The eternal debate among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts continues: which soundbar reigns supreme, the Sonos Arc or the Sonos Beam? Both models have garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional sound quality, sleek designs, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. However, there are key differences between these two soundbars that set them apart from each other. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the features, specifications, and performance of the Sonos Arc and Beam, helping you make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, both the Sonos Arc and Beam boast sleek, modern aesthetics that will complement any living room or home theater setup. However, there are some notable differences in their build quality and design language.
The Sonos Arc is a more substantial soundbar, measuring 45 inches wide and 4.5 inches tall. Its rectangular shape and curved edges exude a sense of premium quality, with a matte-finish grille that conceals the drivers. The Arc’s larger size allows for more speaker drivers, which translates to a more immersive sound experience.
In contrast, the Sonos Beam is a more compact soundbar, measuring 25.6 inches wide and 3.9 inches tall. Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for smaller rooms or apartments, and its more angular design gives it a sleek, futuristic look. While the Beam may not have the same level of premium build quality as the Arc, it still feels solidly constructed and durable.
Sound Quality and Drivers
This is where the rubber meets the road – or, rather, where the sound meets the ears. The Sonos Arc and Beam employ different approaches to sound reproduction, resulting in distinct audio experiences.
Driver Configuration
The Sonos Arc features a more extensive driver configuration, boasting 11 Class-D digital amplifiers, 8 woofers, 3 tweeters, and 2 upward-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos. This setup enables the Arc to produce a more detailed, three-dimensional soundstage with greater depth and width. The additional drivers also allow for more nuanced sound reproduction, with better bass response and clearer dialogue.
In contrast, the Sonos Beam features a more modest 5 Class-D digital amplifiers, 4 full-range woofers, 1 tweeter, and 3 passive radiators. While the Beam’s driver configuration is less elaborate than the Arc’s, it’s still capable of producing an impressive sound with good bass response and clear dialogue. However, the Beam’s smaller size and fewer drivers mean it can’t quite match the Arc’s level of sonic immersion.
Sound Modes and Processing
Both the Sonos Arc and Beam offer various sound modes to enhance your listening experience. The Arc features Sonos’s Trueplay tuning technology, which calibrates the soundbar to your room’s acoustics for a more accurate sound. Additionally, the Arc supports Dolby Atmos and multi-room audio, allowing for a truly immersive experience.
The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, uses Sonos’s proprietary Trueplay technology to optimize the sound for your room. While it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, the Beam does offer a Night Sound mode that reduces loud noises and enhances quiet ones, making it ideal for late-night viewing.
Connectivity and Compatibility
When it comes to connectivity, both the Sonos Arc and Beam offer a range of options to integrate with your existing devices and streaming services.
Wireless Connectivity
Both soundbars feature Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity, allowing for seamless streaming from your devices. Additionally, the Arc and Beam support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration, making it easy to control your soundbar with voice commands.
HDMI and Optical Connectivity
The Sonos Arc features three HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, and an optical audio input, making it easy to connect to your TV, Blu-ray player, and gaming console. The Arc also supports eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for higher-quality audio transmission.
In contrast, the Sonos Beam has a single HDMI input and an optical audio input, limiting its connectivity options compared to the Arc. However, the Beam’s compact size and lower price point make it an attractive option for those with more modest home theater setups.
Price and Value
Ultimately, the decision between the Sonos Arc and Beam comes down to budget and your specific audio needs.
The Sonos Arc is a premium soundbar with a premium price tag, typically retailing for around $799. While it’s certainly an investment, the Arc’s exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and sleek design make it an excellent value for those seeking a high-end home theater experience.
The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, is a more affordable option, typically retailing for around $399. While it may not offer the same level of sound quality as the Arc, the Beam’s compact size, ease of use, and affordability make it an attractive option for those on a budget or with smaller living spaces.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between the Sonos Arc and Beam depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a premium soundbar with exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and a sleek design, the Arc is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or have a smaller living space, the Beam’s compact size, ease of use, and affordability make it a compelling option.
Ultimately, the Sonos Arc is the better choice for:
- Those seeking a more immersive, three-dimensional sound experience
- Home theater enthusiasts with larger living rooms or dedicated home theaters
- Those willing to invest in a premium soundbar with advanced features
The Sonos Beam is the better choice for:
- Those on a tighter budget or with smaller living spaces
- Those seeking a compact, easy-to-use soundbar with good sound quality
- Those looking for a more affordable entry point into the Sonos ecosystem
Whichever soundbar you choose, rest assured that you’ll be treated to an exceptional audio experience that will elevate your music, movies, and TV shows to new heights.
What is Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam?
The Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam are two popular soundbars produced by Sonos, a renowned audio technology company. Sonos Arc is a high-end soundbar designed to provide an immersive audio experience, while Sonos Beam is a compact and affordable soundbar ideal for smaller spaces.
Both soundbars are known for their exceptional sound quality, sleek designs, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home theater or enhance your music listening experience, both Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam are excellent options to consider.
What are the key differences between Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam?
One of the main differences between Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam is their size and design. The Sonos Arc is a larger and more premium soundbar, featuring 11 high-quality drivers and a more comprehensive audio system. In contrast, the Sonos Beam is a compact and more affordable soundbar, with a smaller footprint and fewer drivers.
Additionally, the Sonos Arc is designed to provide a more immersive audio experience, with support for Dolby Atmos and 3D audio. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, is better suited for smaller spaces and more casual listening experiences. When it comes to connectivity, both soundbars offer a range of options, including Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and HDMI ARC.
What is the sound quality like on Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam?
Both Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam are known for their exceptional sound quality, with clear and balanced audio that’s free from distortion. The Sonos Arc, in particular, is capable of producing a more immersive and cinematic sound experience, thanks to its larger size and more comprehensive driver array.
The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, is better suited for more casual listening experiences, and its smaller size means it may not be able to produce the same level of immersion as the Sonos Arc. However, it’s still an excellent choice for smaller spaces, and its compact design makes it easy to place and use.
Can I use Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam with my TV?
Yes, both Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam can be used with your TV, providing an enhanced audio experience for your favorite shows and movies. The Sonos Arc features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connectivity, which allows it to connect directly to your TV and receive audio signals.
The Sonos Beam also features HDMI ARC connectivity, as well as support for optical audio input. This means you can connect it to your TV using an optical audio cable, and enjoy a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, both soundbars support popular TV brands, including Samsung, LG, and Sony.
Can I control Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam with voice commands?
Yes, both Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam are compatible with popular voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means you can control your soundbar using voice commands, adjusting the volume, playing music, and more.
Additionally, both soundbars feature built-in microphones, which allow them to detect and respond to voice commands. This means you can use voice commands to play music, adjust the volume, and control other aspects of your soundbar’s performance.
Can I use Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam with other Sonos speakers?
Yes, both Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam are part of the Sonos ecosystem, which means they can be used with other Sonos speakers to create a whole-home audio system. This allows you to enjoy a seamless and synchronized audio experience throughout your home, with multiple speakers working together to provide a more immersive and engaging sound.
Using the Sonos app, you can easily add and configure multiple speakers, creating a customized audio system that meets your specific needs and preferences.
What is the warranty and support like for Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam?
Both Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam come with a comprehensive warranty and support program, which includes a one-year limited warranty and dedicated customer support. This means you can get help and assistance when you need it, whether you’re experiencing issues with your soundbar or simply have questions about its operation.
Additionally, Sonos offers a range of online resources, including FAQs, user guides, and tutorials, which can help you get the most out of your soundbar and resolve any issues that may arise.