If you’re choosing between the original Sonos Beam (Gen 1) and its successor, the Sonos Beam Gen 2, you’re essentially deciding between a solid, entry-level smart soundbar and its more refined, Atmos-capable upgrade. Let’s break down which one wins—and why.
Let’s make long story short: I personally recommend to go with the Sonos Beam Gen 2—it adds Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC, a more powerful processor, and maintains the Sonos ecosystem you love in a compact package.
What is the Difference Between Sonos Beam (Gen 1) vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2) specs
The major upgrade with the Beam Gen 2 is clear: adding true Dolby Atmos makes immersive height-channel audio (like overhead effects) possible, elevating movies and music in a way the Gen 1 can’t match.
Connectivity also leaps ahead—HDMI eARC (instead of older ARC) enables full-bandwidth lossless audio and simplifies setup with newer TVs. The hardware may look similar, but Gen 2’s tuned processing means smoother performance and longer software support. It’s a small package but a big leap in capability.
Check Sonos Beam Gen 2 Best Deal Here
Why Do I Recommend Sonos Beam Gen 2?
I highly recommend the Sonos Beam Gen 2 because it retains the strong strengths of the Gen 1 while delivering improved spatial audio, smarter connectivity, and future-ready performance—all without increasing its footprint.
- Dolby Atmos Ready – Now brings vertical height with immersive sound for movies and music.
- HDMI eARC Support – Delivers full-resolution audio and simplifies TV integration.
- Smarter Inside – Faster processor, more memory—better responsiveness and longer support lifespan.
- Refined Design – Durable polycarbonate grille resists scratches and smudges better than the Gen 1 fabric.
- Still Compact & Stylish – Same sleek dimensions but with significant performance upgrades.
- Seamless Sonos Ecosystem – Trueplay tuning, app control, and multi-room audio still work flawlessly.
- Improved Streaming & Voice Control – Enhanced connection stability and quick setup.
- Better Value Over Time – Still available under Best Seller Limited Price —makes it an excellent long-term choice.
Compare Sonos Beam Gen 1 vs Gen 2 At a Glance
| Category | Sonos Beam (Gen 1) | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Which is Best & Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spatial Audio | Stereo sound with strong dialogue clarity, no Atmos | Adds Dolby Atmos—height channels for immersive experience | Beam Gen 2 – Adds depth and realism for movies and music. |
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC only | HDMI eARC, optical via adapter | Beam Gen 2 – Better audio passthrough and easier TV integration. |
| Internal Hardware | Quad-core CPU, 1 GB RAM / 4 GB storage | Same core, but optimized with better processing for Atmos | Beam Gen 2 – More future-proof for updates and new features. |
| Design & Build | Fabric grille, compact 25.6” size | Polycarbonate grille with same form factor | Beam Gen 2 – Same compact design but more durable materials. |
| Ecosystem Features | Trueplay, voice assistants, Sonos app | All of the above, plus Atmos-capable multi-room builds | Tie – Both integrate well with Sonos ecosystem. |
| Price (Street) | Often discounted below Beam Gen 2 | Frequently drops under $400 during deals | Depends – Gen 1 is cheaper, but Gen 2 delivers better performance value. |
| Who Offer Best Deal? | Check Sonos Beam Get 1 Price | Check Sonos Beam Get 2 Price | Check Best Deal |
What Users Are Saying About Sonos Beam Gen 1 vs Gen 2
| Feature/Feedback | Sonos Beam (Gen 1) | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | “Great dialogue and compact sound for music and TV.” | “Dolby Atmos surprised me—fills small rooms with surprising depth.” |
| Ease of Setup | “Quick to install with the app, but limited to ARC.” | “Simple setup with eARC and Trueplay, sounds better than expected.” |
| Value & Pricing | “Solid soundbar but lacks Atmos.” | “Now under $400—it’s a steal for Atmos and Sonos integration.” |
| Design Preference | “Nice compact design but fabric attracts dust.” | “Love the cleaner plastic grille and same footprint.” |
| Overall Experience | “Good entry-level Sonos sound.” | “Feels like a true upgrade—worth the bump for better sound and features.” |
| Recommended Best Seller | Check Users Recommend Gen 1 Seller | Check Users Recommend Gen 2 Seller |
Fair Advice to Consider
- Choose Beam (Gen 1) if budget is tight and you don’t need Atmos or HDMI eARC.
- Go for Beam (Gen 2) if you want immersive audio, future-proof connectivity, and better value during deals.
- Compact room? Both fit small setups beautifully—but Gen 2 delivers richer sound in that same space.
Sonos Beam Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Quick Comparison
| Feature | Beam (Gen 1) | Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | No | Yes |
| HDMI eARC | No | Yes |
| Grille Material | Fabric | Polycarbonate (more durable) |
| Price (Street) | Lower | Higher, but often on sale |
| Who Offer Best Value? | Check Sonos Beam Gen 1 Price | Check Sonos Beam Gen 2 Price |
Key Takeaways
Both Beam models deliver excellent sound and Sonos functionality in compact form, but the Beam Gen 2 uplifts your experience with Dolby Atmos, better connectivity, improved durability, and long-term value—especially when found under $400.
FAQs
Q: Is Beam Gen 2 worth upgrading to from Gen 1?
Yes—if you care about Atmos, modern connectivity, and potential for multi-room expansion.
Q: Can I still use Trueplay on Gen 2?
Absolutely—both support room-tuning, but only Gen 2 brings real spatial audio to the table.
Q: Do both support voice controls?
Yes, both support Alexa, Google Assistant, and control via the Sonos app.
Final Verdict
- Sonos Beam (Gen 1) remains a compelling choice for budget-focused buyers who want solid performance and Sonos features.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2), however, represents a true step up—Atmos sound, eARC support, and stronger long-term value—earning its place as the smarter, more future-ready pick.
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