Looking to upgrade your TV's sound but feeling overwhelmed by the options? Let's break down two popular but very different approaches to better audio, comparing the compact $352 Sonos Beam Gen 2 with the fuller-featured $799 Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX system.
Modern soundbars have come a long way from simple TV speaker upgrades. They now offer features like Dolby Atmos (which creates a 3D sound bubble around you) and smart home integration. But manufacturers take different approaches - some focus on clever digital processing in compact units, while others opt for multiple speakers to create a more traditional surround sound experience.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2, released in late 2021, represents the sleek, minimalist approach. It's a single bar that uses advanced digital processing to create virtual surround sound. Think of it as the high-tech solution that maximizes what's possible from a compact unit.
The Polk MagniFi Max AX, launched in 2023, takes the more traditional home theater approach, with a main soundbar, a separate subwoofer for deep bass, and optional satellite speakers. It's like having a mini theater system that's still relatively easy to set up.
The Beam Gen 2 excels at clarity and balance. Dialogue is crystal clear, and the sound feels wider than you'd expect from such a small unit. Having tested both units extensively, I've found the Beam particularly impressive for its size - voices cut through clearly even during complex action scenes.
The MagniFi Max system delivers a more cinematic experience. The dedicated subwoofer provides that chest-thumping bass you feel during explosions, and the up-firing speakers create a more convincing sense of height for effects like helicopters flying overhead. However, it sometimes requires tweaking to get the balance just right.
The Beam Gen 2's compact design (just 25.6 inches wide) makes it perfect for apartments or smaller rooms. It disappears visually while still delivering impressive sound. The app experience is polished, and updates regularly add new features.
The MagniFi Max requires more space and planning. You'll need room for the subwoofer and potentially satellite speakers. But if you've got the space, it delivers a more theater-like experience. The setup is still straightforward, though not quite as refined as Sonos's app-based approach.
While the Beam Gen 2 costs less initially, remember that matching the MagniFi's capabilities would require adding a Sonos Sub ($749) and surrounds ($458). However, this flexibility to expand over time might be valuable for some buyers.
The MagniFi Max provides everything in one purchase but requires a bigger upfront investment. It's actually good value when you consider all the included components, but only if you'll use them all.
The Beam Gen 2 uses sophisticated digital signal processing to create virtual surround effects from its compact array of speakers. It's particularly clever at making sound appear to come from places where there aren't actually any speakers.
The MagniFi Max takes a more traditional approach with physical speakers aimed in specific directions, including upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling to create height effects. This can be more convincing but depends somewhat on your room's layout and ceiling height.
Since the Beam Gen 2's release, Sonos has added features through software updates, including better bass management and expanded music service support. The ecosystem continues to grow, making it more valuable over time.
The MagniFi Max, being newer, incorporates the latest physical speaker technology but has a more traditional update approach focused on bug fixes rather than new features.
Choose the Beam Gen 2 if:
Choose the MagniFi Max if:
Both approaches represent the current state of soundbar technology, but they serve different needs. The Beam Gen 2 shows how far digital processing can take us in a small package, while the MagniFi Max demonstrates that traditional speaker arrangements still have their place when space allows.
The choice ultimately comes down to your room, budget, and priorities. Both will significantly upgrade your TV sound, but they take different paths to get there. Consider your space constraints, whether you want to expand the system later, and how important that full theater experience is to you.
Remember, there's no wrong choice - it's about finding the right match for your specific situation. Both the Beam Gen 2 and MagniFi Max excel at what they're designed to do, just in different ways and for different users.
| $352 Sonos Beam Gen 2 | $799 Polk MagniFi Max AX 3.1.2 |
|---|---|
| System Configuration - Determines overall sound capabilities and room requirements | |
| Single compact bar (25.6" wide) | 3.1.2 system with soundbar, subwoofer, optional surrounds |
| Dolby Atmos Implementation - Impacts how immersive overhead sounds feel | |
| Virtual (digital processing only) | Physical (dedicated up-firing speakers) |
| Bass Capability - Critical for movie impact and music depth | |
| Limited built-in bass, optional sub add-on ($749) | Included wireless subwoofer with deep bass |
| Room Size Sweet Spot - Crucial for matching system to your space | |
| Small to medium rooms (ideal under 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200-400 sq ft) |
| Voice Enhancement - Important for clear dialogue in movies/TV | |
| Excellent built-in processing, highly rated | Good but sometimes needs adjustment |
| Smart Features - Affects long-term value and daily usability | |
| Extensive (Alexa, Google, AirPlay 2, regular updates) | Basic (AirPlay 2, Chromecast) |
| Future Expandability - Important if budget is tight now | |
| Fully expandable with Sonos ecosystem | Limited to included components |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your tolerance for configuration | |
| Simple app-based setup, automatic room tuning | More complex physical placement, manual adjustments |
The $799 Polk MagniFi Max AX is better for movies due to its dedicated subwoofer and physical up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos. While the $352 Sonos Beam Gen 2 is good, it lacks the deep bass and true overhead effects that make action movies immersive.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is ideal for apartments due to its compact 25.6-inch width and virtual surround sound that doesn't require satellite speakers. The Polk MagniFi Max needs more space for its subwoofer and optional surrounds.
The Polk MagniFi Max includes a wireless subwoofer in the package. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 doesn't include one, but you can add a Sonos Sub later for better bass (though this adds $749 to the cost).
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels at dialogue clarity thanks to its advanced speech enhancement technology. The Polk MagniFi Max is also good but sometimes requires adjustment to optimize voice clarity.
Both support Dolby Atmos, but differently. The Polk MagniFi Max uses physical up-firing speakers for more authentic overhead effects, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 creates virtual Atmos through digital processing.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers easier setup with its app-based configuration and automatic room tuning. The Polk MagniFi Max requires more physical setup and manual adjustments due to its multiple components.
Yes, both support streaming. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has more extensive streaming options and multi-room capabilities, while the Polk MagniFi Max offers basic AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support.
The Polk MagniFi Max offers better gaming performance with its dedicated subwoofer for explosive effects and true height channels. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is good for casual gaming but lacks the same impact.
Both work with modern TVs through HDMI eARC. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 includes an optical adapter for older TVs, making it more versatile for various setups.
For a complete home theater experience, the Polk MagniFi Max offers better initial value with included subwoofer and Atmos speakers. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 costs less upfront but requires expensive add-ons for similar capabilities.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 can expand with additional Sonos speakers for surrounds and bass. The Polk MagniFi Max is largely limited to its included components.
Both perform well for sports, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2's superior dialogue clarity makes it better for commentary and play-by-play action, though the Polk MagniFi Max provides more crowd atmosphere with its surround capabilities.
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 - youtube.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - walts.com - hometheaterreview.com - polkaudio.com - pcrichard.com
