Looking for a soundbar that delivers premium audio without breaking the bank? The Sonos Beam Gen 2 might be exactly what you need.
This compact powerhouse brings Dolby Atmos support and HDMI eARC connectivity to the popular Beam lineup while maintaining the sleek design that made its predecessor so appealing.
With enhanced processing power, improved audio drivers, and smart home integration, this soundbar promises to transform your TV viewing experience. But does it live up to the hype in today’s competitive market?
Key Takeaways
- Compact Design Excellence: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 measures just 25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches, making it perfect for smaller to medium sized rooms without sacrificing audio quality or features.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Unlike its predecessor, the Gen 2 includes full Dolby Atmos compatibility with virtual surround sound processing that creates impressive height effects from a compact form factor.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Features HDMI eARC support for lossless audio transmission, plus WiFi, AirPlay 2, and voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant for seamless smart home integration.
- Superior Audio Performance: Houses five Class D amplifiers driving four full range drivers and one tweeter, delivering 400 watts total system power with notably clear dialogue and balanced sound signature.
- Expandable System: Works perfectly as a standalone unit but can be expanded with Sonos Sub and rear speakers to create a full 5.1 surround sound system for larger home theater setups.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 maintains the elegant minimalist aesthetic that made the original Beam so popular. The soundbar features a matte finish available in both black and white color options that blend seamlessly with modern TV setups.
Measuring 25.6 inches wide, 2.7 inches tall, and 3.9 inches deep, this soundbar fits comfortably under most TVs without blocking remote sensors or looking disproportionate. The 6.35 pound weight feels substantial without being cumbersome, and the build quality reflects Sonos attention to detail.
The fabric grille covers the front and wraps around the sides, hiding the internal components while allowing sound to pass through cleanly. Touch controls on the top surface provide play/pause, volume adjustment, and microphone mute functionality with tactile feedback.
Physical connectivity includes an HDMI eARC port, Ethernet jack, and power input on the rear panel. The join button for initial setup is easily accessible, and cable management is thoughtfully designed to keep your entertainment center looking clean.
Audio Performance and Sound Quality
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers impressive audio performance that punches well above its compact size. The five driver array includes four full range drivers and one tweeter, powered by five Class D amplifiers producing 400 watts total system output.
Dialogue clarity stands out as a particular strength. The dedicated center channel processing ensures voices remain clear and intelligible even during action heavy scenes with complex soundtracks. The Speech Enhancement feature further improves vocal clarity when needed.
Mid range performance is well balanced and natural, handling everything from music streaming to movie soundtracks with accuracy. The soundbar creates a surprisingly wide soundstage that extends beyond its physical boundaries, thanks to advanced digital signal processing.
Bass response is adequate for a soundbar this size, though it lacks the deep extension that larger units or dedicated subwoofers provide. The bass is tight and controlled, avoiding the boomy character that plagues many compact soundbars.
Dolby Atmos and Surround Sound
The addition of Dolby Atmos support represents the biggest upgrade over the original Beam. While the Gen 2 lacks dedicated upward firing drivers, it uses sophisticated psychoacoustic processing to create convincing height effects.
Atmos content produces a noticeably more immersive experience compared to standard stereo or 5.1 soundtracks. Sound objects move naturally through the virtual sound field, creating overhead effects that enhance movie watching and gaming.
The virtual surround processing works well for non Atmos content too. Standard 5.1 soundtracks benefit from the expanded soundstage, with rear channel information convincingly placed behind the listening position through digital processing.
Music playback also benefits from the Atmos processing, with spatial audio tracks from services like Apple Music creating an enhanced listening experience that showcases instrument separation and staging.
Connectivity and Setup
Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is remarkably straightforward thanks to the Sonos app guided process. The soundbar connects to your TV via the included HDMI eARC cable, eliminating the need for optical connections in most cases.
HDMI eARC connectivity provides several advantages over the original Beam optical connection. It supports lossless audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD, while also enabling control integration that lets your TV remote adjust soundbar volume.
WiFi connectivity integrates the Beam into your Sonos ecosystem, allowing multi room audio streaming and control through the Sonos app. AirPlay 2 support enables direct streaming from Apple devices, while the platform remains compatible with most major music services.
Voice control works through built in microphones that support both Alexa and Google Assistant. The microphones can be disabled with the physical mute button when privacy is desired, and voice processing happens locally for faster response times.
Smart Features and Voice Control
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels as a smart home hub beyond its primary soundbar function. The integrated voice assistants handle music requests, smart home control, and general queries with impressive accuracy and speed.
Far field microphone arrays pick up voice commands from across the room, even when music is playing at moderate volumes. The adaptive microphone technology adjusts sensitivity based on ambient noise levels for consistent performance.
Smart home integration extends beyond basic voice control. The Beam can control compatible devices, set timers, check weather, and handle shopping lists through voice commands. Integration with home automation systems like SmartThings and Philips Hue works seamlessly.
The Sonos app provides comprehensive control over audio settings, including EQ adjustment, night mode, and speech enhancement. Software updates arrive regularly, adding new features and improving existing functionality over time.
