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Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — $499
Sonos

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

$499

86
/ 100
From $499
VS
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — Dolby Atmos · HDMI eARC · Compact
Sonos

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Dolby Atmos · HDMI eARC · Compact

86
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) lands at 86 and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if…

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

Pick Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if…

  • ✓Atmos in a compact bar
  • ✓Trueplay room correction
  • ✓Expandable with Sub + rears
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Winner by scenario

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

Design

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Compared on the design sub-score

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) leads on design (92 vs 84).

Ease of use

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Compared on the ease of use sub-score

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) leads on ease (90 vs 86).

Sound

Tie

Compared on the sound sub-score

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

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 86
vs
86 Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Score breakdown

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
86
sound 86
features 84
design 84
ease 86
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
86
sound 86
features 88
design 92
ease 90

Specs side-by-side

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) versus Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — full spec comparison
Spec Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Channels
—
5.0 (virtual Atmos)
Connectivity
—
eARC HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.0

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

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Pros
  • +Atmos in a compact bar
  • +Trueplay room correction
  • +Expandable with Sub + rears
Cons
  • −No upward drivers (virtual Atmos)
  • −No DTS
  • −App glitches

FAQ: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Which is better, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Sonos Beam (Gen 2)? +

Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Sonos Beam (Gen 2) worth the price? +

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

Does Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 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 design, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Sonos Beam (Gen 2)? +

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — leads on design (92 vs 84). Compared on the design sub-score.

Which is better for ease of use, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Sonos Beam (Gen 2)? +

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — leads on ease (90 vs 86). Compared on the ease of use sub-score.