When you're looking to upgrade your TV's sound, the choice between the $352.70 Sonos Beam Gen 2 and $277.99 Samsung B-Series 5.1 isn't as straightforward as their prices might suggest. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
Today's soundbars have come a long way from simple speaker upgrades. They're now sophisticated audio systems that can simulate surround sound, connect to your smart home, and even expand into multi-room audio setups. The key is finding the right balance of features for your needs and budget.
Before diving into specific products, consider these key factors:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2, released in late 2021, represents a premium approach with virtual Dolby Atmos and smart features. The Samsung B-Series, launched more recently in 2024, takes a more traditional route with a complete 5.1 system including a subwoofer.
The Sonos uses advanced processing to create virtual surround sound from fewer speakers, while Samsung provides physical speakers for each channel. Think of it like the difference between a high-end computer simulation versus actually placing speakers around your room.
Sonos takes a building-block approach - you start with the soundbar and can add a subwoofer ($749) and rear speakers later. Samsung gives you everything except rear speakers upfront, making it more complete out of the box.
Both systems handle dialogue well, but there are notable differences:
Sonos Beam Gen 2:
Samsung B-Series:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a clear advantage for music, with more refined sound and better stereo imaging (how accurately you can place instruments in the sound field). The Samsung system offers stronger bass but less precise musical detail.
Sonos provides:
Samsung offers:
The initial price difference ($75) doesn't tell the whole story. To match the Samsung's bass performance, you'd need to add the Sonos subwoofer, bringing the total to over $1,100. However, the Sonos system offers more upgrade paths and typically holds its value better for resale.
In practice, both systems excel in different scenarios:
Small to Medium Living Room:
Larger Room or Dedicated Home Theater:
Choose the Sonos Beam Gen 2 if:
Choose the Samsung B-Series if:
Both soundbars represent different approaches to home audio. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a premium, expandable system that's perfect for those who want to start with quality and build over time. The Samsung B-Series offers immediate satisfaction with a complete package at a lower price point.
My recommendation? If you're primarily using it for movies and TV in a larger room, the Samsung system provides better immediate value. But if you're looking for a more refined, expandable system that excels with music too, the Sonos is worth the investment.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, room size, and how you plan to use the system. Consider your long-term audio goals when making your decision, as these systems represent different philosophies in home audio solutions.
| $352.70 Sonos Beam Gen 2 | $277.99 Samsung B-Series 5.1 |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - More channels generally mean better surround sound separation | |
| 5.0 (no subwoofer included) | 5.1 (includes wireless subwoofer) |
| Sound Technologies - Determines quality of 3D audio effects | |
| Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Smart Features - Important for integration with other devices | |
| Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, Multi-room audio | Basic voice control, Bluetooth multi-connection |
| Expandability - Consider future upgrade potential | |
| Full Sonos ecosystem compatible, can add sub and surrounds | Can only add wireless rear speakers |
| Room Size Sweet Spot - Critical for optimal performance | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 350 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (350+ sq ft) |
| Bass Performance - Important for movies and music impact | |
| Limited without optional $749 subwoofer | Good built-in bass with included subwoofer |
| Connectivity - Affects compatibility with your devices | |
| HDMI eARC, WiFi, Ethernet | HDMI ARC, Optical, USB, Bluetooth |
| Primary Use Case - Where each system excels | |
| Music and mixed-use, smart home integration | Home theater and gaming focus |
| Total Cost for Full System - Consider long-term investment | |
| $1,100+ with subwoofer | $277.99 complete package |
For movies, the $277.99 Samsung B-Series has an advantage due to its included subwoofer and true 5.1 channel setup. While the $352.70 Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers Dolby Atmos, you'll need to spend extra on a subwoofer for comparable movie performance.
The Samsung B-Series includes a wireless subwoofer, providing complete bass performance out of the box. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 requires a separate $749 subwoofer purchase for full bass response.
The Samsung B-Series performs better in larger spaces due to its included subwoofer and 5.1 channel setup. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more suited to small and medium-sized rooms.
Both systems support rear speakers, but the Sonos ecosystem offers more flexibility and higher-quality expansion options. The Samsung system only supports specific wireless rear speakers.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers superior smart features with built-in Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2 support. The Samsung B-Series has basic voice control and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2's Dolby Atmos provides enhanced overhead effects for compatible content, but its effectiveness depends on room size and ceiling type. For many users, the Samsung's traditional 5.1 setup may provide better value.
The Samsung B-Series includes a dedicated gaming mode and immediate full-range sound with its subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers lower latency but requires a subwoofer purchase for complete gaming impact.
Both soundbars are compatible with modern TVs through HDMI ARC connections. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports eARC for higher-quality audio formats, while the Samsung offers additional optical and USB inputs.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers easier setup through its app and automatic room calibration. The Samsung B-Series is still straightforward but requires more physical setup due to the separate subwoofer.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels at music playback with better stereo separation and more refined sound. The Samsung system offers stronger bass but less precise musical detail.
The Samsung B-Series is complete at $277.99. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 starts at $352.70, but adding the subwoofer brings the total to over $1,100.
Sonos products typically hold their value better due to brand reputation and regular software updates. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 will likely retain more value than the Samsung B-Series over time.
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 - bestbuy.com - abt.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - camelcamelcamel.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - images.samsung.com - samsung.com - avblinq.avbportal.com - samsung.com - samsung.com
