The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is definitely an upgrade over the original Beam. We've looked into it and here's what we found about the key differences between the two models.
Improved Audio Performance
First off, the Gen 2 has some pretty impressive audio upgrades. It supports Dolby Atmos, which makes your sound experience way more immersive and cinematic. The original Beam doesn't have this feature, so this is a big step up if you're looking for better audio quality.
Enhanced Processing Power
The Gen 2 also packs more processing power. According to our research, this means it can handle more complex sound setups and runs smoother overall. So whether you're watching movies, playing games, or just listening to music, this one performs better.
Design and Build
Design-wise, they’re pretty similar – sleek and compact, which is great for fitting into most spaces. But the Gen 2 has some updates like new touch controls and a slightly different grille. These changes might not be huge but are nice little tweaks.
Connectivity and Compatibility
When it comes to connectivity, both support various streaming services and can be controlled with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Gen 2, however, also includes AirPlay 2 support, making it easier to stream from Apple devices. Neither model supports Bluetooth, so if that's a deal-breaker for you, keep that in mind.
Expandable Ecosystem
Both the original and Gen 2 can be expanded with other Sonos speakers for a surround sound setup or a Sonos Sub for more bass. Our research suggests doing this can make a big difference in your overall listening experience.
Recommendation
So, if Dolby Atmos and better processing are important for you, the Gen 2 is the way to go. If those aren't deal-breakers, the original Beam is still a solid choice and might even be available for a better price now.
Both are good options, so it really comes down to what features you value and your budget.
Where to Buy
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More Answers
If you're still curious about the Sonos Beam Gen 2, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
The sound quality of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 gets a lot of positive feedback.
It's built to offer an immersive audio experience, especially with movie and TV dialogues. This is largely thanks to its center speaker and advanced audio processing features. Plus, it supports Dolby Atmos, adding more depth and dimension to the sound, making it a solid option for home theaters.
According to the manufacturer, it’s designed to deliver balanced and room-filling sound, and our research backs this up. A lot of folks appreciate the clarity and power it delivers, especially given its size. The Speech Enhancement feature is often highlighted for making dialogue clear, even during action scenes—this stands out for people who want crisp and clear conversations in their shows and movies.
When it comes to music, the Beam Gen 2 also performs well. It has a well-rounded sound profile that handles different genres nicely, with substantial bass that's not overwhelming, and clear mids and highs. The sound adjustment features in the Sonos app, like Trueplay Tuning, are pretty effective in tailoring the sound to your room's acoustics.
For connectivity, the Beam Gen 2 uses HDMI ARC or eARC to link up with your TV.
If your TV doesn’t have these ports, there's an optical-to-HDMI adapter included. Our research shows some people find the initial setup a bit tricky, especially without ARC, but it gets much easier with ARC or eARC.
Also, some Android users find the Sonos app a little challenging at first, but things usually smooth out once everything is set up.
So, if your TV has HDMI ARC/eARC, setting up the Beam Gen 2 should be pretty straightforward, and the sound quality is impressive.
For older TVs, the included adapter should do the trick, though the setup might take a bit more effort.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a bunch of connectivity options to fit different needs. Here's a quick rundown:
HDMI eARC:
This is the main way to connect the Beam Gen 2 to your TV. It supports high-quality audio like Dolby Atmos and keeps the audio and video in sync.
Optical Audio Adapter:
If your TV doesn’t have HDMI eARC, you can use the included Optical Audio Adapter. It connects through your TV's optical output. While it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, it still gives you good sound quality.
Wi-Fi Connectivity:
You can connect the Beam Gen 2 to your home Wi-Fi, which lets you stream music, podcasts, and more from your favorite services. Plus, it integrates smoothly into your existing Sonos setup for multi-room audio.
Apple AirPlay 2:
If you're using Apple devices, you'll be happy to know it supports Apple AirPlay 2. This makes streaming music and other audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac super easy. We found that a lot of people find the AirPlay 2 feature quite smooth and reliable.
Ethernet Port:
There’s also an Ethernet port if you prefer a wired connection. This can be really useful if you have Wi-Fi issues or just want a more stable connection. According to our research, some people find this option helpful for a more consistent setup.
Voice Assistants:
It also supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can control the Beam Gen 2 with your voice, which is handy for adjusting the volume or playing music without lifting a finger.
According to our research, many people find the voice assistant integration works well and is very responsive.
Overall, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a lot of versatile connectivity options, whether you need HDMI, Wi-Fi, or voice control. It should fit pretty well into most home audio setups.
Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is pretty simple. According to the manufacturer, all you need to do is plug in the power cord and connect the Beam to your TV using an HDMI ARC or eARC port. Once that's done, you use the Sonos app to go through the rest.
The app walks you through connecting the Beam to your Wi-Fi and setting it up with your existing Sonos system or as a standalone speaker. It's designed to be really user-friendly, even if you're not super tech-savvy.
Based on our research, a lot of people appreciate how the Sonos app guides you step-by-step, so even beginners can get it up and running in about 10-15 minutes. The Beam also updates its software automatically, so you won't need to worry about keeping it up to date.
One thing to keep in mind is that you might need to tweak some TV settings to make sure everything works perfectly with the HDMI ARC/eARC. If you run into any issues, the Sonos support website and customer service are great for troubleshooting.
Once it's all set up, you can control the Beam with the Sonos app, your TV remote, voice commands (with Alexa or Google Assistant), and even directly from services like Spotify.
So don’t stress too much about the setup—Sonos has made it as easy as possible.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Sonos Beam Gen 2 doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:
Samsung HW-Q800C
The Samsung HW-Q800C delivers excellent Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, offering cinematic sound at a more affordable price than the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Ideal for immersive audio enthusiasts who are budget-conscious, it also boasts wireless connectivity for smart home integration.
Sony HT-S2000
The Sony HT-S2000 delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound in a compact design. With robust audio performance and deep bass, it's an excellent choice for smaller living spaces where sound quality is essential and space is limited.
Bose Smart Soundbar 600
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 combines a stylish compact design with robust audio output, making it ideal for smaller spaces. It delivers a rich sound profile similar to the Beam Gen 2 but comes at a potentially lower price, appealing to those prioritizing both style and performance.
Hisense AX5125H
The Hisense AX5125H is a budget-friendly soundbar that includes wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer, offering full Dolby Atmos immersion for a true home theater experience. It's an attractive option for anyone looking for an all-in-one sound solution for larger rooms or a surround experience without the need for separate components.
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