Price aside would you choose this Sonos or go with the Bose 500 or 700 soundbar? I'm looking for a soundbar but can't decide between the three. Obviously the Sonos beam is more affordable but the Bose 500 isn't much more. Please help it's driving me mad as to which to choose. I just want a soundbar to go with my Samsung Smart TV TU8000 . Cheers
@@SURFERGRL72RAKM Soundbar 500 is the older model Bose is in the process of replacing with the Smart Soundbar 300. Don’t confuse these models with the SoundTouch 300, 500.
@@ronedwards8239 , Thank You very much. I still haven't decided which sound bar I want to go with. Possibly the Samsung Q70T but I'm still up in the air. I thought it would be an easy decision...
I’ve had the Beam for 2+ years now and I have to say I’m perfectly satisfied with it. The Play Bar was a much nicer choice but I live in a Condo so that would’ve really pissed off the neighbors. I just added 2 One SL rears which made a significant improvement, not that the Beam by itself need an upgrade. It really comes down to room size and living situation. Big rooms and mo $... buy the Sonos ARC, my brother just bought the ARC, Gen 3 sub and 2 One SL’s and thats a beast of a setup and you’ll spend thousands $ trying to beat it. I’m Sonos for life because it stands the test of time and the sound quality is more than good enough for me.
Great review, accurate and thorough. May I say that I have the Sonos beam in my bedroom and in the living room I have a complete set up with the Sonos Playbase, subwoofer, and two surround speakers. Excellent product.
Proprietary wall mounting holes? Those look like ordinary threaded inserts to me.... A few seconds on Amazon reveals it is compatible with many universal aftermarket mounts.
I did the Sonos Beam with IKEA Symfonisk bookshelf speakers for rear surrounds in the Master Bedroom. Sounds way better compared to the tiny TV speakers. Fills the room better with a richer sound at a lower volume. Mixing old or new Sonos components and streaming music is a big plus for me to keep the system up to date as tech and home entertainment needs change.
I have this but I don’t have the subwoofer. It’s more than enough to fill up my living room. Quality is very good but you have to pay the price. I strongly recommend this than buying the 600$ play bar
Mine is okay, don't believe it is as good as the hype from the magazines (paid advertisement perhaps?) and I hate having to adjust settings via the app; plus the initial setup for me was an absolute nightmare, just didn't want to play. Fine now, but do find audio a little washy. Also, via arc (might be the same for all devices), I couldn't get on with how it doesn't allow you to adjust the volume until it detects audio, which means if you've had it on loud, then want it to come on quiet (when kids are asleep etc) then you need to pound the remote and endure a second of high noise! The built in mic is massively over sensitive, it can hear Google anywhere in my house, which means local Google hubs are over-ridden by it; I have the mic muted.
I have a Samsung soundbar with a sub and the sound very good. I paid about $140 three years ago. I was thinking about buying the Sonos soundbar for less than anywhere else and adding two Ikena wireless speakers for the rear. The Sonos sub is expensive but needed for bass.
If I was using the beam as part of a home theater system for a projector would be able to airplay from a Apple TV without connecting it to the projector?
Are there any benefits to using HDMI versus optical? I can’t find any details on this. Optical out always seems easiest to me when you have several other components
My Sonos Beam connects by HDMI ARC to a Samsung TV. I tell the Sonos, hey Google, turn TV on and it does. But not able to turn TV off. It stays in a low power state but instantly turns on when the TV comes on. I had to tell the TV to send all sound to the Beam. For me, optical is history!
Great video. A couple of ????? You state you need wi-fi to stream music from mobel devices. I don't believe this is true as it also supports hard wired ethernet and if it's like the Sonos Ones the app will stream fine without wi-fi enabled on the beam. You state it can turn on the TV if the TV has google assistant or alexa support. This may be true but TV control (on/off/volume) should also work if the TV has HDMI CEC support? Thanks!
Could I put one of these on each TV in the house and use them for whole house audio also? I would want to be control them from the Sonos app and have several sources and volume levels for each room.
If I add a pair of Sonos One SL for surround, will I be able to play 5.1 audio? (bass and center channel crammed inside the Beam). Also, is Dolby Digital (supported by Beam) considered home theater surround sound? Or do I need DTS (not supported by Beam) for that ?
Simon Mitchell HDMI ARC and optical doesn’t have the bandwidth for that, so even if the soundbar did support the audio formats, it would be no way to get the signal transferred.
