Sonos Beam Review – Compact Audio That Packs a Punch

Today, we’re diving into the world of smart soundbars with a detailed look at the Sonos Beam. This sleek device promises to blend stellar audio quality with the convenience of smart home integration. But does it live up to the hype, especially when pitted against the myriad of options vying for the prime spot beneath your telly? Let’s find out, and hopefully, without causing too much of a racket.

What exactly is the Sonos Beam?

The Sonos Beam is not just any soundbar; it’s a compact, smart soundbar designed to enhance your home audio experience without taking up too much space. In today’s market, where the quest for minimalism meets the demand for high-quality sound, the Sonos Beam stands out by offering a perfect blend of style and smart technology.

Its relevance in the current market cannot be overstated, especially for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment system without compromising on aesthetics.

Benefits of using this soundbar

1. Superior Sound Quality: The Sonos Beam delivers an immersive audio experience, transforming your living room into a personal theatre.
2. Compact Design: Its sleek, compact design ensures it fits perfectly under most TVs without cluttering your space.
3. Smart Home Integration: With built-in Alexa and Google Assistant support, it seamlessly integrates into your smart home setup.
4. Easy Setup: The Sonos Beam boasts a user-friendly setup process, making it accessible even to those who are not tech-savvy.

First Impressions and Product Overview

Upon unboxing the Sonos Beam, its sleek design and compact form factor immediately caught my attention. Measuring just 10D x 65W x 6.8H centimetres, it’s evident that Sonos has put considerable thought into making this soundbar unobtrusive yet stylish. The build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy, reliable feel that reassures you of its durability. Its primary function, of course, is to deliver superior sound quality, but what sets it apart is its smart home integration capabilities.

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Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting

• Incredible audio: Delivers immersive sound transforming multimedia experiences.
• Simple setup: Effortless installation with user-friendly touch controls.
• Virtual assistant compatibility: Integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
• Expansive sound coverage: Offers clarity and depth in audio spread.
• Design excellence: Aesthetically pleasing and complements any room decor.
• Trueplay technology: Enhances audio playback to adapt to room acoustics.
• Wi-Fi and HDMI ARC connectivity: Ensures seamless integration with your TV and home network.
• Compact dimensions: Fits neatly in most spaces without being obtrusive.
• Sturdy build: Promises durability and longevity.
• Room-filling sound: Suitable for small to medium rooms, delivering adequate sound without needing to push the volume.
• Expandable: Can be paired with other Sonos speakers for a more immersive experience.
• Sleek design: Its look, feel, and design are top-notch, complementing any TV setup.

It’s a real shame that the Sonos Beam does not support two virtual assistants simultaneously, lacks a physical remote, and omits a 3.5mm jack, limiting some connectivity options.

Smart Features Overview

Alexa voice control – The built-in Alexa support allows for seamless voice commands, making it incredibly convenient to control your media, get updates, and even control smart home devices without lifting a finger.

What we liked about the Sonos Beam

Incredible Audio Quality

The Sonos Beam delivers an audio experience that is both immersive and expansive. Whether it’s the subtle dialogue in a drama or the booming bass in an action movie, the Beam handles it with finesse. This soundbar truly shines in its ability to bring out the best in any content, making it a joy for both casual listening and audiophile-grade sessions.

Design Excellence

Its sleek, minimalist design not only complements any room decor but also speaks volumes of Sonos’ commitment to blending style with functionality. We were really pleased to see how the Beam’s aesthetics align with modern home design trends, making it a piece of tech you’d be proud to display.

Smart Home Integration

The ease with which the Sonos Beam integrates into a smart home setup is commendable. With support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, it becomes more than just a soundbar; it’s a control hub for your smart devices. This feature is a testament to the future of home entertainment, where convenience and connectivity reign supreme.

Trueplay Technology

Trueplay tuning technology is a standout feature that tailors the soundbar’s output to the acoustics of the room. This personalised audio calibration ensures that regardless of the room’s size or shape, the sound quality remains impeccable. It’s features like these that underscore Sonos’ innovative edge in the smart home tech space.

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What we were disappointed with

Limited Assistant Support

The inability to use two virtual assistants simultaneously might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s a notable limitation for those invested in multiple ecosystems. It’s a real shame that users have to switch between assistants via the Sonos app, which can be a bit of a hassle.

