When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio, today's soundbars offer impressive technology in increasingly elegant packages. Let's dive deep into comparing two popular but different approaches: the full-featured JBL Bar 700 ($899) and the compact Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352).
The TV audio landscape has evolved dramatically over the past few years. While traditional home theater systems still reign supreme for dedicated media rooms, soundbars have become incredibly sophisticated. They now offer features like Dolby Atmos (which creates a three-dimensional sound field) and room correction technology that optimizes audio for your specific space.
The key decision points typically include:
The JBL Bar 700 and Sonos Beam Gen 2 represent two distinct approaches to better TV sound. Released in 2022, the JBL Bar 700 is a complete surround sound solution with detachable rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The Beam Gen 2, launched in 2021, takes a minimalist approach with a single compact unit that can be expanded over time.
The JBL Bar 700's dedicated rear speakers and subwoofer create a more convincing surround sound experience. When watching movies, you'll hear distinct audio placement - footsteps behind you, helicopters overhead, and ambient sounds that truly envelope you. The 10-inch subwoofer provides impactful bass that you can feel during explosive scenes.
The Beam Gen 2 takes a different approach, using sophisticated digital processing to create virtual surround effects from its compact housing. While it can't match the physical separation of dedicated rear speakers, it produces an impressively wide soundstage. Dialog remains clear and centered, though bass response is naturally limited without a separate subwoofer.
For music, the Beam Gen 2 shows its Sonos heritage with excellent stereo imaging and balanced sound across frequencies. It handles complex musical passages well, though bass-heavy genres like electronic or hip-hop benefit from adding the optional Sonos Sub.
The JBL system's subwoofer adds weight to music, but some might find it occasionally overpowering for casual listening. The system excels with movie soundtracks and gaming but requires more fine-tuning for optimal music performance.
The JBL Bar 700 requires planning for multiple components:
The Beam Gen 2's single 25.6" unit is significantly more compact and easier to place. However, this simplicity comes with acoustic limitations that physics simply won't allow a single small unit to overcome.
Both systems feature room correction technology, but with different approaches:
The JBL's calibration is more convenient but slightly less precise. Trueplay can achieve better results but requires an iPhone or iPad for setup.
The JBL Bar 700 includes:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers:
This is where the Sonos ecosystem shines. The Beam Gen 2 can be expanded with:
The JBL system is more complete out of the box but has limited expansion options beyond its included components.
The JBL Bar 700's $899 price tag delivers a complete surround sound system immediately. For movie enthusiasts, this might represent better value despite the higher initial cost.
The Beam Gen 2's $352 entry point allows for a more gradual investment. A complete Sonos surround setup (Beam + Sub + rear speakers) would ultimately cost more but can be built over time.
For movies and gaming, the JBL system delivers more immediate impact:
The Beam Gen 2 excels in:
Choose the JBL Bar 700 if:
Choose the Sonos Beam Gen 2 if:
Both systems represent significant advances in soundbar technology. The JBL Bar 700's detachable wireless rear speakers solve a common surround sound placement problem, while the Beam Gen 2's processing power creates impressive sound from a tiny footprint.
For home theater enthusiasts, the JBL Bar 700 provides a more cinematic experience out of the box. However, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers exceptional versatility and upgradeability that may better serve those with evolving needs or space constraints.
The choice ultimately depends on your priorities: immediate full surround sound versus flexibility and future expansion options. Both represent excellent values in their respective approaches to better TV audio.
| JBL Bar 700 | Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
|---|---|
| Price - Total investment consideration | |
| $899.95 (complete system) | $352.70 (expandable later) |
| Sound System Configuration - Impacts overall sound experience | |
| 5.1 channel with physical rear speakers | Virtual surround from single unit |
| Total Power Output - Determines max volume and room coverage | |
| 620W total system power | Not officially disclosed, suited for small-medium rooms |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass performance | |
| Included 10" wireless subwoofer | Optional separate purchase |
| Physical Size - Consider your space constraints | |
| 34.8" main bar + 12" x 17.3" subwoofer + rear speakers | 25.6" single compact unit |
| Dolby Atmos Implementation - Affects surround sound realism | |
| True Atmos with dedicated speakers | Virtual Atmos via processing |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| Built-in automatic calibration | Trueplay (iOS devices only) |
| Connectivity Options - Flexibility for various sources | |
| HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, Chromecast, AirPlay | HDMI eARC, WiFi, AirPlay 2 |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Complete system, limited expansion options | Full Sonos ecosystem compatibility |
| Voice Assistant Support - Smart home integration | |
| Works with existing voice assistants | Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Battery Features - Affects placement flexibility | |
| 10-hour battery life on detachable rear speakers | No battery components |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| PureVoice dialog enhancement, HDR pass-through | Night Sound mode, Speech enhancement |
| Warranty Coverage - Purchase protection | |
| 1 year parts and labor | 1 year parts and labor |
The JBL Bar 700 ($899) is superior for movies due to its physical rear speakers and dedicated subwoofer. While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352) offers good virtual surround, real surround speakers provide a more immersive movie experience.
If you prioritize home theater performance, yes. The JBL Bar 700 includes rear speakers and a subwoofer that would cost extra with the Sonos Beam Gen 2. For pure movie watching, the complete JBL system delivers better value.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and single-unit design. The JBL Bar 700 requires more space for optimal speaker placement and subwoofer positioning.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers extensive expansion options within the Sonos ecosystem. The JBL Bar 700 comes complete but has limited expansion options beyond its included components.
The JBL Bar 700 delivers superior bass performance with its included 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has decent bass for its size but requires a separate subwoofer purchase for deep bass.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers simpler setup with a single unit. The JBL Bar 700 requires more setup time to position multiple speakers but includes automatic room calibration.
Both support Dolby Atmos, but the JBL Bar 700 creates a more convincing effect with its multiple speakers. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses virtual processing for Atmos effects.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels at music playback with balanced sound and excellent stereo imaging. The JBL Bar 700 performs well but is optimized more for movie content.
Only the Sonos Beam Gen 2 requires an iOS device for room calibration. The JBL Bar 700 works equally well with any smartphone platform.
Both perform well, with the JBL Bar 700 featuring PureVoice technology and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offering Speech Enhancement. Both provide clear dialogue in different ways.
Both can be wall-mounted, but the JBL Bar 700 requires more planning for multiple components. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is simpler to mount as a single unit.
The JBL Bar 700 provides a more immersive gaming experience with its physical surround speakers and powerful subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 works well but can't match the directional audio precision.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - harmanaudio.com - target.com - jbl.com - walmart.com - dell.com - jbl.com.pdf) - whathifi.com - en.community.sonos.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - consumerreports.org - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - sonos.com - wave-electronics.com - en.community.sonos.com - epicsystems.tech - tomsguide.com - bestbuy.com