Comparison with Competitors
Against the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers superior build quality and ecosystem integration. While the Bose provides slightly more aggressive bass response, the Sonos delivers better overall tonal balance and more convincing Atmos processing.
The Sony HT A3000 offers similar Atmos capabilities but lacks the seamless smart home integration that makes Sonos products special. Sony soundbar requires more complex setup and does not integrate as smoothly with streaming services.
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam provides comparable features at a lower price point but sacrifices build quality and long term software support. The Sonos investment pays dividends through consistent updates and reliable performance over years of use.
Premium alternatives like the Sennheiser AMBEO Mini offer more sophisticated Atmos processing but at significantly higher cost. The Beam Gen 2 strikes an excellent balance between performance and value in the mid range market segment.
Music Streaming and Multi Room Audio
Music performance represents one of the strongest aspects of the Sonos Beam Gen 2. The soundbar handles everything from jazz to electronic music with impressive fidelity, making it equally suitable for TV audio and dedicated music listening.
Stereo imaging is particularly impressive for a single bar design. Instruments appear to originate from specific locations across the soundstage, creating an engaging listening experience that many competing soundbars cannot match.
Multi room capabilities allow the Beam to participate in whole home audio systems. You can group it with other Sonos speakers for synchronized playback throughout your home, or use it independently while other zones play different content.
Streaming service integration includes native support for Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and dozens of other platforms. Voice control makes switching between services and finding content effortless during daily use.
Expandability and Sonos Ecosystem
The Beam Gen 2 works excellently as a standalone soundbar but truly shines when expanded with additional Sonos components. Adding a Sonos Sub transforms the bass response, while rear speakers create genuine 5.1 surround sound.
Sonos Sub integration is particularly seamless, with the subwoofer automatically taking over low frequency duties while the Beam focuses on midrange and treble. The wireless connection eliminates cable running, and setup takes just minutes through the app.
Rear speaker options include the Sonos One SL, Era 100, or Era 300 models. The Era 300 speakers add upward firing drivers for enhanced Atmos effects, creating a more convincing overhead soundfield in larger rooms.
Future expansion remains simple thanks to the Sonos ecosystem design. You can add components gradually as budget allows, with each addition enhancing the overall system performance without requiring complete replacement.
Gaming Performance and Latency
Gaming performance on the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is generally excellent with low latency that works well for most gaming scenarios. The soundbar processes game audio quickly enough to maintain lip sync accuracy during gameplay and cutscenes.
Spatial audio enhances gaming immersion, particularly in titles that support Dolby Atmos. Racing games, first person shooters, and action adventures benefit from the expanded soundfield that helps with positional awareness.
The Game Mode processing reduces latency further when activated, though the difference is subtle in most cases. Competitive gamers who demand absolute minimal delay might prefer dedicated gaming headphones, but casual players will find the Beam perfectly adequate.
Console compatibility is universal thanks to HDMI eARC connectivity. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC gaming all work seamlessly with automatic format detection and optimization.
Value Proposition and Pricing
At $449 MSRP, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 positions itself in the competitive mid range soundbar market. The pricing reflects the premium build quality, comprehensive feature set, and long term software support that Sonos provides.
Frequent sales often reduce the price to around $350 to $400, making it even more attractive compared to competitors. The investment pays dividends through years of reliable performance and regular feature updates that keep the soundbar current.
Total cost of ownership remains low thanks to the robust build quality and comprehensive warranty coverage. Sonos reputation for long term support means the Beam Gen 2 will receive updates for many years after purchase.
Resale value holds well for Sonos products, providing some protection for your investment if you decide to upgrade later. The brand loyalty and ecosystem appeal help maintain strong secondary market demand.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 successfully builds on its predecessor strengths while addressing key limitations through Dolby Atmos support and HDMI eARC connectivity. The result is a compact soundbar that delivers premium performance in a form factor suitable for most living spaces.
Audio quality impresses across all content types, from dialogue heavy dramas to action packed blockbusters. The virtual Atmos processing creates convincing height effects, while music performance rivals dedicated wireless speakers in the same price range.
Smart features integrate seamlessly into modern connected homes, with reliable voice control and comprehensive streaming service support. The Sonos ecosystem provides clear upgrade paths for users who want to expand their systems over time.
For medium sized rooms and users who prioritize sound quality, build excellence, and long term value, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 represents an outstanding choice that balances performance with practicality in an attractive package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 need a subwoofer?
No, the Beam Gen 2 works well standalone with adequate bass for most users, though adding a Sonos Sub significantly enhances low frequency performance.
Can I use the Beam Gen 2 with any TV?
Yes, it works with any TV that has HDMI ARC/eARC or optical output, with the included cables and adapter supporting most connection types.
How does Dolby Atmos work without upward firing speakers?
The Beam Gen 2 uses advanced digital signal processing to create virtual height effects that simulate overhead sound placement through psychoacoustic techniques.
Is the Beam Gen 2 worth upgrading from the original Beam?
Yes, if you want Dolby Atmos support and HDMI eARC connectivity, though the original Beam remains excellent for basic stereo and 5.1 content.
What is the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC?
eARC supports higher bandwidth audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD, while standard ARC is limited to compressed formats like Dolby Digital.
