In 2025, the demand for smart, compact, and powerful audio solutions continues to soar—and the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) emerges as one of the best smart soundbars available today. Whether you’re watching blockbuster movies, binging your favorite TV shows, or streaming high-fidelity music, this smart soundbar elevates your living room into a cinematic experience.
This comprehensive Sonos Beam Gen 2 review explores everything from design and features to performance and setup tips, helping you understand why it’s one of the top contenders in the smart sound system market.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) maintains a minimalist aesthetic, wrapped in a sleek polycarbonate grille that blends seamlessly into modern home decor. At just 25.6 inches wide, it’s ideal for tight spaces without compromising on performance.
Its size and shape make it suitable for wall-mounting or placement on a console just below your television. The tactile controls are intuitive, but most users will opt for voice commands or the mobile app.
Why It Stands Out
1. Dolby Atmos Technology: Adds Spatial Sound Dimension
One of the standout features of the Gen 2 Beam is its support for Dolby Atmos soundbar technology. With virtual height channels, the Beam creates a more immersive audio experience, bouncing sound off your walls and ceilings to simulate overhead effects—perfect for thrilling action sequences or concert-like music.
Compared to standard stereo sound, Dolby Atmos adds a new depth, especially when watching content from platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+.
2. Smart Voice Control: Hands-Free Operation with Alexa and Google Assistant
Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant give the Beam Gen 2 a powerful edge. Control volume, skip tracks, get weather updates, or manage smart home devices with just your voice. This functionality makes it more than just a soundbar—it becomes your living room’s voice-controlled command center.
3. Compact Design: Perfect for Smaller Spaces
Unlike bulkier sound systems, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is designed to deliver big sound without dominating your space. Its refined footprint makes it ideal for condos, bedrooms, or home offices, where space-saving is crucial.
4. HDMI eARC: High-Quality Audio and Single-Cable Connection
The inclusion of HDMI eARC means the Beam Gen 2 can handle higher bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos, all while using a single HDMI cable. This simplifies setup while maximizing performance, making it an easy choice for those looking to upgrade without a complicated installation.
Sound Performance
Despite its compact size, the Beam Gen 2 delivers room-filling sound. Thanks to a custom-designed array of five speakers (including a center tweeter and four elliptical midwoofers), it produces rich midrange and crisp dialogue.
With its updated CPU, the soundbar supports phased array beamforming, ensuring a wider soundstage and better localization of effects. For movies, it brings clear dialogue and impactful sound effects. For music, expect well-balanced bass, smooth mids, and detailed highs.
It lacks a dedicated subwoofer, but its performance in smaller rooms still surprises many users. You can also pair it with the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) or Sonos One SL speakers for full surround sound.
Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs Arc Comparison
If you’re stuck choosing between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs Arc, here are key differences:
| Feature | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$450 | ~$899 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Size | 25.6 inches | 45 inches |
| Ideal for | Smaller rooms | Large spaces |
| Subwoofer Included | No | No |
The Beam is better suited for compact living areas and budget-conscious buyers, while the Arc delivers more power for expansive home theaters.
Setup Tips
Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is refreshingly simple:
Positioning: Place the soundbar just under your TV with no obstruction.
Connection: Use the included HDMI cable and connect to your TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port.
App Setup: Download the Sonos app on your smartphone to complete the setup.
Voice Assistant: Choose either Alexa or Google Assistant and follow the prompts to link your account.
Optional: Use Trueplay Tuning (iOS only) to auto-calibrate the speaker for your room acoustics.
How to Connect Sonos Beam to Alexa
Open the Sonos app and go to “Settings.”
Tap on “Services & Voice” > “Add a Voice Assistant.”
Choose Amazon Alexa.
Log into your Amazon account and follow the steps.
Done! You can now say things like “Alexa, play jazz in the living room.”
Integration with Smart Home Ecosystems
The Beam Gen 2 supports Apple AirPlay 2, enabling quick casting from iPhones, iPads, or Macs. It’s also compatible with Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and smart TVs, making it a hub of your connected home.
You can even use routines or automations, such as turning on the soundbar when you say “Movie time” or having it lower the volume when a smart doorbell rings.
Is It the Best Smart Soundbar of 2025?
If you’re looking for the best smart soundbar 2025 under $500, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ticks nearly all boxes:
Premium sound with Dolby Atmos
Voice assistant integration
Sleek, compact design
Future-ready connectivity
It might not replace a full-blown surround system, but for most homes and apartments, it offers top-tier performance in a small footprint.
Final Thoughts
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the perfect blend of intelligence, sound quality, and affordability. Whether you’re upgrading your home theater or setting up your first smart speaker system, this soundbar is a worthy investment.
Its Dolby Atmos technology, smart voice control, compact design, and HDMI eARC support make it one of the most compelling audio devices in its class.
For readers ready to upgrade their sound without breaking the bank, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a strong contender—and available now on Amazon, often with deals and fast shipping.
3 Comments
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