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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the better fit when you need a compact, lower-priced soundbar; the Sonos Arc is the larger option, with more drivers and upward-firing hardware for Dolby Atmos. Both support Atmos and HDMI eARC/ARC, but their size, price, and Atmos implementation differ. Sonos’ US pages listed Beam at $499 and Arc at $899 on October 7, 2026; those prices can change.
What is the difference between Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc?
This comparison is specifically between the Beam (Gen 2) and the Arc, not another Beam generation or the Arc Ultra. The figures below are manufacturer specifications and US prices observed on October 7, 2026, rather than independent measurements.
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| Specification | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| US price listed by Sonos on October 7, 2026 | $499 | $899 |
| Drivers in Sonos’ comparison | Five | Eleven |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 25.63 × 3.94 × 2.68 in | 44.96 × 4.57 × 3.43 in |
| Weight | 6.35 lb | 13.78 lb |
| Sonos TV-size guidance | TVs up to 65 in | TVs 50 in and larger |
| Dolby Atmos implementation described by Sonos | Processing creates phantom height channels | Upward-firing drivers listed |
| TV connection | HDMI eARC/ARC; optical adapter for optical-only TVs | HDMI eARC/ARC; optical adapter for optical-only TVs |
| Trueplay | Listed; supported iOS device required | Listed for iOS |
| Speech enhancement and Night Sound | Both listed | Both listed |
Sources: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) product page, Sonos Arc product page, and Beam (Gen 2) fact sheet.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Which soundbar fits your room and TV stand?
Choose Beam when width and footprint matter
At 25.63 inches wide and 6.35 pounds, Beam is the more practical starting point for a smaller console, a narrower space below the TV, or a setup where a roughly 45-inch bar would overwhelm the furniture. Measure the shelf and available clearance rather than relying only on Sonos’ screen-size guidance.
#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.
Choose Arc when you have room for a larger bar
Arc measures 44.96 inches wide, 4.57 inches deep, and 3.43 inches high, and weighs 13.78 pounds. Its larger dimensions may suit a wide TV or console, but check the usable surface and placement before choosing it. Sonos’ guidance is TVs 50 inches and larger; Beam is listed for TVs up to 65 inches, so the recommended ranges overlap rather than defining a strict cutoff.
Is Sonos Arc worth the extra money over Beam?
At the US prices Sonos displayed on October 7, 2026, Arc cost $400 more than Beam. That premium buys a larger bar with eleven listed drivers instead of five, plus upward-firing drivers according to Sonos’ comparison. It does not, by itself, establish how much better either bar will sound in a particular room. These are manufacturer specifications, not a controlled listening comparison; consider the extra cost in light of your space, budget, and interest in the Arc’s hardware. Check Sonos’ current US listings before purchase because prices and promotions can change.
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.
Do both Beam and Arc support Dolby Atmos?
Yes. Sonos lists Dolby Atmos support for both, but describes their approaches differently. For Beam, Sonos says advanced processing creates phantom height channels; for Arc, Sonos lists upward-firing drivers. A shared Atmos label does not mean the products have identical hardware or guarantee identical spatial performance. Atmos playback also depends on compatible content, a capable source and TV, and a connection path that can carry the selected format.
Does your TV need HDMI eARC?
Both bars connect to a TV’s HDMI eARC/ARC port. Sonos identifies eARC as necessary for several formats, including Dolby TrueHD and multichannel PCM, so check the TV, playback device, and desired audio format together. A TV with optical output only can be connected using the optical adapter Sonos lists for each bar, but the connection and format support may differ from HDMI eARC. Confirm your equipment’s supported formats before buying if a particular signal path matters.
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.
What features do the two bars share?
Sonos lists TV-remote control, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, voice features, Trueplay, speech enhancement, and Night Sound for both products. Voice-service availability varies by country and language. Trueplay requires a supported device; Sonos specifies iOS for Beam and lists iOS for Arc. Beam’s fact sheet describes its acoustic architecture as five Class-D amplifiers, one center tweeter, four elliptical midwoofers, and three passive radiators; these component counts describe the design, not a direct measure of sound quality.
Quick Recap
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
How to choose between Beam and Arc
- Pick Beam (Gen 2) if its compact dimensions and lower listed US price better match your room and budget.
- Pick Arc if your space accommodates a much wider bar and you specifically want the upward-firing-driver configuration Sonos lists.
- Check the full signal chain if you need particular audio formats: verify the TV’s ports, source-device output, and supported format rather than relying on the Atmos label alone.
- Measure first if the soundbar will sit on a shelf or below the TV; compare the exact width, depth, and height with your available space.
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.
