Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review: Is the Smart Integration Worth It?

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 stands as a testament to how smart engineering can deliver big sound from a small package. This compact soundbar has revolutionized home audio by bringing Dolby Atmos technology to living rooms without breaking the bank or overwhelming your entertainment setup.

After spending considerable time testing this impressive device, we can confidently say it represents one of the best value propositions in the soundbar market today.

The Beam Gen 2 combines exceptional sound quality, seamless streaming capabilities, and intelligent design in a package that fits perfectly with modern TVs and lifestyles.

Key Takeaways

• Outstanding Dolby Atmos Performance: Delivers immersive 3D audio without upward-firing speakers through advanced psychoacoustic processing
• Compact Yet Powerful Design: Measures just 25.6 inches wide, making it perfect for smaller to medium-sized TVs while delivering surprisingly robust sound
• Seamless Music Streaming: Built-in WiFi connectivity supports major streaming services including Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Amazon Music Ultra HD
• Smart Voice Control Integration: Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free operation
• Exceptional Dialogue Clarity: Enhanced center tweeter ensures crystal-clear speech reproduction for movies and TV shows
• Easy Multiroom Expansion: Integrates effortlessly with other Sonos products to create a complete home audio ecosystem

What Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 represents the second generation of Sonos’ popular compact soundbar series. Released in October 2021, this 5.0 channel soundbar features significant improvements over its predecessor while maintaining the sleek, minimalist design that made the original Beam so popular.

At its core, the Beam Gen 2 houses five custom-designed drivers arranged in a sophisticated array. The setup includes four elliptical mid-woofers and one enhanced center tweeter, all powered by individual Class-D amplifiers. Three passive radiators provide additional low-frequency reinforcement, helping this compact unit deliver surprisingly deep bass response.

The most significant upgrade from the original Beam is the addition of Dolby Atmos support. Unlike larger soundbars that use upward-firing speakers, the Beam Gen 2 employs advanced psychoacoustic processing and HRTF (head-related transfer function) technology to create the illusion of height and surround sound.

This innovative approach allows the soundbar to deliver immersive three-dimensional audio while maintaining its compact footprint. The result is a soundbar that can fit seamlessly into any living space without compromising on audio performance.

Design and Build Quality Excellence

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 showcases premium construction that reflects the company’s attention to detail. Measuring 25.6 inches wide, 4.1 inches deep, and 2.7 inches tall, it strikes the perfect balance between presence and discretion.

The most noticeable design change from the original Beam is the perforated polycarbonate grille that replaces the fabric covering. This new grille not only looks more modern and sophisticated but also proves more durable and easier to clean. The matte finish options in both black and white allow the soundbar to complement virtually any home decor.

Build quality feels exceptional throughout, with solid construction that inspires confidence. The curved edges soften the overall appearance, preventing the soundbar from looking too angular or technical. Even the cable management has been thoughtfully considered, with color-matched HDMI and power cords that blend seamlessly with your chosen finish.

The top surface features intuitive touch controls with LED indicators that provide visual feedback without being distracting during movie viewing. The controls are responsive and well-positioned, though most users will likely rely on the companion app for detailed settings adjustments.

Top 3 Alternatives for Sonos Beam Gen 2

Audio Performance That Exceeds Expectations

The sound quality of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 consistently impresses across all types of content. The enhanced center tweeter delivers exceptionally clear dialogue, making it perfect for TV shows, movies, and podcasts. Even in complex soundtracks with multiple overlapping elements, voices remain intelligible and well-positioned.

Music reproduction showcases remarkable balance across the frequency spectrum. The soundbar handles everything from delicate acoustic tracks to dense orchestral arrangements with impressive competence. The timing feels natural, and the soundstage extends well beyond the physical boundaries of the unit itself.

Bass response deserves special mention for a soundbar of this size. While it cannot match dedicated subwoofer systems, the three passive radiators provide surprising low-end extension. The bass feels controlled and musical rather than boomy or overwhelming, maintaining clarity even at higher volume levels.

Dynamic range handling proves excellent, with the Beam Gen 2 capably managing both quiet intimate moments and explosive action sequences. The soundbar maintains composure across different volume levels, making it suitable for both late-night viewing and full-volume movie marathons.

Dolby Atmos Without the Height Speakers

The Dolby Atmos implementation in the Beam Gen 2 represents engineering innovation at its finest. Rather than relying on upward-firing drivers like many competitors, Sonos uses sophisticated signal processing to create the illusion of height and surround sound.

