Sonos Beam vs Arc: Which Soundbar Should You Buy?
Ready to upgrade your home theater experience? Choosing between the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. These soundbars are two of Sonos’s most popular offerings, each designed to deliver immersive audio and elevate your entertainment.
The Sonos Beam is a compact powerhouse, perfect for smaller rooms or those seeking a sleek, unobtrusive design. Its smaller size doesn’t compromise on sound quality, offering a surprisingly rich and detailed audio experience. On the other hand, the Sonos Arc is the flagship soundbar, boasting a larger size and more advanced features.
With its Dolby Atmos capabilities and wider soundstage, the Arc promises a truly cinematic experience. In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and value of the Sonos Beam vs Arc, helping you decide which soundbar best suits your needs and budget. Get ready to transform your listening experience!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Beam | Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 5.0 | 5.0.2 |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant) | Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant) |
| Subwoofer Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Surround Sound Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 25.6 x 3.9 x 2.8 in | 45 x 3.4 x 3.4 in |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs | 13.78 lbs |
| Speaker Drivers | 5 | 11 |
| Trueplay Tuning | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size and Design
- Sonos Beam: Compact and designed to fit under TVs, particularly in smaller spaces. Offers a sleek, minimalist design available in black or white. Pros: Space-saving, visually appealing. Cons: Soundstage may be limited due to size.
- Arc: Larger, curved design meant to deliver a more immersive audio experience. Designed to be wall-mounted or placed on a stand. Pros: More robust and premium look, wider soundstage. Cons: Takes up more space, potentially blocks TV if placed in front of it.
- Winner: Beam
Sound Quality
- Sonos Beam: Features five amplifiers and full-range woofers and tweeters. Provides a balanced sound profile, suitable for smaller rooms. Pros: Good clarity and detail. Cons: Bass response is limited compared to the Arc.
- Arc: Boasts eleven high-performance drivers, including upward-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos. Delivers a significantly more immersive and powerful sound, with deeper bass. Pros: Superior sound quality, immersive Atmos experience. Cons: More expensive.
- Winner: Arc
Dolby Atmos Support
- Sonos Beam: Supports Dolby Atmos, but the experience is less pronounced due to the speaker’s design and driver configuration. Pros: Adds a degree of immersion. Cons: Atmos effect is not as impactful as the Arc.
- Arc: Designed specifically for Dolby Atmos, utilizing upward-firing drivers to create a true 3D soundstage. Delivers a highly immersive and realistic Atmos experience. Pros: Excellent Atmos performance. Cons: Requires Atmos content.
- Winner: Arc
Connectivity
- Sonos Beam: Features HDMI ARC/eARC, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and supports Sonos’s multi-room system. Pros: Easy to connect to TV and other devices. Cons: Limited to HDMI ARC/eARC.
- Arc: Features HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and supports Sonos’s multi-room system. Pros: Supports eARC for higher bandwidth audio. Cons: Requires an eARC compatible TV for optimal performance.
- Winner: Tie
Voice Control
- Sonos Beam: Built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control of music, TV, and smart home devices. Pros: Convenient voice control features. Cons: Requires a voice assistant setup.
- Arc: Built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering the same voice control capabilities. Pros: Seamless voice integration. Cons: Requires a voice assistant setup.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Sonos Beam: Generally more affordable, making it a good option for those on a budget or looking to outfit multiple rooms. Pros: Value for money. Cons: Lower sound quality.
- Arc: Significantly more expensive. This premium price reflects its higher-end sound quality and features. Pros: Premium sound. Cons: Expensive.
- Winner: Beam
Subwoofer Integration
- Sonos Beam: Can be paired with a Sonos Sub for enhanced bass. Offers a more complete home theater experience. Pros: Adds more bass. Cons: Requires additional purchase.
- Arc: Can be paired with a Sonos Sub for enhanced bass. Offers a more complete home theater experience. Pros: Adds more bass. Cons: Requires additional purchase.
- Winner: Tie
Room Correction
- Sonos Beam: Supports Sonos’s Trueplay technology, which uses the microphone on an iOS device to optimize the sound for the room. Pros: Personalized sound optimization. Cons: Requires an iOS device.
- Arc: Supports Sonos’s Trueplay technology, which uses the microphone on an iOS device to optimize the sound for the room. Pros: Personalized sound optimization. Cons: Requires an iOS device.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Sound Quality | Arc |
| Dolby Atmos Performance | Arc |
| Value | Beam |
| Compact Design | Beam |
| Room Size Suitability | Arc |
What They Have in Common:
- Wireless Connectivity: Both the Beam and Arc connect to your home network via Wi-Fi and support Apple AirPlay 2 for easy streaming from your devices.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Both soundbars offer built-in support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control over music playback, volume adjustments, and other smart home functions.
- Multi-Room Audio: Both seamlessly integrate into the Sonos ecosystem, allowing them to be grouped with other Sonos speakers for multi-room audio experiences.
- App Control: Both soundbars are controlled via the Sonos app, offering a consistent and user-friendly interface for setup, control, and customization.
- HDMI Earc: Both soundbars feature HDMI eARC connectivity, enabling high-quality audio transmission from your TV.
- Subwoofer Compatibility: Both soundbars are compatible with the Sonos Sub, allowing for enhanced bass performance.
Sonos Beam Vs Arc Buying Guide
Room Size and Acoustics
The primary consideration when choosing between the Sonos Beam and Arc is your room size and acoustics. The Beam is ideally suited for smaller to medium-sized rooms, such as bedrooms, offices, or smaller living rooms. Its compact design and focused soundstage work well in these spaces. The Arc, however, is designed for larger rooms with more open layouts. Its wider soundstage and Dolby Atmos capabilities are best appreciated in a space where sound can expand and reflect off walls. Consider the dimensions of your room and how sound typically behaves in that space.
