Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review: Smart Soundbar with Dolby Atmos?
Looking for a soundbar that makes your TV shows feel like a movie theater? The Sonos Beam Gen 2 might be your answer. This compact soundbar packs Dolby Atmos support into a sleek frame.
It connects through HDMI eARC and works with Sonos Voice, Alexa, and Google Assistant. You get smart home theater features without extra clutter.
Setup feels simple. The design fits neatly under most TVs. Trueplay tuning adjusts sound to your room automatically.
This second generation model runs on a 40% faster processor. That means smoother performance and quicker responses.
In this review, we break down what works well and what falls short. We compare it to rivals like the JBL 300MK2 and Bose 600.
By the end, you will know if this soundbar fits your living room needs.
In a Nutshell
Here is the quick rundown of what makes the Sonos Beam Gen 2 stand out.
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Dolby Atmos support brings a surround sound feel to your favorite shows and movies. You get height and depth in the audio that flat soundbars cannot match.
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Trueplay room calibration tunes the sound to fit your specific space. This feature adjusts the audio output based on your room’s shape and furniture.
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The soundbar offers wide connectivity through WiFi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. You can stream music from almost any device without hassle.
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Its sleek and modern design fits neatly under most TVs. The compact size does not sacrifice audio quality for a smaller footprint.
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Bass can feel light without a subwoofer. Larger rooms might need an extra unit for deeper low end sound.
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Compared to rivals like the Bose 600 or JBL 300MK2, the Beam Gen 2 offers a balanced mix of features. It sits in a strong spot within the Sonos lineup, below the Sonos Arc Ultra.
Key Features and Specifications
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 packs impressive audio technology into a compact frame. Dolby Atmos support creates a three dimensional sound experience that pulls you into your content. You hear overhead effects that make movies feel immersive.
Trueplay room calibration adapts the sound to your specific space. The soundbar listens to your room and adjusts frequencies automatically. This means the audio sounds optimized whether you have a small bedroom or a large living room.
Connectivity options give you flexibility. The soundbar works with WiFi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. You can stream music from your phone or tablet without touching a remote.
Voice control comes built in. You can use Sonos Voice, Alexa, or Google Assistant to play music, adjust volume, or control smart home devices. No additional hub needed. Your existing TV remote syncs with the soundbar too. This means fewer remotes cluttering your coffee table.
The hardware itself feels modern and slim. It sits under most TVs without blocking the screen. The touch controls on top let you adjust volume or pause playback with a quick tap.
Processing power matters for performance. The Gen 2 model runs on a 40% faster processor than the original Beam. This speed boost helps with responsiveness and audio processing quality.
HDMI eARC connection to your TV keeps cable clutter minimal. One cable handles both video and audio. Your TV remote commands pass through to the soundbar automatically.
The soundbar handles dialogue clarity well. Speech sounds crisp whether you watch news, podcasts, or dramas. Mid range frequencies stay balanced even at higher volumes.
Without a subwoofer, bass response stays modest. Action movies and music with deep bass won’t shake your room. Adding a Sonos Sub later can fix this limitation if you want more low end punch.
The overall package delivers solid performance for a compact soundbar. You get Dolby Atmos, smart home integration, and room calibration in one device. These features make the Beam Gen 2 practical for people who want theater quality sound without major installation work.
- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
Last update on 2026-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 follows a minimalist design philosophy. Its compact frame measures just over 23 inches wide, making it fit comfortably under most television screens without dominating your entertainment setup.
The soundbar’s exterior features a clean, matte black finish. This aesthetic choice keeps the device visually subtle when your TV is off. The front panel houses touch controls that respond to finger taps, letting you adjust volume or skip tracks without reaching for a remote.
Build quality feels solid throughout. The device uses premium materials that resist fingerprints and dust accumulation. The overall construction suggests Sonos invested in durability rather than cutting corners. You won’t hear creaks or rattles when moving the soundbar or adjusting its position.
The rear panel includes all necessary connectivity ports. HDMI eARC sits front and center for TV integration. Additional ports support optical audio input, USB power, and Ethernet if you prefer wired networking over WiFi. This flexibility means older TV models can still connect using alternative methods.
Weight distribution matters for placement. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 tips the scales at approximately 1.3 pounds, making it light enough to mount on a wall if your setup allows. The rubberized base feet prevent sliding on smooth surfaces like glass stands or wooden furniture.
