The living room entertainment experience has changed dramatically. Sound quality matters more than ever. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 promises to deliver cinema-quality audio in a compact package.
This soundbar has captured attention since its release. Many homeowners want better TV sound without complex setups. The Beam Gen 2 aims to solve this problem perfectly.
This review will answer all your questions. We’ll explore every feature, test its performance, and compare it to alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Premium audio in a compact design – The Beam Gen 2 measures just 25.6 inches wide, making it perfect for smaller TVs and tight spaces without sacrificing sound quality
- Dolby Atmos support – Enjoy three-dimensional sound that creates height channels for a more immersive experience compared to the original Beam
- Smart home integration – Works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, plus supports AirPlay 2 for easy streaming from Apple devices
- Easy setup process – Connect with a single HDMI cable and complete the setup through the Sonos app in under 10 minutes
- Multi-room capability – Expand your system by adding other Sonos speakers throughout your home for synchronized audio
- Premium pricing – Expect to pay around $449, which positions it in the mid-to-high range of soundbar options
What Makes the Sonos Beam Gen 2 Special
- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic...
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This soundbar brings Dolby Atmos technology to a compact form factor. Most soundbars with Atmos support are much larger. The Beam Gen 2 breaks this trend beautifully.
The device features five Class-D digital amplifiers. These power five speakers arranged strategically inside the cabinet. Three passive radiators enhance bass response. The result is sound that fills your room completely. You won’t believe such big audio comes from this small package.
The updated processor is 40% faster than the original Beam. This improvement enables the Dolby Atmos processing. The soundbar can decode complex audio tracks effortlessly. Movies sound richer and more detailed.
Music streaming becomes a pure pleasure. Voice clarity improves dramatically for dialogue-heavy content.
Design and Build Quality
The Beam Gen 2 maintains the elegant aesthetic Sonos is known for. The soundbar measures 25.6 inches wide, 2.7 inches tall, and 3.9 inches deep. It weighs 6.2 pounds, making it easy to mount or place on furniture. The wraparound grille gives it a premium look that complements any décor.
Two color options are available: matte black and matte white. Both finishes resist fingerprints well. The polycarbonate grille wraps seamlessly around the body. Touch controls sit on top for volume, play/pause, and voice assistant activation. These controls are subtle and responsive.
Build quality feels exceptional. The materials used are clearly high-grade. Nothing rattles or feels cheap. The soundbar stays firmly planted whether on a TV stand or wall-mounted. Sonos includes a wall mount template in the box. The mounting process is straightforward and secure.
Setting Up Your Sonos Beam Gen 2
Setup is remarkably simple. First, download the Sonos app on your smartphone. The app guides you through every step with clear instructions. You’ll need a WiFi network for the initial configuration. The process typically takes less than 10 minutes.
Connect the Beam Gen 2 to your TV using the included HDMI cable. Use the HDMI eARC or ARC port on your television. This single cable handles both audio from the TV and control signals. You can use your TV remote to adjust the soundbar volume. This feature works perfectly with most modern televisions.
The app will prompt you to run Trueplay tuning if you have an iOS device. This feature uses your phone’s microphone to analyze your room.
The Beam Gen 2 then adjusts its output for optimal sound. Walk around your space while waving your phone as instructed. The difference after tuning is immediately noticeable.
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Sound Performance and Audio Quality
The audio performance is where the Beam Gen 2 truly shines. Dialogue clarity is exceptional right out of the box. Every word comes through crisp and natural.
The dedicated center channel handles vocal frequencies expertly. You won’t need to adjust the volume constantly between quiet scenes and loud action sequences.
Music streaming reveals impressive detail and balance. The soundstage extends well beyond the physical dimensions. Instruments occupy distinct positions in the mix. Bass response is surprisingly strong for a soundbar this size.
The passive radiators move enough air for most content. Electronic music and hip-hop sound punchy and energetic.
Movie watching becomes a special experience with Dolby Atmos content. The Beam Gen 2 uses psychoacoustic processing to create height effects. Helicopters seem to fly overhead. Rain appears to fall from above.
While not as dramatic as upward-firing drivers, the effect is convincing. Action sequences gain depth and dimension you don’t get from standard soundbars.
Dolby Atmos Experience
Dolby Atmos is the headline feature of the Gen 2. This technology adds height channels to traditional surround sound.
The Beam uses clever audio processing instead of physical upward-firing speakers. Some audiophiles prefer this approach for smaller rooms.
The Atmos effect works best with properly mastered content. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ offer extensive Atmos libraries. Make sure your TV passes through Atmos signals properly. Check your TV’s audio settings to enable this feature.
Realistic expectations are important here. The Beam Gen 2 won’t match a full Atmos speaker system. It can’t replicate discrete overhead speakers.
