Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can add real rear surround channels to a Sonos Beam without buying a new soundbar: use a compatible pair of Sonos speakers, then set them up as surrounds in the Sonos app. First check which Beam generation you own. Sonos’s cited compatibility guidance is specifically for Beam (Gen 2), and the app requirements differ between generations.
Which speakers work as Sonos Beam surrounds?
For Beam (Gen 2), Sonos lists One SL, Play:1, and SYMFONISK Bookshelf speakers (Gen 1 and Gen 2) as compatible surround options. Sonos’s usual guideline is to use two speakers of the same model. It permits some related-model combinations, but that is not a blanket approval for mixing any two Sonos speakers; check the compatibility guidance for the exact models before buying.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A matching used or refurbished pair of One SL speakers is one option to search for; matching SYMFONISK Bookshelf speakers and Play:1 speakers are other listed categories for Beam (Gen 2). The right budget choice depends on the dated listing, condition, and whether the speakers work with your Beam and app. Current prices and local availability are not established here, so compare actual listings rather than assuming one model is the cheapest.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Sonos’s compatibility list cited above covers Beam (Gen 2). Confirm your Beam generation and verify the intended pair against Sonos’s surround sound guidelines and limitations before purchase.
#1 Best Overall
- The information below is per-pack only
- Powered by a 47% faster processor, the next-gen dual-tweeter acoustic architecture produces detailed stereo separation while a 25% larger midwoofer deepens the bass.¹
- Place this speaker anywhere and everywhere you want to listen. The compact design fits beautifully on your bookshelf, kitchen counter, desk, or nightstand.
- Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter.²
- Go from unboxing to unbelievable sound in just a few minutes. Simply plug in the power cable, connect your phone or tablet to WiFi, and open the Sonos app.
Check the app requirement for your Beam generation
App compatibility can affect whether an older, inexpensive speaker is a practical purchase. Sonos says Beam (Gen 1) supports both the current Sonos app and S1, while Beam (Gen 2) requires the current Sonos app. Check the Sonos app version compatibility information for your setup before buying older hardware.
How do I add surround speakers to a Sonos Beam?
The speakers must be configured as surrounds for the Beam. Grouping rooms or making a stereo pair does not create the same home-theater setup. Follow Sonos’s surround-speaker setup instructions in the app:
Rank #2
- Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer deliver rich, balanced stereo sound with deep bass.
- The perfect start or addition to your system, Era 100 SL makes Sonos sound more accessible.
- Stream over WiFi, pair via Bluetooth, or connect a turntable and more with line in.
- Go from unboxing to incredible sound in minutes with a quick plug-in and the Sonos app
- Trueplay fine-tunes Era 100 SL for the unique acoustics of the room.
- Confirm your Beam generation and verify that the intended pair is compatible.
- Add the Beam and both surround speakers to your Sonos system as separate rooms. The home-theater product and speakers need to be in the system before you configure them together.
- If the two speakers are already configured as a stereo pair, separate that pair before continuing.
- In the Sonos app, open Settings, select the Beam room, choose Set up Surrounds, and follow the prompts.
- After setup, place the surrounds behind and to either side of your usual listening position, in the same room as the Beam and with line of sight to it.
Sonos says the surrounds connect wirelessly to the home-theater product. That avoids a speaker cable running from each rear speaker to the Beam, but each speaker still needs a suitable location in the room.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhere should the rear speakers go?
Place one surround behind and to either side of the usual listening position. Sonos’s One SL guide suggests about 10 feet from the favorite listening position and recommends angling the speakers toward the seats. Treat that distance as a placement guideline, not a guaranteed acoustic optimum for every room. The guide is available in Sonos’s One SL product guide.
Rank #3
- Featuring six optimally positioned drivers all around the front, sides, and top to support Dolby Atmos Music, the breakthrough acoustic design projects sound from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, immersing you in every dimension of the song.
- No matter where you are or what you play, the listening experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Custom waveguides disperse sound right, left, forward, and above, creating a sensationally spacious stereo soundstage you can enjoy all around the room.
- Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
- Experience mind-bending multichannel surround sound when you pair two speakers with Sonos Arc or Beam (Gen 2). Supercharged by Dolby Atmos, the lateral and overhead channels in each product create an all-encompassing soundstage to envelop you in the story.
- Enjoy free music, original content, and thousands of live stations on Sonos Radio. Play music with hands-free ease and unmatched privacy using Sonos Voice Control. Plus, access new features and services with regular software updates.
Before choosing a used pair, consider whether your room can accommodate both speakers in those positions and preserve line of sight to the Beam. A compatible pair may not be useful if the only available placements are blocked or far from the listening area.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Sub Mini a surround-speaker alternative?
No. Sub Mini is an optional bass addition compatible with Beam (Gen 1) and Beam (Gen 2); it is not a pair of rear speakers and does not create rear surround channels. Sonos lists supported products in its Sub Mini compatibility information and describes the product’s home-theater role on its home theater products page. Consider it as a separate bass upgrade, not as a substitute for surrounds.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powered by a 47% faster processor, the next-gen dual-tweeter acoustic architecture produces detailed stereo separation while a 25% larger midwoofer deepens the bass.¹
- Place this speaker anywhere and everywhere you want to listen. The compact design fits beautifully on your bookshelf, kitchen counter, desk, or nightstand.
- Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter.²
- Go from unboxing to unbelievable sound in just a few minutes. Simply plug in the power cable, connect your phone or tablet to WiFi, and open the Sonos app.
- With a tap in the Sonos app, Trueplay tuning technology analyzes the unique acoustics of your space and optimizes the speaker’s EQ. So all your content sounds just the way it should.
Rank #4
- Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer deliver rich, balanced stereo sound with deep bass.
- The perfect start or addition to your system, Era 100 SL makes Sonos sound more accessible.
- Stream over WiFi, pair via Bluetooth, or connect a turntable and more with line in.
- Go from unboxing to incredible sound in minutes with a quick plug-in and the Sonos app
- Trueplay fine-tunes Era 100 SL for the unique acoustics of the room.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
