The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Review 2025 reveals why this compact soundbar continues to dominate the mid-range market in 2025. After extensive testing and analysis, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Sonos’ acclaimed Dolby Atmos soundbar, from its impressive audio performance to its smart features and how it compares to the competition.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Design & Build Quality
- Audio Performance & Sound Quality
- Dolby Atmos Experience
- Features & Connectivity
- Setup & User Experience
- Comparisons with Competitors
- Technical Specifications
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict & Recommendations
Quick Verdict {#quick-verdict}
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) remains one of the best compact sound bars available in 2025, earning its reputation as a What Hi-Fi? Award winner and maintaining its position as the top choice for small to medium-sized rooms. Priced at $449/£499, it delivers exceptional value through its combination of impressive audio performance, Dolby Atmos support, and seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Best For: Living rooms up to 55″ TVs, apartment dwellers, music enthusiasts, Sonos ecosystem users
Design & Build Quality {#design-build-quality}
Premium Aesthetics Meet Practical Design
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 maintains the sleek, minimalist design philosophy that made its predecessor so popular. Measuring 25.6″ × 2.6″ × 4.0″ and weighing just 6.2 pounds, this sound bar strikes the perfect balance between presence and discretion.
Key Design Features:
- Polycarbonate Grille: Upgraded from fabric to a durable, easy-to-clean perforated design
- Color Options: Available in Matte Black and Matte White finishes
- Compact Footprint: Fits perfectly under TVs 55″ and smaller
- Touch Controls: Intuitive top-panel controls for volume, play/pause, and microphone mute
The build quality is exceptional, with a solid plastic construction that feels premium despite the affordable price point. The rounded edges and seamless design integration make it an attractive addition to any entertainment setup.
Room Integration & Mounting Options
Unlike many competitors, the Beam Gen 2’s compact dimensions (just 2.6″ tall) ensure it won’t obstruct your TV screen, even when placed directly in front. Wall mounting is supported through optional brackets, though the sound bar’s low profile makes this less necessary than with larger models.
Audio Performance & Sound Quality {#audio-performance}
Impressive Sound Architecture
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 packs remarkable audio technology into its compact frame:
Driver Configuration:
- 4 Elliptical Mid-Woofers: Deliver clear midrange and vocal reproduction
- 1 Center Tweeter: Enhanced for crisp dialogue clarity
- 3 Passive Radiators: Provide low-end reinforcement
- 5 Class-D Amplifiers: Power the complete driver array
Frequency Response & Soundstage
Our testing reveals a balanced frequency response with particular strengths in:
Midrange Excellence: Vocals and dialogue come through with exceptional clarity, making this ideal for TV shows, podcasts, and vocal-heavy music.
Soundstage Performance: The Beam Gen 2’s most impressive feature is its wide soundstage. Using advanced beamforming technology, it creates an audio image that extends well beyond its physical boundaries, rivalling much larger sound bars.
Bass Response: While not earth-shaking, the low-end response is surprisingly robust for a sound bar of this size. The passive radiators provide enough bass foundation for most content, though action movie enthusiasts may want to consider adding the Sonos Sub Mini.
Real-World Performance Testing
Movies & TV: Dialogue remains clear even during action sequences. The sound bar excels with character-driven content and maintains good separation between effects and speech.
Music Performance: The Beam Gen 2 shines as a music speaker, offering detailed reproduction across genres. Jazz, classical, and acoustic music sound particularly engaging, while electronic and hip-hop tracks benefit from the controlled bass response.
Gaming: Low latency and clear audio positioning make this an excellent choice for gaming, with good spatial awareness for competitive titles.
Dolby Atmos Experience {#dolby-atmos}
Virtual Height Technology
The Sonos Beam Gen 2’s Dolby Atmos implementation is one of its most debated features. Unlike larger sound bars with dedicated upward-firing drivers, the Beam Gen 2 uses psychoacoustic processing to create height effects.
How It Works:
- Five Separate Arrays: Two dedicated to height and surround information
- Advanced Processing: 40% faster CPU than the original Beam
- HRTF Technology: Head-related transfer function processing creates perceived height
Atmos Performance Analysis
Realistic Expectations: While the Beam Gen 2 won’t deliver the overhead helicopter effects of a full Atmos system, it creates a convincingly three-dimensional soundstage that enhances immersion significantly over traditional stereo sound bars.
