Are you a music enthusiast and want to buy a wireless speaker? Then this review will be very beneficial for you. In this review, we will be making a head-on comparison between Sonos Beam vs Sonos Playbar.
Our Verdict
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Sonos Beam and Sonos Playbar both are excellent products of brand Sonos. But while making this comparison, we conclude that if you have small rooms and cannot spend much money on an audio bar, then you should go with Sonos Beam. However, you have enough budget, and your rooms are large then Sonos Playbar is a perfect buy for you.
Sonos Beam vs Sonos Playbar: Comparison Chart
Sonos Playbar | Sonos Beam | |
---|---|---|
Connect to TV | Via Digital Optical Cable | Via Digital Optical Cable or HDMI ARC |
Stereo Output | Yes | Yes |
Class-D Digital Amplifiers | 9 | 5 |
Tweeter | 3 | 1 |
Mid-Woofer | 6 | 4 |
Adjustable Bass & Treble Controls | Yes | Yes |
Audio line-in | No | No |
Voice Control over Amazon Alexa | Yes | Yes |
Amazon Alexa Built-In | No | No |
Support Airplay 2 | No | Yes |
Trueplay | Yes | Yes |
Humidity Resistant | No | No |
WiFi | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz |
Bluetooth LE | No | Yes |
Ethernet Port | 2 | 1 |
Dimensions | 3.35 x 35.43 x 5.51 inches | 2.70 x 25.625 x 3.94 inches |
Weight | 5.4kg | 2.8kg |
On-Device Control | Buttons | Touch |
One App Control | Yes | Yes |
IR Control | Yes | Yes |
Night Mode | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Similarities
1. Trueplay
Both players have a unique feature of true play. This feature automatically adjusts the audio to fill the room with a high degree of fidelity.
2. Connects To T.V.
Both the players have a feature to communicate with your T.V. It makes it possible for you to enjoy watching your Favourite Tv shows with enhanced sound.
3. Bass and Treble Control
Both the speakers offer customizable bass and treble control.
4. Stereo Output
Both the speakers have a feature of stereo output. This sound format uses multiple channels to supply a comprehensive sound that fills the space.
5. WiFi
Each speaker supports 802.11b/g wireless standards at 2.4 GHz frequency, and you can use this wireless connection to set up your Sonos speakers using the Sonos app.
6. Night Mode
At times, when you want to listen to music or watch TV, whereas everybody else is already in bed, then this feature comes handy. You can use the Night Mode enclosed with each speaker. By enhancing quiet noise and toning down any loud sounds, you’ll still hear the music while not disturbing the whole house.
7. I.R. Control
Both the speakers feature I.R. control, with which you will be able to control the speakers remotely from anywhere.
8. Dialogue Enhancement
These speakers can enhance the dialogues while you are watching your favorite shows on T.V.
Differences
1. Bluetooth L.E
Sonos Beam supports Bluetooth L.E., whereas Playbar does not support it.
2. Voice Control
Both the speakers can be controlled with Amazon Alexa. But the interfacing with a virtual assistant is different. With three tweeters, six mid-woofers, and nine digital amplifiers, the Playbar dominates the Beam.
3. On- Device Control
Beam has touch control, whereas Playbar has a side panel button to control the functions.
4. Connects with T.V
You can connect Sonos Playbar with the T.V. via Digital Optical Cable whereas, Beam connects HDMI ARC Port or via digital optical cable. To control Playbar external devices like Amazon Echo or Echo Dot are used while in Sonos Beam, Amazon Alexa is built into the device.
5. Dimensions
Size of Playbar is bigger than that of Beam. The Playbar weighs around 5.8 kg, whereas Sonos Beam weighs nearly 2.8 kg.
6. Sound Quality
Although these two devices have many similarities, but, there is a notable difference between their sound quality. Sonos Beam has one tweeter and four mid-woofers, each insured by its dedicated amplifier. This produces a high-quality sound, but the speaker fails to compete with the Sonos Playbar.
Features And Technical Specifications Of Sonos Playbar
- Playbar is a fantastic speaker with nine Class-D digital amplifiers
- Three tweeters in it create a high-frequency response.
- Six-mid woofer gives the full range of sound effects from the left and right channels.
- You can adjust bass, treble, and loudness according to your sound preferences.
- It connects to your home WiFi with any 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz broadcast-capable router.
- It has two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, which brings standard Internet connectivity to other devices.
Features And Technical Specifications of Sonos Beam
- This fantastic speaker comes with four full-range woofers, which ensure that you hear the faithful playback of mid-range vocal frequencies.
- It has deep rich bass and one tweeter that creates clear dialogue.
- Three passive radiators in it let the air inside it move around the speaker, which adds warm sound to the bass.
- Like Playbar, it also has the feature to adjust bass, treble, and loudness of the audio.
- It has five class- D amplifiers that are perfectly tuned to speaker drivers.
- It has one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port which operates when your WiFi is unstable.
- Like Playbar, it also connects to your home WiFi with any 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz broadcast-capable router.
- Playbar is the most versatile audio bar that comes with fantastic sound quality.
- It perfectly fits into ones living area, boasting great sound.
What Does One Get In The Box?
With both the speakers, you don’t need additional accessories, but if you want to save the space, then you should buy a wall mount. If you’re going to exceed your WiFi coverage, then you will need a Sonos Boost.
Overview of Playbar
Sonos Playbar speaker that comes with six mid-range woofers and three tweeters that are driven by a total of nine independent class-D amplifiers. Three tweeters in it support the high end of the spectrum, while the woofers cover much of the meet of your sound. If you like to know more about sonos playbar, check out sonos playbar vs sonos play 5. Also following are the pros and cons of Playbar:- Amazing Sound Quality
- Supports Amazon Alexa
- Natural Bass
- Has two Ethernet ports
- Angled woofer at ends that disperse the sound wider
- Best for larger rooms
- Expensive
- Does not have inbuilt Amazon Alexa Integration
- Bulky in size
Overview of Sonos Beam
Sonos Beam includes five far-range microphones that help you to do some room tuning. It comes with five class-D amplifiers that drive four full-range amplifiers and one tweeter. It has three inbuilt passive radiators that help to push the sound out in the right direction. If you like Sonos Beam, You should check out how Sonos Beam is in comparison to Bose Solo 5 too. Following are the pros and cons of Sonos Beam:- Sleek Design
- Solid sound response
- Supports Amazon Alexa
- Has inbuilt Amazon Alexa Integration.
- Cheaper
- Great for small and medium-sized rooms
- Not good for large rooms.
- Has only one Ethernet port
FAQs
1. How many amplifiers does Sonos Beam have?
It has five D-class amplifiers.
2. Does Sonos Beam work with Amazon Alexa?
Yes, you can control your music from Amazon Alexa.
Bottom Line
Both the speakers have excellent features, but if you want to choose between two, then one must go for the Sonos Beam as it has incredible sound quality and also is cheaper as compared to Playbar. However, if you have large rooms and can afford Sonos Playbar, then You should check out. If you want to know more about Sonos Playbar, You should check out the comparison between sonos playbase and playbar.
Sonos Beam - Editor's Choice
Summary
Sonos Beam includes five far-range microphones that help you to do some room tuning. It comes with five class-D amplifiers that drive four full-range amplifiers and one tweeter. It has three inbuilt passive radiators that help to push the sound out in the right direction.
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