When it comes to home audio systems, Sonos is a name that resonates with quality and innovation. Two of their most popular products, the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc, have been making waves in the market with their sleek designs and impressive sound capabilities. But what sets these two soundbars apart, and which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc, exploring their design, features, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Design And Build
At first glance, both the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc exude a sense of sophistication and style. However, there are some notable differences in their design and build.
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar, measuring 25.6 inches in length, 2.7 inches in height, and 4.3 inches in depth. Its sleek and slim design makes it perfect for smaller rooms or apartments, where space is limited. The Beam is also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 6.2 pounds, making it easy to move around or mount on a wall.
On the other hand, the Sonos Arc is a more substantial soundbar, measuring 45 inches in length, 3.4 inches in height, and 4.5 inches in depth. Its larger size and weight (14.6 pounds) make it more suitable for larger rooms or home theaters. The Arc’s design is also more curved and aerodynamic, which helps to enhance its sound dispersion and overall audio quality.
Materials And Finish
Both soundbars feature a premium build quality, with a focus on durability and aesthetics. The Sonos Beam has a matte finish, which helps to reduce fingerprints and smudges, while the Sonos Arc boasts a sleek, glossy finish that adds to its luxurious feel.
In terms of materials, both soundbars use a combination of plastic and metal components. However, the Sonos Arc has a more substantial metal grille, which helps to protect its drivers and add to its overall build quality.
Sound Quality And Features
When it comes to sound quality, both the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc deliver impressive performance. However, there are some key differences in their features and capabilities.
The Sonos Beam is a 3.0 channel soundbar, which means it has three drivers: two tweeters and one woofer. This configuration provides clear and balanced sound, with good bass response and crisp highs. The Beam also supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo, making it a great option for TV and movie enthusiasts.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is a 5.0 channel soundbar, with five drivers: three tweeters and two woofers. This configuration provides a more immersive audio experience, with better sound dispersion and a more engaging soundstage. The Arc also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great option for those who want a more cinematic experience.
Smart Speaker Capabilities
Both the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc have smart speaker capabilities, with built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means you can use voice commands to control your soundbar, play music, and access a range of smart home features.
However, the Sonos Arc has a more advanced smart speaker system, with a dedicated microphone array that provides better voice recognition and noise cancellation. This makes it easier to use voice commands, even in noisy environments.
Connectivity And Compatibility
When it comes to connectivity, both the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc offer a range of options.
The Sonos Beam has one HDMI input, one optical input, and one Ethernet port. It also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to stream music and audio from your devices.
The Sonos Arc has three HDMI inputs, one optical input, and one Ethernet port. It also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.
TV Compatibility
Both soundbars are compatible with a range of TVs, including those from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio. However, the Sonos Arc has more advanced TV compatibility, with support for eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control).
This means that the Arc can receive audio signals directly from your TV, without the need for an optical cable or other adapters. It also allows for more seamless control, with the ability to turn your TV on and off using the Sonos app.
Price And Value
When it comes to price, the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc are positioned at different ends of the market.
The Sonos Beam is priced at around $399, making it a more affordable option for those who want a compact soundbar with good sound quality.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is priced at around $799, making it a more premium option for those who want a high-end soundbar with advanced features and capabilities.
Value For Money
While the Sonos Arc is more expensive than the Sonos Beam, it offers more advanced features and capabilities, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, a more immersive soundstage, and a more advanced smart speaker system.
However, the Sonos Beam still offers great value for money, with good sound quality, a compact design, and a range of smart features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your budget, your audio needs, and your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc are two different soundbars that cater to different needs and preferences. While the Beam is a compact and affordable option with good sound quality, the Arc is a more premium option with advanced features and capabilities.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your budget, your audio needs, and your personal preferences. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the differences between the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc, and has helped you make an informed decision.
| Feature | Sonos Beam | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build | Compact and lightweight, with a matte finish | Larger and more substantial, with a glossy finish |
| Sound Quality and Features | 3.0 channel soundbar, with Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo support | 5.0 channel soundbar, with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support |
| Smart Speaker Capabilities | Built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Advanced smart speaker system, with a dedicated microphone array |
| Connectivity and Compatibility | One HDMI input, one optical input, and one Ethernet port | Three HDMI inputs, one optical input, and one Ethernet port |
| Price and Value | Priced at around $399, with good sound quality and a compact design | Priced at around $799, with advanced features and capabilities |
By considering these factors and weighing up the pros and cons of each soundbar, you can make an informed decision and choose the best option for your needs.
