Sonos Arc vs Beam 2 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Why Do I Recommend The Sonos Arc? 

• The Sonos Arc has dedicated up-firing speakers for immersive overhead audio effects in Dolby Atmos content, while the Sonos Beam 2 lacks upward‑firing drivers.
• Sonos Arc features 11 high-performance drivers for deeper bass, clearer dialogue, and a wider soundstage, while the Beam 2 has 5 high-performance drivers.
• It supports 5.0.2 channel setup for more accurate spatial audio reproduction, which enhances the realism of sound positioning in movies and games, compared to the Sonos Beam 2’s basic 5.0 setup.
• The Sonos Arc features advanced Trueplay tuning with height-channel calibration for precise room-specific optimization, balanced sound, & acoustic accuracy, compared to the Sonos Beam 2’s standard Trueplay.
• Sonos Arc supports a powerful custom 4-core processor for faster audio rendering, smoother Dolby Atmos decoding, & better performance under high-bandwidth playback, compared to the Sonos Beam 2’s limited processing.
• It features a larger acoustic frame for wider driver separation, improved stereo imaging, & better pairing with 55-inch or larger TVs, compared to the compact design of the Sonos Beam 2.
• Sonos Arc supports broader surround system expansion for true 5.1.2 setups with Sub and rears, immersive theater sound, & future-proof versatility, compared to the Sonos Beam 2’s limited surround realism.

Maybe the Sonos Beam 2 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sonos Arc. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

What Common Both Can Do?

• Dolby Atmos Support: Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos audio formats, enhancing movie and TV sound with a 3D effect, although implementation differs (hardware-based in Arc, virtual in Beam Gen 2).
• HDMI eARC Connectivity: Both models use HDMI eARC for high-quality, low-latency audio transmission and compatibility with modern TVs and surround sound formats.
• Wi-Fi & Ethernet: Each soundbar includes dual networking options (Wi-Fi 5 and Ethernet), ensuring flexible setup and stable streaming.
• Voice Assistant Integration: Both include far-field microphones with native support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free control and smart home integration.
• Trueplay Tuning: Both support Trueplay for room-specific audio tuning using iOS devices, though Arc includes additional height-channel tuning.
• Apple AirPlay 2: You can stream audio from iOS and macOS devices directly to either soundbar via AirPlay 2, making them ideal for Apple users.
• Sonos App & Ecosystem: Both are controllable via the Sonos S2 app and work seamlessly in a multiroom setup, allowing music synchronization across multiple rooms or grouped Sonos speakers.
• Touch Controls & IR: Both have onboard touch controls for volume/playback and an IR receiver for control via your TV’s remote.
• Expandable Audio System: Both models support expansion with Sonos Sub, Era speakers, or One SL units for a fuller home theater surround setup.
• Smart Streaming Compatibility: Both support major music and podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more through the Sonos app or voice command.
• Regular Software Updates: Both get regular software and security updates via the Sonos app, improving features over time.
• Design Consistency: Both come in Black and White finishes, with a similar minimalist design language, complementing most TV setups.
• Wall Mount Support: Both can be wall-mounted using separate accessories, helping keep the setup sleek and space-saving.
• HDMI CEC Support: Both allow TV remote control functionality through HDMI CEC, so no need for a separate remote for volume control.
• Microphone Privacy: Each includes a dedicated mic mute button to disable voice assistant listening when not needed, respecting user privacy.