The world of soundbars has been witnessing a fierce battle between two giants, JBL and Sonos, with their flagship products, JBL 5.0 Multibeam and Sonos Beam 2, respectively. Both soundbars have been lauded for their exceptional performance, sleek designs, and innovative features. But the question remains: which one is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each soundbar, comparing their specifications, features, and performance to determine which one emerges victorious.
The Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both soundbars are aesthetically pleasing and well-constructed. However, there are some notable differences.
The JBL 5.0 Multibeam boasts a sleek, compact design that makes it perfect for smaller rooms or apartments. Its slim profile and subtle curves make it an excellent choice for those with limited space. The soundbar’s body is crafted from high-quality plastic, giving it a premium feel. The grille is made of metal, adding a touch of sophistication.
On the other hand, the Sonos Beam 2 has a more minimalist approach to design. Its compact, rectangular shape and matte finish give it a clean, modern look. The soundbar’s body is made of a durable polycarbonate material, making it lightweight yet robust. The Beam 2 also features a fabric grille, which adds a touch of elegance to its overall design.
Key Takeaway: Both soundbars are well-designed and built, but the JBL 5.0 Multibeam has a slightly more premium feel due to its metal grille and high-quality plastic body.
Sound Quality and Performance
This is where the rubber meets the road. Both soundbars deliver exceptional sound quality, but there are some differences in their performance.
The JBL 5.0 Multibeam is equipped with five Class-D amplifiers, driving five proprietary racetrack drivers. This setup enables the soundbar to produce a rich, immersive sound with deep bass and clear highs. The Multibeam technology allows the soundbar to adjust its sound profile to the room’s acoustics, ensuring an optimized listening experience.
The Sonos Beam 2, on the other hand, uses four Class-D amplifiers to power its four racetrack drivers. The soundbar’s sound profile is more focused on clarity and detail, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more precise sound. The Beam 2 also features Sonos’s proprietary Trueplay technology, which calibrates the soundbar’s output based on the room’s acoustics.
Key Takeaway: Both soundbars deliver impressive sound quality, but the JBL 5.0 Multibeam has a slight edge in terms of bass response and overall immersion.
Dolby Atmos and Immersive Audio
Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, but they implement it differently. The JBL 5.0 Multibeam features built-in Dolby Atmos processing, which allows it to decode and render immersive audio natively. This ensures that the soundbar can take full advantage of Dolby Atmos’s object-based audio capabilities.
The Sonos Beam 2, on the other hand, relies on its HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) connection to pass through Dolby Atmos signals. This means that the Beam 2 can play back Dolby Atmos content, but it doesn’t have native support for immersive audio.
Key Takeaway: If you’re looking for native Dolby Atmos support, the JBL 5.0 Multibeam is the clear winner.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Both soundbars boast an impressive array of smart features and connectivity options.
The JBL 5.0 Multibeam comes with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 connectivity, making it easy to stream music from your devices. The soundbar also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for seamless voice control. Additionally, the Multibeam features JBL’s proprietarySoundShift technology, which lets you instantly switch between wireless music streaming and TV audio.
The Sonos Beam 2 also offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 connectivity, as well as built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Beam 2 takes it a step further with its Apple TV app integration, allowing for seamless control of your TV’s audio output.
Key Takeaway: Both soundbars offer impressive smart features and connectivity options, but the Sonos Beam 2’s Apple TV app integration gives it a slight edge.
Multi-Room Audio
If you’re looking to create a whole-home audio system, both soundbars have got you covered.
The JBL 5.0 Multibeam supports JBL’s proprietary wireless multi-room audio technology, which allows you to connect multiple JBL speakers wirelessly and play the same music in sync.
The Sonos Beam 2, on the other hand, is part of the Sonos ecosystem, which offers seamless multi-room audio capabilities. You can connect multiple Sonos speakers wirelessly and control them using the Sonos app.
Key Takeaway: Both soundbars offer impressive multi-room audio capabilities, but the Sonos Beam 2’s ecosystem is more mature and extensive.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to pricing, the JBL 5.0 Multibeam and Sonos Beam 2 are competitively priced.
The JBL 5.0 Multibeam typically retails around $700-$800, making it an excellent value for its features and performance.
The Sonos Beam 2 usually costs around $400-$500, making it a more affordable option for those looking for a high-quality soundbar with smart features.
Key Takeaway: The Sonos Beam 2 offers better value for its price, but the JBL 5.0 Multibeam’s premium features and performance may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the JBL 5.0 Multibeam and Sonos Beam 2 are exceptional soundbars that offer impressive performance, smart features, and sleek designs. However, when it comes to the question of which one is better, the answer ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a soundbar with native Dolby Atmos support, deeper bass response, and a more premium build quality, the JBL 5.0 Multibeam is the clear winner.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with impressive sound quality, smart features, and seamless Apple TV app integration, the Sonos Beam 2 is an excellent choice.
