Image: SonosWhat it gets right
- Clear dialogue at sensible volume levels
- Wide, room-filling sound from a compact bar
- Excellent music-service integration
- Simple connection soundbar connection setup and polished app
The compromises
- No separate subwoofer for genuinely deep bass
- Virtual Atmos cannot replace real rear speakers
- Adding Sonos surrounds and a sub becomes expensive
Buy it—or leave it?
- Dialogue clarity is your main problem
- You need a small soundbar
- You already use Sonos speakers
- You want deep cinema bass without buying a sub
- You expect real rear-surround effects
- Your television lacks connection ARC or soundbar connection and simple setup is essential
What would you like to do now?
Choose the route that matches how confident you feel. The free review stays free whichever route you choose.
Check today’s price
£429 for the standard retail package
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Browse reviewed audioFree UKTechExpert guidanceWhat it is actually like
Open any section for the detail behind our verdict.
01Television and dialogue
Speech is brought forward without making everything harsh, which is more useful day to day than a dramatic demo soundtrack. Night and speech-enhancement modes help in shared homes. One connection soundbar connection cable carries sound and allows the television remote to control volume on compatible sets.
02Films and Atmos
The Beam creates convincing width and a sense of movement beyond its small cabinet. Atmos height is simulated through processing, so sounds do not physically come from behind the sofa. That is a fair compromise for small rooms, not a replacement for a full surround system.
03Music and expansion
Sonos supports a broad range of streaming services and multi-room playback. Owners can add a Sub Mini and compatible rear speakers later. That flexibility is useful, but the completed system can cost more than an all-in-one package from Samsung.
Price and value
The £429 buying-guide figure is for the standard Beam (Gen 2) package checked on 17 August 2026. At its original £499 price, newer bars with bundled subwoofers become serious alternatives. Remember to price any planned Sonos Sub and rear speakers before choosing the expandable route.
Price last checked 17 August 2026This price check is more than two weeks old. Use the retailer link for the latest price; this review is temporarily excluded from the buying finder until the price is refreshed.
Who will notice the difference?
Everyday television
Clear speech and simple remote control make this the strongest fit.
Small living-room films
Wide sound and virtual Atmos add scale without extra boxes.
Large-room cinema
A system with a subwoofer and physical rears will be more convincing.
What else should you consider?
£429 · Bose offers similarly compact premium bars, while Samsung and LG often bundle a subwoofer for less. Sonos wins on dialogue, app quality, music support and gradual expansion rather than maximum bass per pound.
Our review process
We based this verdict on Sonos's connection and format support with long-running independent testing. We distinguish virtual Atmos from physical surround speakers and score the Beam at its common discounted price, not only its original launch price.
Read our editorial standards