Think about the distance between your viewing/listening position and the soundbar. If you sit further away, the Arc’s greater power and expansive sound will offer a more immersive experience. Conversely, in a smaller room, the Beam’s focused sound can be more effective.
Budget Considerations
Price is a significant factor in any audio purchase. The Sonos Beam is the more affordable option, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their TV audio without breaking the bank. The Arc is a premium product, reflecting its advanced features and superior performance. While it offers a more immersive experience, it comes at a higher cost. Evaluate your budget and determine how much you’re willing to spend on a soundbar. Consider the long-term value and how frequently you will be using it.
Also, factor in potential future upgrades. If you plan to expand your Sonos system with additional speakers, the price difference might be less significant in the long run. Consider the overall cost of a complete home theater setup.
Sound Quality and Features
Both soundbars offer excellent sound quality, but the Arc excels in several areas. The Arc supports Dolby Atmos, providing a three-dimensional audio experience that the Beam lacks. This means you’ll hear sound effects coming from above and around you, enhancing immersion. The Arc also has more drivers and a wider soundstage, resulting in a more expansive and detailed sound. The Beam delivers clear dialogue and balanced audio, suitable for general TV viewing and music listening.
Both soundbars offer features like Trueplay, which optimizes sound for your room’s acoustics (requires an iOS device). They also integrate seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio. Consider what audio formats you listen to most and whether Dolby Atmos is a priority for your viewing habits.
Design and Aesthetics
Both the Beam and Arc boast sleek and modern designs that will complement any home decor. The Beam is more compact, making it easier to integrate into tighter spaces or smaller TV setups. It’s available in black or white. The Arc is longer and more substantial, designed to be placed below a larger television. It also comes in black or white. Choose a soundbar that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and complements your existing furniture.
Think about the placement options. The Beam is well-suited for a TV stand or wall mounting. The Arc can be wall-mounted or placed on a TV stand, but it requires more space. Consider how the soundbar will look in your entertainment setup.
Ease of Use and Setup
Sonos products are renowned for their user-friendliness, and both the Beam and Arc are no exception. The setup process is straightforward, using the Sonos app to connect to your Wi-Fi network and TV. The app guides you through the process, making it simple even for those unfamiliar with home audio systems. Both soundbars support HDMI eARC/ARC for easy connectivity with your TV, simplifying the connection process and enabling control with your TV remote.
The Sonos app allows for easy control of volume, playback, and other settings. Both soundbars also support voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Consider how important ease of setup and daily use are to you.
Future-Proofing and Compatibility
Both soundbars are designed to be future-proof, with regular software updates to improve performance and add new features. They are compatible with a wide range of TVs and audio formats. The Arc’s Dolby Atmos support provides a significant advantage for future-proofing, as Atmos content becomes more prevalent. Consider the long-term value and potential for future upgrades. Both soundbars seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for easy expansion with additional speakers or subwoofers.
Think about your existing audio setup and whether you plan to expand it in the future. Both the Beam and Arc are excellent starting points for building a multi-room audio system.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Beam If…
- You have a smaller room or are looking for a more compact soundbar.
- You want a more affordable option.
- You prioritize a simple setup and ease of use.
- You don’t necessarily need Dolby Atmos.
Buy Arc If…
- You want the most immersive sound experience possible, including Dolby Atmos.
- You have a larger room and want a soundbar that can fill it with sound.
- You want a soundbar with more drivers for a wider soundstage.
- You want the best possible audio quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dolby Atmos, and why is it important?
Dolby Atmos is an immersive audio technology that creates a three-dimensional sound experience. It adds height channels, allowing sound effects to be placed above and around you. This enhances the sense of realism and immersion. The Arc supports Dolby Atmos, offering a superior audio experience compared to the Beam, which does not.
Can I use the Sonos Beam or Arc with any TV?
Both the Sonos Beam and Arc are compatible with most TVs that have an HDMI ARC or eARC port. These ports allow for easy audio transmission between your TV and the soundbar. Older TVs may require an optical connection, which is also supported, though it may limit some features like Dolby Atmos.
Do I need a subwoofer with the Beam or Arc?
While the Beam and Arc offer excellent sound on their own, adding a Sonos Sub will significantly enhance the bass response and overall audio quality. A subwoofer is particularly recommended for those who enjoy music or movies with deep bass. It’s an optional but recommended upgrade.
Can I control the Beam or Arc with voice commands?
Yes, both the Beam and Arc support voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to control volume, play music, skip tracks, and more. The voice assistant integration enhances the convenience and ease of use of the soundbars.
How do the Beam and Arc connect to my TV?
Both soundbars connect to your TV via HDMI eARC/ARC. This is the preferred method, as it allows for the highest quality audio transmission and enables control with your TV remote. Older TVs can use an optical connection, which is also supported, but may have limitations.
Which is better for music listening?
Both soundbars are excellent for music listening, but the Arc’s wider soundstage and more powerful drivers generally provide a more immersive and detailed experience. However, the Beam still delivers high-quality audio for music, especially in smaller rooms. The choice depends on room size and your preference.
Can I add rear speakers to the Beam or Arc?
Yes, both the Beam and Arc can be paired with Sonos rear speakers (like Sonos One or Sonos Five) to create a full surround sound system. Adding rear speakers enhances the surround sound experience, making it even more immersive. This is a great way to expand your home theater system.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Arc is the superior soundbar, offering Dolby Atmos, a wider soundstage, and more powerful performance. However, the Sonos Beam remains an excellent choice for smaller rooms and budgets, providing a great audio upgrade with ease of use and a compact design. The best choice depends on your room size, budget, and desired features.
Winner: Sonos Arc