OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£440N. of audio channels:5.0Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 101 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sonos Beam Gen 2
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models
Score components

95%

6.8

Technical score

5%

8.5

Reviews score ( 52 · 49)

Reviews score 5% · 8.5 · based on 101 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 84% of soundbars
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

▲Better than 77%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components

25%

6.0

Audio

18%

7.2

Formats

16%

5.2

Connectivity

14%

8.7

Controls

12%

6.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.5

Smart features

5%

6.8

Design

▲Better than 82%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Grades by review (101)
52 reviews: 31 with a printed score, 21 estimated from the review. 49 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 83%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the Sonos Beam Gen 2

Based on 198 owners sharing their experience in online comments

55%positive20%mixed25%negative

Owners value clear TV sound and easy surround expansion, while system cost and setup or connection problems cause frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report audio cutting out, lagging about a second behind the picture, or dropping connection, especially with eARC or optical setups and some TVs.20
  • Owners say adding rear speakers and a Sub Mini raises the total price a lot, making the full system expensive compared with the Beam alone.11
  • Some owners say the Beam does not produce convincing Dolby Atmos height effects, and Atmos sometimes fails to show in the app or on the TV.11
  • Setup can be hard, with some owners reporting an app error, Trueplay needing an iPhone or iPad, and no Android support for room correction.9
  • Owners say rear speakers added to the Beam can feel weak, faint or not clearly directional, and sometimes stop working in the app.8
  • Owners say the soundstage is narrow and left and right channels are hard to tell apart, so the surround effect is less wide than expected.7
  • Owners say the Beam on its own sounds thin and lacks bass in larger rooms, and it can sound hollow compared with the Gen 1.7
  • Owners say dialogue is often too quiet while action scenes are very loud, so they must keep changing the volume during movies.6
  • Owners say the Beam does not support DTS or DTS-X, so some Blu-ray discs only play in stereo PCM.5
  • Owners say the TV connection can be unreliable, with eARC not detected on some TVs and the Beam sometimes failing to reconnect after the TV is turned off and on.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of soundbar Sonos Beam Gen 2

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components:

25%

6.0

Audio

18%

7.2

Formats

16%

5.2

Connectivity

14%

8.7

Controls

12%

6.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.5

Smart features

5%

6.8

Design

6.8
Reviews score
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

7.2
Brand name
Sonos
N. of audio channels
5
This soundbar offers 5 audio channels, more than 85.6% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
55.8 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 55.8 Hz, higher than 62.8% of soundbars and equal to 0.6% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Atmos playback is virtualized; no up-firing drivers.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Streaming Atmos uses Dolby Digital Plus on this model.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
no
This soundbar does not have remote control. 73.9% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
yes
This soundbar has far-field microphones. 88.3% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
eARC
This soundbar uses HDMI eARC, which is newer than that of 73.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 17% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 78.7% of soundbars and the same as what 21.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Available via the Sonos app.
Show more
Width
651 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 651 mm wide, narrower than 59% of soundbars.
Height
68 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 68 mm high, taller than 50.8% of soundbars and equal to 4.3% of soundbars.
Thickness
100 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 100 mm thick, thicker than 64.7% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Weight
2,880 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2,880 g, more than 69.7% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Fabric grille or wrap.
Show more

Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Atmos playback is virtualized; no up-firing drivers.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.0 vs 2.0
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
    Streaming Atmos uses Dolby Digital Plus on this model.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2.1x more popular
    Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more popular than the average soundbar (9 vs 4.3).
    9 vs 4.29
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.0 vs 2.0
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • 1 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    5 vs 4
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Atmos playback is virtualized; no up-firing drivers.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
    Streaming Atmos uses Dolby Digital Plus on this model.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (HE-AAC, AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    HE-AAC, AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • 9 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (11 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    11 vs 2
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Sonos multi-room ecosystem.
  • Native Apple Music support
    This soundbar supports native Apple Music, the average soundbar does not.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the Sonos app.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the Sonos app.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 5 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (5 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    5 vs 0
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • Easier firmware updates
    This soundbar uses over-the-air, app-based for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    over-the-air, app-based vs app-based, USB
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    No (requires adapter for HDMI-eARC/Optical)
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This soundbar has fewer USB ports than the average soundbar (0 vs 1). The average soundbar has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x3" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    2x3" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • 4.63x more expensive
    Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£440 vs £95).
    £440 vs £95
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x3" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    2x3" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    No (requires adapter for HDMI-eARC/Optical)
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This soundbar has fewer USB ports than the average soundbar (0 vs 1). The average soundbar has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • No auto power-off
    This soundbar does not support auto power-off, the average soundbar does.
  • 880 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,880 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,880 g vs 2,000 g
  • 14 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (100 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    100 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Ryan Talks Tech
≈ estimated
09/01/2026
Long-term test · four months with surround expansion
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a highly recommended way to start a home theatre; the reviewer is happy with the setup and the Sonos approach.
9.0
Dad Tecc
≈ estimated
26/11/2024
Hands-on review · setup, sound, Atmos and app tests
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is one of the best soundbars at its price, especially for Sonos users, with some input and height limits.
4.0
Overgo World
≈ estimated
10/06/2024
Hands-on review · TV connection and app setup
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is not recommended for TV use because its audio cuts out intermittently.
7.0
SoulOfTech
≈ estimated
08/02/2024
Long-term review · value check against rivals
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is not the best at its price, but a strong pick for building a Sonos system.
9.0
GregglesTV
≈ estimated
14/09/2022
Hands-on review · sound, app and setup
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a strong upgrade for TV audio, with easy setup and sound well beyond a typical TV, best for small to medium rooms.
9.0
HiTechKing
≈ estimated
28/06/2022
Unboxing, setup and review · sound test
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers high-fidelity sound in a compact soundbar, though its Atmos height effect is limited.
9.0
Jonah Matthes
≈ estimated
02/04/2022
Hands-on review · movie, music and setup tests
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a great compact soundbar for small to medium rooms, though not ideal for large rooms or everyone.
7.0
RTINGS Home Theater
≈ estimated
07/02/2022
Lab review · standardized test bench and verdict
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a decent compact bar and a solid choice if space is tight, but it is weak in low bass.
9.0
Andrew Robinson
≈ estimated
30/01/2022
Hands-on review · sound tests and rival comparison
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 has good sound and a more refined experience, best if you already use the Sonos ecosystem.
9.0
Hamer Reviews
≈ estimated
29/01/2022
Hands-on review · sound, Dolby Atmos and app features
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is excellent value for an Atmos soundbar; it has some bass and precision limits but is a worthwhile upgrade for most TVs.
8.0
Gamerment
≈ estimated
22/12/2021
Unboxing and listening tests · paired with two surround speakers
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 is good for its size and price as part of a combo, though a bigger bar sounds better alone.
9.5
Adam Lobo TV
≈ estimated
29/11/2021
Long-term test · one month of use, unboxing and sound
Verdict
Sonos Beam Gen 2 has no real drawbacks at this price: its sound, Atmos and gaming are excellent, and the only gap is an extra HDMI port.
More graded video reviews (12)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.4
rtings.com
✓ explicit
15/12/2025
Lab test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 suits small living rooms, with a wide soundstage and clear dialogue, but it lacks low bass and isn't very loud.
10
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
19/02/2025
Expert review · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar for its size, with warm, refined sound, though it lacks DTS:X and extra HDMI ports.
8.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
30/09/2021
Hands-on review · Living room soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar with big, balanced sound, but its Dolby Atmos height effect is unconvincing, since no speakers point upward.
8.0
musictech.com
✓ explicit
28/10/2021
Hands-on test · Living room soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a small soundbar with strong bass and clear dialogue, but its Dolby Atmos effect is less immersive than the larger Sonos Arc.
8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
2021
Lab test · Smart soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar with precise, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, but it lacks deep bass without a separate subwoofer.
8.5
cgmagonline.com
✓ explicit
2021
Hands-on review · Gaming soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 suits gamers and film fans in most small rooms, though its height effect fades when you stand up.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
12/02/2024
Hands-on review · Small-room soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact soundbar with wide sound for its size, but its virtual Dolby Atmos can't match real overhead sound.
9.0
engadget.com
≈ estimated
30/09/2021
Hands-on review · Atmos upgrade for movies
Verdict
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a small soundbar that makes action movies sound much wider than the original, though its virtual Atmos can't match the Sonos Arc.
9.0
androidcentral.com
✓ explicit
27/09/2022
Long-term review · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact soundbar with wide sound and solid bass, but its Dolby Atmos effect fades in large rooms.
9.0
reviewed.com
≈ estimated
02/11/2022
Hands-on review · Compact Atmos bar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact soundbar with clear dialogue and respectable virtual Atmos, but overhead sound is weaker than on bigger bars.
10
sciencefocus.com
✓ explicit
30/09/2022
Hands-on review · Movies and music
Verdict
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact soundbar with rich bass and clear sound for films, games and music, but its Atmos can't match larger systems.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
06/10/2021
Review · Multi-room soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact, feature-rich bar for multi-room homes, but it lacks deep bass without a subwoofer and has no Bluetooth.
9.0
adamlobo.tv
≈ estimated
29/11/2021
Hands-on review · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar with clear vocals and strong output, but its single HDMI port and missing Bluetooth limit it.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
22/11/2023
Expert review · Small-room soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 suits a smaller or second TV, with balanced sound and virtual Atmos, though its single HDMI eARC input may limit some.
8.0
corriere.it
≈ estimated
07/10/2021
Hands-on test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a small, easy-to-use soundbar with fuller Dolby Atmos sound for films and games, but its strong bass suits only some kinds of music.
9.0
macitynet.it
≈ estimated
30/09/2021
Hands-on test · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a Dolby Atmos soundbar you can expand by adding speakers, but Atmos only works if your TV has an eARC port.
9.0
dday.it
≈ estimated
30/09/2021
Hands-on test · Expandable soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is much better than TV speakers alone, and two Sonos One speakers behind the sofa make it sound bigger still.
9.0
igizmo.it
≈ estimated
30/09/2021
Hands-on review · Compact soundbar
Verdict
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) delivers smooth, balanced sound from a compact bar and suits rooms of 20 to 40 m², though the Arc suits larger rooms better.
7.0
digitec.ch
≈ estimated
15/10/2021
Product test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a small soundbar with simulated Dolby Atmos, giving natural, wide sound without a subwoofer, but no sound seems to come from above.
9.0
smartworld.it
≈ estimated
30/09/2021
Hands-on test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) gives compact Dolby Atmos and plenty of power, but it lacks the Arc's overhead effect and its bass booms.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sonos Beam Gen 2

