Sonos Beam Gen 1 vs Gen 2: Which Soundbar Should You Choose?

When it comes to upgrading your home audio system, Sonos has long been known for its premium sound quality and seamless integration with smart home technology. Among their popular offerings, the Sonos Beam soundbar has become a top choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful solution to enhance their TV and music listening experience. With two versions available — the original Sonos Beam Gen 1 and the newer Sonos Beam Gen 2 — it can be difficult to choose the best model for your needs. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between the two, examining design, sound quality, features, and overall value to help you decide which soundbar is the right fit for your home entertainment setup.

1. Sonos Beam Sound Bar

The Sonos Beam Smart TV Soundbar offers a fantastic combination of convenience, design, and quality sound in a compact form. With its integration of Amazon Alexa, users can easily control the soundbar with their voice, providing hands-free operation for tasks such as playing music, checking the news, and setting alarms. Its setup process is impressively straightforward, as the soundbar requires only two cords and automatic remote detection. Additionally, the Sonos Beam has been specially tuned by Oscar-winning sound engineers to prioritize the clarity of human voices, ensuring crisp dialogue for movies and TV shows. The soundbar’s ability to wirelessly connect with other Sonos speakers around the home provides an immersive listening experience that can extend beyond just your TV room.

On the downside, some users have noted mixed feelings about the overall build quality and connectivity. While it excels in sound performance for its size, the value for money might feel questionable to some given its price point. Furthermore, despite its compact size, the soundstage may not fully satisfy those looking for a more powerful, deep bass experience. The Sonos Beam is an excellent choice for those prioritizing simplicity, voice control, and a clean, modern design, but those seeking a more robust sound might want to explore other options.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Compact design for easy placement.
2. Voice control with Amazon Alexa integration.
3. Oscar-winning sound engineering for enhanced voice clarity.
4. Quick and easy setup with automatic remote detection.
5. Wireless connectivity with other Sonos speakers in the house.

Pros:

1. Crisp and clear dialogue for TV and movies.
2. Simple setup with minimal cords.
3. Voice control adds convenience.
4. Seamless integration with other Sonos speakers.
5. Ideal for small spaces with its compact form factor.

Cons:

1. Build quality may not meet expectations.

2. Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar offers an exceptional audio experience that elevates both your TV watching and music listening sessions. With Dolby Atmos support, it creates a three-dimensional soundstage that enhances the depth and spatial quality of movies and shows, providing an immersive surround sound experience. The soundbar delivers vibrant bass and crystal-clear dialogue, making it ideal for any media. Setup is a breeze, requiring only two cables, and the Sonos app guides users through the process while Trueplay tuning automatically adjusts the sound for optimal performance. Additionally, the ability to stream music and podcasts even when the TV is off adds a level of versatility, making it a great all-around speaker.

While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels in sound quality and ease of use, some users have reported connectivity issues, particularly with app compatibility and Wi-Fi connections. Despite these minor drawbacks, the soundbar integrates smoothly with other Sonos products, allowing for future system expansion to achieve true surround sound. However, at its price point, some customers question its overall value, especially considering that it might not deliver the most robust low-end bass compared to larger sound systems.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Dolby Atmos for 3D surround sound.
2. Vibrant bass and crystal-clear dialogue.
3. Easy setup with step-by-step guidance from the Sonos app.
4. Seamless integration with other Sonos speakers for multi-room listening.
5. Streaming capabilities for music, radio, and podcasts.

Pros:

1. Immersive sound with Dolby Atmos.
2. Quick and easy setup process.
3. Versatile streaming options.
4. Clear dialogue and vibrant bass.
5. Expands easily with other Sonos products.

Cons:

1. Bass may not be as deep as larger systems.

Sonos Beam Gen 1 vs Gen 2: A Detailed Comparison

The Sonos Beam has become a go-to choice for individuals looking for a compact soundbar that delivers exceptional sound quality. With two versions available — Gen 1 and Gen 2 — it’s important to understand the differences between the two models to determine which one suits your needs better.

Design and Build

Sonos Beam Gen 1: The original Sonos Beam is a sleek, compact soundbar designed to fit easily into most living spaces. It has a minimalist look with a fabric-covered front, and it is available only in black and white. The size of Gen 1 makes it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, offering a tidy, unobtrusive appearance beneath your TV. The Beam Gen 1 is wall-mountable, and it’s designed to complement modern TV setups.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 retains the same compact size and sleek aesthetic, but it comes with a few notable upgrades. The biggest difference is the inclusion of a new glossy finish, which gives it a more polished and premium feel. Like the first generation, the Gen 2 is also available in black and white and can be mounted to the wall. The enhanced build quality and modern design make it a standout piece in any living room setup.

