The world of home audio has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with soundbars emerging as a popular choice for homeowners seeking an immersive entertainment experience. Two of the most renowned brands in this space, Sonos and Samsung, have been vying for attention with their exceptional soundbars. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of the Sonos Beam and Samsung Soundbar to help you decide which one is the better choice for your home audio setup.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Soundbars
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Sonos Beam and Samsung Soundbar exhibit exceptional craftsmanship. However, there are distinct differences that set them apart.
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that measures 25.6 inches in length, making it an ideal choice for smaller rooms or apartments. Its sleek, minimalist design blends seamlessly with any décor, and its sturdy build ensures it can withstand the test of time. The Beam’s housing is made of a durable, high-quality plastic that exudes a premium feel.
On the other hand, the Samsung Soundbar is a more substantial unit, measuring 43.7 inches in length. While it’s still compact enough to fit comfortably under most TVs, its larger size means it’s better suited for larger rooms or those with more expansive TV setups. The Soundbar’s design is more angular and modern, with a metallic grille that adds to its sleek, high-tech appearance.
Sound Quality: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Sound quality is, of course, the most critical aspect of any soundbar. Both the Sonos Beam and Samsung Soundbar deliver impressive audio experiences, but with some notable differences.
The Sonos Beam is equipped with four Class-D digital amplifiers, three tweeters, and one woofer. This configuration enables the Beam to produce a well-balanced sound with crisp highs, clear midranges, and robust lows. The Beam’s soundstage is surprisingly wide, considering its compact size, making it an excellent choice for dialogue-heavy TV shows and movies.
The Samsung Soundbar, on the other hand, boasts a more extensive driver array, featuring six woofers, two tweeters, and one subwoofer. This results in a more detailed, immersive sound with deeper bass response. The Soundbar’s wider frequency range (45Hz to 20kHz) enables it to reproduce a broader range of audio frequencies, making it better suited for music lovers and gamers.
Dialogue Enhancement: A Key Differentiator
One area where the Sonos Beam excels is dialogue enhancement. The Beam features Sonos’ proprietary Trueplay technology, which allows the soundbar to automatically adjust its sound settings to optimize dialogue clarity. This results in a more engaging, immersive viewing experience, especially in noisy environments.
Multi-Room Audio: Sonos’ Trump Card
Sonos is renowned for its multi-room audio capabilities, and the Beam is no exception. Using the Sonos app, you can seamlessly connect the Beam to other Sonos speakers, creating a whole-home audio system that’s incredibly easy to control. This means you can start playing music in one room, then move to another room and pick up where you left off, all without missing a beat.
Smart Features and Connectivity: The Battle for Supremacy
Both the Sonos Beam and Samsung Soundbar boast an array of smart features and connectivity options, but with some significant differences.
The Sonos Beam supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for seamless voice control. It also features Apple AirPlay 2, which enables wireless music streaming from Apple devices. In addition, the Beam has five Class-D digital amplifiers, which provide a more efficient and reliable power supply.
The Samsung Soundbar, on the other hand, is compatible with Samsung’s proprietary Bixby voice assistant, as well as Amazon Alexa. It also features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless music streaming from a range of devices. One notable advantage of the Soundbar is its ability to connect to Samsung TVs using the company’s proprietary Q Symphony technology, which allows the Soundbar to synchronize its audio output with the TV’s speakers for a more immersive experience.
HDMI ARC and eARC: The Future of Audio Connectivity
Both soundbars feature HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connectivity, which enables them to receive audio signals from compatible TVs and send them back to the TV for processing. However, the Samsung Soundbar takes it a step further with eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) support, which allows for higher-quality audio transmission and more advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Price and Value: Which Soundbar Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?
When it comes to pricing, the Sonos Beam and Samsung Soundbar are neck and neck, with both units falling within the premium soundbar category.
The Sonos Beam typically retails for around $399, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality, compact soundbar.
The Samsung Soundbar, on the other hand, usually retails for around $449, although prices may vary depending on the specific model and retailer.
Value Proposition: Which Soundbar Offers the Most Value?
While both soundbars offer exceptional performance and features, the Sonos Beam’s smaller size, dialogue enhancement capabilities, and seamless multi-room audio integration make it an attractive choice for those seeking a compact, user-friendly soundbar.
The Samsung Soundbar, with its more extensive driver array, eARC support, and Q Symphony technology, is better suited for those seeking a more immersive audio experience, especially in larger rooms or with Samsung TVs.
| Feature | Sonos Beam | Samsung Soundbar |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build | Compact, premium feel | Larger, modern design |
| Sound Quality | Well-balanced, dialogue-centric | More immersive, detailed sound |
| Smart Features | Alexa and Google Assistant support, Apple AirPlay 2 | Bixby and Alexa support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity |
| Price | Around $399 | Around $449 |
Conclusion: Which Soundbar Reigns Supreme?
