Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
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AI Verdict
A compact soundbar that delivers impressive virtual Dolby Atmos and crystal-clear dialogue, perfect for small-to-medium rooms and existing Sonos users.
The Beam Gen 2 is a strong fit for those prioritizing a compact form factor and the Sonos ecosystem in smaller rooms. Its virtual Dolby Atmos and dialogue clarity are excellent for its size. However, the lack of deep bass without a separate subwoofer and the absence of up-firing drivers make it a situational choice for home theater enthusiasts with larger rooms or higher performance expectations.
If you need more powerful, direct height effects for Dolby Atmos, look for a soundbar with dedicated upward-firing drivers, like the Sonos Arc.
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Pros
- Impressive virtual Dolby Atmos creates a wide soundstage from a small unit.
- Exceptional dialogue clarity; many users no longer need subtitles.
- Seamlessly integrates into the Sonos multi-room audio ecosystem.
- Supports voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Compact design (25.6 inches wide) fits well with TVs 55 inches and smaller.
- Setup is simple with the Sonos app and NFC pairing.
Cons
- Lacks true upward-firing drivers, so the Atmos height effect is virtualized and room-dependent.
- Bass is decent for its size but lacks deep, cinematic rumble without adding a pricey Sub or Sub Mini.
- Only one HDMI eARC port and no other inputs, which can be limiting.
- No Bluetooth audio streaming for guests outside the Sonos ecosystem.
Dimension Scores
Dialogue clarity is exceptional and the soundstage is impressively wide for its size, though it's not a true replacement for a multi-speaker setup.
Bass is present and punchy for a small bar, but it won't shake the room without the addition of a separate, expensive subwoofer.
It has modern HDMI eARC and Wi-Fi, but the lack of any additional HDMI inputs or Bluetooth is a notable limitation.
The compact, premium build with a new polycarbonate grille is flawless and easy to clean, making it feel very high-end.
Best For
- Apartments and small-to-medium living rooms where space is a premium.
- Upgrading from TV speakers for dramatically improved dialogue and movie immersion.
- Users already invested in or planning to build a Sonos multi-room system.
- People who prioritize a clean, minimal setup with just one bar and one cable.
Not Recommended For
- Large, open-plan living spaces where its sound may feel less immersive.
- Audio purists seeking dedicated upward-firing speakers for the most accurate Dolby Atmos height effects.
- Buyers who need multiple HDMI inputs for connecting various devices directly to the soundbar.
Watch Out For
- The Dolby Atmos experience requires a TV with an HDMI eARC port; older TVs with standard ARC or optical connections won't pass through Atmos.
- Trueplay room tuning, which significantly improves sound, is only available for iOS devices.
- Adding the matching Sonos Sub Mini or Sub for better bass nearly doubles the cost.
- Setup can be problematic on shared or managed Wi-Fi networks like in dorms or apartments, sometimes requiring a separate travel router.
- The Sonos S2 app is required for setup and operation; it cannot be used with the older S1 app.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 840136802327 840136802341 |
| ASIN | B09GPYL7BJ |
| Brand | Sonos |
| Color | Black |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Style | Soundbar Only |
| Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Model Name | Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 6.35 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Sonos |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Speaker Size | 2 Inches |
| Speaker Type | Soundbar |
| Is Waterproof | FALSE |
| Mounting Type | Shelf Mount |
| Series Number | 2 |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Control Method | App, Remote, Voice |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Built In Microphone, Dolby Enabled, Hi Res Audio, Multi Room Audio |
| Tweeter Diameter | 2.54 Centimeters |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Output Mode | Surround |
| Item model number | BEAM2US1BLK |
| Compatible Devices | Television |
| Frequency Response | 50.4 Hz |
| Product Dimensions | 3.9"D x 25.6"W x 2.7"H |
| Included Components | HDMI Cable, Optical Audio Adapter, Power Cable, Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black |
| Number of Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Customer Package Type | FFP |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, HDMI, Wi-Fi |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Surround Sound Systems |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 200 Watts |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Airplay, NFC, Wi-Fi |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00840136802327, 08717755778116 |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 2.0 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about the Beam Gen 2 is how wide and immersive the sound feels coming from such a compact bar. It's a massive upgrade over standard TV speakers, especially for dialogue clarity—many say they can finally turn off subtitles. The virtual Dolby Atmos adds a noticeable sense of space, even if it doesn't create true overhead sounds like bars with up-firing drivers. The biggest conversation among owners is about the bass; while impressive for its size, most agree that adding a Sub Mini is a game-changing (and expensive) upgrade that makes the whole system come alive. Setup is usually a breeze, but some users run into issues with the app or Wi-Fi connectivity.