Ventilation design keeps the soundbar cool during extended use. Small vents on the sides allow heat to escape without creating visible gaps that collect dust. This thoughtful engineering extends the device’s lifespan.
The touch controls glow softly when activated, providing visual feedback in dim lighting. This feature works well during movie nights when you need to adjust audio without turning on room lights.
Sonos kept the LED indicator minimal and unobtrusive. A single status light communicates connection status without creating unnecessary distraction. The overall design approach prioritizes function over flashy aesthetics, making the Beam Gen 2 a practical addition to any living room setup.
Audio Performance and Sound Quality
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers impressive audio clarity that punches above its compact size. Dialogue comes through crisp and detailed, making it easy to follow every word in your favorite shows. The soundbar excels at separating voices from background music and effects.
Dolby Atmos support adds depth to your listening experience. Movies and shows with Atmos tracks feel more immersive. You get sound that moves around you rather than just coming from the front. This creates a mini surround sound effect without needing extra speakers everywhere.
The Trueplay room calibration feature makes a real difference. This tool listens to your specific space and adjusts the audio output accordingly. Hard walls reflect sound differently than soft furniture. Trueplay accounts for these differences. Your room gets custom tuning that generic presets cannot match.
Midrange and treble performance shine through clearly. Music sounds balanced across these frequencies. You hear instruments and vocals with good separation. The soundbar handles both dialogue heavy content and music streaming well.
Bass response has limits without additional equipment. The Beam Gen 2 produces decent low end for a soundbar this size. Action scenes get some punch. However, deep bass frequencies stay modest. Heavy bass in music or explosions in movies can feel a bit thin. Adding a Sonos subwoofer later transforms the audio experience completely. The soundbar pairs seamlessly with Sonos subs if you want to upgrade.
Volume levels stay consistent across the board. You can crank up the sound without distortion creeping in at higher volumes. The soundbar maintains clarity even when you push it.
At louder volumes, the bass can become slightly unbalanced compared to the mids and highs. The overall sound signature leans toward clarity rather than bass dominance. This works great for dialogue and vocals. Movie fans who want room shaking bass will notice the gap.
The 40% faster processor in this generation handles audio processing more smoothly. Real time adjustments happen without lag. Streaming audio stays synchronized with your TV picture.
Top 3 Alternatives
Bose Smart Soundbar
- TOTAL IMMERSION, FOR EVERYTHING YOU PLAY: The Bose Dolby Atmos Soundbar features shockingly immersive sound for its...
- ONLY TRUESPACE ELEVATES IT ALL: Bose TrueSpace technology intelligently analyzes signals other than Dolby Atmos...
- BIG-TIME TECH FOR A SMALL SOUNDBAR: This compact soundbar speaker features an acoustic architecture that fits five...
Last update on 2026-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bose Smart Soundbar delivers clear dialogue and balanced sound across movies and music. It connects to your Wi-Fi and works with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. You get a compact design that fits most TV setups without taking up much space.
This soundbar handles streaming apps directly through built-in connectivity. The sound quality focuses on clarity, making voices easy to understand during shows and films. Setup takes just a few minutes with the Bose app on your phone.
Samsung HW-Q60C Soundbar
- Q-SYMPHONY: Amp up your audio with the greatest duo of all time—Samsung TVs paired with Samsung soundbars; With...
- 3.1 CH DOLBY ATMOS SOUND: When you make the jump to three channels, your audio comes alive; Experience captivating...
- ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE: Enjoy all your favorite video content with dynamically optimized audio and enhanced voice...
Last update on 2026-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Samsung’s HW-Q60C brings surround sound capabilities to your living room. This soundbar pairs with wireless rear speakers to create a more immersive audio experience. The Dolby Atmos support adds height to your sound, making action scenes feel more dynamic.
The soundbar includes multiple HDMI ports and optical connections. Voice control works through Alexa and Google Assistant. Samsung TV owners benefit from seamless integration through the SmartThings app. The design fits under most wall-mounted TVs, and setup connects easily through your home network.
LG SN6Y Soundbar
- 3.1 Channel - Take your home entertainment to a new level with 3.1 channels—right, left, center and subwoofer...
- Dolby Audio - Never miss a single detail, no matter where you're watching.
- Crest Design - This soundbar features LG’s new crest design that gives the soundbar a sleek and stylish look...