However, it creates a noticeably more immersive soundfield than standard soundbars. For the size and price, the Atmos implementation impresses consistently.
Voice Control and Smart Features
The Beam Gen 2 integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems. Amazon Alexa comes built-in and works reliably. Ask Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, or answer questions. The four far-field microphones pick up your voice clearly even during loud playback.
Google Assistant is also available. Switch between assistants in the app based on your preference. Both assistants respond quickly and accurately.
Voice control for volume, playback, and content selection works intuitively. You can disable the microphones with a physical button when privacy is desired.
Apple AirPlay 2 support is a major advantage for iPhone users. Stream audio directly from your device without additional apps. The connection is stable and latency is minimal.
Multi-room audio works perfectly with other AirPlay 2 speakers. You can group the Beam with Apple HomePods or other Sonos speakers effortlessly.
Connectivity Options and Compatibility
The HDMI eARC/ARC connection is the primary input. This provides the best audio quality and most convenient control. Your TV remote can adjust volume and power without programming. Most TVs from 2016 onwards support ARC functionality.
An optical audio adapter comes included in the box. Use this if your TV lacks HDMI ARC. The optical connection supports up to Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. You won’t get Atmos through optical, but standard surround sound works fine.
WiFi connectivity is required for setup and streaming. The Beam Gen 2 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Ethernet connection is possible using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.
Wired connections provide more stability for high-resolution streaming. The soundbar automatically updates its software over WiFi to maintain optimal performance.
Expanding Your Sonos Ecosystem
One of the biggest advantages is expandability. Add a Sonos Sub for deeper bass extension. The wireless subwoofer connects instantly through the app.
Bass becomes dramatically more powerful and room-filling. The Sub handles low frequencies below 80Hz, allowing the Beam to focus on midrange and treble.
Create true surround sound by adding Sonos One SL or Era 100 speakers as rear channels. The app guides you through the pairing process. Rear speakers add genuine surround effects for movies and games. The system calibrates automatically for balanced output.
All Sonos speakers work together for multi-room audio. Play the same music throughout your home or different content in each room.
Control everything from a single app. The ecosystem integration is smooth and reliable. This flexibility makes Sonos particularly valuable for whole-home audio systems.
App Experience and User Interface
The Sonos app is clean and intuitive. Navigation feels natural from the first use. The home screen shows all your Sonos devices. Tap any device to control it individually or group multiple speakers. The interface responds quickly without lag.
Music streaming services integrate directly into the app. Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and dozens of others connect seamlessly. Browse your playlists and favorites without switching apps. Search works across all connected services simultaneously. Sonos Radio offers free streaming with curated stations.
Sound customization options are comprehensive. Adjust bass, treble, and loudness settings to your preference. Speech Enhancement boosts dialogue frequencies for clearer vocals.
Night Sound reduces loud effects and enhances quiet sounds for late viewing. These features genuinely improve the experience rather than being gimmicks.
Comparing Gen 2 to the Original Beam
The generational improvements are significant. The faster processor enables Dolby Atmos support that wasn’t possible before. Audio quality is noticeably more detailed and dynamic. The soundstage feels wider and more precise.
Physical dimensions remain identical between generations. Existing wall mounts and furniture arrangements work with the Gen 2. The HDMI port is updated to support eARC for higher bandwidth. This future-proofs the soundbar for upcoming audio formats.
Price positioning is similar to the original Beam at launch. The Gen 2 typically costs around $449. The original Beam is often available at a discount.
If you find the Gen 1 for significantly less, it remains a solid choice. However, the Gen 2 improvements justify the price difference for most buyers.
Who Should Buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2
This soundbar suits specific user profiles perfectly. Apartment dwellers and condo owners appreciate the compact size and impressive performance.
The Beam delivers excellent sound without overwhelming small spaces. Neighbors won’t complain about excessive bass rumbling through walls.
Users invested in or interested in the Sonos ecosystem benefit tremendously. The multi-room capabilities and seamless integration add serious value. If you already own other Sonos speakers, the Beam becomes an obvious choice. The whole system works together beautifully.
Apple ecosystem users find particular value in AirPlay 2 support. Streaming from iPhones, iPads, and Macs is effortless. Siri integration works through connected Apple devices. The experience feels cohesive across all your devices.
Who Should Consider Alternatives
Budget-conscious buyers might find better value elsewhere. The $449 price point is significant for a compact soundbar. Several competitors offer similar features for less money. If the Sonos ecosystem doesn’t interest you, alternatives make more sense.
Bass enthusiasts may feel underwhelmed without adding a Sub. The Beam Gen 2 handles bass well for its size. However, action movie fans who crave room-shaking low end need supplemental bass. The required Sonos Sub adds another $749 to the total cost.
