The Sonos Beam is a compact, sleek, and feature-rich soundbar that has taken the home entertainment world by storm. As a compact and affordable option in the Sonos lineup, it’s natural to wonder: is the Sonos Beam worth buying? In this in-depth review, we’ll delve into the Beam’s features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
The Sonos Beam: A Compact Powerhouse
Measuring just 25.6 inches in length, the Sonos Beam is designed to fit snugly into any living room, bedroom, or home office. Its compact size belies its impressive capabilities, which include:
- Five Class-D digital amplifiers
- Four full-range woofers
- Three tweeters
- One passive radiator
- Support for Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Google Assistant
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa (via Alexa Skill)
The Beam’s compact design makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space, but don’t let its size fool you – this little powerhouse packs a serious punch.
Sound Quality: Does the Beam Deliver?
The Sonos Beam’s sound quality is nothing short of impressive. With its five-class D digital amplifiers and proprietary Trueplay technology, the Beam is capable of producing rich, detailed sound with surprisingly good bass response. The tweeters provide crisp, clear highs, while the passive radiator enhances low-end frequencies.
In terms of soundstage, the Beam does an admirable job of creating an immersive audio experience, with a wide sweet spot that ensures everyone in the room can enjoy the music or movie. While it may not be quite as room-filling as some of the larger soundbars on the market, the Beam’s sound quality is more than a match for its compact size.
Beam vs. Larger Soundbars: A Fair Comparison?
It’s tempting to compare the Sonos Beam directly to larger soundbars, but that’s not entirely fair. The Beam is designed to be a compact, all-in-one solution, whereas larger soundbars often rely on separate subwoofers and rear speakers to create a more immersive experience.
Instead, consider the Beam as a high-quality, compact speaker that just happens to have a Soundbar form factor. In this context, its sound quality is all the more impressive, given its diminutive size.
Smart Features: The Sonos Beam’s Secret Sauce
The Sonos Beam is more than just a great-sounding speaker – it’s also a smart device that integrates seamlessly with your existing smart home setup.
- Multi-Room Audio: The Beam is part of the Sonos ecosystem, which means you can easily pair it with other Sonos speakers to create a whole-home audio system.
- Voice Control: With built-in support for Google Assistant and Apple’s AirPlay 2, you can control your music, adjust the volume, and even ask for information using just your voice.
- Smart Home Integration: The Beam is compatible with a wide range of smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, lights, thermostats, and more.
The Beam’s smart features make it an excellent choice for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem or looking to create a smart home hub.
Value Proposition: Is the Sonos Beam Worth the Investment?
So, is the Sonos Beam worth buying? The answer depends on your specific needs and budget. Here are a few scenarios to consider:
- Space-Constrained Users: If you live in a small apartment, condo, or have limited space, the Sonos Beam is an excellent choice. Its compact size and impressive sound quality make it an ideal solution for tight spaces.
- Smart Home Enthusiasts: If you’re already invested in the smart home ecosystem, the Beam’s smart features and integration with popular services like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa make it a compelling choice.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Sonos Beam is priced competitively, especially considering its feature set and sound quality. If you’re looking for a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank, the Beam is definitely worth considering.
In terms of value, the Sonos Beam offers an impressive combination of sound quality, smart features, and compact design. While it may not be the absolute best choice for every user, it’s certainly a strong contender.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Sonos Beam isn’t quite the right fit, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Yamaha YAS-209: A budget-friendly soundbar with built-in Alexa support and surprisingly good sound quality.
- Polk Command Bar: A compact soundbar with built-in Alexa support and a more affordable price tag.
- Sonos One (Gen 2): A compact, Alexa-enabled speaker that can be paired with another Sonos One or a Sonos Beam for a more immersive audio experience.
Ultimately, the best alternative will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Conclusion: Sound Wisdom
The Sonos Beam is a compact powerhouse that packs a serious punch. With its impressive sound quality, smart features, and compact design, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality soundbar that won’t break the bank.
While it may not be the absolute best choice for every user, the Beam’s value proposition is undeniable. Whether you’re a space-constrained user, smart home enthusiast, or budget-conscious buyer, the Sonos Beam is definitely worth considering.
