Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Sonos Beam Ultra is the better soundbar for most buyers who want convincing Dolby Atmos height, fuller bass, more precise detail, Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C. It has two real up-firing drivers in a nine-driver array, whereas Beam (Gen 2) creates height virtually. Beam (Gen 2) remains the smarter value when your room is modest, your TV cabinet is narrow, or a discount makes the older model substantially cheaper.
The choice is not simply new versus old. Beam Ultra launched at £699/$699/AU$1099, while Beam (Gen 2) launched at £449/$449/AU$649. Ultra is 10 cm wider but slightly shorter; both weigh 2.88 kg. This guide compares their Atmos hardware, sound, connectivity, room fit and upgrade value so you can choose based on how you actually watch and listen.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What is the difference between Sonos Beam Ultra and Beam (Gen 2)?
Beam Ultra is a wider, more expensive mid-size soundbar with physical height speakers and newer connectivity. Beam (Gen 2) is a narrower design that relies on simulated height channels but can still produce an engaging, room-filling presentation.
| Feature | Sonos Beam Ultra | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos layout | True 7.1.2 with nine custom drivers, including two up-firing drivers | 5.1.2 with simulated height channels |
| Launch price | £699 / $699 / AU$1099 (2026) | £449 / $449 / AU$649 (2026) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 6.5 × 75 × 10.5 cm | 6.8 × 65 × 10 cm |
| Weight | 2.88 kg | 2.88 kg |
| Connections and wireless | HDMI eARC, USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 and AirPlay 2 | HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2; no Bluetooth |
| Sonos room guidance | 23–32.5 m² | Up to 250 sq ft (about 23 m²) |
The channel labels describe the sound field: the first number is the main speaker layout, the number after the first decimal is the low-frequency channel, and the final number is the height layer. The meaningful hardware difference is that Ultra produces its height layer with drivers aimed upward, while Gen 2 calculates a height impression from drivers facing forward.
#1 Best Overall
- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
- Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice.
- Effortless setup with only two cables and smart Trueplay tuning.
Does Beam Ultra have real up-firing Atmos speakers?
Yes. Sonos says Beam Ultra has two dedicated up-firing drivers among nine custom drivers, producing a 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration. Beam (Gen 2) uses simulated height channels in a 5.1.2 design rather than separate upward-firing speakers.
What the hardware changes when you watch Atmos films
Physical up-firing drivers give Ultra a direct way to add the height layer encoded in a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. That does not turn the soundbar into a full ceiling-speaker system, but it gives the processing actual upward-directed output to work with. Gen 2 can still decode Atmos-compatible content and create an overhead impression; its height information is virtualized by the existing driver arrangement.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
This distinction matters most with films and series mixed aggressively for overhead movement, rain, aircraft, or vertical effects. If most of your viewing is dialogue-heavy broadcast television, the extra height hardware may be less noticeable than the price difference.
What 7.1.2 and 5.1.2 mean in practice
Ultra’s 7.1.2 label indicates a broader main-channel layout plus two height channels. Gen 2’s 5.1.2 label indicates fewer main channels while retaining a simulated two-channel height layer. The labels are useful for describing the architecture, but they do not predict every room’s result: placement, room proportions and the soundtrack itself still affect what you hear.
Which Beam sounds better?
Beam Ultra sounds more weighty, detailed and precise according to What Hi-Fi’s September 22, 2026 comparison. Beam (Gen 2) can project farther into the room, so the older soundbar remains attractive when you value reach and a lower purchase price over maximum bass weight and detail.
Beam Ultra’s presentation
Ultra’s larger acoustic ambitions show up as greater weight through effects and music, more clearly separated detail and more precise placement of sounds. Sonos also describes the model as delivering warmer bass. Those traits make it the stronger choice for a listener who wants a soundbar to handle films, music and Atmos mixes rather than simply improve television dialogue.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Beam (Gen 2)’s presentation
Gen 2 is not obsolete because Ultra exists. What Hi-Fi describes it as a fine choice that can project farther into the room. That quality may suit a long or open seating area where you want sound to carry forward, especially if your everyday content is ordinary stereo or 5.1 television rather than Atmos-heavy movies.
