The first-generation Sonos Move was really the wireless speaker that kickstarted the movement. It was a portable speaker that had both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming capabilities, making it an incredibly versatile speaker.
It worked as a traditional portable Bluetooth speaker that you could take to the park or the beach. And it worked as a Wi-Fi speaker at home, allowing it to play higher-resolution audio, function as a smart speaker, and be easily grouped with other Sonos speakers in your home for a superior multi-room experience.
And unlike a traditional powered smart speaker — which the market is now saturated with these days — these portable speakers weren’t confined to one room. You could bring it from room to room, where you were in the house. In that way, it did the job of multiple speakers. (You just had to remember to charge it.)
Fast forward a few years to present day, and several audio companies have entered the fray, releasing portable speakers with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming of their own. Also, Sonos is now on its “Gen 2” models of its Move and smaller Roam speakers.
Of course, these advanced portable speakers aren’t for everybody. They’re typically more expensive than similar-sized portable Bluetooth speakers or powered Wi-Fi speakers. Plus, for less tech-savvy individuals, they can be a little complicated to setup and use.
Still, for those looking for a portable wireless speaker that supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming — these are the best of the new breed.