Final Verdict: The JBL 5.0 Multibeam is the better soundbar overall, but the Sonos Beam 2 offers better value for its price.
| Feature | JBL 5.0 Multibeam | Sonos Beam 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build Quality | Premium feel, metal grille | Modern look, fabric grille |
| Sound Quality and Performance | Rich, immersive sound with deep bass | Clear, detailed sound with precise highs |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Native support | Passthrough via HDMI eARC |
| Smart Features and Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple TV app integration |
| Pricing and Value | Around $700-$800 | Around $400-$500 |
By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision about which soundbar is the best fit for you.
What is the main difference between JBL 5.0 Multibeam and Sonos Beam 2?
The main difference between JBL 5.0 Multibeam and Sonos Beam 2 lies in their speaker design and audio capabilities. JBL 5.0 Multibeam features a 5.0 channel system with a dedicated center channel speaker, which provides a more immersive audio experience, especially for movies and TV shows. On the other hand, Sonos Beam 2 is a compact soundbar with a 3-channel system, which is better suited for smaller rooms and music listening.
While both soundbars are designed for home entertainment, they cater to different needs and preferences. If you prioritize a more cinematic experience and are willing to invest in a larger system, the JBL 5.0 Multibeam might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a compact and affordable option for casual music listening and TV viewing, the Sonos Beam 2 could be the way to go.
Which soundbar has better sound quality?
The sound quality of JBL 5.0 Multibeam and Sonos Beam 2 is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, based on their specifications and design, the JBL 5.0 Multibeam has a slight edge in terms of sound quality. Its dedicated center channel speaker and larger driver size provide a more detailed and immersive audio experience. Additionally, the JBL 5.0 Multibeam has a more extensive frequency response range, which allows it to produce deeper bass and clearer highs.
That being said, the Sonos Beam 2 is still a capable soundbar that produces high-quality sound, especially considering its compact size. It features Sonos’ proprietary Trueplay technology, which helps to optimize the sound to the room’s acoustics. While it may not be able to match the JBL 5.0 Multibeam in terms of raw power and immersion, the Sonos Beam 2 is a great option for those who want a convenient and easy-to-use soundbar for casual listening.
Is JBL 5.0 Multibeam compatible with Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the JBL 5.0 Multibeam is compatible with Dolby Atmos, which allows it to decode and play back object-based audio formats. This means that it can provide a more immersive audio experience with height channels, making it well-suited for watching movies and TV shows in Dolby Atmos.
However, it’s worth noting that the JBL 5.0 Multibeam does not support upward-firing drivers, which are typically found in soundbars that support Dolby Atmos. Instead, it relies on its dedicated center channel speaker and virtual height technology to simulate a more immersive audio experience.
Can Sonos Beam 2 be paired with other Sonos speakers?
Yes, the Sonos Beam 2 can be paired with other Sonos speakers to create a whole-home audio system. Sonos is known for its ecosystem of speakers, and the Beam 2 is no exception. You can easily pair it with other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One or Sonos Five, to create a wireless surround sound system or multi-room audio setup.
This feature makes the Sonos Beam 2 a great option for those who already have a Sonos system in place or plan to expand their setup in the future. With the Sonos app, you can easily control and synchronize your speakers to create a seamless audio experience throughout your home.
Does JBL 5.0 Multibeam have built-in voice assistants?
No, the JBL 5.0 Multibeam does not have built-in voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. While it does feature a microphone, it’s only used for far-field voice detection and noise cancellation, rather than voice assistant functionality.
If you want to use voice commands with your JBL 5.0 Multibeam, you’ll need to pair it with a separate smart speaker or device that supports your preferred voice assistant.
Can Sonos Beam 2 be mounted on the wall?
Yes, the Sonos Beam 2 can be mounted on the wall using the optional Sonos wall mount, which is sold separately. The wall mount is designed specifically for the Beam 2 and allows you to securely mount the soundbar under your TV or in a corner of the room.
The Sonos Beam 2 is also compact and lightweight enough to be placed on a shelf or TV stand, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces.
Which soundbar is more expensive?
The JBL 5.0 Multibeam is generally more expensive than the Sonos Beam 2, especially when you factor in the cost of the separate center channel speaker and rear surround sound speakers. The JBL 5.0 Multibeam is a more premium offering that’s designed to provide a more immersive audio experience, and its price reflects that.
In contrast, the Sonos Beam 2 is a more affordable option that’s designed for casual music listening and TV viewing. While it may not offer the same level of immersion as the JBL 5.0 Multibeam, it’s a great value for its price.