The two products therefore have different strengths rather than a simple good-versus-bad split: Ultra prioritizes weight, detail, precision and physical height, while Gen 2 offers convincing virtual height and useful projection at a lower cost.
Rank #2
- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
- Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice.
- Effortless setup with only two cables and smart Trueplay tuning.
How much do Beam Ultra and Beam (Gen 2) cost?
Beam Ultra launched at £699 in the UK, $699 in the US and AU$1099 in Australia. Beam (Gen 2) launched at £449, $449 and AU$649 respectively. These are launch prices reported for 2026, not a promise of today’s checkout price.
| Market | Beam Ultra launch price | Beam (Gen 2) launch price | Launch-price difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £699 | £449 | £250 |
| United States | $699 | $449 | $250 |
| Australia | AU$1099 | AU$649 | AU$450 |
What Hi-Fi reported that Beam (Gen 2) had fallen as low as £299 in UK discounts. That figure is a reported sale price, not a permanent reduction; stock, retailer and timing determine whether it is available. At £299, the UK launch-price gap to Ultra would be £400, which changes the value calculation substantially.
When does Ultra justify the premium?
The premium buys a different acoustic design, not merely a cosmetic refresh. You are paying for two up-firing drivers, the 7.1.2 architecture, the newer connectivity options and the heavier, more detailed presentation. If you will use those features regularly, the higher price has a clear purpose.
When is Gen 2 the better bargain?
Gen 2 is the value choice when the discount is large enough that you would rather spend the difference elsewhere, when your room is small, or when your sources do not need Bluetooth or USB-C. A sale price should be judged against the actual gap at the time you buy, not against the original launch prices alone.
Which Sonos Beam is better for a small room?
Beam (Gen 2) is usually easier to place in a small room because it is 65 cm wide, compared with 75 cm for Beam Ultra. Ultra is rated by Sonos for rooms from 23 to 32.5 m², while Gen 2 is listed for rooms up to 250 sq ft, approximately 23 m²; the different units mean those ranges should not be treated as a laboratory head-to-head test.
Check the cabinet before choosing
Ultra is 10 cm wider than Gen 2, 0.3 cm shorter and 0.5 cm deeper. Both weigh 2.88 kg. The width difference is the practical constraint: a cabinet that comfortably fits Gen 2 may leave insufficient clearance for Ultra, particularly if the television stand has side panels or other equipment.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11- Measure usable width. Measure the flat area where the bar will sit, not the total width of the furniture. Allow room for the bar’s ends and for cables to bend without pressing against a side panel.
- Measure depth. Ultra needs 10.5 cm of depth versus 10 cm for Gen 2. Check that the front edge will not overhang and that the rear connection area is not blocked.
- Check vertical clearance. Gen 2 is 6.8 cm high and Ultra is 6.5 cm. The small height difference rarely decides the purchase, but a low television bezel or wall-mounted screen can make every centimetre relevant.
- Account for wall mounting. If the bar will be mounted rather than placed on furniture, verify that the mount and cable route support the wider Ultra chassis.
For a compact room with a narrow media unit, Gen 2’s smaller footprint can be more important than Ultra’s acoustic advantages. For a room with at least 75 cm of clear width and a strong interest in Atmos, Ultra’s size is easier to justify.
What connectivity does Beam Ultra add?
Beam Ultra adds Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C while retaining HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2. Beam (Gen 2) provides HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, plus Sonos voice features, but it does not include Bluetooth.
Rank #3
- Take your TV, music, and gaming to the next level with this compact smart soundbar and subwoofer.
- This set is ideal for smaller or medium-sized rooms and low to moderate volume levels.
- Use the Sonos app to easily set up your home theater system and sync with your existing TV remote.
- Sub Mini balances out the lowest frequencies so Beam sounds even better.
