Can a small soundbar like the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) really give you a full audio experience? It has Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2. With a score of 7.4, it’s clear it’s made a big splash in the market. Let’s look into what makes the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) stand out.
Key Takeaways
- The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has a compact design with a 5.0 setup sound configuration
- It supports Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience and has a dialogue enhancement tool for better vocal clarity
- The soundbar is Wi-Fi-enabled and can be controlled via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- It has a room correction feature and a room-specific optimization tool named Trueplay, both available on iOS only
- The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has a price point of $449, which is approximately 13% higher than the original Sonos Beam
- The soundbar has a bigger stereo soundstage compared to the Bose Smart Soundbar and a better construction quality than the Sony HT-A5000
First Impressions and Unboxing Experience
When you open the Sonos Beam Gen 2, you’ll see its compact and light design. It’s perfect for any living room or home theater. The materials used are premium, showing off its quality.
Setting it up is easy, thanks to clear instructions in the quick start guide. You’ll find a power cord, HDMI cable, and guide in the box. The soundbar aims to give you an immersive audio experience.
It has features like Night Sound and Speech Enhancement. Plus, it supports Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2. This makes the Sonos Beam Gen 2 a great choice for improving your home audio.

- Compact and lightweight design
- Sturdy design and premium materials
- Easy initial setup process
- Support for Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2
- Range of accessories, including power cord, HDMI cable, and quick start guide
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a top pick for upgrading your home audio. Its specs and performance are impressive.
Design and Build Quality Assessment
The sonos beam gen 2 design is sleek and modern. It has a compact footprint and low profile, fitting well in any home. It’s made from high-quality materials like aluminum and glass, giving it a premium feel. The sonos beam gen 2 build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy construction that feels durable.
Some of the key features of the sonos beam gen 2 design include:
- Compact footprint, perfect for small to medium-sized rooms
- Low profile, allowing it to fit seamlessly under your TV
- Premium materials, including aluminum and glass
- Wi-Fi connectivity for easy setup and control
The sonos beam gen 2 build quality is also highly functional. It comes with HDMI eARC and Wi-Fi connectivity. You’ll love the attention to detail in the design, from the sleek lines to the intuitive controls. With its sonos beam gen 2 design, you can expect a soundbar that looks and sounds great in your home.

Overall, the sonos beam gen 2 build quality and design make it a top-notch soundbar. Whether you’re watching your favorite TV show or listening to music, you’ll enjoy the exceptional sound quality and sleek design of the sonos beam gen 2.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Materials | Aluminum and glass |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, HDMI eARC |
| Design | Compact footprint, low profile |
Technical Specifications Deep Dive
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a top-notch soundbar with amazing specs. It has a 5.0 speaker setup, giving a wide soundstage. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, perfect for home theaters.
It comes with HDMI eARC and Wi-Fi for easy connections. This makes linking it to various devices a breeze.
The processor in the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is 40% faster than before. This boost in speed improves sound processing. It creates phantom height channels for Dolby Atmos, adding depth to your sound.
It also supports high-resolution sound formats, including Dolby Atmos Music. This means you get the best sound quality.
Speaker Configuration
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has 4 full-range woofers and one tweeter. This setup ensures clear and balanced sound. It’s designed to give you a virtual surround sound experience.
Connectivity Options
The soundbar offers HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and one ethernet port. These options make it easy to connect to TVs, computers, or other devices. You can stream your favorite music or movies with ease.
Power Specifications
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a powerful amplifier. Its range of power specs makes it great for home theaters. With its advanced tech and sound quality, it’s a top pick for upgrading your home audio system.
Setting Up Your Sonos Beam Gen 2
To start enjoying your Sonos Beam Gen 2, you’ll need to set it up. The sonos beam gen 2 setup process is easy to follow. First, connect the soundbar to your TV with an HDMI cable. Then, download the Sonos app and follow the in-app instructions to finish the sonos beam gen 2 installation.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 comes with a quick start guide. It has clear instructions on how to begin. You can also use the Sonos app to set up the soundbar’s settings and customize your listening experience.
Here are the steps for a successful sonos beam gen 2 setup:
- Connect the soundbar to your TV using an HDMI cable
- Download the Sonos app and follow the in-app instructions
- Configure the soundbar’s settings using the Sonos app
Once the sonos beam gen 2 installation is done, you can enjoy your favorite music, movies, and TV shows with better sound quality.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is made for an easy and seamless listening experience. Its simple sonos beam gen 2 setup and intuitive app control let you enjoy your favorite content quickly.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Easy Setup | Simple and straightforward setup process |
| App Control | Intuitive app control for customizing settings and playback |
| Enhanced Sound Quality | Improved sound quality with Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2 support |
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Review: Core Features Analysis
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a top-notch soundbar with amazing features. It has sonos beam gen 2 features like Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2. These features give you an immersive audio experience. Plus, it’s easy to control with voice commands thanks to its sonos beam gen 2 core features.
Some of the key features of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 include:
- Dolby Atmos implementation for a 3D sound experience
- Apple AirPlay 2 integration for easy streaming from iPhone or iPad
- Voice assistant compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is perfect for those wanting a top-quality soundbar. Its advanced sonos beam gen 2 features and sonos beam gen 2 core features offer an immersive audio experience. It’s also easy to use, making it a great addition to any home entertainment system.

| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Provides a 3D sound experience |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Allows for easy streaming from iPhone or iPad |
| Voice Assistant Compatibility | Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2 |
Audio Performance and Sound Quality
The sonos beam gen 2 audio quality is top-notch, with clear and detailed sound. It can handle many audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This provides an immersive audio experience. You can also adjust the sound settings to fit your preferences.
The sonos beam gen 2 sound quality is enhanced by its five-driver multidirectional array. This includes four front-facing elliptical mid-woofers and a central tweeter. It also has three passive radiators for better low-end frequency. This makes the audio experience even more immersive.
Some of the key features of the sonos beam gen 2 include:
- Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats
- Five-driver multidirectional array for improved sound quality
- Three passive radiators for low-end frequency reinforcement
- Customizable sound settings

Overall, the sonos beam gen 2 audio quality and sound quality are excellent. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a high-quality soundbar.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus |
| Drivers | Five-driver multidirectional array |
| Passive Radiators | Three passive radiators for low-end frequency reinforcement |
Smart Home Integration Capabilities
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 makes sonos beam gen 2 smart home integration easy. It comes with sonos beam gen 2 voice control options like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This lets you change settings and play music with just your voice.
The soundbar also has app functionality. This lets you tweak the sound and access music from services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. Plus, it supports multi-room audio. This makes it simple to play music in different rooms.

Some key features of the Sonos Beam Gen 2’s smart home integration include:
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- App functionality for customizing sound and accessing music streaming services
- Multi-room audio support for playing music and other content in multiple rooms
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a top pick for improving your home audio. Its sonos beam gen 2 voice control and app features make it easy to manage your soundbar. Plus, the multi-room audio lets you enjoy music all over your home.
Gaming and Movie Performance
The sonos beam gen 2 gaming performance is top-notch. It offers fast and responsive sound that boosts your gaming fun. You get clear dialogue and deep bass, making games and movies more enjoyable.
For movies, the soundbar provides a wide soundstage and precise sound placement. This creates a movie theater feel at home. It handles fast-paced action sequences and complex soundtracks with ease, making your favorite films unforgettable.
Here are some key features that make the sonos beam gen 2 great for gaming and movies:
- Support for Dolby Atmos, creating a three-dimensional sound experience
- Fast and responsive sound for an immersive gaming experience
- Wide soundstage and precise sound placement for a cinematic experience

In summary, the sonos beam gen 2 is perfect for anyone wanting to upgrade their entertainment. It excels in both gaming and movie performance.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 Gaming Performance | Fast and responsive sound for an immersive gaming experience |
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 Movie Performance | Wide soundstage and precise sound placement for a cinematic experience |
Music Playback Analysis
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers top-notch sound quality, perfect for music enthusiasts. It brings your favorite songs to life with clarity and detail. Its ability to handle various music genres makes for an immersive listening experience.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 shines in its stereo performance, delivering clear and balanced sound. Whether you’re into classical, jazz, or rock, it impresses. You can also customize the sound to match your musical preferences.
Key Features
- Excellent music playback capabilities
- Clear and detailed sound
- Ability to handle a range of music genres
- Customizable sound settings
In summary, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a great pick for boosting your home audio. Its stellar stereo performance and customizable sound ensure your music sounds its best.

| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Music Playback | Excellent sound quality with clear and detailed sound |
| Stereo Performance | Clear and balanced sound that fills the room |
| Customizable Sound | Ability to tailor sound settings to suit your preferences |
Comparison with Competitors
When looking at the sonos beam gen 2, it’s key to compare it with others. Competitors like the Bose Smart Soundbar have similar features and prices. But, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) shines with its top-notch sound quality, making it a favorite for those who want the best.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) costs under $500, which is a great deal for a mid-range soundbar. In contrast, the Bose Smart Soundbar is $599, making the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) a better value. It has also won the What Hi-Fi? Award for three years, proving it’s a top soundbar.
When comparing the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) to others, consider these features:
- Support for Dolby Atmos and 24-bit/48kHz lossless tracks
- Five Class D amplifiers and four front-facing mid-woofers
- Easy setup and use with voice control options
- Compatibility with high-resolution audio formats
The Bose Smart Soundbar is a strong competitor, with features like Dolby Atmos and Bose Personal Surround Sound. But, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is more affordable and offers great sound, making it a top pick.

