Sonos Beam Gen 2 - White - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
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AI Verdict
This is a fantastic soundbar for upgrading your TV speakers in a small to medium-sized room, especially if you care about clear dialogue and a clean setup.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a strong fit for its target market. It delivers a massive audio upgrade over standard TV speakers in a compact form, with exceptionally clear dialogue and a surprisingly wide soundstage from its virtual Dolby Atmos processing. It's the perfect entry point into the Sonos ecosystem for small to medium-sized rooms.
If you need more impactful Dolby Atmos with true overhead sound, look for a soundbar with dedicated upward-firing drivers, like the Sonos Arc.
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Pros
- Virtual Dolby Atmos provides a surprisingly wide and immersive soundstage for its size.
- Dialogue is exceptionally clear, even in action-heavy scenes, thanks to a dedicated center tweeter.
- Seamlessly integrates into the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio and future expansion with surrounds or a sub.
- Compact design (2-foot wide) fits well under smaller TVs (55" and below) without blocking the screen.
- Supports Apple AirPlay 2, Alexa, and Google Assistant for flexible streaming and control.
- Trueplay tuning adjusts the sound to the specific acoustics of your room (iOS device required).
Cons
- Lacks deep, rumbling bass without adding the expensive, separate Sub Mini or Sub.
- The virtual Dolby Atmos effect lacks the true overhead feeling of soundbars with up-firing speakers.
- Only has one HDMI eARC port and no other inputs, which can be a problem for older TVs or complex setups.
- Trueplay room tuning feature requires an iOS device (iPhone/iPad) to work.
Dimension Scores
Delivers exceptionally clear dialogue and a balanced, natural sound that's a huge step up from TV speakers.
Bass is present and punchy for its size, but it won't shake the room without an add-on subwoofer.
Excellent Wi-Fi and app integration, but the single HDMI eARC port and lack of Bluetooth is a limitation for some.
Features a compact, solid build with a modern plastic grille that's easy to place and doesn't attract dust like fabric.
Best For
- Apartment dwellers or those in small to medium-sized living rooms who want better sound without a complex system.
- Upgrading from tinny built-in TV speakers to achieve clear dialogue and a wider soundstage.
- People already invested in or planning to build a Sonos multi-room audio system.
- Gamers who want improved audio immersion and clarity in a compact setup.
Not Recommended For
- Bass fanatics who want floor-shaking rumble without buying an expensive add-on subwoofer.
- Home theater purists who need dedicated up-firing speakers for the most accurate Dolby Atmos height effects.
- Users who need multiple HDMI inputs for connecting devices like Blu-ray players and game consoles directly to the soundbar.
Watch Out For
- You need a TV with an HDMI eARC or ARC port to get Dolby Atmos sound; using the included optical adapter limits you to Dolby Digital.
- Initial Wi-Fi setup can be frustrating, especially on mixed 2.4/5GHz networks or university/shared networks.
- The full cost adds up quickly. Many users feel the need to add a Sub Mini and rear speakers later, significantly increasing the total investment.
- The Sonos S2 app is required for setup and has been a source of frustration for some users due to software issues.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 840136802334 840136802310 |
| ASIN | B09GQ1CLTL |
| Brand | Sonos |
| Color | White |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Style | Soundbar Only |
| Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Model Name | Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
| 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 | 1 Inches |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Output Mode | Surround |
| Item model number | BEAM2US1 |
| Compatible Devices | Television |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz |
| Number Of Circuits | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 3.9"D x 25.6"W x 2.7"H |
| Subwoofer Diameter | 12 Inches |
| Included Components | HDMI Cable, Optical Audio Adapter, Power Cable, Sonos Beam Gen 2 - White |
| Number of Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Customer Package Type | FFP file |
| Number of Power Levels | 1 |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, HDMI, Wi-Fi |
| Specific Uses For Product | For TVs, game consoles, music players |
| 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 |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 2.0 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about the Beam Gen 2 is how much sound comes out of such a small box. The dialogue clarity is a real game-changer; you can finally stop messing with the volume during action movies. While the Dolby Atmos is virtual, it creates a genuinely wide and immersive soundstage that makes TV speakers sound broken in comparison. It's not perfect—the bass is just okay on its own, and you really need an expensive subwoofer to get that movie theater rumble. Also, be prepared for potential Wi-Fi setup headaches, as some users report issues connecting to their network.
