Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Review: Compact Soundbar with Premium Sound and Smart Features

Introduction

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) brings a new level of performance and functionality to compact soundbars. Designed to deliver cinematic sound in a small package, this second-generation Beam features Dolby Atmos support, an upgraded processor, and a refined design. With seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem, voice assistant compatibility, and premium sound quality, it’s an enticing option for home theater enthusiasts who want high performance without compromising space.

This detailed review will explore its features, performance, and whether it justifies its premium price.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) arrives in eco-friendly, sturdy packaging. Inside the box, you’ll find:

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) soundbar.
Power cable.
HDMI eARC cable.
Optical audio adapter.
Quick start guide.

The Beam’s compact size (25.6 inches long) and sleek design immediately catch your eye. Available in matte black or white, it blends effortlessly with modern home decor. The touch-sensitive controls on the top panel add a touch of elegance, while the perforated polycarbonate grille enhances durability without compromising aesthetics.

Design and Build Quality

Sonos continues its tradition of minimalist design with the Beam (Gen 2):

Compact Form Factor: Its small size makes it ideal for apartments, bedrooms, or smaller living rooms without sacrificing sound quality.
Durable Materials: The perforated grille replaces the fabric covering of the original Beam, improving durability and aesthetics.
Wall-Mountable: Optional wall-mount brackets make it easy to integrate into any setup.

The soundbar feels robust and premium, befitting its price range, and its design ensures it doesn’t dominate your space visually.

Features and Functionality

The Beam (Gen 2) comes packed with features that elevate your audio experience:

Dolby Atmos Support

One of the most significant upgrades is Dolby Atmos:

Immersive Sound: Creates a 3D soundstage, enhancing movies, music, and TV shows by adding height and depth.
Upfiring Virtual Channels: Uses advanced processing to simulate overhead audio without dedicated upward-firing speakers.

While the virtual Atmos doesn’t match the performance of larger systems with physical height channels, it’s impressive for a soundbar of this size.

Voice Assistant Integration

The Beam (Gen 2) supports popular voice assistants:

Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant: Built-in microphones allow for hands-free control of your smart home devices and streaming services.
Apple AirPlay 2: Enables seamless integration with iOS devices and Siri.

The voice recognition is accurate, and the soundbar’s far-field microphones work well even in noisy environments.

Sonos Ecosystem

As part of the Sonos family, the Beam (Gen 2) integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers:

Multi-Room Audio: Syncs with other Sonos devices for a cohesive audio experience throughout your home.
Expandable Setup: Pair it with a Sonos Sub and rear speakers for a full surround sound system.
Sonos S2 App: Provides intuitive control over settings, grouping, and streaming services.

Connectivity

The Beam (Gen 2) features modern connectivity options:

HDMI eARC: Ensures high-quality audio transmission and compatibility with the latest TVs.
Wi-Fi: Streams audio directly from the internet, avoiding the need for a Bluetooth connection.
Optical Adapter: Maintains compatibility with older TVs lacking HDMI ARC/eARC.

The lack of Bluetooth might disappoint some users, but Sonos’ focus on Wi-Fi ensures better sound quality and multi-room capabilities.

Audio Performance

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) delivers impressive sound quality for its size:

Balanced Sound Profile: Provides clear dialogue, rich mids, and surprisingly deep bass without a subwoofer.
Enhanced Speech Clarity: A dedicated speech enhancement mode ensures dialogue remains crisp, even at low volumes.
Dynamic Range: Handles action scenes and quiet moments with finesse, maintaining clarity and impact.
Music Performance: Delivers well-defined vocals and instruments, making it suitable for music playback as well as home theater use.

While it’s not as powerful as larger soundbars like the Sonos Arc, the Beam (Gen 2) punches well above its weight class.

Setup and Usability

Setting up the Beam (Gen 2) is straightforward:

Sonos App: Guides you through the setup process, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network and calibrating sound using Trueplay (iOS only).
Trueplay Tuning: Adjusts the sound profile to suit your room’s acoustics for an optimized listening experience.

The user-friendly app and intuitive controls make the Beam (Gen 2) accessible even for tech novices.

Strengths

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) excels in several areas:

Compact Design: Ideal for smaller spaces without compromising on sound quality.
Dolby Atmos Support: Enhances the cinematic experience.
Sonos Ecosystem: Offers seamless integration with other Sonos devices for a versatile audio setup.
User-Friendly: Easy to set up and control with the Sonos app and voice assistants.

Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, the Beam (Gen 2) has a few limitations:

No Bluetooth: Relies solely on Wi-Fi and HDMI, which may deter users who prefer Bluetooth connectivity.
Limited Bass: While it’s impressive for its size, adding a Sonos Sub is necessary for truly deep bass.
Trueplay Exclusivity: Available only on iOS devices, leaving Android users without room calibration.

Use Cases

The Beam (Gen 2) is perfect for:

Compact Home Theaters: Delivers premium sound in smaller spaces.
Multi-Room Audio: Integrates seamlessly with other Sonos devices for whole-home sound.
Smart Homes: Works as a hub for voice-controlled smart devices.
Music Lovers: Offers detailed and balanced sound for music playback.

Conclusion

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a fantastic choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful soundbar with smart features and exceptional audio performance. Its Dolby Atmos support and integration into the Sonos ecosystem make it a versatile option for both home theater and music lovers. While it’s not as bass-heavy as larger soundbars and lacks Bluetooth, its strengths far outweigh these minor drawbacks.

If you’re looking for a premium soundbar that fits comfortably in smaller spaces without sacrificing quality, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is an excellent investment that delivers a big sound in a small package.