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Are you looking to upgrade your home theater experience with a sleek soundbar? You’ve likely stumbled upon the Sonos Beam, a popular choice for its compact design and impressive audio performance. But with a newer generation available, which one should you choose?
This comparison dives deep into the Sonos Beam (Gen 1) and the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), exploring their key differences and similarities. We’ll examine everything from sound quality and features to design and value, helping you make an informed decision.
Get ready to discover which Sonos Beam soundbar best suits your needs and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, this guide will provide the insights you need to choose the perfect audio companion for your entertainment setup.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Beam (Gen 1) | Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | No | Yes |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches | 25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs | 6.2 lbs |
| Number of Speakers | 5 | 5 |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2 |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Trueplay Tuning | Yes | Yes |
| Night Sound | Yes | Yes |
| Speech Enhancement | Yes | Yes |
| Available Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- Sonos Beam Gen 1: Features a fabric grill and a more rounded design. It’s available in black or white. Some users find the fabric grill harder to clean.
- Gen 2: Upgraded with a new polycarbonate grill and a more modern, sleeker design. This makes it easier to clean. It retains the same color options as the Gen 1.
- Winner: Gen 2
Sound Quality
- Sonos Beam Gen 1: Delivers clear and balanced sound with a focus on dialogue. It offers a decent soundstage for its size. Some users might find the bass lacking.
- Gen 2: Improves upon the original with enhanced sound processing. It offers a wider soundstage and better bass response. Supports Dolby Atmos for a more immersive experience.
- Winner: Gen 2
Dolby Atmos Support
- Sonos Beam Gen 1: Does not support Dolby Atmos.
- Gen 2: Supports Dolby Atmos, providing a more immersive and three-dimensional audio experience with compatible content.
- Winner: Gen 2
Processing Power
- Sonos Beam Gen 1: Uses older processing hardware.
- Gen 2: Features more advanced processing power, which contributes to improved sound processing and overall performance.
- Winner: Gen 2
Connectivity
- Sonos Beam Gen 1: Offers HDMI ARC and Ethernet connectivity. Supports Apple AirPlay 2.
- Gen 2: Maintains the same connectivity options as the Gen 1.
- Winner: Tie
Voice Assistant Integration
- Sonos Beam Gen 1: Compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Gen 2: Compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Sonos Beam Gen 1: Generally available at a lower price point, especially on the used market.
- Gen 2: Typically more expensive due to the upgraded features and technology.
- Winner: Beam Gen 1 (for budget)
Ease of Use and Setup
- Sonos Beam Gen 1: Simple setup and integration with the Sonos ecosystem. The Sonos app provides a user-friendly interface.
- Gen 2: Same easy setup and user experience via the Sonos app.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Beam (Gen 2) |
| Overall Sound Quality | Beam (Gen 2) |
| Value | Beam (Gen 1) |
What They Have in Common:
- Design: Both the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 share a similar compact and sleek design, making them easy to integrate into any home entertainment setup.
- Connectivity: Both soundbars offer both Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity for seamless streaming from various devices.
- Voice Assistants: Both models are compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you a choice of voice control platforms.
- Sound Quality Features: Both include features like Speech Enhancement and Night Sound for optimized listening experiences.
- Multi-Room Audio: Both seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio playback.
Sonos Beam Gen 1 Vs Gen 2 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 share a similar compact design, making them ideal for smaller spaces. However, the Gen 2 boasts a sleeker aesthetic with a curved, perforated grille compared to the Gen 1’s solid grille. This subtle yet impactful change gives the Gen 2 a more modern look. Both soundbars are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability. The Gen 2’s design makes it less prone to dust accumulation. Installation is straightforward for both models.
Sound Quality and Performance
While both Sonos Beam generations deliver impressive audio for their size, the Gen 2 takes a step forward. The Gen 2 utilizes advanced processing, including virtual Dolby Atmos, to create a more immersive soundstage. This results in a wider and more engaging listening experience, particularly with compatible content. The Gen 1 provides clear dialogue and balanced sound, but the Gen 2 offers a noticeable improvement in spatial audio and overall clarity. Both support Trueplay tuning.
