Soundbar showdown: sony soundbar vs sonos beam – which is king?
What To Know
- The Sonos Beam is a premium soundbar with a higher price point compared to some Sony models.
- However, it offers a combination of exceptional sound quality, features, and ease of use, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a top-notch audio experience.
- If you prioritize immersive surround sound and a wide range of features, a Sony soundbar is an excellent choice.
When it comes to elevating your home entertainment experience, soundbars have become an indispensable addition. But with a plethora of options available, choosing the perfect soundbar can be a daunting task. Two of the most renowned brands in the audio industry, Sony and Sonos, offer exceptional soundbars that cater to discerning audiophiles. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Sony soundbar and Sonos Beam to help you make an informed decision.
Sound Quality
Sony Soundbar
Sony soundbars boast a powerful and immersive sound experience, thanks to their advanced audio technologies. The S-Force PRO Front Surround technology creates a virtual surround sound effect, delivering a cinematic experience without the need for additional speakers. Additionally, the Vertical Surround Engine simulates the height dimension of sound, enhancing the sense of realism.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is renowned for its crystal-clear and balanced sound. It employs a three-channel soundbar design, featuring two mid-woofers and a tweeter. The Beam delivers a wide soundstage, ensuring that you hear every detail of your favorite movies, TV shows, and music.
Features
Sony Soundbar
Sony soundbars offer a range of features to enhance your listening experience. Many models support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing an immersive surround sound experience. Additionally, they feature HDMI eARC connectivity, allowing for high-quality audio transmission from your TV.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam excels in terms of features, offering multi-room audio capabilities. With Sonos’s wireless system, you can connect the Beam to other Sonos speakers throughout your home, creating a seamless audio experience. Additionally, it supports voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music and other functions hands-free.
Design
Sony Soundbar
Sony soundbars come in a variety of designs, ranging from sleek and minimalist to more traditional. They are typically designed to complement your TV and blend seamlessly into your home décor.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam features a compact and elegant design, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces. Its rounded edges and fabric grille give it a modern and understated look.
Connectivity
Sony Soundbar
Sony soundbars offer a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth. They also support Wi-Fi and Ethernet, allowing for easy streaming and control via the Sony Music Center app.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam primarily relies on Wi-Fi for connectivity, making it easy to integrate into your home network. It also features an HDMI ARC port, enabling it to receive audio from your TV.
Ease of Use
Sony Soundbar
Sony soundbars are generally easy to set up and use. They come with user-friendly remote controls and intuitive on-screen menus. The Sony Music Center app provides additional control and customization options.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is renowned for its exceptional ease of use. The Sonos app provides a seamless setup process and offers a wide range of control features. The beam also supports Apple AirPlay 2, allowing for easy streaming from your Apple devices.
Price
Sony Soundbar
Sony soundbars come in a wide range of price points, depending on the model and features. They generally offer a good value for money, especially considering their impressive sound quality and feature set.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is a premium soundbar with a higher price point compared to some Sony models. However, it offers a combination of exceptional sound quality, features, and ease of use, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a top-notch audio experience.
The Verdict
Both Sony soundbars and Sonos Beam offer exceptional audio experiences, but they cater to different needs and preferences. If you prioritize immersive surround sound and a wide range of features, a Sony soundbar is an excellent choice. However, if you value multi-room audio capabilities, ease of use, and a compact design, the Sonos Beam is an ideal option.
Alternatives to Consider
In addition to Sony and Sonos, other reputable brands offer high-quality soundbars that may be worth considering:
- Bose Soundbar 500
- Yamaha YAS-209
- Vizio SB36512-F6
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality, the Sony or Sonos Beam?
A: Both soundbars offer excellent sound quality, but Sony soundbars may have a slight edge in terms of surround sound immersion.
Q: Does the Sonos Beam support Dolby Atmos?
A: No, the Sonos Beam does not support Dolby Atmos.
Q: Can I connect additional speakers to the Sony soundbar?
A: Yes, some Sony soundbars support wireless rear speakers, allowing you to create a true surround sound system.
Q: Is the Sonos Beam easy to set up?
A: Yes, the Sonos Beam is renowned for its exceptional ease of setup and user-friendly app.
Q: Which soundbar is better for a small room?
A: The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that is well-suited for smaller spaces.