No Physical Remote

The absence of a physical remote control might align with the minimalist design philosophy, but it does detract from the user experience. Especially for those who prefer tactile controls over voice commands or app-based controls, this omission feels like a missed opportunity.

No 3.5mm Jack

In today’s world, where wireless connectivity is king, the lack of a 3.5mm jack might not seem like a big deal. However, for audiophiles and those with legacy devices, this limitation restricts the Beam’s versatility and connectivity options.

Getting set up

Setting up the Sonos Beam was, for the most part, a breeze, which is a testament to Sonos’ commitment to user-friendly products. However, I must admit, I did encounter a few hiccups along the way, echoing some of the frustrations I’ve seen echoed in other reviews. The main issue seems to stem from the requirement to use the Sonos app for setup. While the app is intuitive, ensuring your device is on the correct Wi-Fi network can be a tad finicky. A tip for potential buyers: ensure your mobile device and the Sonos Beam are on the same network before you start the setup process to avoid any unnecessary headaches. Despite these minor issues, the overall setup process from unboxing to enjoying music took no longer than 15 minutes.

Build quality and extras

The build quality of the Sonos Beam is nothing short of what you’d expect from a premium brand like Sonos. It feels robust and well-made, with a sleek design that should complement any living room setup. I’ve scoured through countless reviews and it’s clear that I’m not alone in my admiration for its build quality. However, a few users have mentioned the touch controls can be a bit too sensitive, but this is a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things. The warranty is another area where Sonos shines, offering a reassuring level of support should anything go awry.

Who is this product best suited to?

If you’re short on space…

The compact design of the Sonos Beam makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Despite its small footprint, it delivers room-filling sound that belies its size. Whether you’re in a cosy city apartment or a small office, the Beam fits perfectly under most TVs without compromising on sound quality.

For the tech-savvy music lover…

With its built-in Alexa and Google Assistant support, the Sonos Beam appeals to those who love integrating their music and smart home tech. The ease of controlling your music, asking for the weather, or controlling other smart home devices using just your voice is a game-changer for tech enthusiasts.

Movie buffs seeking an immersive experience…

The Beam’s Trueplay technology, which tailors sound to the acoustics of the room, along with its expansive sound coverage, makes it a fantastic choice for movie lovers. The soundbar’s ability to project dialogue clearly while providing depth to sound effects adds a new level of immersion to your favourite films.

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Who should avoid this

Despite its many virtues, the Sonos Beam might not be the best fit for everyone. Audiophiles seeking the absolute pinnacle of sound quality might find the Beam’s performance a bit lacking compared to larger, more expensive systems. Additionally, those without a modern TV that supports HDMI ARC might struggle with connectivity, making the Beam less than ideal. Lastly, individuals looking for a multi-room setup might find the Beam’s lack of Bluetooth connectivity a limiting factor.

Value for money

When it comes to value for money, the Sonos Beam sits in an interesting position. It’s not the cheapest soundbar on the market, but when you consider the premium sound quality, sleek design, and smart features it offers, it begins to look like a very sensible investment. For those who value the integration of smart technology with high-quality audio, the Beam is undoubtedly worth the price. However, for users who are simply looking for a basic soundbar to enhance their TV’s audio, there may be more cost-effective options available.

The verdict: Is the Sonos Beam worth a buy?

The Sonos Beam is a testament to Sonos’ ability to pack powerful, high-quality sound into a compact and stylish design. Its easy setup, robust build quality, and smart features make it a standout product in the crowded soundbar market. The Trueplay technology and voice assistant compatibility are particularly impressive, offering an audio experience that’s both immersive and convenient.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The lack of a physical remote and the inability to connect more than one virtual assistant at a time may deter some potential buyers. Additionally, the absence of a 3.5mm jack could be a deal-breaker for those with specific connectivity needs.

Compared to similar products, the Sonos Beam holds its own, especially in terms of sound quality and smart home integration. While there are cheaper alternatives, few can match the Beam’s blend of style, sound, and smarts. For those in the market for a compact, feature-rich soundbar that enhances both your TV and music listening experience, the Sonos Beam is certainly worth considering. Whether it’s the best product for your home depends on your specific needs and budget, but for many, it will be a purchase they won’t regret.

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Detailed Specs