Audiophiles seeking the absolute best Atmos experience should look at larger soundbars. Models with dedicated upward-firing drivers create more dramatic height effects. The Beam’s virtual Atmos is convincing but has physical limitations. Larger spaces benefit from more powerful options.
Price and Value Proposition
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 retails for $449 in the United States. This positions it in the premium compact soundbar category. The price reflects the build quality, audio performance, and ecosystem integration. Sales and promotions occasionally reduce the price by 10-20%.
Value depends heavily on your priorities. The sound quality per dollar is competitive with similar offerings. The Sonos ecosystem access adds significant value for multi-room audio users. Smart home integration works better than most competitors.
Long-term value is enhanced by regular software updates. Sonos continues supporting products for many years. New features and improvements arrive through updates. This extended support justifies the initial investment. Your soundbar won’t become obsolete quickly.
Pros and Cons Summary
Advantages include exceptional dialogue clarity and detailed audio reproduction. The compact size fits virtually any space beautifully.
Setup is genuinely simple and quick. Smart assistant integration works reliably. The Sonos ecosystem offers excellent expandability. Build quality feels premium and durable.
Disadvantages include the premium pricing compared to basic soundbars. Bass response is limited without adding a Sub. True Dolby Atmos requires compatible content and TV settings.
No Bluetooth connectivity limits some use cases. The required app and WiFi might frustrate users who prefer simple plug-and-play operation.
The lack of HDMI pass-through limits gaming features. Gamers can’t access variable refresh rate or other advanced HDMI 2.1 features. This limitation matters if you connect game consoles directly to your soundbar. Connect consoles to your TV instead to avoid issues.
Long-Term Ownership Experience
Owners consistently report satisfaction after months and years of use. The audio quality doesn’t disappoint over time. Software updates arrive regularly with bug fixes and occasional new features. The soundbar remains fast and responsive.
Reliability appears excellent based on user reports. Hardware failures seem rare compared to cheaper alternatives. Sonos customer support receives generally positive reviews. The company stands behind its products with solid warranty coverage.
The main long-term consideration is ecosystem lock-in. Expanding with Sonos speakers requires staying within the brand. This limitation is acceptable given the quality and integration.
Many users gradually build comprehensive Sonos systems. The investment compounds positively as you add more speakers.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels at its intended purpose. This soundbar delivers impressive audio in a compact, attractive package. The sound quality genuinely transforms the TV watching experience. Smart features work seamlessly without feeling gimmicky.
The price is justified by the performance and build quality. However, budget alternatives exist for less demanding users.
The Beam Gen 2 makes the most sense for Sonos ecosystem members. The integration and expandability create exceptional value.
If dialogue clarity, compact size, and smart home integration are priorities, buy confidently. The Beam Gen 2 won’t disappoint. The investment pays dividends every time you watch TV or stream music. This soundbar represents one of the best all-around options available today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 work with all TVs?
Yes, the Beam Gen 2 works with virtually any TV. You need either an HDMI ARC/eARC port or an optical audio output. The included optical adapter ensures compatibility with older televisions. Most TVs from 2010 onwards will work perfectly fine.
Can I use the Beam Gen 2 without WiFi?
Initial setup requires WiFi connection. After setup, you can play audio from your TV without WiFi. However, streaming services, voice assistants, and software updates require an active internet connection. The soundbar is designed for connected use.
How much difference does Trueplay tuning make?
Trueplay tuning makes a noticeable difference in most rooms. The soundbar adjusts for your specific space and furniture. The effect is subtle but improves clarity and balance. Unfortunately, Trueplay only works with iOS devices currently.
Is the Sonos Sub necessary for good bass?
The Beam Gen 2 produces respectable bass for its size. Most content sounds balanced without a subwoofer. However, action movies and bass-heavy music benefit significantly from adding a Sub. Consider your content preferences and room size when deciding.
Can I connect the Beam Gen 2 to Bluetooth speakers?
No, the Beam Gen 2 doesn’t support Bluetooth output. It works exclusively within the Sonos ecosystem. You can add other Sonos speakers for multi-room audio. This limitation keeps the system simple but reduces flexibility with existing Bluetooth devices.
What’s the warranty coverage on the Beam Gen 2?
Sonos provides a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Extended warranty options are available through retailers and third-party providers. Sonos customer support is generally responsive to issues within and sometimes beyond the warranty period.
Hi, I’m Sam! I’ve been passionate about technology for over a decade, fascinated by how innovative devices can transform our daily lives. As the founder of DeviceDiary.blog, I spend my days testing the latest gadgets, exploring AI innovations, and translating complex tech specs into practical insights.
