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

Why Do I Recommend The Sonos Beam 2? 

• The Sonos Beam 2 includes a faster quad-core processor to enable complex audio decoding and ensure long-term firmware support, while the Sonos Ray uses a less powerful processor with fewer capabilities.
• Sonos Beam 2 supports Dolby Atmos for immersive 3D audio playback with overhead and surround effects, while the Sonos Ray is limited to stereo and Dolby Digital without spatial sound.
• It features an HDMI eARC port for higher-quality audio and easier TV integration, while the Sonos Ray lacks HDMI and relies only on optical input.
• The Sonos Beam 2 includes built-in microphones to enable Alexa, Google Assistant, and Sonos Voice for hands-free control and smart home integration, while the Sonos Ray has no microphones or voice assistant support.
• Sonos Beam 2 has a five-speaker design with advanced audio processing to deliver clearer dialogue and broader sound dispersion, while the Sonos Ray uses a simpler four-speaker layout with a narrower stereo image.
• It supports Dolby TrueHD and hi-res streaming formats like Amazon Music Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos Music for superior music fidelity, while the Sonos Ray does not support any high-resolution formats.
• The Sonos Beam 2 uses HDMI-CEC to automatically sync with your TV remote for seamless control, while the Sonos Ray depends on manual infrared learning setup for remote compatibility.
• Sonos Beam 2 features a refined exterior with a seamless wraparound polycarbonate grille for a more premium look, while the Sonos Ray has a basic front-facing grille with a simpler overall design.

Maybe the Sonos Ray price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sonos Beam 2. 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?

• Sonos Ecosystem Integration: Both soundbars are part of the Sonos ecosystem, meaning you can control them through the Sonos app, create multiroom audio setups, group with other Sonos speakers, and access software updates over time.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Ray both connect via dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), ensuring stable streaming from various services without the need for Bluetooth.
• Streaming Support: Both support Spotify Connect, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, AirPlay 2, and other services directly through the Sonos app or native streaming integration.
• Sonos App & Trueplay: Both are fully compatible with the Sonos S2 app, including Trueplay Tuning (iOS only), which adjusts audio based on the room’s acoustics for optimal performance.
• Touch & Remote Controls: Each has a touch-sensitive panel on the top for volume and playback, and both can be controlled via TV remotes—Beam through HDMI-CEC, Ray via IR learning.
• Sound Customization Features: Both include Speech Enhancement to improve dialogue clarity and Night Sound Mode to reduce loud sounds for late-night listening.
• Build Quality & Color Options: Both soundbars share a similar polycarbonate construction with a perforated grille and are available in matte black or matte white, keeping a minimalist and modern design.
• Expandable Home Theater: Each model can be paired with the Sonos Sub (Mini or Gen 3) and Sonos One SLs or other rear speakers to build a full surround sound system.
• Wall Mountable Design: They’re both compact and light enough to be mounted on a wall using optional accessories, suitable for aesthetic home theater setups.
• DTS & Dolby Digital: While Beam (Gen 2) supports more formats, both units support Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of TV content.