re the results of “residing with” long run assessments.
Smart speaker normally reside inside, and even management, a smart home ecosystem, or a spread of merchandise that – supposedly – all work in concord. Due to this fact, it’s unattainable to make use of a linked speaker for every week and ship a verdict.
As a result of we’re testing smart home equipment all day, on a regular basis, we all know what issues and the way a specific smart speaker compares to options that you may also be contemplating.
Our critiques are complete, goal and honest and, in fact, we’re by no means paid on to assessment a tool.
Learn our assessment course of for smart audio system to study extra.
FAQS
Does the Sonos Transfer 2 have spatial audio?
No, there isn’t any Dolby Atmos or spatial audio with the Transfer 2.
Does the Sonos Transfer 2 work with the S1 app?
No, you will want the newer Sonos S2 app.
Can you utilize Siri to regulate the Sonos Transfer 2?
Sure you possibly can, you want to add it as an Airplay speaker within the Apple Home app first although.
Sonos Transfer 2 specs:
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Top: | 9.53 in (242 mm) |
Width: | 6.29 in (160 mm) |
Depth: | 4.96 in (126 mm) |
Weight | 6.61 lb (3 kg) |
Colours | Black, Olive, White |
End | Matte |
WiFi | WiFi 6 – 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4GHz/5GHz |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Battery | 44Wh |
Voice | Sonos Voice Management and Amazon Alexa |
CPU | Quad Core 4xA55 1.4 GHz |
Reminiscence | 1GB SDRAM 8GB NV |
Apple AirPlay 2 | iOS 11.4 and better |
Amplifiers | Three class-D digital amplifiers precision-tuned for the speaker’s distinctive acoustic structure energy your sound expertise. |
Tweeters | Two angled tweeters create a crisp and correct excessive frequency response and stereo separation. |
Woofers | One midwoofer ensures the trustworthy playback of mid-range vocal frequencies and deep bass. |
Microphones | The far-field microphone array makes use of superior beamforming and multichannel echo cancellation for fast and correct voice management and Trueplay tuning. Flip off the mic swap to disconnect. |
Adjustable EQ | Use the Sonos app to regulate bass, treble, and loudness. |
Speech Enhancement | Flip this setting on within the Sonos app to spice up voice frequencies and make clear dialogue. |
Trueplay | This software program regularly optimizes the speaker’s sound for its atmosphere and the audio content material taking part in. |
Night time Sound | Flip this setting on within the Sonos app to scale back the depth of loud sounds and enhance the extent of quieter sounds. |
IP56 | Protected against mud and high-pressure water streams. |