TechAudioSpeakersSoundbars5 things I wish I’d known before I bought a Sonos Beam soundbarThe pros and cons of getting a Sonos Beam soundbarWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAudioSpeakersSoundbars5 things I wish I’d known before I bought a Sonos Beam soundbarThe pros and cons of getting a Sonos Beam soundbarWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The pros and cons of getting a Sonos Beam soundbar
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sonos)
(Image credit: Sonos)
Without a doubt, getting thebest soundbarcan change the game when watching TV and movies, especially if you’re relying on built-in speakers.
A lot of thebest TVscome with ok-ish speakers in 2022 but there’s still nothing like adding that extra heft to your audio setup. TV speakers have got better, but they definitely still lack at the low end and in terms of positional clarity.
A lot of modern soundbars fromSonos,Samsung, Yamaha, and others come with Bluetooth, AirPlay support, and multiple HDMI ports, including e-ARC, making them something of a multi-tool in the living room.
In this case, we’re going to look at some important things to know about the absolutely excellentSonos Beam, which we’ve rated as the best soundbar for those shopping in the mid-range right now.
Sonos also recently announced the more entry-levelSonos Ray, which lacks a few useful features but sounds great, especially on a budget. And, of course, at the high-end is theSonos Arc.
Whichever Sonos soundbar you plump for, though, there are some key things worth knowing, as they will help you get the most out of your sound system.
(Image credit: Sonos)
(Image credit: Sonos)
1. With Sonos Beam, you won’t need any other speakers
We mean this in two senses.
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Firstly, the Sonos Beam absolutely fills most living rooms (or bedrooms) with crisp, clear sound and low, punching bass.
And secondly, the Beam is such a versatile speaker that it can do it all. You can connect directly to the TV via HDMI or through a optical inputandplay music over WiFi, either via AirPlay or Spotify’s Connect feature.
The fact that the Beam is always-on means that connecting is super super easy, too.
It’s like a one-stop-shop speaker for all your audio needs, be that enjoying the dramatic soundtrack to a new movie or streaming a music playlist at during a house party.
(Image credit: Sonos)
(Image credit: Sonos)
2. Sonos Beam makes use of the best multi-room audio system
It’s an ingenious system and we can’t really foresee ourselves going back to fiddling around with Bluetooth settings any more. Sonos Beam, like all Sonos soundbars, is 100 per cent compatible with this feature.
(Image credit: Sonos)
(Image credit: Sonos)
3. Make sure your TV has e-ARC
In essence, e-ARC ports, which expand on ARC ports, can transfer sound from your TV to the Sonos Beam seamlessly, all from one port.
As we said above, the cheaper Sonos Ray doesn’t include e-ARC, so if your TV doesn’t either, it might be worth figuring it out with an optical input instead (although HDMI is likely going to be a little easier).
(Image credit: Sonos)
(Image credit: Sonos)
4. Sonos Beam is kind to your neighbours
Living in London as I do, neighbours are everywhere – and not everyone likes the sound of a thumping movie score through the floor.
Sonos has thought of this, however, and included really detailed EQ controls within its app, which can be changed in an instant. We personally found that removing two levels of bass was the right balance between sounding good and deadening noise.
The Beam also comes with a specific Loudness mode, so keep that in mind if you live in very close proximity to others.
(Image credit: Sonos)
(Image credit: Sonos)
5. Sonos has a lot of custom soundscapes
Speaking of the app, you don’t have to rely on Spotify (or another music streaming service) for sonics because Sonos has included a huge array of different soundscapes and music in its app.
Some of the fancier sounds and music are only available to paying subscribers but many, such as the ambient noise-scapes, come for free. Great for chilling out or staying zen when working from home.
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