Best Use Cases:
- Ambient Soundtracks: Excels with atmospheric content
- Object Placement: Good lateral movement and depth
- Musical Content: Dolby Atmos Music tracks sound spacious and engaging
Content Compatibility:
- Netflix Dolby Atmos content
- Disney+ and Apple TV+ streaming
- 4K Blu-ray discs via compatible players
- Gaming consoles with Atmos support
Features & Connectivity {#features-connectivity}
Smart Features & Voice Control
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 includes comprehensive smart functionality:
Voice Assistants:
- Amazon Alexa: Built-in with far-field microphones
- Google Assistant: Full integration with Google services
- Sonos Voice Control: Privacy-focused alternative
Streaming Capabilities:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n wireless
- Apple AirPlay 2: Seamless iOS device integration
- Spotify Connect: Direct streaming from Spotify app
- 60+ Music Services: Through Sonos S2 app
Connectivity Options
Physical Connections:
- HDMI eARC: Primary connection for TV audio
- Ethernet Port: Wired network connection option
- HDMI to Optical Adapter: Included for older TVs
- Power Connection: Integrated cable management
Audio Format Support:
- Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus & TrueHD)
- Dolby Digital/Digital Plus
- Dolby TrueHD
- DTS Digital Surround
- Multichannel PCM (up to 7.1)
- Stereo PCM
Notable Limitations:
- No Bluetooth: Wi-Fi only for wireless connectivity
- Single HDMI Port: No pass-through functionality
- No DTS:X Support: Limited to Dolby formats for object-based audio
Setup & User Experience {#setup-experience}
Installation Process
Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is remarkably straightforward:
- Physical Connection: Single HDMI cable to TV’s eARC port
- Sonos S2 App: Download and follow guided setup
- Network Configuration: Connect to Wi-Fi network
- Trueplay Tuning: iOS-only room calibration (highly recommended)
Trueplay Calibration: This unique Sonos feature uses your iPhone or iPad’s microphone to analyse your room’s acoustics and optimize the sound bar’s output accordingly. The difference is immediately noticeable, with improved clarity and better bass management.
App Experience & Control
The Sonos S2 app is widely regarded as the best in the industry:
Key Features:
- Intuitive interface with logical navigation
- Extensive music service integration
- EQ controls (bass and treble adjustment)
- Night Mode and Speech Enhancement
- Multi-room audio management
Additional Controls:
- TV remote compatibility (volume control)
- Voice commands for basic functions
- Touch controls on sound bar itself
Comparisons with Competitors {#comparisons}
Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs. Bose Smart Sound bar 600
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Sound bar 600 |
| Price | $449 | $499 |
| Dolby Atmos | ✅ (Virtual) | ✅ (Virtual) |
| Max Volume | 88.8 dB | 91.2 dB |
| Music Streaming | Extensive | Limited |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google, Sonos | Alexa |
| Ecosystem | Full Sonos system | Limited integration |
Winner: Sonos Beam Gen 2 for overall versatility and ecosystem integration.
Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs. Samsung HW-S60D
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Samsung HW-S60D |
| Price | $449 | $399 |
| Channel Config | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| EQ Options | Basic (2-band) | Advanced (7-band) |
| Bluetooth | ❌ | ✅ |
| Build Quality | Premium | Good |
| Soundstage | Excellent | Good |
Winner: Depends on priorities – Sonos for premium experience, Samsung for value and features.
Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs. Sony HT-S2000
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Sony HT-S2000 |
| Price | $449 | $399 |
| Dolby Atmos | ✅ | ✅ |
| Music Focus | Excellent | Good |
| Smart Features | Comprehensive | Basic |
| Audio Quality | Premium | Very Good |
Winner: Sonos Beam Gen 2 for smart features and music performance; Sony for pure value.