Last update on 2026-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The LG SN6Y offers a straightforward approach to better TV sound. This soundbar works with LG televisions for simplified pairing and control. You get Dolby Atmos support for movies with immersive audio effects.
Connectivity includes HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth options. The soundbar works with voice assistants for hands-free control. The compact form factor works well in apartments and smaller spaces. LG’s app lets you adjust sound settings and manage connections from your smartphone.
Smart Home Integration and Voice Control
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 connects seamlessly to your smart home ecosystem. You get multiple voice control options right out of the box. Sonos Voice, Alexa, and Google Assistant all work with this soundbar.
Setting up voice commands takes just a few minutes. You speak naturally to control playback, adjust volume, and manage other smart devices. The microphone array picks up your voice even when music plays in the background.
WiFi connectivity keeps your soundbar linked to your home network. Bluetooth lets you stream from phones and tablets quickly. Apple AirPlay 2 support means iPhone and iPad users get instant access to their music libraries.
The real magic happens when you integrate the Beam Gen 2 with other Sonos speakers. You can group rooms together and play different music in each space. The system learns your preferences over time and suggests content you might enjoy.
Your TV remote works with the soundbar through HDMI eARC. This means one remote controls both your television and audio settings. You don’t need separate remotes cluttering your coffee table.
The touch controls on top respond instantly to taps and swipes. A soft glow appears when you activate them, making the interface visible in dark rooms. This design keeps the soundbar looking clean and minimal.
Smart home integration extends beyond just audio. The Beam Gen 2 works with smart lighting systems, thermostats, and security devices. You can create routines that trigger multiple actions with a single voice command.
The 40% faster processor in this generation handles all these smart features without lag. Switching between apps and streaming services happens instantly. Voice recognition improved significantly from the original Beam.
Compatibility remains broad across different smart home brands. Whether you use Amazon, Google, or Apple products, the Beam Gen 2 fits into your existing setup. This flexibility makes it an excellent central hub for your entertainment space.
Setup and Ease of Use
Getting the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ready to use is straightforward and takes just minutes. The soundbar arrives with everything you need in the box, including the power cable and HDMI eARC cable. Simply place it in front of your TV, connect the HDMI cable to your television’s eARC port, and plug in the power.
The initial setup happens through the Sonos app on your smartphone. Download the app, create an account, and follow the on-screen prompts. The app walks you through connecting to your WiFi network step by step. Most users finish this process in under five minutes without any confusion.
Voice control setup is equally simple. You can choose between Sonos Voice, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. Select your preferred option in the app, and the soundbar activates voice features instantly. No additional hardware or complicated configuration needed.
The Trueplay room calibration feature deserves special attention. This tool uses your phone’s microphone to analyze how sound travels through your space. The app measures acoustics and adjusts audio output automatically. You simply hold your phone and move it around the room while the soundbar plays test tones. This process takes about two minutes and makes a noticeable difference in sound quality.
Touch controls on the soundbar’s top surface respond instantly to taps and swipes. You can adjust volume, pause playback, and activate voice control without reaching for a remote. The controls glow softly in dim lighting, making them easy to find.
Your existing TV remote works with the Beam Gen 2 through HDMI eARC. The soundbar syncs automatically, so you control volume and other functions with your familiar remote. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple controllers.
The 40% faster processor in this generation handles all setup tasks and background operations smoothly. You won’t experience lag when switching between apps or adjusting settings. Everything feels responsive and quick throughout the entire experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Delivers clear, detailed sound that fills your room without taking up much space
- Connects instantly to your TV and works with your existing remote through HDMI eARC
- Works with Sonos Voice, Alexa, or Google Assistant for hands-free control
- Compact design fits any entertainment setup without looking bulky
- The 40% faster processor handles audio and smart home tasks smoothly
Cons
- Bass feels thin on its own and really needs a separate subwoofer to shine
- Can’t match the performance of larger soundbars in bigger rooms
- Your TV must have HDMI eARC or the soundbar won’t work properly
- At high volumes, the bass becomes unbalanced compared to the mids and highs
Who Should Buy It
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 works best for people who want a complete audio upgrade without major installation hassles. If your TV has HDMI eARC, this soundbar becomes your ideal choice.
Apartment dwellers and small space lovers should seriously consider this model. The compact design fits neatly under most TVs or on shelves without dominating your room. You get room filling sound without the bulk of larger soundbars.
