Sonos Ray vs. Sonos Beam: Which TV Soundbar Should You Buy?
Introduction:
When it comes to enhancing your home theater experience, investing in a quality soundbar is paramount. Amongst the numerous options available in the market, Sonos has distinguished itself with two impressive soundbars: the Sonos Ray and the Sonos Beam. In this article, we will compare these high-quality products in an attempt to help you decide which soundbar best suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality:
The Sonos Ray boasts an understated design with a sleek finish, making it a perfect addition to any modern living space. Measuring at around 43 inches in length, it’s ideal for larger TVs or those seeking a commanding presence in their home theater setup.
On the other hand, the Sonos Beam is approximately 25 inches long, making it perfect for smaller spaces or rooms where subtlety is key. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on style, as it too flaunts an elegant appearance that easily blends with any interior design.
Performance:
When it comes to audio performance, both the Ray and Beam impress with their capabilities. The Sonos Ray features Dolby Atmos support and Trueplay tuning technology. This ensures a surround sound experience that envelops you and immerses you fully into your favorite movies or TV shows.
On the other hand, while the Sonos Beam may lack Dolby Atmos support, its impressive room-filling audio experience combined with Trueplay tuning technology make up for it. It delivers quality sound that matches its larger counterpart while being much more affordable.
Connectivity:
Both soundbars offer a similar set of connectivity options. They are easily integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control services, making them highly convenient for smart home users. Moreover, they feature HDMI ARC connections and support Apple AirPlay 2. The Sonos app allows seamless setup and easy control over various audio settings, further enhancing the user experience.
Price:
In terms of pricing, the Sonos Ray is positioned as a premium soundbar with a steeper price tag as compared to the Sonos Beam. This price difference mainly stems from its larger size and the added Dolby Atmos functionality. The Sonos Beam, while sporting a more budget-friendly price, still offers outstanding audio quality and a broader appeal to those who may not be too concerned about having Dolby Atmos technology.
Conclusion:
The choice between the Sonos Ray and Sonos Beam ultimately boils down to three key factors: space, desired audio performance, and budget. If you have the room for a larger soundbar and desire a cinematic experience with Dolby Atmos support, then investing in the Sonos Ray would be ideal. However, if you’re looking for an affordable yet high-quality option that delivers great sound for its size, then the Sonos Beam may be the better choice.