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

Sonos Arc & Sonos Beam share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sonos Arc rather than the Sonos Beam

Why Do I Recommend The Sonos Arc

  • The Sonos Arc has upward-firing drivers for delivering true Dolby Atmos height effects, compared to the Sonos Beam lacks physical height channels and provides a less immersive 3D soundstage.
  • Sonos Arc features a 5.0.2 channel configuration for generating expansive spatial audio with true directional effects, while the Sonos Beam uses a 5.0 setup.
  • It includes 11 high-performance drivers for producing richer, fuller sound with greater bass depth and clarity, whereas the Sonos Beam has only 5 active drivers with 3 passive radiators.
  • The Sonos Arc has three dedicated silk-dome tweeters for achieving clearer treble and vocal detail, compared to the Sonos Beam’s single tweeter.
  • Sonos Arc comes with a larger acoustic cabinet to project audio across wider spaces effectively, compared to the Sonos Beam’s smaller form factor.
  • It supports more advanced and powerful audio processor to handle high-resolution sound with minimal distortion, whereas the Sonos Beam’s processing is optimized for compact performance and less intensive use.
  • The Sonos Arc includes a premium polycarbonate grille that enhances durability and aesthetic integration in high-end setups, while the Sonos Beam features a simpler plastic design with a perforated grille.
  • Sonos Arc is designed to pair with TVs 55 inches and above for a balanced visual-to-audio match, while the Sonos Beam is intended for smaller TVs under 55 inches.

Maybe the Sonos Beam 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.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureSonos ArcSonos Beam
Speaker Channel Configuration5.0.25.0
Upward-Firing DriversYesNo
Number of Total Drivers115 drivers + 3 passive radiators
Tweeters3 silk-dome tweeters1 tweeter
Woofers / Mid-Range Drivers8 elliptical woofers4 midwoofers
Audio ProcessingHigher-performance audio architectureStandard audio processing
Height Channel SupportPhysical height channels for AtmosVirtualized height for Atmos
Length45 inches25.6 inches
Height3.4 inches2.7 inches
Depth4.5 inches3.9 inches
Weight13.78 lbs6.2 lbs
Finish / Grille DesignPolycarbonate grillePlastic cabinet with perforated polycarbonate
Recommended TV Size55” and larger32” to 55”
HDMI Port TypeHDMI eARC onlyHDMI eARC only
Dolby Atmos SupportTrueVirtualized
PriceCheck Sonos Arc PriceCheck Sonos Beam Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Dolby Atmos Support: Both models support Dolby Atmos for immersive audio, although the Arc uses dedicated upward-firing speakers while the Beam uses virtual processing to simulate height.
  • HDMI eARC Connectivity: Each soundbar includes HDMI eARC, allowing them to transmit high-quality, uncompressed audio formats and sync perfectly with TVs.
  • Trueplay Tuning: Both support Sonos’ Trueplay feature (iOS only), which measures your room’s acoustics using your iPhone’s microphone and adjusts the sound output for optimal performance.
  • Voice Assistant Integration: You can control both soundbars using built-in microphones for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free control and smart home integration.
  • Apple AirPlay 2: Both support AirPlay 2, so Apple users can easily stream music, podcasts, or videos from iPhones, iPads, or Macs.
  • Expandable System: You can pair both models with a Sonos Sub (or Sub Mini) and two rear speakers like the Sonos One SL or Era series to create a true surround sound system.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity & Multi-Room Support: Each speaker connects via Wi-Fi (not Bluetooth) and is part of the Sonos multi-room ecosystem using the Sonos S2 app.
  • Built-in Microphones and Touch Controls: Each device includes far-field mics for voice commands and touch-sensitive buttons for volume, play/pause, and microphone toggling.
  • IR Receiver & TV Remote Sync: Both include IR receivers, allowing you to use your TV remote to control volume and power when set up via HDMI CEC.
  • DTS Support & Software Updates: Both received firmware updates to support DTS Digital Surround and continue to get updates through the Sonos app for improved performance and new features.

Common Features

FeatureSonos ArcSonos Beam
BrandSonosSonos
Product TypeSmart SoundbarSmart Soundbar
Dolby Atmos SupportYesYes
HDMI eARC SupportYesYes
Trueplay TuningYesYes
Voice Assistant SupportAlexa, Google AssistantAlexa, Google Assistant
Apple AirPlay 2YesYes
Expandable with SubwooferYesYes
Expandable with SurroundsYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Ethernet PortYesYes
IR ReceiverYesYes
Built-in MicrophonesYesYes
Touch ControlsYesYes
DTS Digital Surround (via update)YesYes
Night Sound ModeYesYes
Speech Enhancement ModeYesYes
Wall Mount CompatibilityYesYes
Streaming AudioYesYes
Multi-Room AudioYesYes
Smart Home IntegrationYesYes
Software UpdatesYesYes
Price Check Sonos Arc Price Check Sonos Beam Price

FAQ

Does the Sonos Arc support real Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Sonos Arc supports true Dolby Atmos with upward-firing drivers that create realistic height effects, offering a more immersive surround sound experience compared to virtual Atmos processing.

Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) capable of Dolby Atmos playback?
Yes, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos, but it uses virtual height channels instead of physical upward-firing drivers, making the 3D sound experience less pronounced than the Arc.

Can both the Sonos Arc and Beam be wall-mounted?
Yes, both models are compatible with wall mounting, but the mounts are sold separately and designed specifically for each model to ensure a secure fit.

Do both soundbars include built-in voice assistants?
Yes, both the Arc and Beam (Gen 2) have built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing hands-free voice control and smart home integration.

Is AirPlay 2 supported on both models?
Yes, both the Sonos Arc and Beam (Gen 2) support Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream audio directly from Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, or Macs.

Can I use the Sonos Arc and Beam with a subwoofer or rear speakers?
Yes, both models can be expanded by pairing them with a Sonos Sub or Sub Mini and compatible rear speakers like the Sonos One SL or Era 100 for a full surround setup.

Do the Arc and Beam support HDMI eARC?
Yes, both soundbars include an HDMI eARC port, which enables high-bandwidth audio formats and better synchronization between audio and video.

Is there any difference in Trueplay tuning between Arc and Beam?
No, both models support Trueplay tuning (iOS only), which optimizes the audio based on room acoustics to ensure the best listening experience.

Can I use the same Sonos app for both the Arc and Beam?
Yes, both are compatible with the Sonos S2 app, which lets you control playback, group speakers, adjust settings, and receive software updates.

Are both soundbars compatible with multi-room audio?
Yes, both the Arc and Beam can be grouped with other Sonos speakers across your home to play synchronized audio or different tracks in each room.

Do either of the soundbars support Bluetooth audio streaming?
No, neither the Sonos Arc nor the Beam (Gen 2) support Bluetooth for direct music streaming; they rely on Wi-Fi and supported streaming services.

Can the Arc or Beam be used without a TV?
Yes, both soundbars can function independently as wireless speakers for music, podcasts, and other audio content via streaming services or AirPlay 2.

Are there any built-in microphones in both models?
Yes, both have built-in far-field microphones for voice commands and automatic room adjustments when using Trueplay tuning with supported devices.

Is DTS audio supported on both models?
Yes, both soundbars received firmware updates to support DTS Digital Surround, providing broader compatibility with Blu-ray players and older media.

Which soundbar is better for a large living room?
The Sonos Arc is better suited for larger spaces due to its larger driver array, physical height channels, and more powerful audio output. The Beam is ideal for smaller to medium-sized rooms.

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