Sonos soundbar clash: arc vs beam – uncovering the audio winners
What To Know
- It offers a balanced and detailed sound, but its soundstage is narrower and its bass response is not as deep as the Arc.
- It provides a solid sound experience and a range of features, making it a great value for its price.
- However, the Beam is a more affordable option that still delivers a great sound experience and a range of features.
Sonos, renowned for its premium sound systems, offers two exceptional soundbars: the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Beam. Both devices promise an immersive audio experience, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Sonos Arc vs Beam to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Sonos Arc: The Arc boasts an elegant and sleek design, measuring 45 inches in width and featuring a curved shape. Its premium construction is evident in its solid metal grille and durable plastic casing.
Sonos Beam: The Beam is a more compact soundbar, measuring 25.6 inches in width. It has a rectangular shape with rounded corners and a fabric grille. While it’s not as visually striking as the Arc, it still offers a stylish and understated aesthetic.
Sound Performance
Sonos Arc: The Arc delivers an exceptional sound experience with its 11-speaker array, including two upward-firing drivers for immersive Dolby Atmos support. It produces a wide soundstage with clear dialogue, powerful bass, and precise treble.
Sonos Beam: The Beam features a 5-speaker array and supports Dolby Atmos, albeit in a more limited capacity. It offers a balanced and detailed sound, but its soundstage is narrower and its bass response is not as deep as the Arc.
Features
Sonos Arc: The Arc offers a comprehensive range of features, including:
- HDMI eARC: Supports high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos and TrueHD.
- Voice control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
- Night mode: Reduces loud sounds for late-night listening.
- Trueplay: Automatically adjusts the sound based on your room acoustics.
Sonos Beam: The Beam has a more limited feature set, but it still includes:
- HDMI ARC: Supports Dolby Atmos, but at a lower bitrate than the Arc.
- Voice control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Night mode: Reduces loud sounds for late-night listening.
Connectivity
Sonos Arc: The Arc supports both wired and wireless connectivity options:
- Wi-Fi: Connects to your home network for streaming music and updates.
- HDMI eARC: Connects to your TV for high-quality audio transmission.
- Optical audio: Connects to older TVs that do not have an HDMI port.
Sonos Beam: The Beam also offers both wired and wireless connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: Connects to your home network for streaming music and updates.
- HDMI ARC: Connects to your TV for Dolby Atmos support.
- Optical audio: Connects to older TVs that do not have an HDMI port.
Price and Value
Sonos Arc: The Arc is the more expensive soundbar, retailing at around $999. However, it offers a higher level of sound quality, features, and connectivity options.
Sonos Beam: The Beam is the more affordable option, retailing at around $499. It provides a solid sound experience and a range of features, making it a great value for its price.
Which Sonos Soundbar is Right for You?
The choice between the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Beam depends on your specific needs and budget.
Choose the Sonos Arc if you:
- Want the best possible sound quality
- Need immersive Dolby Atmos support
- Require a wide range of features and connectivity options
- Are willing to pay a premium price
Choose the Sonos Beam if you:
- Have a smaller budget
- Are looking for a more compact soundbar
- Prefer a more balanced and detailed sound
- Are satisfied with limited Dolby Atmos support
The Verdict: Sonos Arc vs Beam
Both the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Beam are excellent soundbars that offer a superb audio experience. The Arc is the superior choice for those seeking the ultimate in sound quality, features, and connectivity. However, the Beam is a more affordable option that still delivers a great sound experience and a range of features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and budget.
Popular Questions
Q: Which soundbar has better bass response?
A: The Sonos Arc has a more powerful bass response than the Sonos Beam.
Q: Can the Sonos Beam be used as a surround sound system?
A: Yes, the Sonos Beam can be paired with other Sonos speakers to create a surround sound system.
Q: Which soundbar is compatible with more music streaming services?
A: Both the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Beam support a wide range of music streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Q: Can I use the Sonos Arc with my non-Sonos TV?
A: Yes, the Sonos Arc can be used with non-Sonos TVs via the HDMI eARC or optical audio connection.
Q: Which soundbar is easier to set up?
A: Both the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Beam are easy to set up using the Sonos app.