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Sonos Ray — $279
Sonos

Sonos Ray

$279

80
/ 100
From $279
VS
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) wins by 6
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — $499
Sonos

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

$499

86
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

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

In our weighted Specdex score, Sonos Ray lands at 80 and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) at 86. That puts Sonos Beam (Gen 2) ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sonos Ray if…

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

Pick Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 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.

Design

Tie

Compared on the design 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 80).

Value for money

Sonos Ray

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sonos Ray more score per dollar ($279 vs $499).

Sonos Ray 80
vs
86 Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Score breakdown

Sonos Ray
80
sound 80
features 78
design 84
ease 86
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
86
sound 86
features 84
design 84
ease 86

Specs side-by-side

Sonos Ray versus Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — full spec comparison
Spec Sonos Ray Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Sonos Ray

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
  • +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 Ray vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

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

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sonos Ray worth the price? +

At $279, Sonos Ray delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in ease.

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

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

Does Sonos Ray 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 sound, Sonos Ray or Sonos Beam (Gen 2)? +

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — leads on sound (86 vs 80). Compared on the sound sub-score.

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

Sonos Ray — more score per dollar ($279 vs $499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.