What Is The Main Difference Between Sonos Beam And Sonos Arc?
The main difference between Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc lies in their design and functionality. The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar designed for smaller rooms and TVs, while the Sonos Arc is a more advanced soundbar with a sleeker design and more features, suitable for larger rooms and home theaters.
In terms of sound quality, the Sonos Arc has a more immersive audio experience with its 11 Class-D digital amplifiers and 11 drivers, including three tweeters and eight mid-woofers. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, has five Class-D digital amplifiers and five drivers, including three passive radiators. This difference in design and functionality makes the Sonos Arc a better choice for those who want a more cinematic sound experience.
Which Soundbar Is More Suitable For A Small Room?
The Sonos Beam is more suitable for a small room due to its compact size and design. It is only 25.6 inches wide, making it perfect for smaller TVs and rooms. The Sonos Beam is also more affordable than the Sonos Arc, making it a great option for those who want a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank.
In addition to its compact size, the Sonos Beam also has a more subtle design that blends in with any room decor. It is available in two colors, black and white, and has a sleek and modern look that will complement any TV or room. The Sonos Beam is also easy to set up and use, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free soundbar experience.
Does The Sonos Arc Support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos, which provides a more immersive audio experience with three-dimensional sound. The Sonos Arc has 11 drivers, including three tweeters and eight mid-woofers, which work together to create a cinematic sound experience with Dolby Atmos.
The Sonos Arc also supports other audio formats, including Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM. However, it does not support DTS:X, which is another popular audio format. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, does not support Dolby Atmos, but it does support other audio formats like Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM.
Can I Use The Sonos Beam As A Center Channel Speaker?
Yes, you can use the Sonos Beam as a center channel speaker in a home theater setup. The Sonos Beam has a dedicated center channel speaker that provides clear and crisp dialogue, making it perfect for watching TV shows and movies.
To use the Sonos Beam as a center channel speaker, you will need to pair it with other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One or Sonos Five, to create a surround sound system. You can also add a subwoofer, like the Sonos Sub, to enhance the bass and create a more immersive audio experience.
Is The Sonos Arc Compatible With Amazon Alexa And Google Assistant?
Yes, the Sonos Arc is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your soundbar with voice commands. You can use voice commands to play music, adjust the volume, and control other smart devices in your home.
To use voice control with the Sonos Arc, you will need to set up the soundbar with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant account. You can do this through the Sonos app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. Once set up, you can use voice commands to control your soundbar and other smart devices.
Can I Use The Sonos Beam With A TV That Doesn’t Have HDMI-ARC?
Yes, you can use the Sonos Beam with a TV that doesn’t have HDMI-ARC. The Sonos Beam has an optical audio input that allows you to connect it to a TV without HDMI-ARC. You can use an optical audio cable to connect the Sonos Beam to your TV and enjoy high-quality sound.
However, using the optical audio input may limit some of the features of the Sonos Beam, such as the ability to control the soundbar with your TV remote. To get the most out of your Sonos Beam, it’s recommended to use a TV with HDMI-ARC, which allows for more seamless integration and control.
Is The Sonos Arc Worth The Extra Cost?
Whether or not the Sonos Arc is worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and a sleeker design, the Sonos Arc may be worth the extra cost.
However, if you’re on a budget or have a smaller room, the Sonos Beam may be a better option. The Sonos Beam is more affordable and still provides high-quality sound, making it a great value for the price. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to the Sonos Arc depends on your specific needs and preferences.