In-depth review
Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Sonos Beam Gen 2: virtual Atmos, Trueplay, compact size, and the Sonos upgrade path.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The compact Sonos that does Atmos properly, at a price most rooms can justify.
Our verdict
The Beam Gen 2 is the smartest compact soundbar buy: it brings genuine Sonos sound, virtual Atmos, and multi-room music to rooms and budgets that cannot justify a flagship. Its simulated height effects and modest bass are honest limits of its size, not flaws, and both have clear upgrade paths in the Sub Mini and Era rears. For small rooms, it is the default recommendation.
What we like
- Virtual Dolby Atmos processing from a 25.6 inch bar produces a surprisingly wide and tall stage, with clear centre-channel dialogue.
- Trueplay tuning and the Sonos multi-room system make it the easiest bar here to add to an existing Sonos home, with a Sub Mini as the natural upgrade.
- Compact size fits under most TVs and on narrow stands where flagship bars would overhang or block the screen.
What to watch out for
- No up-firing drivers, so Atmos height effects are simulated rather than physical, and the effect is weaker in high-ceiling rooms.
- Bass is respectable for the size but not room-shaking, so film fans will want the Sub Mini eventually.
- A single HDMI eARC connection and Sonos app setup, with no Bluetooth audio input on this generation for casual phone playback.
Who it is for
Small-room owners, bedroom TV users, and anyone starting a Sonos system on a sensible budget.
Virtual Atmos that works in small rooms
The Beam Gen 2 has no up-firing drivers, so its Atmos is created by processing rather than physics. In a small room with a normal ceiling, the effect is convincing: sound widens beyond the bar and gains a sense of height, especially with well-mixed Atmos content. In large rooms or rooms with very high ceilings, the illusion thins, which is the honest boundary of this bar's ambitions.
Dialogue and everyday TV
Dialogue is a strength, thanks to a dedicated centre channel and Sonos tuning that keeps speech forward without making it harsh. The speech enhancement setting in the app helps further for late-night viewing and for viewers who struggle with mumbled drama. Everyday TV, news, and sport all sound natural, which matters more than demo material for a bar used daily.
Size, setup, and the upgrade path
At 25.6 inches wide the Beam fits under almost any TV and on narrow stands, and Trueplay tuning adapts it to the room in minutes. The upgrade path is the real selling point: add a Sub Mini for bass, Era 100 rears for surround, and the bar grows with your room and budget instead of being replaced. That path is why the Beam beats cheaper compact bars that cannot grow.
How it stacks up
Against the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, the Beam wins on multi-room and app polish, while Bose wins on physical Atmos height drivers. Against the Sony HT-S2000, the Beam wins on ecosystem and tuning, while Sony wins on built-in bass and price. Against the Sonos Arc Ultra, the Beam is the small-room, half-price alternative that gives up scale, not quality.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Surprisingly wide tall stage from a compact bar, with clear dialogue
- Easiest bar here to add to an existing Sonos home
- Compact size fits under most TVs and on narrow stands
Common complaints
- Atmos height effects are simulated, and weaker in high-ceiling rooms
- Bass is respectable for the size but not room-shaking for film fans
- No Bluetooth audio input on this generation for casual phone playback
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Channel layout
- Virtual Dolby Atmos, 5.0 with centre channel
- Width
- 25.6 inches
- Connections
- HDMI eARC, optical via adapter, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2
- Room tuning
- Trueplay
- Expandability
- Sonos Sub Mini, Sub, and Era rears (sold separately)
Also consider
Bose Smart Soundbar 600
Bose Atmos in a compact bar, with TrueSpace for content that was never mixed in Atmos.
- Audio formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, TrueSpace upmixing
- Width: 27.34 inches
Sony HT-S2000
The compact Sony that sounds far bigger than it looks, with room to grow.
- Channel layout: 3.1 with dual built-in subwoofers
- Audio formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Vertical Surround Engine
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the Beam Gen 2 good for music?
Yes, very good for its size, with balanced tone and good stereo width. It will not fill a large room for a party, but for everyday listening and multi-room use it is excellent.
Do I need a Sub Mini with the Beam?
Not immediately. The Beam's bass suits TV and music in small rooms. Add a Sub Mini if you watch a lot of action films or want music with more weight, and place it near the bar for the tightest integration.
Can I control the Beam with my TV remote?
Yes, over HDMI eARC or optical. Volume, mute, and power follow the TV remote in most setups, so daily use needs no app at all after the initial setup.