- When the TV is off, stream music and more over WiFi from hundreds of services using the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2.
| Connection or feature | Beam Ultra | Beam (Gen 2) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes | Primary connection for a compatible television and high-bandwidth audio formats |
| USB-C | Yes | Not listed | Useful for the wired source or accessory setup that specifically requires USB-C |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | No | Lets Ultra receive audio from compatible Bluetooth devices without relying on the TV or home network |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Supports network-based Sonos features |
| AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes | Provides a compatible Apple-device streaming route |
| Sonos voice features | Not stated in the comparison | Yes | Gen 2’s listed voice-control capability may matter if hands-free control is part of your setup |
Who benefits from Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is useful if guests regularly play music from phones, if you want a quick connection that bypasses the television, or if the soundbar will be used in a space where the usual network setup is inconvenient. Ultra’s Bluetooth 5.3 support is a practical feature rather than an Atmos upgrade.
Who benefits from USB-C?
USB-C matters only if your source or installation plan calls for it. Buyers who use HDMI eARC and network streaming may never connect anything through USB-C, while a setup built around a USB-C source gains an option that Gen 2 does not list.
Recommended Free Tools
Should I upgrade from Beam (Gen 2) to Beam Ultra?
Upgrade from a working Gen 2 when you have a specific need for physical Atmos height, more weight and detail, Bluetooth, USB-C or the newer 7.1.2 architecture. Keep Gen 2 when it already covers your viewing, fits your furniture better and a large price gap would not buy a meaningful improvement in your day-to-day use.
Upgrade if these statements describe you
- You watch a substantial amount of Dolby Atmos film or series content and want actual up-firing drivers rather than simulated height.
- Your current sound feels light in bass or lacks the detail and precision you want for films and music.
- You stream from Bluetooth devices and currently need a workaround because Gen 2 has no Bluetooth.
- You have a cabinet at least 75 cm wide and enough depth for the Ultra chassis.
- You are replacing a soundbar anyway, so the full purchase price is easier to justify than the cost of swapping a still-satisfactory Gen 2.
Keep Gen 2 if these statements describe you
- Your room or furniture is close to the 65 cm footprint limit and Ultra would be awkwardly wide.
- You mainly watch standard television, dialogue-led programmes or non-Atmos content.
- You are happy with Gen 2’s reach into the room and do not need Bluetooth or USB-C.
- You can buy Gen 2 at a substantial discount, especially near the reported UK sale level of £299.
- Your existing soundbar works well and you cannot identify a specific problem that Ultra would solve.
A practical upgrade test
- Name the problem. Write down whether you want more height, bass weight, detail, connectivity or simply a new unit. If the answer is only that Ultra is newer, defer the purchase.
- Measure the proposed location. Reject Ultra if the extra 10 cm of width creates a clearance or cable problem.
- Calculate the real price gap. Use the price available in your market on the day you buy, not an old launch price or a temporary sale you cannot access.
- Match the upgrade to your content. Physical Atmos hardware is most relevant when your films and series actually contain Atmos mixes.
- Decide whether the old unit has a second life. If Gen 2 can move to another room, its value is different from a replacement that leaves it unused.
Is Beam Ultra better for music as well as movies?
Beam Ultra is the stronger choice when you want one compact bar to handle music and films because its comparison advantage includes greater weight, detail and precision, and it adds Bluetooth 5.3 alongside AirPlay 2. Gen 2 remains capable for casual listening, particularly when its ability to project farther into the room suits your seating layout.
Music listeners should separate two questions: how the bar sounds and how easily music reaches it. Ultra addresses both with its more substantial presentation and Bluetooth input. Gen 2 can still receive network-based streams through Wi-Fi or AirPlay 2, so the absence of Bluetooth is only a disadvantage if Bluetooth is part of your normal listening routine.
What are the main trade-offs in everyday use?
| Priority | Better fit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Most convincing height effects | Beam Ultra | Two dedicated up-firing drivers and a 7.1.2 design |
| Lowest purchase cost | Beam (Gen 2) | Lower launch price and reported UK discounts |
| Narrow TV cabinet | Beam (Gen 2) | 65 cm width versus Ultra’s 75 cm |
| Bluetooth playback | Beam Ultra | Gen 2 has no Bluetooth |
| USB-C source or accessory | Beam Ultra | USB-C is listed for Ultra, not Gen 2 |
| Sound that carries farther forward | Beam (Gen 2) | What Hi-Fi reports stronger projection into the room |
| Weight, detail and precision | Beam Ultra | What Hi-Fi reports a fuller, more detailed and precise presentation |
This table is a prioritisation tool, not a claim that one model wins every category. The right choice depends on which trade-off you will notice repeatedly after installation.
