When it comes to home audio, Sonos is a household name synonymous with exceptional sound quality and sleek designs. The brand has been a pioneer in the smart speaker and soundbar space, constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Two of their most popular soundbars, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Arc, are often pitted against each other in the battle for sonic supremacy. But which one comes out on top?
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Soundbars
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of sound quality and features, let’s take a look at the design and build quality of these two soundbars. Both the Beam Gen 2 and the Arc are sleek and compact, perfect for fitting comfortably under your TV or on a shelf. However, they differ significantly in terms of size and weight.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the more compact of the two, measuring in at 25.6 inches wide, 2.7 inches tall, and 3.9 inches deep. It weighs a mere 4.4 pounds, making it easy to move around or place on a shelf. The Beam’s design is minimalist chic, with a smooth, matte finish and a subtle LED indicator that pulses gently to let you know it’s on.
On the other hand, the Sonos Arc is a more substantial soundbar, measuring 45 inches wide, 3.4 inches tall, and 4.5 inches deep. It tips the scales at 13.7 pounds, making it a more substantial piece of equipment. The Arc’s design is more angular and futuristic, with a glossy finish and a more prominent LED indicator.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Both soundbars are built with premium materials and exceptional craftsmanship. The Beam Gen 2 features a sturdy plastic chassis, while the Arc boasts a more luxurious glass and metal design. The Arc’s glass touch controls add a touch of sophistication, while the Beam’s capacitive touch controls are more understated.
In terms of overall build quality, the Arc takes the cake. Its more substantial size and weight give it a more premium feel, and the attention to detail in its design is unparalleled. However, the Beam Gen 2 is no slouch either, with a solid construction that feels sturdy and well-made.
Sound Quality: The Beam Gen 2’s Surprise Package
When it comes to sound quality, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a surprise package. Despite its compact size, it packs a punch that belies its diminutive stature. The Beam Gen 2 features a five-class-D digital amplifier, three tweeters, and four woofers, which combine to produce a surprisingly rich and full sound.
The Beam Gen 2 excels in the mid-range frequencies, producing clear and crisp dialogue and detailed instrumental timbres. It’s an excellent choice for small to medium-sized rooms, where its compact size and focused sound make it a great fit.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is a more traditional soundbar design, with a more extensive driver array and a separate subwoofer. It features an eleven-class-D digital amplifier, eight woofers, and three tweeters, which combine to produce a more expansive and immersive sound.
The Arc’s sound is more cinematic in scope, with a greater sense of width and height. It’s better suited to larger rooms, where its more dramatic soundstage and deeper bass can really shine.
Comparison of Sound Quality
In a direct comparison, the Arc’s sound is more detailed and nuanced, with a greater sense of depth and dimensionality. However, the Beam Gen 2 holds its own surprisingly well, particularly in the mid-range frequencies. Its compact size and focused sound make it more suitable for smaller rooms, where the Arc might be overpowering.
VERDICT: Sonos Arc for larger rooms, Sonos Beam Gen 2 for smaller rooms
Smart Features and Integration: The Beam Gen 2 Takes the Lead
When it comes to smart features and integration, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the clear winner. It’s a more compact and affordable soundbar, but it packs a punch in terms of its smart capabilities.
The Beam Gen 2 features built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it a great choice for those already invested in the smart speaker ecosystem. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream music and audio from your iOS devices.
The Arc, on the other hand, lacks built-in voice assistants, although it does support Apple AirPlay 2 and has HDMI eARC connectivity for seamless integration with your TV.
Comparison of Smart Features
In terms of smart features, the Beam Gen 2 is the more comprehensive of the two. Its built-in voice assistants and support for multiple streaming services make it a great choice for those looking for a seamless smart speaker experience.
VERDICT: Sonos Beam Gen 2 for smart features, Sonos Arc for HDMI eARC connectivity
Pricing and Value: The Beam Gen 2 Offers Unbeatable Value
When it comes to pricing and value, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the clear winner. It’s a more affordable soundbar, with a price tag of around $399 compared to the Arc’s $799.
Considering its compact size, rich sound quality, and comprehensive smart features, the Beam Gen 2 offers unbeatable value for its price. It’s an excellent choice for those on a budget or looking for a more affordable entry point into the world of Sonos.
The Arc, on the other hand, is a more premium product with a correspondingly higher price tag. While it offers exceptional sound quality and a more luxurious design, it’s not necessarily worth the extra cost for those on a budget.
Comparison of Pricing and Value
In terms of pricing and value, the Beam Gen 2 is the clear winner. Its affordability and feature set make it an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly soundbar.
VERDICT: Sonos Beam Gen 2 for value, Sonos Arc for luxury features
Conclusion: Which Soundbar Reigns Supreme?
So, which soundbar reigns supreme? The answer ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact, affordable soundbar with comprehensive smart features, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the clear winner.