Technical Specifications {#technical-specs}
Complete Specs Overview
| Specification | Details |
| Dimensions | 25.6″ × 2.6″ × 4.0″ (65 × 6.7 × 10.1 cm) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| Driver Configuration | 4 mid-woofers, 1 tweeter, 3 passive radiators |
| Amplification | 5 Class-D amplifiers |
| Frequency Response | 50.4 Hz – 16.7 kHz |
| Max SPL | 88.8 dB |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DD+, TrueHD, DTS, PCM |
| Power Consumption | 115W max, <4W standby |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant, Sonos Voice |
| Wireless | 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 |
| Colors | Matte Black, Matte White |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Pros & Cons {#pros-cons}
Advantages ✅
Audio Performance:
- Exceptional soundstage width for size
- Clear, detailed dialogue reproduction
- Balanced frequency response
- Effective virtual Dolby Atmos
Design & Build:
- Premium build quality and materials
- Compact, TV-friendly dimensions
- Attractive, minimalist aesthetics
- Durable polycarbonate grille
Smart Features:
- Comprehensive streaming service support
- Multiple voice assistant options
- Excellent Sonos S2 app experience
- Seamless ecosystem integration
User Experience:
- Simple setup process
- Reliable wireless performance
- Trueplay room correction (iOS)
- TV remote compatibility
Disadvantages ❌
Connectivity Limitations:
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Single HDMI port (no pass-through)
- No additional analog inputs
- Limited to Wi-Fi for wireless audio
Audio Limitations:
- No dedicated upward-firing drivers
- Limited low-end extension without subwoofer
- No DTS:X support
- Compression at maximum volume
Feature Gaps:
- Trueplay requires iOS device
- No advanced EQ options
- Higher price than some competitors
- Limited standalone bass performance
Who Should Buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2 {#who-should-buy}
Ideal Candidates ✅
Perfect For:
- Apartment Dwellers: Compact size with impressive performance
- Music Enthusiasts: Excellent streaming capabilities and audio quality
- Sonos Ecosystem Users: Seamless integration with existing Sonos products
- TV Sizes 32″-55″: Proportionally appropriate sizing
- Smart Home Users: Comprehensive voice control options
- Quality-Conscious Buyers: Premium build and audio quality
Consider Alternatives If ❌
Look Elsewhere If You:
- Need Maximum Bass: Consider adding Sub Mini or choosing Arc Ultra
- Want Multiple HDMI Inputs: Need pass-through capabilities
- Prefer Bluetooth: Require wireless connectivity beyond Wi-Fi
- Have Very Large Rooms: May need more powerful sound bar
- Budget is Primary Concern: More affordable options available
- Want True Atmos Height: Need dedicated upward-firing drivers
Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}
Q: Does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 work without internet?
A: The Beam Gen 2 requires internet for initial setup and streaming services, but can play audio from TV via HDMI without internet connection. However, most smart features require Wi-Fi connectivity.
Q: Can I add a subwoofer to the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
A: Yes, the Beam Gen 2 is compatible with both the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and the newer Sub Mini. The Sub Mini is particularly well-matched for size and performance balance.
Q: How does Trueplay tuning work?
A: Trueplay uses your iOS device’s microphone to analyse your room’s acoustics while you walk around with the device. The sound bar then adjusts its output to optimize performance for your specific space.
Q: Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth upgrading from the original Beam?
A: The upgrade is worthwhile if you want Dolby Atmos support and improved processing. However, if you’re satisfied with your original Beam’s performance, the upgrade isn’t essential.
Q: What’s the difference between the Beam Gen 2 and Arc?
A: The Arc is larger, more expensive, and has dedicated upward-firing drivers for better Atmos performance. The Beam Gen 2 is more compact and budget-friendly while still offering good virtual Atmos.
Q: Can I use the Sonos Beam Gen 2 for gaming?
A: Yes, the Beam Gen 2 works well for gaming with low latency and clear audio positioning. It supports various gaming audio formats through HDMI eARC.
Q: Does it support 4K HDR pass-through?
A: No, the Beam Gen 2 doesn’t have HDMI passthrough capability. It receives audio from your TV via the single HDMI eARC connection.
Q: How loud does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 go?
A: The maximum output is 88.8 dB SPL, which is sufficient for most living rooms but may not be adequate for very large spaces or those who prefer very high volumes.
Final Verdict & Recommendations {#final-verdict}
Overall Assessment
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) continues to excel in 2025 as the premium choice in the compact sound bar category. While it faces increased competition from brands like Bose, Samsung, and Sony, its combination of audio quality, smart features, and ecosystem integration maintains its competitive edge.
Value Proposition: At $449, the Beam Gen 2 represents excellent value for buyers who prioritize audio quality, build quality, and comprehensive smart features over raw power or extensive connectivity options.
Final Ratings
| Category | Rating | Comments |
| Audio Quality | 9/10 | Exceptional for size, clear dialogue, wide soundstage |
| Build Quality | 9/10 | Premium materials and construction |
| Features | 8/10 | Comprehensive smart features, lacks some connectivity |
| Value | 8/10 | Premium price justified by quality and features |
| User Experience | 9/10 | Excellent app, easy setup, reliable performance |
Purchase Recommendations
Buy if you want:
- The best compact sound bar for music and TV
- Seamless smart home integration
- Premium build quality and brand reliability
- Room to expand into full Sonos ecosystem
Consider alternatives if:
- Budget is the primary concern
- You need extensive connectivity options
- Maximum bass output is essential
- You prefer traditional remote control over apps
Best Deals: Look for seasonal sales where the Beam Gen 2 often drops to $379-399, making it an even more compelling value proposition.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) remains our top recommendation for compact Dolby Atmos sound bars in 2025, successfully balancing performance, features, and value in a premium package that continues to set the standard for the category.