“i was blown away by how much better this is than my old soundbar but now i feel like i HAVE to buy the sub mini, my wallet is crying but my ears are so happy.”
Common Praise
- Dialogue is incredibly clear, even at low volumes, thanks to the Speech Enhancement feature.
- The soundstage feels much wider than the physical soundbar.
- Setup is incredibly simple, especially with the NFC tap-to-pair feature on newer phones.
- It's a great speaker for music, not just movies, integrating perfectly with AirPlay 2 and streaming services.
- The compact size is perfect for smaller rooms and doesn't dominate the space under the TV.
Common Complaints
- The Dolby Atmos height effect is subtle and highly dependent on room acoustics.
- The bass, while clean, lacks the deep rumble needed for action movies, almost forcing an upgrade to the Sub Mini.
- The Sonos app, while generally good, has had periods of instability and can be frustrating.
- Only having one HDMI port means you can't pass through a 4K Blu-ray player or game console.
- Trueplay tuning, a key feature for optimizing sound, requires an iPhone or iPad.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, you'll likely start budgeting for the Sub Mini; the temptation to get that 'full' sound is very real.
- You'll find yourself using the 'Speech Enhancement' feature more than you thought, especially for late-night viewing.
- On rare occasions, the soundbar might lose connection to the TV, requiring a quick power cycle of both devices to fix the HDMI handshake.
- The perforated grille is much easier to keep dust-free than the cloth on the original Beam.
- You'll start looking at other Sonos speakers to place around the house; the multi-room audio is genuinely addictive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a subwoofer with the Beam Gen 2?
You don't *need* one, as the Beam has surprisingly decent bass for its size, especially in smaller rooms. However, adding a Sub Mini or Sub makes a massive difference, freeing up the Beam to focus on mids and highs for a much fuller sound.
Will I get Dolby Atmos if my TV only has HDMI ARC, not eARC?
It depends on your TV model, but it's not guaranteed. While eARC is the standard for uncompressed Atmos, some newer TVs can pass a compressed version over standard ARC. You cannot get Atmos over an optical connection.
Is the Dolby Atmos on the Beam Gen 2 'real' without up-firing speakers?
It's real Dolby Atmos processing, but it uses psychoacoustic techniques to create a *virtual* height effect instead of bouncing sound off your ceiling. It creates a wider, more immersive soundstage, but it's not the same as having dedicated height speakers.
Can I use the Beam Gen 2 with the older Sonos S1 app?
No, due to its more powerful processor, the Beam Gen 2 requires the newer Sonos S2 app.
Can I add surround speakers to the Beam Gen 2?
Yes, you can add a pair of Sonos speakers like the Era 100s or Sonos Ones as wireless rear surrounds to create a true surround sound system.
Does the Beam Gen 2 have Bluetooth?
No, it does not support audio streaming over Bluetooth. You can stream music via Wi-Fi using the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a soundbar like this, you're buying into an ecosystem, not just a speaker. The Beam Gen 2 is designed to be the start of a system you expand over time with a sub and rear speakers. The main selling point is getting a huge audio upgrade in a small box, especially for clear dialogue and a wider sound than your TV can produce. Don't get too hung up on the 'Dolby Atmos' label; think of it as enhanced surround sound rather than true 'sound from above' unless you have the perfect room for it.
Dolby Atmos (Virtual)
This is like a 3D movie for your ears. Instead of sound just coming from left and right, Atmos adds a height dimension. This bar uses software tricks to create that height effect, making sound feel more immersive, even without speakers in your ceiling.
HDMI eARC
Think of this as a super-highway for audio from your TV to the soundbar. It's the only way to get the highest quality, uncompressed Dolby Atmos sound. An older 'ARC' port is more like a regular highway—it works, but might have some traffic jams (compression).
Wi-Fi Connectivity
This isn't a Bluetooth speaker. It connects to your home Wi-Fi, which means higher quality, more reliable streaming for music from services like Spotify or Apple Music, and it won't be interrupted by phone calls like Bluetooth can be.
Sonos Ecosystem
This speaker can talk to other Sonos speakers. You can start with just the Beam, and later add a wireless subwoofer for more bass or two smaller speakers for true surround sound, all controlled from one app.
Alternatives
If this doesn't seem right, look for soundbars that come bundled with a wireless subwoofer for better value on bass. If you want more convincing Dolby Atmos, search for models that explicitly mention 'up-firing drivers' and have more than one HDMI port if you need to connect multiple devices.
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