The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a 3.0-channel soundbar from Sonos, listed at $499. The bass comes from the bar alone unless you add the optional subwoofer.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Can add a matching wireless subwoofer later
- ✓Can grow into true surround with optional rear speakers
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
- ✓Room correction tunes the sound to where it is placed
- ✓Dialogue enhancement and a night mode
- ✓Learns your TV remote
- ✓Voice assistant built in (Alexa & Google Assistant)
- ✓Compact at 25.63 in wide - fits small TVs and tight spaces
- ✗Decodes Dolby Atmos but has no height channels, so overhead effects are simulated
- ✗No DTS:X, so DTS soundtracks play without their height layer
Channels and Surround Sound
The 3.0 badge means 3 ear-level channels (left, centre and right). It decodes Dolby Atmos, but with no height channels the overhead layer is created by processing rather than by drivers aimed at the ceiling. Virtual surround: Surround mode.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A subwoofer is optional - the bar connects to one wirelessly but does not come with it. Rear surround speakers are optional, so it can become a true surround system later. Wall-mountable: Yes (bracket sold separately).
Connections
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs.
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, GHz), with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, Apple Music; voice control: Alexa & Google Assistant built-in; app control (Mobile, Web, Computer). Sound features: dialogue enhancement, night mode, room correction, learns the TV remote.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 25.63 x 2.75 x 4 in (W x H x D), or 651 x 70 x 102 mm, and weighs 6.2 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 32-inch TV (27.9 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.75 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 3.0 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: Dome tweeter (1); Midrange: Full-range cones (4); Woofers: Passive Radiators (3); Enclosure: Passive Radiator |
| Subwoofer | Optional |
| Rear speakers | Optional |
| Virtual surround | Surround mode |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | Yes |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| Optical inputs | No |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, Apple Music |
| Voice control | Alexa & Google Assistant built-in |
| App | Mobile, Web, Computer |
| Learns TV remote | Yes |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 25.63 x 2.75 x 4 in / 651 x 70 x 102 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs / 2.81 kg |
| Wall mounting | Yes (bracket sold separately) |
| Warranty | 1 Year parts, 1 Year labour |
| List price | $499 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.