Sonos ray vs. beam gen 2: which budget soundbar reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Sonos Ray soundbar and Beam Gen 2 are two of the most popular soundbars on the market, offering excellent sound quality and a range of features.
- The Ray soundbar is a more affordable option, but the Beam Gen 2 offers more features and a more immersive sound experience.
- If you’re looking for a soundbar with more features and a more immersive sound experience, the Beam Gen 2 is a better choice.
The Sonos Ray soundbar and Beam Gen 2 are two of the most popular soundbars on the market, offering excellent sound quality and a range of features. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Sonos Ray soundbar vs. Beam Gen 2 in terms of sound quality, features, design, and price to help you make an informed decision.
Sound Quality
Both the Sonos Ray soundbar and Beam Gen 2 offer impressive sound quality, but there are some key differences. The Ray soundbar has a more compact design, which results in a slightly narrower soundstage than the Beam Gen 2. However, the Ray soundbar still delivers a clear and detailed sound with plenty of bass.
The Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, has a wider soundstage and a more immersive sound experience. It also supports Dolby Atmos, which can provide a more realistic and immersive surround sound experience.
Features
The Sonos Ray soundbar and Beam Gen 2 offer a range of features, including voice control, multi-room audio, and HDMI eARC. However, there are some key differences between the two soundbars.
The Ray soundbar does not have an HDMI eARC port, which means that it cannot pass through Dolby Atmos signals from your TV. The Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, has an HDMI eARC port, which allows it to pass through Dolby Atmos signals from your TV.
The Ray soundbar also does not support Apple AirPlay 2, which means that you cannot stream music to the soundbar from your Apple devices. The Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, supports Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream music to the soundbar from your Apple devices.
Design
The Sonos Ray soundbar and Beam Gen 2 have different designs. The Ray soundbar is a more compact soundbar, measuring 21.65 inches wide, 3.58 inches high, and 2.48 inches deep. The Beam Gen 2 is a larger soundbar, measuring 25.62 inches wide, 2.76 inches high, and 3.94 inches deep.
The Ray soundbar has a more minimalist design, with a matte black finish and a perforated grille. The Beam Gen 2 has a more premium design, with a glossy black finish and a metal grille.
Price
The Sonos Ray soundbar is priced at $279, while the Beam Gen 2 is priced at $449. The Ray soundbar is a more affordable option, but the Beam Gen 2 offers more features and a more immersive sound experience.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Sonos Ray soundbar and Beam Gen 2 are both excellent soundbars, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Ray soundbar is a more affordable option, but it lacks some of the features and sound quality of the Beam Gen 2. The Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, offers more features and a more immersive sound experience, but it is more expensive.
Ultimately, the best soundbar for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable soundbar with good sound quality, the Sonos Ray soundbar is a great option. If you’re looking for a soundbar with more features and a more immersive sound experience, the Beam Gen 2 is a better choice.
Sonos Ray Soundbar vs. Beam Gen 2: Comparison Table
| Feature | Sonos Ray Soundbar | Beam Gen 2 |
| — | — | — |
| Sound quality | Good | Excellent |
| Features | Voice control, multi-room audio | Voice control, multi-room audio, HDMI eARC, Apple AirPlay 2 |
| Design | Compact, minimalist | Larger, premium |
| Price | $279 | $449 |
Other Considerations
In addition to the factors we’ve discussed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing between the Sonos Ray soundbar and Beam Gen 2.
- Room size: The Sonos Ray soundbar is a good choice for small to medium-sized rooms. The Beam Gen 2 is a better choice for larger rooms.
- Content: If you watch a lot of movies and TV shows with Dolby Atmos soundtracks, the Beam Gen 2 is a better choice.
- Budget: The Sonos Ray soundbar is a more affordable option than the Beam Gen 2.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality, the Sonos Ray soundbar or the Beam Gen 2?
A: The Beam Gen 2 has better sound quality than the Sonos Ray soundbar. It has a wider soundstage and a more immersive sound experience. It also supports Dolby Atmos, which can provide a more realistic and immersive surround sound experience.
Q: Which soundbar has more features, the Sonos Ray soundbar or the Beam Gen 2?
A: The Beam Gen 2 has more features than the Sonos Ray soundbar. It has an HDMI eARC port, which allows it to pass through Dolby Atmos signals from your TV. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream music to the soundbar from your Apple devices.
Q: Which soundbar is more affordable, the Sonos Ray soundbar or the Beam Gen 2?
A: The Sonos Ray soundbar is more affordable than the Beam Gen 2. It is priced at $279, while the Beam Gen 2 is priced at $449.