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Ranked #2 of 5Reviewed by Mike Hun·May 19, 2026

Sonos Beam Gen 2

Averaged from + undefined
The verdict

The Beam Gen 2 is the compact Atmos pick. At 25.6" wide and using virtual height processing, it's the right fit for spaces where the Samsung HW-Q800D or LG SC9S would be too big. Sonos's HRTF psychoacoustic processing creates convincing-enough height effects for most viewers, and Speech Enhancement makes dialog clarity better than every other pick here. The catch: it needs the Sub Mini for real cinematic bass, which puts the real cost over $900. For Sonos ecosystem buyers, the upgrade path is the killer feature.

Sonos Beam Gen 2

Strengths

  • +Most compact Atmos soundbar in this round-up — 25.6 inches wide
  • +Convincing virtual Atmos via Sonos's HRTF psychoacoustic processing
  • +Best dialog clarity in this lineup via Sonos's Speech Enhancement mode
  • +Sonos ecosystem — pair with One SL surrounds and Sub Mini for a true 5.1.2 over time
  • +Cleanest setup app and most reliable Wi-Fi audio handling in this lineup

Watch-outs

  • −Virtualized Atmos can't match the physical up-firing of the Samsung HW-Q800D
  • −No subwoofer included — needs Sub Mini ($429) for proper low-end
  • −Sonos's room correction (Trueplay) requires an iOS device
  • −Premium Sonos pricing on every accessory

How it compares

Most compact pick in this round-up. Virtual Atmos loses to the Samsung HW-Q800D and LG SC9S which both use physical up-firing drivers. Best dialog clarity here. Same compact-class as the Bose Smart Soundbar but with better ecosystem and slightly better processing.

Who this is for

At a glance: smaller rooms, design-conscious buyers, and Sonos ecosystem owners who plan to add Sub Mini and surrounds over time.

Why you’d buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2

  • Most compact Atmos soundbar in this round-up — 25.6 inches wide.
  • Convincing virtual Atmos via Sonos's HRTF psychoacoustic processing.
  • Best dialog clarity in this lineup via Sonos's Speech Enhancement mode.

Why you’d skip it

  • Virtualized Atmos can't match the physical up-firing of the Samsung HW-Q800D.
  • No subwoofer included — needs Sub Mini ($429) for proper low-end.
  • Sonos's room correction (Trueplay) requires an iOS device.

Rating sources

rtings
4.6/5
“The Sonos Beam Gen 2 achieves a convincing, immersive performance with Dolby Atmos without needing upfiring speakers.”

Our 4.6 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth buying?
The Beam Gen 2 is the compact Atmos pick. At 25.6" wide and using virtual height processing, it's the right fit for spaces where the Samsung HW-Q800D or LG SC9S would be too big. Sonos's HRTF psychoacoustic processing creates convincing-enough height effects for most viewers, and Speech Enhancement makes dialog clarity better than every other pick here. The catch: it needs the Sub Mini for real cinematic bass, which puts the real cost over $900. For Sonos ecosystem buyers, the upgrade path is the killer feature.
What is the Sonos Beam Gen 2's biggest strength?
Most compact Atmos soundbar in this round-up — 25.6 inches wide
What is the main drawback of the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
Virtualized Atmos can't match the physical up-firing of the Samsung HW-Q800D
What sources back the 4.6/5 rating?
Our 4.6/5 rating is the average of scores from 1 independent dolby atmos soundbars under $1000 review — rtings. Click any source on the product page to read the original review.

How it compares

See all 5 →
Samsung HW-Q800D
#1 · Top Score

Samsung HW-Q800D

Most complete Atmos package under $1000 with physical up-firing drivers and bundled wireless subwoofer. Beats the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar on real height channels (they virtualize). Comparable to the LG SC9S 3.1.3 layout but with a different ecosystem story (Samsung vs LG TV integration).

LG SC9S
#3

LG SC9S

More up-firing channels than the Samsung HW-Q800D (3 vs 2). Smaller chassis means less power overall. Same ecosystem-lock-in pattern as the Samsung HW-Q800D and Sonos Beam Gen 2 but for LG instead. Better TV-pairing options than the Sony HT-A3000 and Bose Smart Soundbar.

Bose Smart Soundbar (Dolby Atmos)
#4

Bose Smart Soundbar (Dolby Atmos)

Best dialog clarity in this lineup. Virtual Atmos like the Sonos Beam Gen 2 (vs physical on Samsung HW-Q800D and LG SC9S). No included subwoofer (vs Samsung HW-Q800D and LG SC9S which include one). Similar all-in-one philosophy as the Sony HT-A3000.

Sony HT-A3000
#5

Sony HT-A3000

Cheapest pick in this lineup. Virtual Atmos like the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar (vs physical up-firing on Samsung HW-Q800D and LG SC9S). Built-in subwoofer is a positive vs the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar which need separate subs. Best for Sony Bravia TV owners with Acoustic Center Sync.

Sonos Beam Gen 2
4.6/5· $499
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