Dolby Atmos Support
A key differentiator is Dolby Atmos support. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 features Dolby Atmos, which creates a more three-dimensional sound experience by reflecting sound off the ceiling. This delivers a more immersive audio experience, especially with movies and TV shows mastered in Dolby Atmos. The Gen 1 lacks this feature, offering standard stereo and Dolby Digital audio. Atmos significantly enhances the overall audio performance for the Gen 2.
Connectivity and Features
Both soundbars offer similar connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and HDMI ARC/eARC. The Gen 2, however, benefits from eARC support, allowing for higher bandwidth audio transmission from your TV. This is especially beneficial if you have a compatible TV and want to enjoy lossless audio formats. Both support Sonos multi-room audio. The Gen 2 also includes NFC for easier setup.
Voice Assistant Integration
Both the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 seamlessly integrate with voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows for hands-free control of your music, TV, and smart home devices. The microphone array in both models is highly effective at picking up voice commands, even in noisy environments. The Gen 2 offers slight improvements in voice clarity due to its updated processing capabilities and improved microphone array.
Price and Value
The price difference between the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 is a crucial factor. While the Gen 2 offers significant upgrades in sound quality and features, it comes at a higher price point. The Gen 1, often available at a lower price, remains a compelling option, especially for those on a budget or those primarily interested in a simple, compact soundbar. Consider your budget and desired features when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Beam (Gen 1) If…
- You’re on a budget and looking for a more affordable Sonos soundbar.
- Dolby Atmos isn’t a priority for your listening experience.
- You already own a Gen 1 and are not looking to upgrade.
Buy Beam (Gen 2) If…
- You want a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos support.
- You value a slightly more refined and updated sound profile.
- You want a soundbar with a modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2?
The primary difference is the Gen 2’s support for Dolby Atmos, which provides a more immersive, three-dimensional audio experience. The Gen 2 also features a redesigned grille and eARC support for higher bandwidth audio transmission. Furthermore, the Gen 2 boasts slight improvements to sound processing. The Gen 1 lacks Atmos support.
Does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 sound better than the Gen 1?
Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 generally sounds better than the Gen 1. The addition of Dolby Atmos and improved sound processing creates a wider, more immersive soundstage. You’ll notice improved clarity and more defined audio, especially with content mastered in Dolby Atmos. The Gen 2 provides a more engaging listening experience.
Can I use the Sonos Beam Gen 1 with my newer TV?
Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 1 is compatible with newer TVs via HDMI ARC. However, if your TV supports eARC, the Gen 2 is a better choice due to the increased bandwidth. Both models work with older TVs using an optical adapter, which is supplied. Connectivity remains similar overall.
Does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offer a significant upgrade over the Gen 1?
Yes, while the Gen 1 is a great soundbar, the Gen 2 offers a significant upgrade, particularly with its Dolby Atmos capabilities. The enhanced audio processing and design refinements contribute to a more immersive and refined listening experience. However, the degree of improvement depends on your listening habits and the content you consume.
Are both Sonos Beam models compatible with Apple AirPlay 2?
Yes, both the Sonos Beam Gen 1 and Gen 2 are fully compatible with Apple AirPlay 2. This allows you to easily stream audio from your Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, directly to the soundbars. AirPlay 2 integration is seamless and provides a convenient way to play your favorite music and podcasts.
Do I need a subwoofer with either Sonos Beam?
Neither Sonos Beam *requires* a subwoofer, but adding one significantly enhances the bass response and overall audio quality. Both soundbars can be wirelessly paired with the Sonos Sub for a more complete and powerful sound system. Adding a Sub is highly recommended for a fuller, richer listening experience, especially for movies and music with heavy bass.
Which Sonos Beam is better for gaming?
Both Sonos Beam models are suitable for gaming, but the Gen 2 offers a slight advantage. The Gen 2’s Dolby Atmos support can enhance the spatial audio in games, providing a more immersive and engaging experience. Both support HDMI ARC/eARC for low-latency audio transmission. However, the Gen 2’s overall audio improvements make it a slightly better choice for gaming.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 emerges as the superior soundbar, primarily due to its Dolby Atmos support, which dramatically enhances the audio experience. Although the Gen 1 remains a capable option, the Gen 2’s improved processing and design make it the preferred choice for those seeking a more immersive and refined sound. The added eARC support further enhances the Gen 2’s appeal.
Winner: Sonos Beam Gen 2