In the battle for home audio supremacy, both the Sonos Beam and Samsung Soundbar offer exceptional performance, features, and value. However, the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize a compact, user-friendly soundbar with exceptional dialogue enhancement capabilities and seamless multi-room audio integration, the Sonos Beam is the clear winner.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more immersive audio experience with deeper bass response and advanced features like eARC support, the Samsung Soundbar is the better choice.
Ultimately, both soundbars are worthy contenders in the world of home audio, and whichever one you choose, you can be confident you’ll be enjoying an exceptional audio experience.
What is the main difference between Sonos Beam and Samsung Soundbar?
The main difference between the Sonos Beam and Samsung Soundbar lies in their design and functionality. The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that is specifically designed for smaller rooms and spaces, with a focus on delivering high-quality audio with minimal footprint. On the other hand, the Samsung Soundbar is a more comprehensive audio system that is designed to provide an immersive audio experience for larger rooms and spaces.
The Sonos Beam is a more compact and affordable option, making it an excellent choice for those who want a simple and easy-to-use soundbar for their living room or bedroom. The Samsung Soundbar, on the other hand, is a more feature-rich option that offers advanced features like Dolby Atmos and wireless rear speakers, making it a better choice for those who want a more cinematic audio experience.
Which soundbar is better for small rooms?
The Sonos Beam is the clear winner when it comes to small rooms. Its compact design and compact size make it perfect for small spaces, and it’s able to deliver high-quality audio that is well-suited for intimate settings. The Sonos Beam is also more affordable than the Samsung Soundbar, making it a more accessible option for those on a budget.
The Sonos Beam’s compact size also means that it’s easy to place and position in small rooms, making it a great option for those who have limited space. Additionally, the Sonos Beam’s audio is more directional, which means it’s better suited for small rooms where the sound doesn’t need to travel far.
Does the Samsung Soundbar support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Samsung Soundbar does support Dolby Atmos, which is a major advantage it has over the Sonos Beam. Dolby Atmos is an advanced audio technology that adds height to the sound, creating a more immersive and three-dimensional audio experience. This feature is particularly useful for those who want a more cinematic experience when watching movies or playing games.
The Samsung Soundbar’s support for Dolby Atmos is a major selling point, especially for those who have a 4K TV and want to take full advantage of its audio capabilities. However, it’s worth noting that the Sonos Beam does not support Dolby Atmos, which may be a drawback for some users.
Can I use the Sonos Beam with my TV?
Yes, the Sonos Beam can be easily connected to your TV using an HDMI cable. The Sonos Beam has an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, which allows it to receive audio signals from your TV and play them back through the soundbar. This makes it easy to use the Sonos Beam with your TV, and it’s compatible with most modern TVs.
The Sonos Beam also has a feature called Speech Enhancement, which is designed to make dialogue clearer and more intelligible when watching TV shows and movies. This feature is particularly useful for those who have trouble hearing dialogue when watching TV, and it’s a major advantage the Sonos Beam has over the Samsung Soundbar.
Does the Samsung Soundbar have wireless rear speakers?
Yes, the Samsung Soundbar has wireless rear speakers, which is a major advantage it has over the Sonos Beam. The wireless rear speakers are designed to provide a more immersive audio experience, and they can be easily paired with the soundbar using Bluetooth. This allows for a more cinematic audio experience, with sound coming from all directions.
The wireless rear speakers are also compact and discreet, making them easy to place in your room without drawing attention to themselves. Additionally, the Samsung Soundbar’s wireless rear speakers are rechargeable, making them easy to maintain and use.
Is the Sonos Beam compatible with music services?
Yes, the Sonos Beam is compatible with a wide range of music services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. This means you can easily stream music from your favorite services to the Sonos Beam, and control it using the Sonos app. The Sonos Beam also has built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to control with voice commands.
The Sonos Beam’s compatibility with music services is a major advantage it has over the Samsung Soundbar, which has more limited music service support. Additionally, the Sonos Beam’s integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant makes it easy to control with voice commands, which is a major convenience.
Which soundbar is more affordable?
The Sonos Beam is more affordable than the Samsung Soundbar, with a lower price point and more competitive pricing. The Sonos Beam is generally priced around $300, while the Samsung Soundbar is priced around $500. This makes the Sonos Beam a more accessible option for those who are on a budget.
The Sonos Beam’s lower price point is due in part to its more compact design and limited feature set, which makes it a more stripped-down option compared to the Samsung Soundbar. However, the Sonos Beam still delivers high-quality audio and is an excellent choice for those who want a simple and easy-to-use soundbar.