In the world of home audio systems, the Sonos brand reigns supreme, offering high-quality sound solutions that elevate the home entertainment experience. Among their standout products are the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc, both intelligent soundbars designed to fit seamlessly into your smart home setup. However, while they share some similarities, they each cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we will delve deep into the details, exploring the characteristics, features, and overall performance of both soundbars to help you decide which one is right for you.
Understanding The Basics: A Closer Look At Sonos Beam And Sonos Arc
Before diving into the intricacies of each soundbar, it’s essential to understand what makes the Sonos Beam and Arc unique within the crowded audio market. Both soundbars are designed to enhance the sonic experience of your television, but they do so in different ways.
Sonos Beam: The Compact Powerhouse
Launched in 2018, the Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that packs a punch. Its smaller size makes it suitable for a variety of spaces, especially for those who may not have the room for larger audio equipment. Featuring a sleek design that fits seamlessly into any decor, the Beam produces high-quality sound that surpasses expectations for its dimensions.
Main Features of Sonos Beam:
- Compact Size: Ideal for tight spaces.
- Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- HDMI ARC: Easy connection to your TV.
- Multi-Room Audio: Easily integrates with other Sonos speakers.
Sonos Arc: The Flagship Sound Experience
In contrast, the Sonos Arc made its debut in 2020 as a more substantial and advanced soundbar. Designed for those who crave an immersive auditory experience, the Arc supports Dolby Atmos, which simulates surround sound from above and around you. Its larger size complements larger TVs and offers a more pronounced sound profile that is perfect for cinematic experiences.
Main Features of Sonos Arc:
- Immersive Dolby Atmos: Brings your movies and music to life.
- Elegant Design: Curved shape that fits beautifully into any setting.
- Enhanced Bass: Equipped with custom woofers for better sound depth.
- Trueplay Technology: Automatically adjusts sound quality based on your room’s acoustics.
Design And Aesthetics: Size Matters
As mentioned, the design philosophy behind the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc reflects their intended purposes. The Beam is designed to be unobtrusive, making it an excellent choice for those with limited space. Its dimensions are approximately 25.6 inches wide and 3.9 inches tall, allowing it to fit comfortably in front of your TV without obstructing the viewing experience.
On the other hand, the Sonos Arc measures about 45 inches wide, 3.4 inches tall, and 5.5 inches deep, making it more suited for a larger audio-visual setup. The design language of the Arc exudes elegance, with a rounded shape that not only looks sophisticated but also serves functional acoustic purposes.
Color And Material Options
Both soundbars come in classic colors; the Sonos Beam is available in black and white, while the Sonos Arc also features these color choices, allowing you to seamlessly blend them into your existing décor.
Audio Performance: Sound Quality Matters
When it comes to audio performance, there’s no denying that both the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc excel. However, they each provide distinct sound experiences.
Sonos Beam Audio Experience
The Sonos Beam offers a balanced sound profile, providing clear dialogue and detailed mids with remarkable clarity. While it may lack some of the low-end depth found in larger soundbars, it can still produce ample bass, especially when paired with a Sonos Sub for a more rounded audio experience.
Pros of Sonos Beam Audio Performance:
- Excellent for dialogue clarity, making it perfect for TV shows and movies.
- Good overall sound quality for music and podcasts.
Sonos Arc Audio Experience
The Sonos Arc, boasting Dolby Atmos technology, provides a captivating multi-dimensional sound experience that truly immerses you in your entertainment. With its 11 drivers, including upward-firing speakers intended for that soaring sound effect, the Arc delivers powerful bass, stunning high frequencies, and a wider sound stage.
Pros of Sonos Arc Audio Performance:
- Immersive object-based audio is perfect for cinematic experiences.
- Rich bass that enhances music and movie watching.
Smart Features: Control And Connectivity
In today’s tech-savvy world, smart features are a significant consideration when purchasing audio equipment. Both the Sonos Beam and Arc offer a range of intelligent functions, but they do so in slightly different ways.
Sonos Beam Smart Features
The Sonos Beam includes built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to use voice commands to control your audio experience. You can play music, control the volume, or ask about the weather without lifting a finger. Moreover, it connects easily to your TV via HDMI ARC, ensuring minimal setup hassle.
Connectivity Options for Sonos Beam:
- HDMI ARC for easy connection with TVs.
- Wi-Fi connectivity for music streaming from various services.
Sonos Arc Smart Features
The Sonos Arc also supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, providing a similar voice control experience. One standout feature of the Arc is its Trueplay technology, which automatically tunes the soundbar based on your room’s acoustics. This setting ensures optimal sound, maximizing your listening experience, regardless of where you are in the room.
Connectivity Options for Sonos Arc:
- HDMI eARC for better audio quality transmission.
- Wi-Fi network compatibility for easy streaming.
Setup And Usability: Ease Of Installation
When it comes to setup, both the Sonos Beam and Arc are user-friendly. However, there are minor differences that may influence your decision based on your home setup.
Setting Up The Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is designed for easy setup and can be installed in a matter of minutes. Insert the HDMI cable into your TV’s HDMI ARC port, connect the power, and download the Sonos app to complete the installation. The app provides a guided setup experience, ensuring that even the most tech-challenged users can get their soundbar up and running in no time.
