Smart Speakers & Audio

Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs Sonos Arc: Which Smart Soundbar Should You Buy in 2025?

When deciding on a smart soundbar in 2025, two names dominate the conversation: the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Arc. Both are designed by Sonos to integrate seamlessly into smart homes and deliver immersive sound experiences, but they cater to different needs, spaces, and budgets. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down how the Beam Gen 2 and Arc differ in design, audio performance, Dolby Atmos handling, smart features, price, and room suitability to help you make the best buying decision.

Size and Design: Compact vs. Cinematic

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 measures just 26 inches wide, making it perfect for smaller TVs (32–55″) and compact spaces like apartments, bedrooms, or home offices. Its minimalist curved edges and single speaker bar form factor allow it to blend into any setup.

By contrast, the Sonos Arc spans 45 inches and is clearly built for larger living rooms, home theaters, and immersive setups. Its design is more elongated and imposing, better suited for TVs 55″ and above.

side-by-side image of the Beam Gen 2 and Arc here to visually emphasize the size difference

Audio Performance: Big Sound in Any Room

The Beam Gen 2 uses a 3.0 channel configuration with software-based virtual surround to simulate height effects. It’s equipped with five class-D digital amplifiers, a center tweeter, and four elliptical midwoofers for balanced, room-filling audio.

The Arc, however, features 5.0.2 channels, including dedicated upward-firing speakers for real Dolby Atmos elevation effects. It uses 11 high-performance drivers, including angled side tweeters and woofers, offering a true surround experience that fills larger rooms with cinematic depth.

driver layout diagram or cutaway comparison of Beam Gen 2 and Arc photo in hero format

Dolby Atmos Performance: Virtual vs. Real Elevation

The Beam Gen 2 simulates Dolby Atmos using psychoacoustic techniques. While this works well in small- to mid-sized rooms, the effect isn’t as pronounced in open-concept spaces or rooms with high ceilings.

The Arc, on the other hand, delivers true Dolby Atmos with physical upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling to create vertical immersion. The difference is especially noticeable in movies with height-based audio effects like rainfall or aircraft flyovers.

Smart Assistant Integration: Alexa and Google Built-In

Both Beam and Arc come with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. You can control music playback, adjust volume, ask for news and weather, or control compatible smart home devices completely hands-free.

Additionally, both soundbars support Apple AirPlay 2 and integrate with the Sonos app, allowing you to stream directly from iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Connectivity and Control

Both soundbars feature HDMI eARC, ensuring high-bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos pass through without compression. You’ll also find Ethernet ports for wired connections and Wi-Fi 5 support for seamless streaming.

Sonos Beam and Arc can also be controlled using the Sonos app, IR remotes, and voice commands. For those with existing Sonos setups, both soundbars integrate seamlessly into multi-room configurations.

Pricing and Value

  • Sonos Beam Gen 2: MSRP ~$449

  • Sonos Arc: MSRP ~$899

The Beam delivers excellent value for small spaces or users new to the Sonos ecosystem. The Arc commands a higher price but provides theater-grade sound and is well worth it for users prioritizing top-tier Dolby Atmos and a true cinematic feel.

Room Size and Placement Tips

Sonos Beam Gen 2:

  • Ideal for rooms under 250 sq. ft.

  • Mount under a TV on a wall or place on a media console

  • Works best when ceilings are below 10 feet

Sonos Arc:

  • Best for open floor plans or rooms over 300 sq. ft.

  • Mountable under large wall-mounted TVs

  • Works well with vaulted or high ceilings for optimal height channels

Visual guide showing placement examples for Beam vs. Arc in different room sizes.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re outfitting a smaller space and want premium sound with smart features, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is your best bet. It’s compact, affordable, and delivers powerful sound well beyond its size.

However, if you’re building a home theater or want the absolute best in Dolby Atmos sound and room-filling performance, the Sonos Arc is hard to beat. It’s an investment in cinematic-quality sound and future-ready features.

Recommendation Summary:

  • Beam Gen 2 = Small rooms, best value, great starter soundbar

  • Arc = Large rooms, premium sound, immersive theater experience

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3 Comments

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