“i was ready to return it after fighting with the wifi setup but once i finally got it working and put on John Wick... wow. my wife literally jumped out of her seat, it's a completely different experience.”
Common Praise
- Dialogue is incredibly clear, making it easy to hear conversations without turning on subtitles.
- The soundstage feels much wider than the physical soundbar, projecting audio around the room.
- Setup is simple for most, often taking just 10 minutes with the app guiding you.
- It's a huge upgrade over TV speakers, making movies and shows far more immersive.
- The compact size is perfect for smaller rooms and doesn't block the TV screen.
- Music playback is balanced and sounds great, making it a versatile speaker for when the TV is off.
Common Complaints
- The bass is decent for the size but lacks the deep punch of a dedicated subwoofer.
- The virtual Dolby Atmos doesn't create a convincing overhead 'height' effect.
- The Sonos app can be buggy and a source of frustration.
- It's expensive, especially once you consider adding a subwoofer and rear speakers.
- Initial setup can fail on certain Wi-Fi networks, requiring troubleshooting.
- Only having one HDMI port feels limiting.
Ownership Tips
- You'll find yourself enabling the 'Speech Enhancement' feature in the app and just leaving it on forever; it makes everything better.
- After a few weeks, you'll start browsing for deals on the Sub Mini or a pair of Era 100s for surrounds—the urge to expand is real.
- The lack of a visual indicator on the bar to confirm you're getting an Atmos signal is annoying; you have to check the app every time.
- You get used to the bass level, but then you hear a friend's system with a real sub and realize what you're missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy the Sonos Sub with the Beam Gen 2?
No, you don't need it, but it depends on your taste. The Beam has impressive bass for its size, but if you want deep, room-shaking rumble for movies, you'll eventually want to add a Sub Mini or the full-size Sub.
Can I get Dolby Atmos if my TV only has HDMI ARC, not eARC?
Yes, you can still get Dolby Atmos, but it will be a compressed version (Dolby Digital Plus). To get the highest quality, uncompressed Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD), your TV must have an HDMI eARC port.
Does the Beam Gen 2 have Bluetooth?
No, it does not have Bluetooth for audio streaming. It connects to your devices via Wi-Fi, using the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect.
Is it a big upgrade from my TV's built-in speakers?
Yes, for almost every TV, the difference is night and day. You'll get much clearer dialogue, a wider soundstage, and fuller sound for movies, music, and games.
Can I use the Beam Gen 2 with my computer?
Yes, you can, but it's not ideal. You'd need to connect it via the included optical adapter to your PC's optical out, as it lacks a standard 3.5mm or USB input.
What is Trueplay and do I need an iPhone to use it?
Trueplay is a Sonos feature that uses your phone's microphone to analyze your room's acoustics and tune the speaker's sound accordingly. Currently, this feature is only available using an iOS device (iPhone or iPad).
Buying Guide
When you're buying a compact soundbar, you're trying to solve two problems: your TV's terrible speakers and the clutter of a full surround sound system. You need to focus on dialogue clarity and the width of the soundstage. Don't get too hung up on 'virtual' Atmos—it's just processing to make a small bar sound big. What really matters is if it makes your shows and movies more immersive without needing a dozen speakers.
Virtual Dolby Atmos
Think of this as software magic. Instead of having speakers pointing at the ceiling, it uses clever audio tricks to make sound feel like it's coming from all around you. It's not as good as the real thing, but it's why this small bar sounds so much bigger than it is.
HDMI eARC
This is the pipe that carries the highest quality audio from your TV to the soundbar. It's like going from a garden hose to a fire hose for sound data. It simplifies your setup to a single cable and is necessary for the best possible Dolby Atmos experience.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Unlike a Bluetooth speaker, this connects to your home Wi-Fi. This means higher quality, more reliable audio streaming for music, and it won't be interrupted by phone calls. It's also what lets it talk to other Sonos speakers in your house.
Expandability
The Beam is a starting point. The Sonos system is like LEGOs for audio; you can add a wireless subwoofer for more bass or a pair of rear speakers for true surround sound later when your budget allows.
Alternatives
If this isn't the right fit, look for soundbars that explicitly list 'upward-firing drivers' for more convincing Atmos effects. If you need more connections, search for models with at least one 'HDMI input' in addition to the eARC port.
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