Setting Up The Sonos Arc
Installing the Sonos Arc follows a similar process, but it may require a bit more planning due to its size. You’ll want to ensure you have adequate space for the soundbar to perform optimally. Like the Beam, the Arc connects via HDMI eARC and is easily configured through the Sonos app. The Trueplay tuning feature also simplifies the sound adjustment process, making it accessible for everyone.
Price Comparison: Which One Fits Your Budget?
The price point for the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc varies significantly, with the Arc representing the premium option due to its advanced features and superior audio capabilities. The structural differences lead to a noticeable disparity in price, making it essential to weigh your budget against desired features.
| Model | Price (Approximate) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam | $449 | Compact, Voice Control, Good for small spaces |
| Sonos Arc | $799 | Dolby Atmos, Enhanced Bass, Trueplay Technology |
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc ultimately comes down to your unique preferences and requirements. If you need a compact soundbar that fits in smaller spaces while delivering excellent sound quality for TV shows and casual music listening, the Sonos Beam is an outstanding choice.
Conversely, if you’re an audiophile or simply want the best immersive audio experience available for movies and music, the Sonos Arc is the clear winner. With its Dolby Atmos support, elegant design, and superior audio capabilities, the Arc is certainly worth the investment.
In conclusion, whether you choose the Sonos Beam or the Sonos Arc, you’re guaranteed to elevate your home entertainment experience with a soundbar that is a cut above the rest.
What Are The Main Differences Between The Sonos Beam And Sonos Arc?
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar designed for smaller spaces, providing an immersive audio experience with its 5-speaker array. It is optimized for smaller televisions and environments, making it an excellent choice for apartment living or smaller rooms. In contrast, the Sonos Arc is a larger, more powerful soundbar aimed at delivering a premium audio experience, featuring 11 speakers that allow for Dolby Atmos sound, making it suitable for larger setups and home theaters.
The size and speaker configuration also affect their placement and performance. The Beam can easily fit under most TVs and can be mounted on walls or placed on a console, while the Arc, due to its size, is better suited for larger TVs and more spacious areas. Therefore, if space is a concern, the Beam may be more practical, whereas the Arc is designed for users seeking an unparalleled sound experience.
Which Soundbar Offers Better Audio Quality?
While both the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc provide impressive sound quality, the Arc generally holds the advantage in audio performance. With its advanced setup, including upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos, the Arc creates a three-dimensional sound landscape that can immerse listeners in movie soundscapes and music. It’s engineered to deliver deep bass and clear highs, enhancing overall audio fidelity, especially for cinematic experiences.
On the other hand, the Sonos Beam, while still offering rich, room-filling sound, doesn’t provide the same level of depth and spatial audio as the Arc. It is more than capable of delivering a satisfying audio performance for everyday viewing and music listening but may not match the Arc’s ability to handle complex sound mixes intended for high-end media playback.
Can I Use The Sonos Beam And Arc With Multi-room Setups?
Both the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc can seamlessly integrate into a multi-room audio setup using the Sonos app. This allows users to connect either soundbar with other Sonos speakers throughout their home, creating a comprehensive audio environment where music or TV sounds can be synchronized or played independently in different rooms. The Sonos ecosystem is designed for flexibility and ease of use, enabling users to expand their audio experience with additional components.
However, the performance and functionality may vary between the two soundbars when used in this manner. While the Beam is a versatile option for smaller rooms, the Arc can elevate the experience significantly when paired with other devices for surround sound in larger spaces. Ultimately, it depends on the setup size and desired audio experience when integrating them into a multi-room system.
Is There A Price Difference Between The Sonos Beam And Sonos Arc?
Yes, there is a noticeable price difference between the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc. The Beam is positioned as a more budget-friendly option, making it accessible for users looking to enhance their TV audio without a significant investment. It tends to be ideal for those who want quality sound without breaking the bank, particularly for smaller spaces or setups.
Conversely, the Sonos Arc comes with a premium price tag, reflecting its advanced features and superior audio performance. It is designed for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts willing to invest more for a richer sound experience and enhanced technology, such as Dolby Atmos. Therefore, your choice may greatly depend on your budget and audio expectations.
Are The Sonos Beam And Arc Easy To Set Up?
Both the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc are designed for straightforward installation, making it convenient for users of all technical skill levels. They both can be easily connected to your TV using an HDMI ARC/eARC port, or via optical adapters if necessary. The Sonos app offers guided setup procedures that help users connect the soundbars to Wi-Fi and configure their audio settings efficiently.
However, the Arc may require a bit more attention during setup due to its advanced features. For optimal performance, users may need to adjust settings to take full advantage of Dolby Atmos and placement requirements for the upward-firing speakers. Nevertheless, the user-friendly design and app support for both models ensure that most users can have their soundbars up and running without significant hurdles.
Which Soundbar Would You Recommend For Gaming: Sonos Beam Or Sonos Arc?
When it comes to gaming, the Sonos Arc is generally the better choice due to its superior audio capabilities. The immersive sound experience provided by its Dolby Atmos support enhances the gaming experience significantly, allowing players to hear directional cues and subtle environmental sounds clearly. This capability can provide a competitive edge in gameplay, making the Arc an excellent option for avid gamers who own larger televisions.
The Sonos Beam can still be a solid option for gaming, especially in smaller setups where space is limited. While it may not match the Arc in terms of audio depth and spatial awareness, it still delivers clear sound with decent bass and is compatible with most gaming consoles. Ultimately, the decision would hinge on your gaming habits and the size of your gaming area, with the Arc standing out for a more serious gaming experience.