In conclusion, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a great choice for a mid-range soundbar. It has excellent sound quality and is priced well. Its many awards make it a standout option for those seeking a high-quality soundbar.
| Soundbar | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Under $500 | Dolby Atmos, 24-bit/48kHz lossless tracks, five Class D amplifiers |
| Bose Smart Soundbar | $599 | Two upward-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos, Bose Personal Surround Sound |
Value for Money Assessment
When looking at the sonos beam gen 2, we must compare its features and performance to its price. The sonos beam gen 2 costs $449.99, which is a fair price in the market. It offers great sound, smart home features, and is easy to use, making it a good deal.
The sonos beam gen 2 has advanced sound technologies like Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2. It has five drivers and three passive radiators for clear sound. Its small size and simple setup make it a great choice for easy home audio.
Price Point Analysis
The sonos beam gen 2 is a premium soundbar with a high price. But, its quality and features make it a good investment for top-notch home audio. Its price is also competitive with other soundbars, giving it a great value.
Feature-to-Cost Ratio
To understand the sonos beam gen 2’s value, let’s look at its features and price. It has:
- Dolby Atmos technology for immersive sound
- Apple AirPlay 2 for seamless music streaming
- Smart home integration capabilities for easy control
- Compact design and easy setup process
With these features, the sonos beam gen 2’s price of $449.99 is a good deal. Its feature-to-cost ratio is excellent, making it a smart choice for a quality soundbar.
| Feature | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Immersive sound technology | Included |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Seamless music streaming | Included |
| Smart home integration | Easy control and connectivity | Included |
| Compact design | Elegant and space-saving design | Included |
| Easy setup process | Quick and hassle-free setup | Included |
Real-World Performance Testing
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar performs well in real-world tests. It’s tested with music and movies in various room sizes. Its compact design and advanced speakers offer an immersive sound experience, fitting many uses.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 works best in smaller to medium-sized rooms. It has a flat and neutral frequency response with deep bass. This makes it perfect for rooms about 5 x 5 meters. For more details, check out soundbar reviews to see how it compares to others.
Testing also looks at how it handles different types of content. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and handles content dynamically. It’s great for movies, gaming, and music, making it a top choice for home entertainment.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
When looking at the Sonos Beam Gen 2, it’s key to think about the sonos beam gen 2 pros and cons. This soundbar gives great sound, with Dolby Atmos support, perfect for home theaters. It also has a small design, is easy to use, and works well with smart homes.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 shines with its immersive sound, voice control, and support for playing music in different rooms. Yet, some might find the bass lacking in big spaces. Sonos has a solution, the Sub Mini, to boost the bass when paired with the Beam Gen 2.
Here are some main points to think about when looking at the sonos beam gen 2 pros and cons:
- Excellent audio performance with Dolby Atmos support
- Compact design and ease of use
- Seamless integration with smart home systems
- Limited bass response in larger rooms
- Optional Sub Mini for enhanced bass performance
In the end, the sonos beam gen 2 advantages and disadvantages depend on what you need. If you want top-notch sound and smart home features, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a great pick.
Conclusion
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a top pick for those wanting a soundbar with lots of features. It supports Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2, and works well with smart home systems. Its $449 price is great, considering it’s faster and supports more audio formats than before.
If you’re looking to upgrade or start a home theater, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a great choice. It’s small, easy to set up, and fits well with other Sonos products. Plus, with Dolby Atmos and updates, it keeps your audio experience top-notch for years.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers top-notch sound quality. It supports Dolby Atmos and has Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity. It also integrates well with smart home systems.
What are the technical specifications of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
It has a 5.0 speaker setup. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It also has HDMI eARC and Wi-Fi for connectivity.
How easy is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) to set up and use?
Setting up the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is easy. The quick start guide provides clear instructions. It connects to TVs via HDMI and settings are managed through the Sonos app.
What are the core features of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
It has Dolby Atmos support, Apple AirPlay 2 integration, and works with voice assistants.
How does the audio performance and sound quality of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) compare to other soundbars?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers excellent sound quality. It delivers clear and detailed sound for various audio formats and content types.
What are the smart home integration capabilities of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
It supports voice control, app functionality, and multi-room audio. This makes it easy to integrate into smart home systems.
How does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) perform for gaming and movies?
It excels in gaming and movie performance. It provides fast and immersive sound for an enhanced audio experience.
How does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) perform for music playback?
It offers great music playback. It delivers clear and detailed sound for all music genres.
How does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) compare to other soundbars in its price range?
It offers excellent value for money. Its competitive price and features make it a top choice for a high-quality soundbar.
How does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) perform in real-world testing?
It performs well in real-world testing. It can handle various content types and settings can be adjusted for personal preferences.
What are the pros and cons of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
It has many pros, including great sound quality and smart home integration. It’s easy to set up. But, it might not be best for very large rooms and may need extra speakers for the best sound.


