The world of home theater systems has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with compact soundbars becoming increasingly popular. Two of the most sought-after soundbars in the market are the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Playbar. Both products are from the same renowned brand, but they cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of each soundbar to help you decide which one is better suited for your entertainment setup.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Playbar exude a sense of premium quality and sophistication. However, they differ significantly in terms of size and build.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar that measures just 25.6 inches wide, 3.9 inches tall, and 2.7 inches deep. Its small footprint makes it an ideal choice for smaller rooms, apartments, or desks. The device is built with durable plastic and has a sleek, matte finish that complements most home décor.
On the other hand, the Sonos Playbar is a larger soundbar that stretches 35.4 inches wide, 5.5 inches tall, and 3.4 inches deep. Its more substantial build and larger drivers enable it to produce more powerful sound, making it better suited for larger rooms or home theaters. The Playbar’s design is more angular and rectangular, with a premium glass top and a sturdy aluminum grille.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where both soundbars truly shine. However, they cater to different listening preferences and room sizes.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a more compact soundbar, but it still packs a punch when it comes to sound quality. It features five Class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter, and four full-range woofers. The device supports Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, and Multichannel PCM, ensuring an immersive audio experience. The Beam Gen 2 is better suited for smaller rooms, as it can produce a surprisingly loud and clear sound given its compact size.
The Sonos Playbar, on the other hand, is a more powerful soundbar that boasts six mid-woofer drivers and three tweeters. It also supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM, but lacks Dolby Atmos support. The Playbar’s larger drivers and more significant build enable it to produce a more robust and cinematic sound, making it better suited for larger rooms or home theaters.
Dialogue Enhancement
One area where the Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels is dialogue enhancement. Its new Speech Enhancement feature uses machine learning algorithms to identify and amplify dialogue, making it easier to understand what’s being said on screen. This feature is particularly useful for people who have difficulty hearing dialogue or prefer a more immersive viewing experience.
Smart Features and Compatibility
Both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Playbar are smart soundbars that offer a range of innovative features and seamless compatibility with various devices.
Multi-Room Audio
One of the most significant advantages of Sonos soundbars is their ability to connect and synchronize with other Sonos devices. This allows users to create a whole-home audio system, where music and audio can be controlled and played in multiple rooms simultaneously.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Playbar both support multi-room audio, enabling users to connect them with other Sonos devices, such as the Sonos One, Sonos One SL, or the Sonos Move.
Voice Assistant Integration
Both soundbars offer seamless integration with popular voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can control their soundbar, adjust volume, and access various music services using voice commands.
Wireless Connectivity
Both devices support wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. This enables users to stream music and audio from their devices wirelessly, without the need for cables or adapters.
Pricing and Value
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Playbar differ significantly in terms of pricing, which can be a decisive factor for many consumers.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the more affordable option, with a price tag of around $449. Considering its compact size, impressive sound quality, and innovative features, the Beam Gen 2 offers excellent value for money.
The Sonos Playbar, on the other hand, is a more premium product with a higher price tag of around $699. While it offers more powerful sound and a more extensive range of features, its higher price may deter some buyers.
Conclusion
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Playbar are both exceptional soundbars that cater to different needs and preferences. The Beam Gen 2 is a compact, affordable option that offers impressive sound quality, innovative features, and seamless connectivity. It’s an ideal choice for smaller rooms, apartments, or desks.
The Sonos Playbar, on the other hand, is a more powerful soundbar that’s better suited for larger rooms, home theaters, or those who want a more cinematic sound experience. While it lacks Dolby Atmos support, its more extensive range of features and larger drivers make up for it.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Playbar depends on your specific needs, room size, and budget. If you’re looking for a compact, affordable soundbar with impressive sound quality, the Beam Gen 2 is the better choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more premium product with more powerful sound, the Sonos Playbar is the better option.
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Sonos Playbar |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 25.6″ x 3.9″ x 2.7″ | 35.4″ x 5.5″ x 3.4″ |
| Sound Quality | Compact, clear sound with Dolby Atmos support | More powerful, cinematic sound with Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM support |
| Smart Features | Multi-room audio, voice assistant integration, wireless connectivity | Multi-room audio, voice assistant integration, wireless connectivity |
| Pricing | Around $449 | Around $699 |
In conclusion, both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Sonos Playbar are exceptional soundbars that offer unique benefits and features. By understanding your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the soundbar that’s right for you.
What is Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar designed to provide high-quality audio for TVs, movies, and music. It is a newer generation of the original Sonos Beam, which was released in 2018. The Gen 2 model offers improved performance, sleeker design, and enhanced features compared to its predecessor.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a great option for those looking for a compact soundbar that can fit into smaller spaces. It measures only 25.6 inches wide, making it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or small living rooms. Despite its compact size, the Beam Gen 2 packs a punch, delivering clear and balanced sound with deep bass.
What are the key differences between Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Playbar?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Playbar are both soundbars designed for home entertainment, but they differ in terms of size, design, and features. The Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar, while the Playbar is a larger, more robust soundbar. The Playbar is also more expensive than the Beam Gen 2.
The main difference between the two is the sound quality. The Playbar is capable of producing more powerful and immersive sound, making it a better option for larger rooms or those who want a more cinematic experience. The Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, is ideal for smaller spaces and those who prefer a more compact design.
Does Sonos Beam Gen 2 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports Dolby Atmos, a 3D audio format that adds height to the soundstage, creating a more immersive listening experience. This feature is particularly useful when watching movies or TV shows that support Dolby Atmos.
However, it’s worth noting that the Beam Gen 2’s compact design and single tweeter may not be able to fully take advantage of the Dolby Atmos format. The soundbar may not be able to produce the same level of height and immersion as larger soundbars with more drivers.
Can I use Sonos Beam Gen 2 as a speaker for music?
Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be used as a speaker for music. It supports a wide range of music services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, and can stream music wirelessly using Wi-Fi or Apple AirPlay 2.
The Beam Gen 2’s compact design and built-in microphone also make it a great option for voice control using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to play, pause, and skip tracks, or even ask for news updates or weather forecasts.
Is Sonos Beam Gen 2 compatible with my TV?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is compatible with most TVs, but there are some limitations. It supports HDMI-ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows it to connect to TVs and passthrough audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
However, if your TV does not support HDMI-ARC or eARC, you may need to use an optical cable to connect the Beam Gen 2 to your TV. Additionally, some TVs may not support the Beam Gen 2’s advanced audio features, so you may need to check your TV’s specifications before purchasing.
Can I use Sonos Beam Gen 2 with other Sonos speakers?
Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be used with other Sonos speakers to create a whole-home audio system. You can group the Beam Gen 2 with other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One or Sonos Five, to play the same music in multiple rooms.
The Beam Gen 2 also supports Sonos’s Trueplay technology, which allows you to adjust the sound of the speaker to fit your room’s acoustics. This feature works with other Sonos speakers, ensuring that the sound is optimized for each room in your home.
Is Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth the upgrade from the original Beam?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a significant upgrade from the original Beam, offering improved sound quality, a sleeker design, and enhanced features. If you’re looking for a more compact soundbar with better performance and more advanced features, the Beam Gen 2 is definitely worth considering.
However, if you’re happy with your original Beam, there may not be a compelling reason to upgrade. The Beam Gen 2’s improvements are incremental, and if you’re not looking for a more compact design or advanced features like Dolby Atmos, you may not need to upgrade.