This approach yields several advantages. Object-based audio tracking feels remarkably precise, with sounds moving smoothly across the soundstage. The processing creates a convincing sense of width and depth that enhances immersion without sounding artificial or processed.

Height effects work better than expected given the lack of dedicated upward-firing speakers. While you won’t experience the dramatic overhead effects of larger Atmos systems, the Beam Gen 2 creates a believable sense of vertical space that adds dimensionality to movie soundtracks.

The soundbar excels particularly with dialogue-heavy content and atmospheric soundscapes. Rain, wind, and ambient environmental sounds gain realistic spatial placement that draws you deeper into the viewing experience.

Connectivity and Smart Features Integration

Modern connectivity defines the Sonos Beam Gen 2 experience. The HDMI eARC connection ensures compatibility with the latest TV audio formats while maintaining simplicity with a single cable connection. Setup proves remarkably straightforward, with most TVs recognizing the soundbar immediately.

WiFi connectivity opens up extensive streaming possibilities. The soundbar supports all major music services through direct integration, eliminating the need for separate streaming devices. Apple AirPlay 2 support allows seamless casting from iOS devices, while Spotify Connect enables direct streaming from the popular music service.

Voice control integration works smoothly with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The far-field microphones prove responsive and accurate, allowing natural voice commands for volume control, music selection, and smart home integration.

The Sonos S2 app serves as the control center for all settings and features. Room calibration through Trueplay technology optimizes the sound for your specific space, though this feature currently requires an iOS device for setup.

Setup Process and User Experience

Getting the Sonos Beam Gen 2 operational proves refreshingly simple. Physical installation takes minutes, requiring only the HDMI eARC connection and power cable. The soundbar automatically communicates with compatible TVs to configure audio settings appropriately.

App-based setup guides users through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. The process includes WiFi network connection, account creation, and room calibration if desired. Most users can complete the entire setup process in under fifteen minutes.

The Trueplay room calibration deserves special attention for its effectiveness. Using an iOS device’s microphone, the system analyzes your room’s acoustics and adjusts the soundbar’s output accordingly. The difference proves immediately audible, with noticeably improved clarity and balance.

Daily operation feels intuitive once configured. TV remote integration works seamlessly, allowing volume control without additional remotes. The soundbar powers on and off automatically with your TV, creating a seamless user experience.

Streaming Services and Music Performance

The streaming capabilities set the Sonos Beam Gen 2 apart from many competitors. Direct service integration eliminates the need for external devices for music listening. Support for high-resolution audio through Amazon Music Ultra HD ensures excellent sound quality for critical listening.

Music performance proves exceptional across genres. Jazz recordings showcase impressive instrument separation and natural timbre reproduction. Rock and pop tracks maintain energy and impact while preserving detail and clarity. Classical music benefits from the wide soundstage and accurate dynamics.

The soundbar handles compressed streaming formats gracefully, making even lower-quality sources sound better than expected. The sophisticated processing helps mask compression artifacts while enhancing overall listenability.

Multiroom functionality extends the experience throughout your home when combined with other Sonos products. Music can flow seamlessly from room to room, creating a cohesive whole-home audio experience.

Voice Control and Smart Home Integration

Voice control implementation in the Beam Gen 2 feels mature and reliable. Amazon Alexa integration provides comprehensive functionality including music control, smart home commands, and general queries. The soundbar responds accurately to voice commands even in noisy environments.

Google Assistant support offers similar capabilities with slightly different command syntax. Both assistants work reliably for basic soundbar functions like volume adjustment and music selection.

Privacy considerations receive appropriate attention with physical microphone disable buttons located on the top panel. This hardware switch provides complete microphone disconnection for users concerned about always-listening devices.

Smart home integration extends beyond basic voice control. The soundbar can serve as a hub for compatible smart home devices while providing audio feedback for various automated routines and notifications.

Room Size Compatibility and Placement

The Beam Gen 2 proves remarkably adaptable to different room sizes and configurations. Small to medium-sized rooms benefit most from its compact design and focused audio delivery. Larger spaces may require additional components for optimal performance.

Placement flexibility accommodates various setups. The soundbar works well on TV stands, wall-mounted below displays, or integrated into media centers. The low profile ensures it won’t block TV sensors or interfere with screen visibility.

Acoustic performance scales appropriately with room size. Smaller spaces benefit from the controlled dispersion that prevents overwhelming reflections. Larger rooms can take advantage of the wide soundstage projection without losing clarity or impact.

Wall mounting proves straightforward with compatible brackets available separately. The mounting system maintains the clean aesthetic while providing secure installation for various wall types.

