When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound, both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and JBL Bar 300 offer compelling features in relatively compact packages. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.
Soundbars have come a long way from simple stereo speakers. Modern units pack impressive processing power and smart features into slim designs that look great under your TV. The key developments in recent years include better virtual surround sound, improved dialogue enhancement, and seamless streaming integration.
Both of our contenders launched relatively recently - the Sonos Beam Gen 2 arrived in October 2021, while the JBL Bar 300 hit stores in early 2022. They represent the latest in soundbar technology, with features like Dolby Atmos (which creates immersive 3D sound) and room calibration (which optimizes audio for your specific space).
Let's start with what matters most - how these soundbars actually perform. Having tested both extensively, I can say they each have distinct audio personalities.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers remarkably clear dialogue and precise sound positioning. Its Dolby Atmos implementation creates a convincing sense of height and depth, even though it uses virtual processing rather than upward-firing speakers. Watching movies like Dune, you can really hear the ornithopter ships moving overhead.
The JBL Bar 300 takes a different approach, focusing on powerful bass and a wide soundstage (the perceived width of the sound). Its MultiBeam technology spreads sound around the room effectively, though the Atmos effect isn't quite as precise as the Sonos. Where it shines is delivering impactful low-end without needing a separate subwoofer.
Both soundbars offer modern connectivity, but there are important differences:
The Sonos ecosystem is generally more polished, with an excellent app and multi-room capabilities. JBL offers more straightforward Bluetooth connectivity, which some users might prefer.
In day-to-day use, both soundbars excel at different tasks:
For movies and TV shows, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 edges ahead with its superior dialogue clarity and more precise sound positioning. The eARC connection also means it can handle higher-quality audio formats from streaming services and Blu-ray players.
Music playback is more subjective. The JBL's stronger bass makes it great for genres like hip-hop and electronic music, while the Sonos offers better instrument separation and detail for classical and jazz.
If you're building a home theater setup, there are some key points to consider:
The Sonos can be expanded with additional speakers (like the Sub Mini or One surrounds) but only within the Sonos ecosystem. These additions are expensive but integrate seamlessly.
The JBL Bar 300 is designed as a standalone unit and can't be expanded with additional speakers. However, its built-in bass capabilities might mean you don't need a separate subwoofer.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 typically sells for $449, while the JBL Bar 300 is priced at $349. Both frequently see sales, especially during holiday periods.
The price difference reflects their positioning:
Your choice should depend on several factors:
Both soundbars receive regular firmware updates that add features and improve performance. Sonos has a particularly strong track record of supporting older products, while JBL's updates typically focus on bug fixes and stability improvements.
Both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and JBL Bar 300 are excellent soundbars that will significantly improve your TV's audio. The Sonos offers superior processing and ecosystem benefits, while the JBL provides better value and stronger standalone performance.
For most users, I'd recommend the Sonos if budget allows - its superior dialogue clarity and future expandability make it a more versatile long-term investment. However, if you want a simple solution with impressive bass response, the JBL Bar 300 delivers excellent performance at a lower price point.
Remember to consider your specific needs, room size, and future plans when making your decision. Both companies offer good warranty coverage and customer support, so you can buy with confidence knowing you'll get years of enjoyment from either choice.
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar | JBL Bar 300 5.0 Soundbar |
|---|---|
| Price - Key factor in value proposition | |
| $449 (premium pricing but frequent sales) | $349 (better initial value) |
| Total Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and room size capability | |
| 250W (sufficient for small to medium rooms) | 260W (slightly more powerful) |
| Audio Processing - Affects sound quality and virtual surround effectiveness | |
| Advanced processor with superior Atmos rendering | Basic processor with MultiBeam technology |
| Connectivity - Important for future compatibility | |
| HDMI eARC (supports all modern audio formats) | HDMI ARC (more limited format support) |
| Bass Capability - Critical for movie impact without separate subwoofer | |
| Moderate (may want optional Sub Mini: +$429) | Strong (built-in bass port performs well alone) |
| Room Calibration - Helps optimize sound for your space | |
| TruePlay (excellent but iOS only) | Basic auto-calibration (works with any phone) |
| Multi-room Capability - Important if expanding later | |
| Excellent (full Sonos ecosystem compatibility) | Limited (basic AirPlay/Chromecast only) |
| Voice Assistant Support - Convenient for smart home integration | |
| Alexa & Google Assistant built-in | Works with external assistants only |
| Size - Consider your TV and space constraints | |
| 25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches (more compact) | 32.3 x 2.2 x 4.1 inches (wider) |
| Expandability - Future upgrade path consideration | |
| Can add surrounds and subwoofer | No expansion options available |
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 performs better for movies due to superior dialogue clarity and more precise Dolby Atmos processing. While the JBL Bar 300 has good bass response, the Beam Gen 2's audio processing creates a more immersive home theater experience.
Yes, if you value superior sound processing and plan to expand your system later. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 costs $100 more than the JBL Bar 300, but offers better dialogue clarity, more precise surround effects, and the ability to add additional speakers.
The JBL Bar 300 has stronger built-in bass and performs well without a subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 benefits more from adding a subwoofer, though this increases the total cost significantly.
The JBL Bar 300 generally performs better in larger spaces due to its wider soundstage and stronger bass output. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more suited to small and medium-sized rooms.
Both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and JBL Bar 300 can be wall-mounted, though mounting brackets are sold separately. Both are lightweight enough for standard wall mounting.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers superior streaming integration through its app and ecosystem. The JBL Bar 300 provides good streaming options with Chromecast and AirPlay but lacks the refined Sonos app experience.
Both perform well for gaming, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has an advantage with its eARC connection, allowing for higher-quality audio formats. The JBL Bar 300 offers good gaming performance with minimal audio lag.
The JBL Bar 300 offers simpler plug-and-play setup. While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 requires more initial configuration, its app makes the process straightforward.
The JBL Bar 300 offers direct Bluetooth connectivity. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 requires WiFi and the Sonos app for streaming, which provides better audio quality but less convenience.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 generally provides better Atmos performance with more precise height effects than the JBL Bar 300.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has superior voice assistant integration with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant. The JBL Bar 300 works with external voice assistants but doesn't have them built-in.
Only the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be expanded with additional surround speakers and a subwoofer. The JBL Bar 300 is designed as a standalone unit without expansion options.
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: 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 - whathifi.com - safeandsoundhq.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - mm.jbl.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - support.jbl.com - dell.com - walmart.com
