Upgrading your TV's audio can dramatically improve your entertainment experience. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different approaches: the compact Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($353) and the full-featured LG S90TR 7.1.3 Channel Soundbar ($800) with its wireless subwoofer and rear speakers.
The soundbar market has evolved significantly since 2021 when the Sonos Beam Gen 2 was released. We've seen a clear split between single-unit solutions focused on simplicity and more elaborate systems that aim to recreate a true theater experience. The LG S90TR, released in late 2023, represents the latest in this full-system approach.
When you see descriptions like "5.0" or "7.1.3," here's what they tell you:
So the Sonos Beam Gen 2 being 5.0 means five channels but no subwoofer, while the LG S90TR at 7.1.3 offers seven main channels, a subwoofer, and three height channels for more immersive sound.
The Beam Gen 2 surprised me with its ability to create a wide soundstage from such a compact unit. It's particularly impressive with dialogue clarity - something I noticed while binge-watching dialogue-heavy shows like "The Crown." However, it can't match the physical impact of the LG's dedicated subwoofer during explosive movie scenes.
The LG S90TR's additional speakers make a noticeable difference in creating what we call "sound localization" - helping you pinpoint where sounds are coming from in space. During a recent viewing of "Dune," the sandworm scenes were remarkably more immersive compared to single-unit solutions.
Both systems support Dolby Atmos, but they approach it differently:
In practice, the LG's approach is more convincing, especially in rooms with standard-height flat ceilings. However, the Beam's virtual implementation is surprisingly effective for its size and price point.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels in smaller spaces. At just 25.6 inches wide, it fits easily under most TVs and doesn't overwhelm your room visually. Its neighbor-friendly design without a subwoofer makes it ideal for apartment living.
For proper home theater setups, the LG S90TR is clearly superior. The dedicated rear speakers create true surround sound, while the subwoofer adds the kind of impact you feel in your chest during action scenes. If you're setting up a dedicated movie room, this extra capability is worth the higher price.
Both systems handle music well, but with different strengths:
The Sonos ecosystem gives the Beam an edge for whole-home music systems, supporting easy multi-room playback and extensive streaming service integration.
Setup takes about 15 minutes:
Initial setup is straightforward, but placement of rear speakers requires more thought:
The price difference ($353 vs $800) needs context. The Beam Gen 2 offers exceptional value for its capabilities, but remember it's expandable - adding a Sonos Sub and rear speakers later will actually exceed the LG's price.
The LG S90TR provides everything in one purchase, potentially offering better long-term value for those certain they want full surround sound.
Since their respective releases:
Choose the Sonos Beam Gen 2 if:
Choose the LG S90TR if:
Both systems excel at their intended purposes. The Sonos Beam Gen 2's compact design and excellent sound quality make it perfect for everyday TV watching and music in smaller spaces. The LG S90TR's full surround setup delivers a more cinematic experience that better justifies its higher price for movie enthusiasts.
Your choice ultimately depends on your space, budget, and how you plan to use the system. Either way, both represent significant upgrades over built-in TV speakers and offer good value in their respective categories.
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 - $353 | LG S90TR - $800 |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how immersive and room-filling the sound can be | |
| 5.0 channels (all in one bar) | 7.1.3 channels (separate sub + rear speakers) |
| Physical Size - Important for placement flexibility and room aesthetics | |
| Compact: 25.6" x 2.7" x 3.9" | Large: Main bar 49.2" wide + separate components |
| Bass Capability - Crucial for movie impact and music depth | |
| Limited by size, no dedicated subwoofer | Powerful dedicated wireless subwoofer |
| Dolby Atmos - Creates height effects for more immersive sound | |
| Virtual (simulated through processing) | True (physical upward-firing speakers) |
| Room Size Suitability - Matches power to space | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to 500 sq ft) |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Can add Sonos Sub and rear speakers later | Complete system, no expansion needed |
| Smart Features - Convenience and control options | |
| Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, Sonos app | Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, LG app |
| Setup Complexity - Time and effort required | |
| Simple 15-minute single-unit setup | More involved with multiple component placement |
| Primary Use Case - Best suited for specific content | |
| TV shows, dialogue-heavy content, music | Movies, gaming, action-heavy content |
| Additional Features - Extra capabilities that add value | |
| Trueplay room tuning, multi-room audio | AI room calibration, WOW Orchestra with LG TVs |
The LG S90TR ($800) is significantly better for movies due to its dedicated subwoofer and rear speakers providing true surround sound. While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($353) is good for casual viewing, it can't match the immersive experience of the LG's 7.1.3 channel system.
While not essential, rear speakers make a huge difference in immersion. The LG S90TR includes wireless rear speakers, creating true surround sound. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 can have rear speakers added later but comes as a single unit initially.
The LG S90TR delivers much stronger bass through its dedicated wireless subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 produces impressive bass for its size but can't match the physical impact of a separate subwoofer.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is ideal for apartments due to its compact size and neighbor-friendly design without a subwoofer. The LG S90TR requires more space and its powerful subwoofer might be too intense for apartment living.
Both support Dolby Atmos, but differently. The LG S90TR uses physical upward-firing speakers for more convincing height effects, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 creates virtual Atmos through digital processing.
For basic TV enhancement, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers excellent value at $353. However, if you want a complete home theater experience, the LG S90TR at $800 includes everything needed for true surround sound.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a simpler setup, taking about 15 minutes with one unit. The LG S90TR requires more setup time to position and connect multiple components but isn't overly complex.
Both perform well, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is particularly praised for dialogue clarity in TV shows. The LG S90TR matches this quality while adding more depth through its additional speakers.
Yes, both support various streaming options. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers superior music streaming integration through the Sonos ecosystem, while the LG S90TR provides standard Bluetooth and WiFi streaming capabilities.
Both work with any modern TV with HDMI ARC. However, the LG S90TR offers additional features when paired with LG TVs, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 works equally well with any brand.
The LG S90TR is superior for gaming due to its surround sound capabilities and powerful subwoofer for explosive effects. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 works fine for casual gaming but won't provide the same immersive experience.
Both can be wall-mounted, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is easier to mount due to its compact size. The LG S90TR requires more planning to mount the main bar and position the wireless components.
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 - rtings.com - abt.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - microcenter.com - buydig.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - oceanstateappliance.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - lg.com