So, is the Sonos Beam worth buying? The answer is a resounding yes – but only if you’re willing to compromise on size and scope. In exchange, you’ll get a compact, feature-rich soundbar that’s sure to impress.
| Feature | Sonos Beam |
|---|---|
| Size | 25.6 inches |
| Amplifiers | 5 Class-D digital |
| Woofers | 4 full-range |
| Tweeters | 3 |
| Passive Radiator | 1 |
| Smart Features | Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, Alexa (via Skill) |
| Price | $399 (varies depending on region) |
By considering your specific needs and budget, you can make an informed decision about whether the Sonos Beam is right for you. Happy shopping!
What is the Sonos Beam and how does it fit into the Sonos ecosystem?
The Sonos Beam is a compact, soundbar-style speaker designed to bring high-quality audio to any room in your home. As part of the Sonos ecosystem, the Beam integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers and devices, allowing you to create a whole-home audio system that’s easy to control and customize.
The Beam’s compact size and versatility make it an ideal solution for smaller rooms, such as dens or bedrooms, or for use as a TV speaker. With its built-in Alexa and Google Assistant integration, the Beam also serves as a smart speaker, allowing you to control your music, smart home devices, and more with just your voice.
What are the key features that make the Sonos Beam stand out from other soundbars?
The Sonos Beam boasts several features that set it apart from other soundbars on the market. First, its compact size and sleek design make it easy to integrate into any room, without sacrificing sound quality. The Beam also features built-in Alexa and Google Assistant integration, allowing for seamless voice control and smart home integration.
In addition to its smart features, the Beam is also incredibly easy to set up and use, with a simple and intuitive app that allows you to control your music, adjust settings, and more. The Beam also supports multi-room audio, allowing you to easily sync music playback across multiple rooms and devices.
How does the Sonos Beam’s sound quality compare to other soundbars in its class?
The Sonos Beam’s sound quality is exceptionally clear and detailed, with deep bass and crisp highs. While it may not have the same level of low-end oomph as larger soundbars, the Beam’s compact design and forward-facing speakers make it surprisingly powerful and immersive.
Compared to other soundbars in its class, the Beam holds its own in terms of sound quality, with many reviewers praising its warm and balanced sound. The Beam’s ability to handle everything from dialogue-heavy TV shows to music and podcasts makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar that won’t break the bank.
Is the Sonos Beam compatible with my existing TV and audio equipment?
The Sonos Beam is designed to be compatible with a wide range of TVs and audio equipment, including HDMI-CEC enabled TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Apple TV. The Beam also supports a variety of audio formats, including Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM.
If you have an older TV or audio equipment that doesn’t support HDMI-CEC, you can still use the Beam with an optical audio adapter. Additionally, the Beam’s compact size and wireless connectivity make it easy to integrate into any room, without the need for complex wiring or setup.
Can I use the Sonos Beam as a standalone speaker or as part of a larger home audio system?
The Sonos Beam can be used as a standalone speaker for music, podcasts, and more, thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi and streaming capabilities. However, the Beam really shines when used as part of a larger home audio system, allowing you to create a seamless and integrated audio experience throughout your home.
As part of the Sonos ecosystem, the Beam can be paired with other Sonos speakers and devices, such as the Sonos One or Sonos Playbase, to create a whole-home audio system that’s easy to control and customize.
How does the Sonos Beam’s value proposition compare to other soundbars in its class?
The Sonos Beam’s value proposition is rooted in its combination of compact size, high-quality sound, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. While other soundbars may offer similar features and performance, the Beam’s compact design and wireless connectivity make it an incredibly versatile and convenient option.
In terms of value, the Beam is priced competitively with other soundbars in its class, making it an attractive option for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank.
What kind of customer support and warranty does Sonos offer for the Beam?
Sonos is known for its excellent customer support, offering a comprehensive warranty and dedicated support team to help with any questions or issues.
The Beam comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects and malfunctions, as well as dedicated customer support via phone, email, and online chat. Sonos also offers a 45-day return policy, allowing you to try the Beam risk-free and return it if you’re not satisfied.