| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Dolby Atmos support creates a convincing 3D soundstage for movies and games | • Bass depth is limited; many will want a sub later |
| • Seamless switch from TV to music streaming; multi-room ready | • Relies on the Sonos app/voice; few physical controls |
| • Compact, stylish design fits under most TVs | • Price climbs if you add rears/sub for full surround |
| • Quick setup, Trueplay room tuning (iOS required) | • No Bluetooth or HDMI passthrough |
| • Clear dialogue and well-balanced sound for TV and music | • Atmos height is virtual (no up-firing drivers) |
If you’ve been itching to upgrade your home theater setup without filling your living room with a tangle of wires and bulky speakers, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 might just be the sleek upgrade you’ve been waiting for. This compact soundbar promises to transform your TV’s soundscape with panoramic, immersive audio thanks to Dolby Atmos support. Whether you’re a cinephile diving into blockbuster movies, a gamer craving directional sound cues, or just an audiophile who loves streaming tunes without breaking a sweat, the Beam Gen 2 aims to do it all—and do it well. Let’s unpack what makes this soundbar a worthy contender in the crowded world of home audio.
Key Features: What Makes the Sonos Beam Gen 2 Stand Out?
Dolby Atmos for Immersive 3D Sound
Beam Gen 2 supports Dolby Atmos and uses advanced processing to create phantom height channels for a more three-dimensional experience—no up-firing drivers required. You’ll hear effects above and around you for a convincing, wraparound feel.
Multi-Purpose Entertainment Hub
Beyond TV, Beam slips into music mode instantly. Stream your favorite services, group rooms, and keep the vibe going with multi-room playback.
Elegant and Compact Design
Sleek, minimalist, and easy to place under most TVs. It looks modern without shouting for attention.
Smart Features and Integration
Works with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice control (Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa; Google Assistant availability may vary by region). Add other Sonos speakers for a wireless surround system and subwoofer for deeper bass.
Related: Sonos Arc Ultra Review
Sound Quality and User Experience: The Listening Journey
When it comes to sound quality, the vast majority of owners think the Sonos Beam Gen 2 does a commendable job, especially considering its compact size. The Dolby Atmos support genuinely enhances the spatial quality of sound, giving movies and games an enveloping atmosphere. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear—no more leaning forward or reaching for the remote to pump up the volume during crucial plot moments.
The bass is punchy but not overpowering, which is perfect for most casual listeners. However, audiophiles or heavy bass enthusiasts might feel the need to pair the Beam with a dedicated subwoofer for those deep, chest-rumbling lows. Still, for everyday TV viewing and music listening, the bass levels are satisfyingly full without distortion.
Users also report that the Beam Gen 2 delivers a nicely balanced soundstage, handling everything from quiet conversational scenes to explosive action sequences with grace. The treble is bright but not harsh, and midrange frequencies, critical for vocals, maintain clarity throughout.
Setting up the Beam Gen 2 is a breeze—plug it into your TV’s HDMI ARC port, connect to Wi-Fi via the Sonos app, and you’re pretty much good to go in minutes. The app itself is user-friendly, providing options for sound tuning (Trueplay) which adjusts the audio profile based on your room’s acoustics. This personalization feature significantly elevates the listening experience, tailoring the sound to your unique space.
Critically, the minimalist controls might feel limiting to some. The soundbar relies heavily on the app and voice commands for most settings, which means if you prefer physical buttons or remote control, there could be a slight learning curve or adjustment phase.
Who Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 For?
Are you someone who wants significant audio improvements without potentially messy and complex multi-speaker setups? The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is tailor-made for apartment dwellers, minimalists, and anyone craving cinema-quality surround sound wrapped in a compact design.
Movie buffs who value clear dialogue and immersive effects will appreciate the Dolby Atmos feature delivering a convincing 3D audio experience. Gamers searching for positional audio cues will find the Beam helpful without sacrificing space. Music lovers who enjoy streaming via smart assistants or on-demand apps will get great use out of its multi-room and voice control functionalities.
Still, if you are a bass head or audiophile wanting the absolute peak of audio fidelity, you might view this soundbar as an excellent foundation but with room to expand through additional Sonos speakers or subwoofers.
Final Thoughts: A Brilliant Soundbar That Delivers Atmosphere Without the Hassle
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 lives up to the hype by delivering immersive, room-filling sound in a compact, stylish package. It captures the magic of Dolby Atmos technology, offering a next-level audio experience well beyond your average TV speaker setup—all without turning your living room into a tangle of wires or oversized equipment.
While it may not satisfy the deepest bass cravings or those looking for a purely physical control scheme, its intuitive app, smart voice controls, and multi-purpose functionality make this a standout choice. In total, it’s a smart investment for modern entertainment lovers who want that cinematic sound experience packed neatly into their lifestyle.
Buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2 on Amazon
FAQ
Q: Does Beam Gen 2 have up-firing speakers for Atmos?
A: No. It uses processing to create virtual height channels for Atmos. The effect is convincing without physical up-firing drivers.
Q: Do I need eARC for Dolby Atmos?
A: eARC is best—especially for Dolby TrueHD Atmos. ARC can carry Atmos via Dolby Digital Plus on many TVs, but capabilities vary.
Q: Can I add a subwoofer or rear speakers later?
A: Yes. Add Sub Mini or Sub, and a pair of Sonos speakers (e.g., Era 100, One SL) as wireless rears for 5.1-like surround.
Q: Does it support Bluetooth?
A: No. Beam streams over Wi-Fi and supports Apple AirPlay 2. Use the Sonos app for most services.
Q: How do I connect it to my TV?
A: Use the included HDMI eARC/ARC cable. If your TV only has optical, the included adapter works (Atmos will be limited over optical).
Q: Is Trueplay available on Android?
A: Trueplay tuning requires an iOS device. Once tuned, all devices benefit.
Q: Which voice assistants work?
A: Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa are supported. Google Assistant availability can vary by region and updates.
Q: Can I wall-mount Beam Gen 2?
A: Yes. Sonos sells a dedicated wall mount, and third-party options exist.
Q: Does it have multiple HDMI inputs or passthrough?
A: No. There’s a single HDMI eARC/ARC connection to the TV; use your TV for source switching.
Q: How big is it and what size TVs does it suit?
A: It’s 25.63″ wide and fits neatly under most TVs up to ~65″. It’s great for small-to-medium rooms.
Buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2 on Amazon
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