Key Features Comparison

Feature	Sonos Beam Gen 1	Sonos Beam Gen 2
Dolby Atmos	No	Yes
Max Output Power	120 Watts	200 Watts
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI
Voice Assistant Integration	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Trueplay Tuning	No	Yes (Smart Trueplay)
Setup	Quick, app-guided	Quick, app-guided with Trueplay
Sound Quality	Clear dialogue and decent bass	Enhanced bass, immersive soundstage

Sound Quality

Sonos Beam Gen 1: The sound quality of the Sonos Beam Gen 1 is excellent for its size. It offers clear dialogue, making it great for TV shows and movies, but it lacks the depth of sound that larger soundbars offer. The bass is adequate but not as powerful as some users might expect. While the Gen 1 Beam does a decent job in smaller rooms, those seeking a richer bass response and broader soundstage might find it lacking.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: Sonos Beam Gen 2 takes a major leap in sound quality. The addition of Dolby Atmos support provides a 3D surround sound experience, which significantly enhances the overall listening experience. This technology creates a more immersive environment by delivering sound from above and around, making movie nights more dynamic. The Gen 2 also offers better bass performance, thanks to its higher maximum output power (200 Watts), which adds to the overall punchiness of the sound. The clarity of dialogue and music is further enhanced by the smart Trueplay tuning, which adjusts the sound based on the room’s acoustics for optimal performance.

Performance and Features

Sonos Beam Gen 1: The Gen 1 Beam offers great connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and HDMI ARC for easy connection to your TV. The soundbar integrates well with the Sonos ecosystem, so if you already own other Sonos products, expanding your system to include the Beam Gen 1 is a breeze. It can also be controlled by voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, it lacks advanced features like Dolby Atmos and Smart Trueplay, which limits its performance in larger rooms or with more demanding audio content.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: The Gen 2 Beam improves on its predecessor by adding Dolby Atmos, a feature that is crucial for users who want an immersive, cinematic sound experience. The soundbar is also compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, offering more flexibility in how you stream content. Trueplay tuning is a significant upgrade, allowing for automatic calibration based on your room’s acoustics. The integration of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant remains a highlight, offering seamless voice control. Moreover, the higher power output of 200 Watts ensures that it can handle larger spaces better than Gen 1, delivering more powerful and balanced sound.

Setup and Ease of Use

Sonos Beam Gen 1: Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 1 is quick and straightforward. It comes with a minimalistic setup guide and only requires connecting to power, HDMI, or Ethernet. The Sonos app assists with the setup and makes it easy to get everything up and running in just a few minutes. While it doesn’t have Trueplay tuning, the setup is still user-friendly, and most users can easily adjust settings to their liking.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: Like the Gen 1, the Gen 2 Beam is very easy to set up, with the Sonos app providing step-by-step instructions. The standout feature here is Trueplay tuning, which adjusts the soundbar’s sound based on the specific acoustics of your room. This ensures that the sound is optimized, delivering the best audio performance possible. The app also offers more advanced settings, making the Gen 2 more flexible and customizable than its predecessor.

Value for Money

Sonos Beam Gen 1: The Sonos Beam Gen 1 is more affordable compared to the Gen 2. It offers great sound and features at a lower price point, making it a solid option for those looking for a compact soundbar without breaking the bank. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features found in Gen 2, such as Dolby Atmos and Smart Trueplay.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is priced higher than the Gen 1, but it justifies the cost with its enhanced features, including Dolby Atmos support, more powerful sound output, and Trueplay tuning. If you’re looking for an all-around premium sound experience, the Gen 2 provides better value in the long run, especially for those who want a more immersive sound system or are setting it up in a larger room.

FAQ

What are the main differences between Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2?

The main differences between the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 are related to sound quality, features, and overall performance. The Gen 2 model includes support for Dolby Atmos, which provides a 3D surround sound experience, making it a better option for movie lovers who want more immersive audio. Additionally, Gen 2 features improved bass output and the inclusion of Smart Trueplay tuning, which adjusts the sound based on your room’s acoustics. Gen 1, on the other hand, is more budget-friendly but lacks these advanced features.

Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth the extra cost over Gen 1?

Yes, if you’re seeking the best possible audio experience with advanced features like Dolby Atmos and Trueplay tuning, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is definitely worth the extra cost. The improvements in sound quality and the ability to create a more immersive listening experience make it a great investment for those who want a premium sound system. However, if you’re primarily looking for a budget-friendly option and don’t need the latest sound technology, the Gen 1 still offers excellent performance for a lower price.

How easy is it to set up the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2?

Both the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 are easy to set up, with a simple process guided by the Sonos app. The soundbars require minimal cables (just power and HDMI) and can be up and running in a few minutes. The app provides step-by-step instructions, making it accessible for anyone, even those who aren’t tech-savvy. The Gen 2 model includes the added benefit of Trueplay tuning, which further optimizes sound for your room’s acoustics, making setup even more tailored to your environment.

Can I use the Sonos Beam with other Sonos speakers?

Yes, both the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 can be integrated into a larger Sonos system. They work seamlessly with other Sonos speakers to create a multi-room audio experience, so you can enjoy the same high-quality sound throughout your home. Additionally, you can pair them with other Sonos products to expand your system and create a true surround sound setup.

How does the Sonos Beam perform for music listening?

Both the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 perform well for music listening, but the Gen 2 offers a richer, more immersive sound. With Dolby Atmos and improved bass, the Gen 2 enhances the music experience, making it feel more dynamic and lifelike. While the Gen 1 also offers clear sound and decent bass for its size, the Gen 2’s superior audio technology makes it a better option for music enthusiasts looking for a premium listening experience.

Final Verdict

Both the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 are excellent choices, but the Gen 2 offers a significantly improved audio experience with its Dolby Atmos support, enhanced soundstage, and better bass. If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality and are willing to pay a premium for it, the Gen 2 is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest features, the Gen 1 still offers solid performance and value.