Sonos has confirmed that a “very low” number of its first-generation Roam portable speakers are experiencing overheating issues, particularly around the USB-C charging port. While the incident is rare enough that no formal recall has been issued, the tech-audio giant is actively monitoring reports and rolling out mitigations to keep curious users cool-headed.

Over the past week, multiple Sonos Roam owners have taken to Reddit and the official Sonos Community forums to share alarming photos of speakers with partially melted USB-C ports and even singed plastic casings. In the most dramatic publicized instance, one user posted images under the headline “My Sonos Roam set itself on fire,” claiming the device emitted a burning-plastic smell before smoke appeared.

Tom’s Guide reports that while no unit has burst into full flames, some Roams exhibited sufficient heat buildup to deform charging accessories and, in extreme cases, char the device’s housing. Affected units date back as far as late 2021, when the original Roam debuted.

In a statement shared with Bloomberg, Sonos emphasized that only a limited set of reports involve the first-gen Roam’s USB-C connection. “While the overall incidence rate is very low, and environmental conditions appear to play a role, we’ve taken several proactive steps to even further reduce the likelihood of this issue, including software updates and accessory improvements,” the company said.

Sonos has not publicly detailed the exact nature of the software tweaks or hardware accessory changes but has encouraged users to keep their firmware up to date via the Sonos app. Some owners who reported problems say Sonos offered free replacement units.

The overheating incidents appear confined mostly to the first-generation Roam, which hit the market in 2021. Sonos released the Roam 2 in spring 2024 with a handful of refinements—including a more intuitive button layout and faster setup process—but the company insists the successor model has not exhibited the same heating glitch.

That said, Bloomberg’s reporting hints at at least one possible overheating report involving a Roam 2. Sonos has not confirmed any such second-gen cases but continues to monitor all feedback.

Sonos suggests that ambient temperature and charging conditions may exacerbate Roam-related heat issues. Experts warn that charging any lithium-ion device in extreme heat—such as inside a sun-drenched car or on top of a warm amplifier—can elevate internal temperatures beyond safe thresholds. To keep your Roam cool:

• Charge in a well-ventilated area: Avoid enclosed spaces or direct sunlight.
• Use certified cables and adapters: Non-OEM accessories can lack proper thermal safeguards.
• Keep firmware updated: Sonos’ latest software reportedly throttles charging currents under certain conditions.

For details on environmental specs, the Roam carries an IP67 rating—making it dust-tight and waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes—but Sonos’ support pages note that this doesn’t guarantee thermal protection during charging.

If you own a first-gen Sonos Roam and notice any of the following, power it down immediately and disconnect from charging:

• Unusual warmth around the USB-C port or the bottom of the speaker.
• Burning-plastic odors or visible discoloration near the connector.
• Charging anomalies, such as slow charging, intermittent connection, or loud noises during charging.

Sonos recommends reaching out to their customer support for diagnostic instructions and potential replacement. In many reported cases, Sonos has replaced the speaker under warranty. If you’re concerned, you can also register your device’s serial number on Sonos’ website to check for any service advisories.

2025 has already been a turbulent year for Sonos—beyond the Roam heating news, the company weathered criticism over a buggy app update that delayed new feature rollouts and reshuffled its leadership, appointing Tom Conrad as permanent CEO in July. Taking swift action on the Roam reports, even if limited, will be key to reassuring a community that prizes reliability almost as much as sound quality.

For now, the Roam 2 remains unblemished by overheating complaints, and Sonos insists the overall issue rate is “very low.” Yet for a product billed as the go-anywhere speaker, ensuring it doesn’t go “too far” in temperature will be essential to keeping audiophiles and casual listeners both on-side.

Whether you’re trekking through city streets or lounging poolside, a portable speaker should deliver tunes—not unexpected heat. If you’ve got a first-gen Roam, stay cool, stay updated, and keep an eye on Sonos’ support channels for the latest guidance.