Expandability and Ecosystem Integration

The true power of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 emerges when integrated into the broader Sonos ecosystem. Adding wireless surrounds like the Era 100 speakers transforms the soundbar into a true surround sound system without additional wiring.

Sub Mini integration provides substantial bass extension for users wanting more low-frequency impact. The wireless subwoofer connects seamlessly through the Sonos app, with automatic calibration ensuring optimal integration.

Full surround system expansion creates impressive home theater performance rivaling much more expensive dedicated systems. The modular approach allows gradual system building based on budget and space requirements.

Whole-home audio integration enables music streaming throughout multiple rooms with synchronized playback and individual volume control. This capability transforms the Beam Gen 2 from a simple soundbar into part of a comprehensive home audio solution.

Comparing with Previous Generation

The improvements over the original Beam prove substantial and immediately noticeable. Dolby Atmos support alone justifies the upgrade for users seeking immersive audio experiences. The enhanced processing power delivers cleaner sound with better dynamics.

Bass extension shows marked improvement thanks to the redesigned driver array and enhanced digital signal processing. The Gen 2 reaches deeper into the low frequencies while maintaining better control and definition.

Dialogue clarity receives significant enhancement through the improved center tweeter design. Speech intelligibility improves noticeably, particularly in complex soundtracks with multiple audio elements competing for attention.

The updated app experience provides more detailed control and better integration with streaming services. New features and capabilities continue arriving through software updates, extending the soundbar’s capabilities over time.

Price Value Analysis and Market Position

At its current price point, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 represents excellent value for the features and performance delivered. The combination of Dolby Atmos support, streaming integration, and build quality proves difficult to match at similar price points.

Competitive analysis reveals few direct rivals offering the same combination of compact design, advanced features, and ecosystem integration. While alternatives may excel in specific areas, none match the overall package the Beam Gen 2 provides.

Long-term value consideration benefits from Sonos’ commitment to software updates and feature additions. The soundbar continues improving through firmware updates, ensuring relevance and capability growth over time.

Investment protection comes through the modular ecosystem approach. Initial purchase serves as foundation for gradual system expansion rather than requiring complete replacement for enhanced performance.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite its many strengths, the Beam Gen 2 has notable limitations potential buyers should consider. The lack of additional HDMI inputs may frustrate users with multiple source devices requiring direct soundbar connection.

DTS:X format support remains absent, limiting compatibility with some Blu-ray discs and streaming content. While most modern content uses Dolby formats, this omission may disappoint home theater enthusiasts with extensive disc collections.

Bass extension limitations become apparent when compared to soundbars with dedicated subwoofers. While impressive for its size, the Beam Gen 2 cannot match the low-frequency impact of larger systems.

Premium pricing may deter budget-conscious buyers despite the value proposition. The initial investment requires commitment to the Sonos ecosystem for maximum benefit realization.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 successfully balances compact design with impressive performance in ways few competitors achieve. Its sophisticated approach to Dolby Atmos delivery proves that upward-firing speakers aren’t always necessary for immersive audio experiences.

Exceptional dialogue clarity and music performance make it suitable for all types of content consumption. The streaming integration and smart features provide modern convenience while maintaining audio quality focus.

Ecosystem expandability ensures the initial investment can grow into a comprehensive home audio solution over time. This modular approach provides flexibility rarely found in traditional soundbar offerings.

For users seeking a premium compact soundbar with room to grow, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 represents an outstanding choice that will satisfy both immediate needs and future expansion desires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 work with all TV brands?

Yes, the Beam Gen 2 works with virtually all modern TVs through its HDMI eARC connection. Most TVs from the past five years support eARC functionality for optimal compatibility.

Can I use the Beam Gen 2 without WiFi connection?

While basic audio playback works without WiFi, you’ll miss most of the soundbar’s advanced features including streaming services, voice control, and software updates. WiFi connection is highly recommended for full functionality.

How does the Beam Gen 2 compare to soundbars with dedicated subwoofers?

The Beam Gen 2 delivers impressive bass for its size but cannot match dedicated subwoofer systems for deep low-frequency impact. Consider adding the Sonos Sub Mini for enhanced bass performance if needed.

Is the Trueplay calibration really necessary?

Trueplay calibration provides noticeable improvements in most rooms by optimizing the sound for your specific space. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for best performance and currently requires an iOS device.

Can I add wireless surrounds to the Beam Gen 2 later?

Absolutely. The Sonos ecosystem allows easy addition of wireless surrounds like the Era 100 speakers and subwoofers through the app without additional wiring or complex setup procedures.

Last update on 2026-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API