However, if you’re looking for a more premium soundbar with exceptional sound quality and a luxurious design, the Sonos Arc is the better choice. Its more extensive driver array and separate subwoofer make it a great fit for larger rooms, and its cinematic sound is unparalleled.
Ultimately, the choice between the Beam Gen 2 and the Arc comes down to your priorities. If you want a more affordable, compact soundbar with great sound quality and smart features, the Beam Gen 2 is the way to go. If you’re willing to splurge on a more premium soundbar with exceptional sound quality and a luxurious design, the Arc is the better choice.
ULTIMATE VERDICT: Sonos Beam Gen 2 for compact, affordable excellence, Sonos Arc for premium, cinematic sound
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build Quality | Compact, minimalist design | Luxurious, angular design |
| Sound Quality | Rich, focused sound | Expansive, cinematic sound |
| Smart Features | Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, AirPlay 2 | AirPlay 2, HDMI eARC |
| Pricing and Value | Affordable, $399 | Premium, $799 |
By considering your specific needs and priorities, you can choose the Sonos soundbar that’s right for you. Whether you opt for the compact, affordable excellence of the Beam Gen 2 or the premium, cinematic sound of the Arc, you’re guaranteed an exceptional listening experience that will elevate your home audio setup to the next level.
What are the main differences between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Arc soundbars?
The main differences between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Arc soundbars lie in their design, features, and performance. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar designed for smaller rooms and TVs, while the Sonos Arc is a larger, more premium soundbar built for larger rooms and TVs. The Sonos Arc also has more drivers and a more advanced audio processing system, which enables it to produce a more immersive and cinematic sound experience.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also more affordable than the Sonos Arc, making it a great option for those on a budget. However, the Sonos Arc’s more advanced features and better sound quality make it a better choice for those who want a more premium audio experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two soundbars will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Which soundbar is better suited for small rooms and apartments?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is better suited for small rooms and apartments due to its compact design and more limited power output. It’s designed to provide clear and balanced sound for smaller spaces, and its smaller size makes it easy to place on a TV stand or shelf. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also more affordable than the Sonos Arc, which makes it a great option for those who live in small spaces and want a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank.
In contrast, the Sonos Arc is a larger and more powerful soundbar that’s better suited for larger rooms and spaces. It’s designed to produce a more immersive and cinematic sound experience, which may be overwhelming for small rooms and apartments. If you live in a small space, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the better choice.
Can I use the Sonos Beam Gen 2 or Sonos Arc with a non-4K TV?
Yes, you can use both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Arc with a non-4K TV. While both soundbars support 4K resolution and HDR10+, they can also work with non-4K TVs that support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel). This means that you can connect either soundbar to your non-4K TV using an HDMI cable and still enjoy high-quality audio.
However, it’s worth noting that you may not be able to take full advantage of the soundbars’ advanced features, such as Dolby Atmos and eARC support, if your TV doesn’t support these features. But you can still enjoy high-quality audio and many of the soundbars’ features, even with a non-4K TV.
Do the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Arc support Dolby Atmos and eARC?
Yes, both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Arc support Dolby Atmos, which is an object-based audio format that allows for a more immersive and 3D-like sound experience. However, the Sonos Arc has more advanced Dolby Atmos capabilities, including support for height channels, which allows for a more cinematic sound experience.
The Sonos Arc also supports eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for higher-quality audio signals to be transmitted between devices. The Sonos Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, only supports ARC, which has lower bandwidth and may not support all the advanced audio features of eARC.
Can I use the Sonos Beam Gen 2 or Sonos Arc as part of a whole-home audio system?
Yes, both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Arc can be used as part of a whole-home audio system. Sonos is a pioneer in whole-home audio, and all its products, including the Beam Gen 2 and Arc, are designed to work seamlessly together to create a whole-home audio system.
You can connect multiple Sonos speakers, including the Beam Gen 2 and Arc, to create a whole-home audio system that allows you to play music in multiple rooms and control it all from the Sonos app. You can also use the Sonos app to group rooms, create playlists, and control the volume and playback of your music.
How do I set up and control the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Arc?
Setting up and controlling the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Arc is relatively easy and straightforward. You can set up both soundbars using the Sonos app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app will guide you through the setup process, which involves connecting the soundbar to your TV and Wi-Fi network.
Once set up, you can control the soundbar using the Sonos app, your TV remote, or your voice (if you have a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant). You can also use the app to adjust the soundbar’s settings, such as the EQ and volume, and to access music and audio services like Apple Music, Spotify, and more.
What kind of warranty and support does Sonos offer for the Beam Gen 2 and Arc?
Sonos offers a one-year warranty for both the Beam Gen 2 and Arc soundbars, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Sonos also offers a 100-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to return the soundbar for a full refund within 100 days of purchase.
In addition, Sonos offers excellent customer support, which includes online resources, phone support, and email support. Sonos also has a comprehensive online knowledge base that provides answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips. If you encounter any issues with your soundbar, you can contact Sonos support for assistance.