How should you choose between them in five minutes?
Use this sequence before ordering either model. It prevents a feature-led purchase from running into a cabinet, room or budget problem.
- Start with the room. Record the room’s approximate size and the clear width, height and depth available for the soundbar.
- Identify your content. If Atmos films are central to your viewing, give Ultra’s physical height hardware significant weight. If ordinary TV dominates, treat it as an optional benefit.
- List your sources. Mark whether Bluetooth, USB-C, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi or HDMI eARC is part of your actual setup rather than a feature you may never use.
- Check the price you can really pay. Compare the available Ultra price with the available Gen 2 price in your country, including the possibility that a discount is temporary.
- Choose the model that removes the biggest annoyance. Select Ultra if it solves missing height, missing connectivity or insufficient weight and detail. Select Gen 2 if it solves a width or budget constraint without sacrificing a feature you use.
What does Sonos say about the Ultra design?
Sonos CEO Tom Conrad described Beam Ultra and Sonos Ace Ultra as physical manifestations of the company’s idea of “sounds like Sonos,” combining next-generation innovation, acoustic design and audio engineering developed through work in real homes. The relevant product claim for this comparison is concrete: Ultra’s nine-driver array includes two up-firing drivers and moves the sound field from Gen 2’s 5.1.2 simulation to a true 7.1.2 arrangement.
Rank #4
- HEAR YOUR TV BETTER: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is an all-in-one soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- WIDE, NATURAL SOUND: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar
- ENHANCED DIALOGUE: This sound bar for smart tv is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation
- BLUETOOTH TV SPEAKER: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Connect up to 3 devices through the inputs (HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in); the first powered on device will automatically connect
- SIMPLE SETUP: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes
That statement explains the design direction, but it should not replace a room and price assessment. A new acoustic architecture is valuable when its height, detail or connectivity addresses your use; it is not a reason by itself to discard a Gen 2 that already fits your room and content.
Verdict: which Sonos Beam should you buy?
Buy Beam Ultra if you have room for a 75 cm soundbar, watch Atmos content, want real up-firing height effects, value heavier and more precise sound, or need Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C. Its higher launch price reflects a substantial hardware change rather than a minor revision.
Buy Beam (Gen 2) if your cabinet is narrow, your room is modest, your viewing is mostly ordinary television, or a major discount makes Ultra’s premium difficult to justify. It remains a capable compact soundbar with simulated Atmos height and stronger forward projection.
For existing Gen 2 owners, upgrade only when Ultra’s physical height, sound refinement or added connections solve a specific need. If your current bar is working well and you rarely watch Atmos content, keeping it is the financially sensible choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Beam Ultra replace Beam (Gen 2) without changing my furniture?
Not necessarily. Ultra is 75 cm wide and 10.5 cm deep, while Gen 2 is 65 cm wide and 10 cm deep, so measure the usable surface and cable clearance before treating it as a drop-in replacement.
Will Beam (Gen 2) still play Dolby Atmos soundtracks?
Yes, its design uses simulated height channels in a 5.1.2 layout. It creates an overhead impression without the dedicated up-firing drivers used by Beam Ultra.
Is the reported £299 Beam (Gen 2) price permanent?
No. The £299 figure was a UK discount reported by What Hi-Fi, so availability and stock can change. Compare the live price in your market with Ultra’s price when you are ready to buy.
Can I stream music to both models over Wi-Fi?
Both models list Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, giving network-based listening options. Ultra additionally lists Bluetooth 5.3, while Gen 2 does not include Bluetooth.
Does a larger room automatically require Beam Ultra?
No. Sonos lists different room guidance for the two models, but room shape, seating position and content also affect the result. Use the published ranges as a placement guide rather than a guarantee of sound quality.
Quick Recap
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.
