Audio & Headphones
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Review: Compact Soundbar, Virtual Atmos
- Brand:
- Sonos
- Ages:
- 13+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-08-06
The verdict
The Beam (Gen 2) is a genuinely effective way to dramatically improve TV sound in a compact footprint, with Atmos virtualization that's convincing for the size — but treat it as the entry point into a larger Sonos home theater system, not a complete one on its own.
Pros
- Five Class-D amplifiers packed into a compact form factor deliver noticeably clearer dialogue and fuller sound than typical TV speakers
- Dolby Atmos support via psychoacoustic virtualization adds a sense of height and space without needing separate overhead drivers
- Simple setup through the Sonos app, with automatic Trueplay tuning that adjusts sound to your room's acoustics
- Expands into a full Sonos multi-room system, adding subs, rear surrounds, or other Sonos speakers over time
Cons
- Atmos effects are virtualized, not delivered by dedicated up-firing drivers, so the height effect is convincing but not identical to true object-based hardware
- Only one HDMI eARC port, so home theater setups with multiple HDMI devices need a TV with enough ports or an external switch
- Bass is noticeably limited without adding a separate Sonos Sub, which is a significant additional cost
- At $499, it's priced above several budget soundbars with more physical inputs
This review is based on Sonos's published specifications for the Beam (Gen 2) and the consistent consensus among independent reviewers, who generally agree it's one of the better compact soundbars for the price, with clear caveats around what its Atmos support can and can't do.
Big improvement over TV speakers, compact footprint
Five Class-D amplifiers and a purpose-built array make dialogue noticeably clearer and overall sound fuller than almost any built-in TV speaker, all in a soundbar small enough to fit in front of TVs that wouldn't accommodate a larger bar. Trueplay automatically tunes output to your specific room.
Understanding the Atmos claim
The Beam uses psychoacoustic processing to simulate the sense of height and space that Dolby Atmos content is designed to deliver, rather than physical up-firing drivers bouncing sound off the ceiling. Reviewers find the effect genuinely convincing for the size and price, but it's not a substitute for a full Atmos setup with dedicated height channels if that's specifically what you're after.
Who it's for
Best for anyone who wants a meaningful, simple upgrade over built-in TV speakers in a small living room or bedroom, with the option to expand into a full Sonos surround system later. Skip it if you specifically want true hardware-based Atmos height channels or need multiple HDMI inputs directly on the soundbar.
Frequently asked
- Does the Beam (Gen 2) really support Dolby Atmos?
- It supports Atmos content, but reproduces the height effect through virtualization and processing rather than dedicated up-firing drivers, so the effect is convincing but not identical to a soundbar with true hardware height channels.
- Do I need a subwoofer with it?
- Not required, but bass is noticeably limited on its own — many owners add the separate Sonos Sub for meaningfully deeper low-end, which is a significant additional cost beyond the soundbar itself.
- How many HDMI ports does it have?
- Just one HDMI eARC port, so if you have multiple HDMI source devices, you'll need a TV with enough of its own HDMI inputs or an external switch, since the Beam doesn't pass through additional devices.
- Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) worth buying?
- Yes, for a compact, easy-to-set-up upgrade over TV speakers with genuine room-filling sound and the option to expand later. It's a weaker fit if you specifically want true hardware Atmos height channels or multiple HDMI inputs on the bar itself.
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