You may not realize how much better your TV could sound until you try the Sonos Beam Gen 2. While today’s flat-panel TVs offer stunning visuals, their built-in speakers are limited by thin enclosures and rear- or downward-firing placement. The result? Muffled dialogue, weak bass, and no cinematic punch.
In this guide, we break down exactly how the Sonos Beam Gen 2 transforms your TV audio, why it’s better than built-in speakers, and why it’s an essential upgrade for any small room setup in 2025.
Why Built-In TV Speakers Fall Short
Modern TVs are ultra-slim — great for aesthetics, not sound. Common issues with built-in speakers include:
Poor dialogue clarity (voices get lost in effects)
Flat soundstage with no depth
No directional audio or surround separation
Bass distortion at high volumes
No smart integration (voice control, room tuning)

What the Sonos Beam Gen 2 Adds to the Experience
1. Clearer Dialogue
Features speech enhancement and Trueplay room calibration
Voice tones stay crisp at low and high volumes
2. Virtual Dolby Atmos
Immersive 3D sound using advanced signal processing
Creates height and surround effects without rear or up-firing speakers
3. Smart Assistant Integration
Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
Voice control for volume, playback, and smart home routines
4. Apple AirPlay 2 Support
Stream directly from iPhone, iPad, or Mac without Bluetooth compression

Watching Movies on Beam vs TV Speakers
Feature | Built-in TV Speaker | Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
---|---|---|
Dialogue Clarity | ❌ Muffled | ✅ Crystal clear |
Bass Punch | ❌ Weak | ✅ Dynamic & rich |
Surround Immersion | ❌ None | ✅ Virtual Atmos |
Volume Balance | ❌ Uneven | ✅ Smooth at all levels |

Gaming and Streaming
Whether you’re gaming on PS5 or watching The Witcher on Netflix, Beam improves everything:
Directional cues in shooters become clearer
Dialogue in RPGs no longer gets buried under soundtracks
Game Mode through HDMI eARC reduces latency

Designed for Small Rooms
Just 25.6 inches wide — fits under any TV stand
Low-profile design doesn’t block screen
Wall-mountable with optional bracket
Great for bedrooms, dens, or small living rooms

Beam Is More Than a Speaker — It’s a Smart Hub
The Beam Gen 2 integrates with:
Sonos App: Adjust EQ, add surround speakers, set sleep timers
Smart Home: Voice routines, smart plugs, smart lighting
TV Remote: Works with most HDMI CEC remotes

Final Verdict
If you’re still using your TV’s default speakers, upgrading to the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a leap forward. You’ll hear every word, feel the music, and finally enjoy immersive streaming — even in a small room.
For 2025, the Beam Gen 2 hits the sweet spot for compact size, smart functionality, and premium audio without overcomplicating your setup.