  • Excellent dialogue clarity, specifically enhanced by a dedicated centre channel and speech enhancement features.
  • Immersive 'size-defying' soundstage with virtual Dolby Atmos support that performs well for its compact footprint.
  • Sleek and minimalist design with a durable, easy-to-clean polycarbonate grille.
  • Seamless integration into the Sonos multi-room ecosystem and easy wireless streaming via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect.
  • Simple setup process guided by the intuitive Sonos app.
  • Effective room calibration using Trueplay (iOS only) to optimize audio for specific room acoustics.

What customers don't like about Sonos Beam Gen 2

  • Lacks dedicated upward-firing drivers, relying on psychoacoustic processing for height effects which some find subtle.
  • Limited physical connectivity with only one HDMI eARC port and no HDMI passthrough for additional devices.
  • Noticeable lack of deep, 'chest-thumping' bass without the addition of a separate, expensive Sonos Sub.
  • No Bluetooth support for audio streaming, requiring a Wi-Fi connection.
  • The Trueplay tuning feature is restricted to iOS devices, leaving Android users with only basic EQ adjustments.
  • Does not support DTS:X, though standard DTS Digital Surround is supported.

Verdict

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact 5.0 channel smart soundbar measuring 65.1cm wide, featuring five Class-D digital amplifiers that power four elliptical mid-woofers and one center tweeter for enhanced dialogue clarity. It introduces support for virtual Dolby Atmos via a 40% faster processor and a five-channel speaker array, along with an upgraded polycarbonate grille and HDMI eARC connectivity for high-resolution audio. Key pros include its space-saving design, impressive room-filling 3D soundstage, and seamless integration into the Sonos multi-room ecosystem with built-in voice assistants and Apple AirPlay 2. However, notable cons include the lack of dedicated upward-firing drivers for 'true' height effects, the absence of Bluetooth streaming, and the requirement of an iOS device to use the Trueplay room calibration feature.

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