@@jokka83 Not sure about that, just replaced a Sony 1080 Atmos system with the Beam, same HDMI 2.0 cables. I believe it is a question of licence/firmware. Also Atmos is overrated :D
@@jokka83 you can get lossy Atmos via the ARC, also Dolby digital plus. Just depends on the TV. Optical, is limited to stereo, Dolby digital and DTS though
This may seem like a stupid question, but if I go with the beam is it possible to upgrade it with additional speakers to have Dolby Atmos instead of going with the Arc?
For that price, maybe. The thing about Sonos is that it seems any of their products are bad value, but they are expandable. So a Beam is probably meh, but you're paying more for the ability to add a sub and a pair of One's (for which you pay even more)
Comparison between Sonos beam soundbar vs LG SN11RG soundbar system : ua-cam.com/video/nbveshVyU4M/v-deo.html ( its better to use headphones). Please visit
The smart speaker and ease of integration/set up for surround sound is pretty nice. (Like if you link it via HDMI ARC you can use voice command to turn on and off your TV)
I would buy if it had Subwoofer line out. $700 for a subwoofer is a kick in the nuts for those who already own expensive subs. How much would it cost to add an rca jack and an op-amp? less than $1... Sad.
Are you planning to test and review the new Sonos Arc soundbar? I’m interested in how it compares to the other Atmos soundbars reviewed by RTings in the past year.
Is anyone else paranoid about the scenario where this thing is no longer supported by the Sonos app or they just go out of business and you have no way of controlling any settings but the volume?
I have it linked to 2 ikea speakers and without a subwoofer it nothing spectacular but got useful phones fonctions mediocre to ok sound for spotify and really poor for base oriented music, I was use to a old sony ct260h with a sub and even if I didnt have surround sound it was a much richer sound then those sonos , after spend as such on a surround speaker and still missing the subwoofer I think its not worth the price they ask
No bluetooth, and returned because of that.. you need wifi and the app in order to work with your phone.. I hate that,, my friends could not connect to the speaker in my party.. I lost wifi signal. I COULD IT PLAY MY MUSIC FROM MY PHONE! NO BLUETOOTH IN ANY TECH IS RIDICULE
In a year you’ll laugh at this because of security reasons you don’t want any smart home stuff on Bluetooth. Buy some cheaper shit then you simple minded my friends wanna play their shitty music on my stuff I have an android because it’s better type of peasant
Thats a bummer doesnt support not even any DTS codecs or simple DD +. No point paying to even expand this with base and rear speakers as will cost a fortune for no reason.
right... lets buy a 1000.00 to 2000.00 QLED tv and still have to spend more money on a soundbar because 1000.00 to 2000.00 isn't enough to pay for a good sounding tv ..amazing isn't it
Uhm, you paid for a TV. That’s what the price is for. They give you better sound than what used to come with TVs, so it’s really nothing new. I mean, it’s like saying you paid x amount for an audio setup and expecting it to show moving pictures as well...
This is fantastic for movies and tv shows, but it’s awful for music. You’d be better off getting a receiver and two speakers for less than the price of the soundbar.
I disagree after owning and returning the Beam. Dialogue was terrible and sometimes subdued. Other professional reviews have also stated this soundbar was mediocre on dialogue.
400 no remote or at least dts. Who cares about looks. Sonos is a bust and cheaper. The Yamaha yas 108 has everything. I picked up for 100. Sonos everything but what we need DTS
Don't kid yourself. Sidefiring or not, this does NOT even come close to separate speakers on the sides and center with an AVR. All sound comes from the direction of your TV. Did you even listen to it? It sounds fine, but it is NOT a "Home Cinema" experience in any way whatsoever. Music? Fine. General television watching? Fine. Movie watching with surround sound? Nope.
You’re obviously right, but in a small room this could generate enough of a surround sound feeling. That’s what I am interested to know. I need something small for a small room which provides a wide enough soundstage to trick me into thinking that some sounds is floating: I know that this will never replicate a true surround sound system (which I own as well) but I wonder whether it actually manages to project sound. Even at a modest level. Do you know?
01:10 Design
01:57 Connectivity
02:27 Audio Formats
03:05 Controls
03:44 App Support
04:22 Sound Quality
06:35 Comparison
08:32 Conclusion
Price aside would you choose this Sonos or go with the Bose 500 or 700 soundbar? I'm looking for a soundbar but can't decide between the three. Obviously the Sonos beam is more affordable but the Bose 500 isn't much more. Please help it's driving me mad as to which to choose. I just want a soundbar to go with my Samsung Smart TV TU8000 . Cheers
@@SURFERGRL72RAKM Soundbar 500 is the older model Bose is in the process of replacing with the Smart Soundbar 300. Don’t confuse these models with the SoundTouch 300, 500.
