Pondering of shopping for a conveyable Sonos speaker? I in contrast the Transfer vs Transfer 2 so that you don’t should. Right here’s what makes one in every of them a wiser purchase, and the opposite a maybe-not-right-now.
Moveable audio system have come a good distance from the times of tinny sound and Bluetooth hiccups. Now we wish premium audio that follows us from the kitchen to the yard to the seaside and we wish it with type. Enter the Sonos Transfer and its successor, the Sonos Transfer 2, two chunky, sensible, battery-powered beasts claiming to ship that signature Sonos high quality, minus the wires.
However is Transfer 2 truly that a lot better? Or is that this only a quiet refresh in a prettier coat? For those who’re making an attempt to resolve which one belongs in your house (or your picnic basket), let’s break all of it down.
Sonos Transfer vs Transfer 2: The Verdict
Greatest Total:
Sonos Transfer 2
It takes every thing the unique Transfer did proper then smooths out the tough edges with higher battery life, stereo sound, and upgraded internals. For simply $50 extra, it’s the clear winner when you’re shopping for new.
Greatest by Worth:
Sonos Transfer (Gen 1)
If you will discover the unique Transfer on sale or second-hand, it’s nonetheless a strong speaker with nice sound and the identical rugged construct. For informal customers, it could be greater than sufficient.
Greatest for Sound High quality:
Sonos Transfer 2
True stereo output, higher drivers, and improved acoustic structure make it the extra refined alternative for audiophiles who need full, wealthy, room-filling sound with out lugging an entire Sonos setup open air.
Sonos Transfer vs Transfer 2: Detailed Comparability
Let’s break it down characteristic by characteristic as a result of, honey, we’re not right here for obscure opinions, we wish receipts.
Sound High quality – Can you’re feeling the bass in your bones?
Sonos Transfer: Delivers spectacular mono sound with a stunning quantity of bass for its measurement. It makes use of one mid-woofer and one tweeter to create room-filling audio, with computerized Trueplay tuning adjusting on your surroundings.
Sonos Transfer 2: Goes from mono to full stereo, with twin tweeters and an upgraded woofer. The readability, separation, and general steadiness really feel richer and extra dynamic. Sure, you’ll discover the distinction, particularly open air or in massive areas.
Winner: Transfer 2
That stereo improve isn’t simply advertising fluff, it elevates the listening expertise.
Battery Life – Will it last more than your banquet?
Transfer (Gen 1): 10 hours of playback on a full cost. Respectable, however not groundbreaking.
Transfer 2: A whopping 24 hours, sure, over twice as lengthy, with the identical quantity and use situations.
It additionally helps USB-C charging with energy financial institution passthrough, which is a lifesaver once you’re on the transfer (pun supposed).
Winner: Transfer 2
Palms down. Greater than double the battery life? That’s not an improve, that’s a life-style enchancment.
Connectivity – How sensible is it, actually?
Each fashions help Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (lastly Sonos gave in). You possibly can stream by way of AirPlay 2, use voice assistants (Alexa and Sonos Voice), and management them from the Sonos app.
Transfer 2 provides help for line-in by way of USB-C, which the unique lacked.
Winner: Transfer 2
That additional enter makes it extra versatile. It’s higher for audiophiles and professionals who wish to plug in and go.
Portability & Design – Can it truly transfer?
Each audio system are heavy hitters, actually. At round 6.6 lbs (3 kg) every, these aren’t pocketable. However they’re constructed for the true world:
- Rugged housing
- IP56 ranking (mud + water resistant)
- Built-in deal with
- Shock-resistant base
Transfer 2 is available in a recent olive inexperienced shade along with black and white, as a result of sure, aesthetics matter.
Winner: Tie
Identical measurement, identical sturdiness. If inexperienced is your vibe, although, Transfer 2 feels more energizing.
Controls & Interface – How simple is it to make use of?
Transfer: Capacitive contact controls on high for quantity, playback, and mic.
Transfer 2: Refines this with new contact sliders and higher button responsiveness. It simply feels slicker and extra fashionable.
Winner: Transfer 2
The interface isn’t radically completely different, nevertheless it’s extra satisfying to make use of.
Good Options & Ecosystem – Does it play good with others?
Transfer (Gen 1): Works with Alexa and Sonos Voice Management (no Google Assistant anymore, because of authorized drama), integrates into your Sonos multi-room setup like a champ.
Transfer 2: Identical deal, however with up to date internals and extra environment friendly chips, which suggests longer lifespan and higher response.
Winner: Transfer 2
A bit extra future-proof, just a little extra refined.
Worth – Is the improve price your coin?
Sonos Transfer: Launched at $399, however now usually discounted to $299 or much less.
Sonos Transfer 2: Launched at $449, at present full value on Sonos.com.
So yeah, Transfer 2 prices extra. However that $50–$150 distinction depends upon whether or not you’re shopping for full value or catching a sale.
Winner: Transfer (Gen 1)
If value is king for you, the unique Transfer nonetheless slaps, particularly on sale.
Options to Sonos Transfer and Transfer 2 That Would possibly Match Higher
Final Ears Epicboom – Higher for the outside
For those who’re extra of a seaside bum than a yard brunch host, the UE Epicboom is lighter, more durable, and constructed for journey. Not as wealthy in sound, however extra rugged and wallet-friendly.
Marshall Tufton – For the rock aesthetic
This one proper right here is loud, trendy, and unapologetically analog. Greater than the Strikes however ultimate for old-school heads who like knob controls and retro aptitude.
Sonos Period 100 (paired with battery base) – Higher indoor different
If you’d like stereo sound in a smaller package deal and don’t care about water-resistance or portability, the Sonos Period 100 is a brilliant, future-proof transfer, particularly for Sonos ecosystem followers.
So Sonos Transfer or Transfer 2?
For those who’re shopping for your first Sonos speaker and need the most effective transportable audio Sonos presents, go for the Transfer 2. The stereo sound, 24-hour battery life, and modernized design make it a real improve, not only a refresh.
However when you already personal a Transfer and also you’re not bothered by mono audio or shorter battery life? Actually, you’re nonetheless in a superb place. And when you discover the unique for beneath $250, seize it. It’s nonetheless a beast.
Briefly:
- Transfer 2 = the premium transportable Sonos expertise.
- Transfer = the budget-friendly powerhouse nonetheless price loving.
Both method, you’re not simply transferring sound, you’re transferring in type.
