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 powerful 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 price – 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 subsequent degree with its sound profile.
Verdict: Sonos Period 300 evaluate
Nonetheless, it is probably not 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 could be taken out and about – so that you’re paying for the portability side too.
So, is it well worth the money? Learn our full Sonos Transfer 2 evaluate to search out out.
Design and construct
- New slider quantity controls
- USB-C port can cost your telephone
- Line in and Ethernet each doable
The Sonos Transfer 2 is likely to be moveable, however make no mistake, this isn’t a speaker you may simply chuck in a bag and overlook about. A light-weight Bluetooth speaker for on the go, it isn’t.
At a strong 3kg, it’s fairly bloody heavy. It’s virtually 10 inches tall too, and a bit of over 6 inches large. Facet 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 is very a lot a ‘plan forward’ affair; be sure to’ve acquired a large enough seaside bag or an area for it within the backyard.
Should you’re searching for a Sonos speaker that may stay 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 authentic 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, after all, a much bigger battery.
As talked about, the Transfer 2 seems to be a helluva lot like the unique, nevertheless it options that new quantity slider that Sonos launched on the Period 100 and 300 earlier this yr. So up high it seems to be fairly completely different certainly…
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)
Extra intuitive than the faucet buttons you may discover on older Sonos audio system and the unique Transfer, the slider makes it a lot simpler to attain a exact desired quantity, though outdated habits die onerous and I do usually discover myself nonetheless tapping on the slider to no avail.
In addition to the brand new slider you may discover the same old array of Sonos contact buttons; play/pause, monitor skip ahead/again and in addition a button to summon a voice assistant.
Like the unique, the underside of the Transfer 2 is fabricated from rubber, so you may place it on the grime, some grass, the sand, a moist floor – wherever chances are you’ll be – and you will not have to fret about it being scratched or broken.
If and while you do knock it over, worry not because the Transfer 2 has been constructed to resist all types of abuse. In spite of everything, 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 might face up to moisture.
I have been informed that you need to use the Transfer 2 (and the unique too) as a rest room speaker and never fear about condensation, however in case you’re taking it for a pool social gathering, do not knock it within the water as it isn’t meant to be submerged.
On the again of the Transfer 2 you may discover a recessed space which you can hook your fingers inside to hold it round with you.
There’s additionally three buttons around the again. There is a energy button could be tapped to wake the speaker or put it in sleep mode, or be held down for 10 seconds to energy the speaker off completely.
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 may cease Alexa and Gus Fring listening in in your conversations; however extra on that in a bit.
Down the underside you may discover a USB-C port which is definitely extra intelligent than the one on the unique Transfer.
Not solely can you employ it to cost your Transfer 2 utilizing a USB-PD, it’s also possible to use it as a lifeline on 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.
Once 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 decent heart 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 totally loaded, you may count on as much as 24 hours of life – though that is dependent upon 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 it’s also possible to 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 power consumption by over 40% and incorporates recycled plastics.
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)
Options
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi work in tandem
- Auto TruePlay produces finest efficiency
- Wi-Fi 6E for seamless streaming
Like Sonos’ different moveable audio system, the Transfer 2 is able to being a daily Bluetooth speaker, whereas on the identical time in a position to turn into a part of your common Sonos system by way 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 may ping a Bluetooth tune round your different Sonos audio system while you’re in vary of them.
Basically, you need to use any music app in your telephone that you simply prefer to ship to the Transfer 2 after which group the Roam with different Sonos audio system.
You possibly can even stream through Bluetooth to a stereo pair of Transfer 2 audio system when related to Wi-Fi.
Moreover, the Transfer 2 can play part of an AirPlay 2 multi-room system and additionally it is suitable 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 isn’t any signal of the Google Assistant sadly.
This being a Sonos speaker it does, after all, 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: Tips on how to use Sonos Voice
Sonos’ Auto TruePlay is in-built, so it adjusts dynamically to its environment, registering all the completely different reflection patterns of every particular person area.
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)
When the unique Transfer went on sale this was solely doable whereas streaming over Wi-Fi and also you had been locked to an ordinary Bluetooth sound profile, however gladly that is not the case on both the Transfer 1 or 2 now; you get the most effective sound high quality doable on each Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modes.
Basically, Auto TruePlay adjusts the speaker’s sound profile dynamically to optimize audio high quality primarily based 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’d like Ethernet too).
Audio high quality
Contained in the Sonos Transfer 2 is a very revamped dual-tweeter acoustic structure, alongside a precision-tuned woofer that produces deep, dynamic bass, which is ideal for outside events.
The Sonos Transfer 1 was already an incredible sounding Bluetooth speaker, however the Transfer 2 positively surpasses that. Not simply due to its stereo capabilities; every little thing simply sounds fuller with vocals seemingly now extra separate.
It isn’t an ideal stereo expertise; that is fairly not possible with a comparatively compact one-speaker setup because the tweeters are at all times going to in close-ish proximity, however you may positively decipher completely different ‘sides’ to recordings.
It is nothing like a pair of stereo audio system, after all, however that can be an possibility as a result of, in addition to working as a standalone speaker, you may pair a duo of Transfer 2 audio system in a stereo pair.
However you do not essentially must; it is an incredible audio expertise from the one – and one that provides you loads of flexibility as you may choose it up and take it anyplace you go, with that Auto TruePlay tech maintaining the sound sounding as tip-top as is feasible.
It isn’t a 360-degree speaker although and Sonos tells us that, for peak efficiency, it’s best to eave at the very least an inch of area across the again of Transfer 2 when putting it subsequent to a wall.
It is value noting that there is been a soar in Bluetooth from the Transfer 1 to the two, with the latter’s Bluetooth 5.0 trumping the previous’s 4.1.
Which may not sound too essential within the grand scheme of issues – Bluetooth is Bluetooth, proper? Effectively, 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 would possibly 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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Basically, 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 the case of 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.
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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 check
Once we publish our critiques, you may relaxation assured that they’re the results of “residing with” long run exams.
Smart speaker often stay inside, and even management, a smart home ecosystem, or a spread of merchandise that – supposedly – all work in concord. Subsequently, it’s not possible to make use of a related 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 alternate options that you may additionally be contemplating.
Our critiques are complete, goal and honest and, after all, we’re by no means paid on to evaluate a tool.
Learn our evaluate 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 may want the newer Sonos S2 app.
Can you employ Siri to regulate the Sonos Transfer 2?
Sure you may, you’ll want to add it as an Airplay speaker within the Apple Home app first although.
Sonos Transfer 2 specs:
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Peak: | 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 frequently optimizes the speaker’s sound for its atmosphere and the audio content material enjoying. |
Evening 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 | Shielded from mud and high-pressure water streams. |