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Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — $499
Sonos

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

$499

86
/ 100
From $499
VS
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) wins by 4
Samsung HW-S801D — $399
Samsung

Samsung HW-S801D

$399

82
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) lands at 86 and Samsung HW-S801D at 82. That puts Sonos Beam (Gen 2) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if…

  • ✓Dolby Atmos on most
  • ✓One-box simplicity
  • ✓eARC passthrough

Pick Samsung HW-S801D if…

  • ✓Dolby Atmos on most
  • ✓One-box simplicity
  • ✓eARC passthrough
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Ease of use

Tie

Compared on the ease of use sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sound

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Compared on the sound sub-score

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) leads on sound (86 vs 82).

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Samsung HW-S801D

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Samsung HW-S801D more score per dollar ($399 vs $499).

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 86
vs
82 Samsung HW-S801D

Score breakdown

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
86
sound 86
features 84
design 84
ease 86
Samsung HW-S801D
82
sound 82
features 80
design 84
ease 86

Specs side-by-side

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) versus Samsung HW-S801D — full spec comparison
Spec Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Samsung HW-S801D

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Pros
  • +Dolby Atmos on most
  • +One-box simplicity
  • +eARC passthrough
Cons
  • −Rear surrounds sold separately on some
  • −App quality varies
  • −Cabinet depth needs space

Samsung HW-S801D

Pros
  • +Dolby Atmos on most
  • +One-box simplicity
  • +eARC passthrough
Cons
  • −Rear surrounds sold separately on some
  • −App quality varies
  • −Cabinet depth needs space

FAQ: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) vs Samsung HW-S801D

Which is better, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Samsung HW-S801D? +

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sonos Beam (Gen 2) worth the price? +

At $499, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Is Samsung HW-S801D worth the price? +

At $399, Samsung HW-S801D delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in ease.

Does Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Samsung HW-S801D last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Samsung HW-S801D? +

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — leads on sound (86 vs 82). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is the better value, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Samsung HW-S801D? +

Samsung HW-S801D — more score per dollar ($399 vs $499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.