@@ronedwards8239 , Thank You very much. I still haven't decided which sound bar I want to go with. Possibly the Samsung Q70T but I'm still up in the air. I thought it would be an easy decision...
Just bought one on sale, holy smokes!! For its size this thing can play! I would highly recommend this to anyone
sale is how much
@@leejaspersamson 250$
I’ve had the Beam for 2+ years now and I have to say I’m perfectly satisfied with it. The Play Bar was a much nicer choice but I live in a Condo so that would’ve really pissed off the neighbors. I just added 2 One SL rears which made a significant improvement, not that the Beam by itself need an upgrade. It really comes down to room size and living situation. Big rooms and mo $... buy the Sonos ARC, my brother just bought the ARC, Gen 3 sub and 2 One SL’s and thats a beast of a setup and you’ll spend thousands $ trying to beat it.
I’m Sonos for life because it stands the test of time and the sound quality is more than good enough for me.
so for a condo place you are happy? my living room is 3x6 meters ish
Great review, accurate and thorough. May I say that I have the Sonos beam in my bedroom and in the living room I have a complete set up with the Sonos Playbase, subwoofer, and two surround speakers. Excellent product.
Proprietary wall mounting holes? Those look like ordinary threaded inserts to me.... A few seconds on Amazon reveals it is compatible with many universal aftermarket mounts.
How many times have you swung that table around and knocked that coffee cup off?
I did the Sonos Beam with IKEA Symfonisk bookshelf speakers for rear surrounds in the Master Bedroom. Sounds way better compared to the tiny TV speakers. Fills the room better with a richer sound at a lower volume. Mixing old or new Sonos components and streaming music is a big plus for me to keep the system up to date as tech and home entertainment needs change.
I have this but I don’t have the subwoofer. It’s more than enough to fill up my living room. Quality is very good but you have to pay the price. I strongly recommend this than buying the 600$ play bar
Mine is okay, don't believe it is as good as the hype from the magazines (paid advertisement perhaps?) and I hate having to adjust settings via the app; plus the initial setup for me was an absolute nightmare, just didn't want to play. Fine now, but do find audio a little washy. Also, via arc (might be the same for all devices), I couldn't get on with how it doesn't allow you to adjust the volume until it detects audio, which means if you've had it on loud, then want it to come on quiet (when kids are asleep etc) then you need to pound the remote and endure a second of high noise! The built in mic is massively over sensitive, it can hear Google anywhere in my house, which means local Google hubs are over-ridden by it; I have the mic muted.
It would also get you into the Sonos echology , which means great wireless streaming in every room in the house
I have a Samsung soundbar with a sub and the sound very good. I paid about $140 three years ago. I was thinking about buying the Sonos soundbar for less than anywhere else and adding two Ikena wireless speakers for the rear. The Sonos sub is expensive but needed for bass.
Guys! Great work, super useful and clear rewiews.
This compatible with Samsung qn94a? I heard the beam gen 2 didn’t have pass through so it may be an issue for this tv……
When will you review the SONOS ARC? I'm pretty sure that's the bar most people want to see you guys review considering the hype.
I have the Arc, which I use I’m my bonus room. Now I want the best for my downstairs living area.
What is a bonus room?
That cup sounding hella empty at 0:01 , was it supposed to make you look more sophisticated lmao
Lol
nice review! thanks for sharing this information!
I'll be very happy if you can review the Yamaha yas 209
Can you connect it to a pc
How does the Sonos compare to the Bose 300 soundbar?
Best explanation. Cheers mate
How reflective is the top surface of the Beam? When watching movies with subs a too reflective surface might become disturbing...
My only question is which version of the Sonos Beam are you reviewing?
If I was using the beam as part of a home theater system for a projector would be able to airplay from a Apple TV without connecting it to the projector?
since it's supporting airplay, any airplay content that can be send - also can be received and played by sonos
Are there any benefits to using HDMI versus optical? I can’t find any details on this. Optical out always seems easiest to me when you have several other components
My Sonos Beam connects by HDMI ARC to a Samsung TV. I tell the Sonos, hey Google, turn TV on and it does. But not able to turn TV off. It stays in a low power state but instantly turns on when the TV comes on. I had to tell the TV to send all sound to the Beam. For me, optical is history!
lets just say there are no benefits in optical if you are able to connect with HDMI instead.
Great video.
A couple of ?????
You state you need wi-fi to stream music from mobel devices. I don't believe this is true as it also supports hard wired ethernet and if it's like the Sonos Ones the app will stream fine without wi-fi enabled on the beam.
