Are you in the market for a new soundbar, but unsure which one to choose? With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One popular option is the Sonos Beam, a compact and sleek soundbar that promises to deliver high-quality sound without breaking the bank. But is it the right choice for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Sonos Beam, its features, and its performance to help you make an informed decision.
The Sonos Beam: A Compact Powerhouse
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that measures just 25.6 inches in length, making it the perfect fit for smaller rooms or apartments. Despite its small size, the Beam packs a punch when it comes to sound quality, with five Class-D digital amplifiers and four full-range woofers that produce clear and detailed sound. The Beam also features three passive radiators that add depth and warmth to the sound, making it ideal for watching movies or listening to music.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Beam is designed to be compact and discreet, making it easy to place in front of your TV or mount on the wall. The soundbar is made of high-quality materials, including a durable plastic exterior and a sleek, fabric-covered grille. The Beam’s compact design also makes it easy to move from room to room, making it a great option for those who want a portable sound solution.
Control Options
The Sonos Beam comes with a range of control options, including a dedicated remote control, voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and control through the Sonos app. The app allows you to adjust settings, access music and TV services, and even set up custom sound profiles for different users.
Sound Quality: Does the Beam Deliver?
The Sonos Beam is designed to deliver high-quality sound, but does it live up to its promises? In short, yes. The Beam produces clear and detailed sound, with good separation between different frequencies. The soundbar is particularly well-suited for dialogue, making it an excellent choice for watching TV shows or movies.
Bass Response
One area where the Sonos Beam falls short is in its bass response. While the soundbar does have some bass, it’s not particularly strong, and those who enjoy heavy bass may find themselves disappointment. However, for most users, the Beam’s bass response will be more than sufficient.
Music Performance
The Sonos Beam is also an excellent choice for music lovers, with clear and detailed sound that makes it easy to pick out individual instruments. The soundbar supports a range of music services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, making it easy to access your favorite tunes.
Setup and Integration
Setting up the Sonos Beam is a breeze, with a simple and intuitive process that gets you up and running in just a few minutes. The soundbar connects to your TV via HDMI-ARC, and you can also connect it to your Wi-Fi network for access to music and other services.
Multi-Room Audio
One of the key benefits of the Sonos Beam is its ability to integrate with other Sonos speakers, allowing you to create a whole-home audio system. This means you can play music in different rooms, or synchronize music playback across multiple rooms.
Pros and Cons
So, is the Sonos Beam right for you? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and sleek design | Limited bass response |
| Easy setup and integration | No Dolby Atmos support |
| Excellent sound quality | No built-in Chromecast support |
| Wide range of control options | No support for eARC |
| Multi-room audio capabilities | Higher price point than some competitors |
Alternatives to the Sonos Beam
If the Sonos Beam isn’t quite right for you, there are several alternatives to consider:
- Yamaha YAS-209: A similar soundbar with excellent sound quality and built-in Alexa support.
- Polk Command Bar: A budget-friendly soundbar with built-in Alexa support and a compact design.
Conclusion
So, should you buy the Sonos Beam? If you’re looking for a compact and sleek soundbar with excellent sound quality, the Beam is an excellent choice. While it may not offer the strongest bass response or the latest audio formats, it’s a solid option for those who want a high-quality sound solution without breaking the bank. With its easy setup, wide range of control options, and multi-room audio capabilities, the Sonos Beam is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio experience.
What is the Sonos Beam?
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar designed for smaller rooms and apartments. It’s a compact, minimalist speaker that can fit almost anywhere in your home. The Beam is a more affordable option compared to Sonos’ other soundbars, but still packs a punch when it comes to sound quality.
It’s worth noting that the Beam is not a traditional soundbar in the sense that it’s not designed to be a full home theater system. Instead, it’s meant to be a convenient, easy-to-use speaker that can enhance your TV-watching experience and stream music from your favorite services.
What are the key features of the Sonos Beam?
The Sonos Beam has a number of key features that make it an attractive option for those looking for a compact soundbar. It has Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, allowing for seamless voice control. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which makes it easy to stream music from your iPhone or iPad. Additionally, the Beam has HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) which allows it to connect to your TV and receive audio signals.
Another notable feature of the Beam is its ability to calibrate itself to your room using Sonos’ Trueplay technology. This means that the speaker will adjust its sound settings to compensate for the acoustics of your room, providing a more immersive listening experience. It’s also worth noting that the Beam is a wireless speaker, so you don’t need to worry about dealing with cords or cables.
How does the Sonos Beam sound?
The Sonos Beam is known for its clear and detailed sound, with good bass response for its size. It’s not going to blow you away with earth-shaking bass, but it’s more than sufficient for TV shows, movies, and music. The Beam is also capable of getting quite loud, making it suitable for larger rooms or parties.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Beam is a mono speaker, so it’s not going to provide the same level of immersion as a stereo or surround sound system. However, it’s still a great option for those who want a simple, easy-to-use soundbar that can enhance their TV-watching experience.
Can I use the Sonos Beam with my TV?
Yes, the Sonos Beam is designed to work seamlessly with your TV. It connects to your TV using an HDMI ARC connection, which allows it to receive audio signals from your TV. This means that you can use the Beam to enhance your TV-watching experience, whether you’re watching a movie, TV show, or playing video games.
It’s worth noting that the Beam is compatible with a wide range of TVs, including those from Samsung, LG, Sony, and more. However, you may need to check your TV’s specifications to make sure it has an HDMI ARC port, as not all TVs do.
Is the Sonos Beam worth the price?
The Sonos Beam is priced competitively with other soundbars on the market, especially considering its compact size and feature set. It’s generally priced around $400, which is a great value considering its sound quality and ease of use.
That being said, the Beam may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. If you’re looking for a super affordable soundbar, you may be able to find something cheaper elsewhere. However, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality soundbar that will last you for years to come, the Beam is definitely worth considering.
Can I connect the Sonos Beam to other Sonos speakers?
Yes, the Sonos Beam can be connected to other Sonos speakers, making it a great option for those who already have a Sonos system set up in their home. You can use the Sonos app to connect the Beam to other speakers, creating a whole-home audio system that allows you to play music and control your speakers from anywhere.
It’s worth noting that the Beam can also be used as a standalone speaker, so you don’t need to have other Sonos speakers to use it. However, if you do have other Sonos speakers, the Beam can be a great addition to your system, providing an easy way to enhance your TV-watching experience and stream music to other rooms.
Is the Sonos Beam easy to set up?
Yes, the Sonos Beam is extremely easy to set up. It comes with a simple, intuitive setup process that will have you up and running in no time. The Beam also comes with a remote control, which makes it easy to adjust the volume, play/pause music, and more.
It’s worth noting that the Beam also has a feature called “Auto Trueplay”, which uses the microphone in your TV to calibrate the speaker’s sound settings to your room. This means that you don’t need to mess around with complicated settings or adjustments – the Beam will take care of it for you. Overall, the Beam is a plug-and-play speaker that’s easy to use, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.