tldr; We’ve been living with the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) for three months now — long enough to know whether it’s a game-changer or just another slim speaker trying to punch above its weight. The good news? It’s sleek, smart, and has a lovely voice (thanks Alexa, thanks Google). The bad? You’re definitely going to want the Sub. Trust us — your eardrums will thank you.
Tech Specs
- HDMI eARC for easy one-cable setup (and less behind-TV spaghetti)
- Dolby Atmos support (but a little spatially shy without the Sub)
- Wi-Fi streaming, no Bluetooth (sorry, Bluetooth diehards
- Compact design: 651mm wide – fits under most TVs without hogging the spotlight
- Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and voice assistant smarts built-in
- Plays nice with the Sonos ecosystem — stereo pairs, surrounds, the whole shebang
What We Loved (and What Made Us Meh)
Surprisingly capable, stylish, and smart — but shines brightest when paired with the right company.
- Incredibly easy setup — plug in, app on, done
- Sleek design that doesn’t scream “soundbar”
- Clear dialogue and detailed mids
- Works a treat with other Sonos gear
- Great for small to medium rooms
- Atmos support is nice to have (even if it’s a bit subtle)
Alone, it’s good. With a Sub? It’s great. Without one, you’re missing the magic.
- Lacks bass impact without the Subwoofer
- No Bluetooth — you’re Wi-Fi only here
- Dolby Atmos feels a little… shh
- Not ideal for larger rooms or action-heavy viewing
- Pricey once you factor in extras
- Still no EQ customisation for true audio nerds
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a slick little thing — modern looks, seamless integration, and impressively crisp sound for something that can comfortably fit in most IKEA TV units. It’s a plug-and-play dream, and part of Sonos’ ever-growing ecosystem of wirelessly wonderful gear. On its own, it delivers clean vocals and decent clarity, and it’s absolutely perfect for late-night dramas or Sunday night chill sessions.
But let’s be honest — if you’re shelling out this kind of cash, you’re probably not just watching The Great British Bake Off. The lack of low-end grunt means it needs the Sonos Sub to really make an impression with movies and music. Add the Sub, and the Beam becomes a serious contender. Without it? Still solid, but not quite spine-tingling.
Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Because with the Sub, it’s brilliant — but without it, it feels like it’s missing a key piece of the puzzle.
Would we buy it?
Only if we’re budgeting for the Sub too. It’s a package deal in our book.
Value for Money
A bit spendy solo — feels more like a starter kit than a complete experience.