You state it can turn on the TV if the TV has google assistant or alexa support. This may be true but TV control (on/off/volume) should also work if the TV has HDMI CEC support?
Thanks!
It's perfect for a bedroom. I love it.
Ok beamer.
Really bedroom? In europe a bedroom is for sleeping
Great review!
Could I put one of these on each TV in the house and use them for whole house audio also? I would want to be control them from the Sonos app and have several sources and volume levels for each room.
If I add a pair of Sonos One SL for surround, will I be able to play 5.1 audio? (bass and center channel crammed inside the Beam).
Also, is Dolby Digital (supported by Beam) considered home theater surround sound? Or do I need DTS (not supported by Beam) for that ?
Sonos or Yamaha YAS?
I want a soubdbar which is good for music
Its a good soundbar, I have it link with two sonos ones. I just wished it supported more codecs, atmos, dts etc. its very limited in that way.
Simon Mitchell HDMI ARC and optical doesn’t have the bandwidth for that, so even if the soundbar did support the audio formats, it would be no way to get the signal transferred.
@@jokka83 Not sure about that, just replaced a Sony 1080 Atmos system with the Beam, same HDMI 2.0 cables. I believe it is a question of licence/firmware. Also Atmos is overrated :D
@@lackokalman you can't expect good Atmos from a sounbar..
Update coming in June which could potentially bring higher quality audio format support. I believe some TVs support Dolby Digital Plus over HDMI ARC
@@jokka83 you can get lossy Atmos via the ARC, also Dolby digital plus. Just depends on the TV. Optical, is limited to stereo, Dolby digital and DTS though
I own the sonos beam and 75 inch 4K LED Can’t get HDMI arc to work with the beam. I have to use optical out which works
Optical out wtf, it's like we are still in the 2000s. Thing is a fckin joke. No dts no HD audio. They're taking the piss
This may seem like a stupid question, but if I go with the beam is it possible to upgrade it with additional speakers to have Dolby Atmos instead of going with the Arc?
No
Would you say it would be 100% worth it if I can get a brand new one at a $280 price point?
For that price, maybe. The thing about Sonos is that it seems any of their products are bad value, but they are expandable. So a Beam is probably meh, but you're paying more for the ability to add a sub and a pair of One's (for which you pay even more)
Does this support with the Samsung frame tv ?
What is the best standalone soundbar under $500?
When are you guys going to review the Sonos Arc? I'm also interested in a comparison between the Arc VS the Beam.
Comparison between Sonos beam soundbar vs LG SN11RG soundbar system : ua-cam.com/video/nbveshVyU4M/v-deo.html ( its better to use headphones). Please visit
Looks great but bit expensive. Can probably get something half the price that's close enough in sound.
Have you had any luck finding something cheaper with the same sound?
you will test the new Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700? 😃
Will this work with ikeas symfonisk speakers?
Yes, it will. The Symfonisk is basically just a Sonos One in an IKEA designed case at $100 less.
Great review
Do you mind testing Creative Stage 2.1 Soundbar system? For 80£ it can be interesting.
Good video, appreciate the tech detail. Subscribed.
you make good videos!
Would’ve been perfect if it had Atmos. I’ll wait for the Sonos Arc to drop in price
Well it just went up 100 dollars instead bummer
Beam gen 2 has atmos
Hi, Bose Soundbar 700+Bass module 500+ Surround speaker 500 OR JBL 9.1? As Bose lacks Atmos, eARC HDMI in and etc.. Which 1 to go for?
The smart speaker and ease of integration/set up for surround sound is pretty nice. (Like if you link it via HDMI ARC you can use voice command to turn on and off your TV)
Great video.
How do I do dialogue enhancement?
I am thinking about it. but other soundbars in the price range offer more features.
Which others(am also thinking about it)
So I can use an optical cable?
No, you can introduce the HDMI in the optical socket using the adapter. I know it’s late, but it’s a good question.
I would buy if it had Subwoofer line out. $700 for a subwoofer is a kick in the nuts for those who already own expensive subs. How much would it cost to add an rca jack and an op-amp? less than $1... Sad.
It's a waste of money for them because if you actually care about sound quality you're not buying a soundbar anyway.
Are you planning to test and review the new Sonos Arc soundbar? I’m interested in how it compares to the other Atmos soundbars reviewed by RTings in the past year.
watch that in my channel. But I suggest to wear headphones : ua-cam.com/video/nbveshVyU4M/v-deo.html
He said it sounds bright. A few seconds later it sounds flat. What?
Sonos wifi connection is a deal breaker. I rlly wished they had a better app and easier connectivity.
Google and Amazon voice assist, but no Siri...with other features limited to iOS?!