Cord cutters and streaming enthusiasts will appreciate the seamless integration. The Beam Gen 2 works perfectly with Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and other streaming services. Your existing TV remote controls everything through HDMI eARC, so you don’t juggle multiple remotes.
Smart home enthusiasts find real value here. This soundbar connects with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Sonos Voice. You can control lights, thermostats, and other smart devices through voice commands while enjoying your shows. The 40% faster processor handles all these tasks smoothly without lag.
If you already own Sonos speakers in other rooms, the Beam Gen 2 becomes even smarter. You can group rooms together and play music throughout your home. The system learns your preferences and adapts automatically.
People upgrading from built in TV speakers will notice an immediate difference. The Beam Gen 2 delivers clear dialogue and detailed sound that makes movies and shows more enjoyable. You’ll hear details you missed before.
However, skip this soundbar if you need thundering bass. The speaker alone can’t deliver deep, powerful low frequencies. You’ll want to add a Sonos subwoofer later if bass matters to you.
Large room owners should look elsewhere. This soundbar performs best in living rooms under 400 square feet. Bigger spaces need larger soundbars with more power.
Finally, check your TV first. Your television must support HDMI eARC for this soundbar to work. Without it, you can’t use the full feature set. If your TV has this connection, the Beam Gen 2 becomes an excellent addition to your entertainment setup.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 stands out as a smart choice for modern homes. It blends clean sound with a compact frame. This soundbar fits easily into any living room without stealing the spotlight.
Sound quality remains its biggest strength. Voices sound clear. Music feels balanced. Movies gain depth that built in TV speakers simply cannot offer.
Compared to rivals like the JBL 300MK2 or Bose 600, the Beam Gen 2 holds its own. It offers a more complete smart home package. Its Sonos ecosystem support gives it an edge for future expansion.
If you want cinema level bass, look at the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 or the Sonos Arc Ultra. Both handle larger rooms better. But they also take up more space and need more setup effort.
The Beam Gen 2 shines in its simplicity. You get one soundbar that handles voice control, streaming, and TV audio without extra wires or boxes. This makes it a strong pick for anyone who values ease over raw power.
Software support also adds long term value. Sonos regularly updates its app with new features. This means your soundbar keeps improving even after you bring it home.
For buyers building a whole home audio system, this model connects smoothly with other Sonos speakers. That flexibility makes it more than just a single room solution.
In short, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers strong performance for its size. It fits small to medium rooms perfectly. It suits people who want smart features without complicated installation.
If deep bass matters most to you, pair it with a subwoofer or choose a larger model. But for most households, this soundbar hits a sweet spot between size, sound, and smart functionality.
It earns its place as one of the best compact soundbars available today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 work with my TV?
The Beam Gen 2 needs your TV to have HDMI eARC support. This feature lets the soundbar and TV talk to each other wirelessly through one cable.
Most newer TVs have this port. Check your TV’s manual or settings menu to confirm. If your TV lacks eARC, the soundbar won’t work as intended.
Can I use the Beam Gen 2 without a subwoofer?
Yes, you can use it alone. The soundbar delivers clear voices and balanced mid to high frequencies right out of the box.
However, bass sounds thin without a separate subwoofer. If you enjoy deep, powerful bass, adding a Sonos Sub makes a real difference. For light listening and TV dialogue, the Beam Gen 2 stands on its own.
Which voice assistant works best with this soundbar?
The Beam Gen 2 supports Sonos Voice, Alexa, and Google Assistant. You pick your favorite during setup.
All three options work smoothly for hands-free control. Choose whichever you already use in your home. The soundbar syncs easily with your existing smart home devices.
How does Trueplay calibration work?
Trueplay uses your phone’s microphone to listen to how sound bounces around your room. It then adjusts the audio to fit your specific space.
This feature makes voices clearer and sound more balanced. You only need to run it once, though you can repeat it anytime. The process takes a few minutes and happens through the Sonos app.
Will the Beam Gen 2 work in a large living room?
The Beam Gen 2 performs best in small to medium rooms. Larger spaces need more power than this compact soundbar provides.
If you have a big living room, consider a larger model like the Sonos Arc Ultra for better room coverage.
Sili is a tech reviewer who cuts through the hype to find AI tools and gadgets that make life easier. She shares honest reviews and simple guides for everyday tech users.