Sounds more like a salees pitch for the Vizio
Good review, but why so dirty?
I always think “wireless” is no cords...that is not the case.
Why has a linear regression been fitted to a frequency response graph :s
Is anyone else paranoid about the scenario where this thing is no longer supported by the Sonos app or they just go out of business and you have no way of controlling any settings but the volume?
I didn't think of that...... Surely someone would acquire it if it ever happens or at least open it up to make it open source.
I was gunna ask a question, but he hasn’t tested it yet.
I have it linked to 2 ikea speakers and without a subwoofer it nothing spectacular but got useful phones fonctions mediocre to ok sound for spotify and really poor for base oriented music, I was use to a old sony ct260h with a sub and even if I didnt have surround sound it was a much richer sound then those sonos , after spend as such on a surround speaker and still missing the subwoofer I think its not worth the price they ask
No bluetooth, and returned because of that.. you need wifi and the app in order to work with your phone.. I hate that,, my friends could not connect to the speaker in my party.. I lost wifi signal. I COULD IT PLAY MY MUSIC FROM MY PHONE! NO BLUETOOTH IN ANY TECH IS RIDICULE
In a year you’ll laugh at this because of security reasons you don’t want any smart home stuff on Bluetooth. Buy some cheaper shit then you simple minded my friends wanna play their shitty music on my stuff I have an android because it’s better type of peasant
Can u review the benq tk850.
whats the magic word
Chrissy Jr. now
Thats a bummer doesnt support not even any DTS codecs or simple DD +. No point paying to even expand this with base and rear speakers as will cost a fortune for no reason.
for £370 i would expect a fuckin mind blowing speaker.
Have you heard it?
Nick!
right... lets buy a 1000.00 to 2000.00 QLED tv and still have to spend more money on a soundbar because 1000.00 to 2000.00 isn't enough to pay for a good sounding tv ..amazing isn't it
A G if you know about audio you would understand why you can’t have this kind of audio built into a tv
Uhm, you paid for a TV. That’s what the price is for. They give you better sound than what used to come with TVs, so it’s really nothing new. I mean, it’s like saying you paid x amount for an audio setup and expecting it to show moving pictures as well...
Review Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar?!!!!!!
No???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just preorder Sonos arc. I pwned all you Beamers. You tink yer kewl? I cutting edge biatch. Surround sound times 10.
Love this guy. Woop woop
This is fantastic for movies and tv shows, but it’s awful for music. You’d be better off getting a receiver and two speakers for less than the price of the soundbar.
Well it's quite the opposite.
First time I've ever heard that
No Bluetooth? Thats bad thats no for me
no remote= next
I disagree after owning and returning the Beam. Dialogue was terrible and sometimes subdued. Other professional reviews have also stated this soundbar was mediocre on dialogue.
You scaring me I almost bought this
I couldn’t get in the box fast enough. The Bose Soundbar 300 has far better dialogue.
@@ronedwards8239 I bought the Vizio 5.1 loving it.
What utter bollocks.
1 hdmi, no dts what the fck is this shit doing at $500. Need to call this shit out.
Overpriced without a subwoofer..
400 no remote or at least dts. Who cares about looks. Sonos is a bust and cheaper. The Yamaha yas 108 has everything. I picked up for 100. Sonos everything but what we need DTS
Don't kid yourself. Sidefiring or not, this does NOT even come close to separate speakers on the sides and center with an AVR.
All sound comes from the direction of your TV.
Did you even listen to it?
It sounds fine, but it is NOT a "Home Cinema" experience in any way whatsoever.
Music? Fine. General television watching? Fine. Movie watching with surround sound? Nope.
You’re obviously right, but in a small room this could generate enough of a surround sound feeling. That’s what I am interested to know. I need something small for a small room which provides a wide enough soundstage to trick me into thinking that some sounds is floating: I know that this will never replicate a true surround sound system (which I own as well) but I wonder whether it actually manages to project sound. Even at a modest level. Do you know?
Way overpriced for what it is
Literally reads the spec sheet like a Best Buy employee.
good info and well spoken but too distracting when your hands are signing every word
bla bla and no sound = next
This does not look good for gaming
Imagine buying a soundbar
What a stupid thing to say, idiot
01:10 Design
01:57 Connectivity
02:27 Audio Formats
03:05 Controls
03:44 App Support
04:22 Sound Quality
06:35 Comparison
08:32 Conclusion
// note: just stolen from the description.
All I hear is "sss" "sss" "sss". Couldn't focus on you video, sorry.
Really!! You have someone with rings in his mouth and tattoos give a presentation?!?!
How is that relevant to anything?