When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352.70) and Sennheiser AMBEO Plus ($1,499.95) represent two very different approaches to solving the same problem. Let's dive into how these soundbars compare and help you figure out which one might be right for your setup.
Today's soundbars have evolved far beyond simple stereo speakers. They now pack sophisticated audio processing, wireless connectivity, and even artificial intelligence for room optimization. The key is finding the right balance of features, performance, and value for your specific needs.
The most significant recent advancement has been the widespread adoption of Dolby Atmos, which creates three-dimensional sound by bouncing audio off your ceiling and walls. Both of our contenders handle Atmos, but they do it quite differently.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2, released in late 2021, maintains the compact design of its predecessor. At just over 25 inches wide, it's perfect for apartments or smaller rooms. I've found it fits comfortably in front of most TVs without blocking the screen or looking out of place.
In contrast, the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus, launched in 2022, is nearly twice as wide at 49.8 inches. This larger size accommodates more drivers and sophisticated processing hardware, but it requires significant space. Make sure to measure your TV stand before considering this option.
The Beam Gen 2's sound quality impresses for its size. It uses digital processing to create virtual surround sound effects, and while it can't match the physics of larger systems, it delivers remarkably good results. Dialog remains crystal clear – something I particularly appreciate when watching complex dramas or British shows with thick accents.
The virtual Atmos implementation works surprisingly well in rooms with standard-height ceilings (8-9 feet). While you won't get the same overhead effects as systems with dedicated up-firing speakers, it creates a noticeably more spacious soundstage than traditional stereo.
Sennheiser's AMBEO technology takes a more sophisticated approach to room-filling sound. Using multiple drivers and advanced processing, it creates a genuine 7.1.4 virtual surround experience. This means it simulates seven surround speakers, one subwoofer, and four height channels.
The built-in subwoofers deliver impressive bass without needing a separate unit, though serious home theater enthusiasts might still want to add one. The AMBEO room calibration system uses microphones to measure your room's acoustics and adjust accordingly – a feature that really makes a difference in challenging spaces.
The Beam Gen 2 is firmly rooted in the Sonos ecosystem, which has advantages and limitations. It connects via WiFi and supports AirPlay 2, but notably lacks Bluetooth. The upside is seamless integration with other Sonos speakers and easy expansion to a full surround system over time.
The AMBEO Plus offers more flexible connectivity, including Bluetooth, multiple HDMI inputs, and Chromecast built-in. This makes it more versatile as a standalone unit, especially if you want to connect multiple devices or stream music directly from your phone.
Both soundbars excel with movies, but in different ways. The Beam Gen 2 delivers clear dialog and good spatial effects, making it perfect for everyday TV watching and casual movie nights. The AMBEO Plus creates a more cinematic experience, with better separation between effects and more convincing surround sound placement.
For music, the Beam Gen 2 provides a balanced, natural sound that works well across genres. The AMBEO Plus offers more power and better bass response, making it particularly impressive with orchestral music and bass-heavy tracks.
Gaming performance is strong on both units, but the AMBEO Plus has an edge with its more precise spatial audio positioning. This can be particularly noticeable in competitive games where sound positioning matters.
At $352.70, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 represents excellent value, especially considering its expandability within the Sonos ecosystem. It's a smart choice if you might want to add surrounds or a subwoofer later.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus at $1,499.95 requires a bigger investment but delivers premium performance without needing additional speakers. It's best viewed as a complete solution rather than a starting point.
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
Both soundbars represent excellent choices for different users. The Beam Gen 2 excels as a compact, versatile solution that can grow with your needs. The AMBEO Plus delivers premium performance for those who want the best possible sound without dealing with multiple speakers.
For most users, I'd recommend starting with the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Its combination of performance, price, and expandability makes it a safe choice that won't disappoint. However, if you have the budget and space, the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus delivers a more premium experience that might be worth the investment, especially for dedicated home theater setups.
Remember, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, room configuration, and how you plan to use the system. Both options offer significant improvements over built-in TV speakers, and either can form the foundation of an excellent home audio setup.
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352.70) | Sennheiser AMBEO Plus ($1,499.95) |
|---|---|
| Size - Crucial for placement and room compatibility | |
| 25.6" wide (fits most TV stands) | 49.8" wide (requires significant space) |
| Audio Channels - Determines surround sound capability | |
| 5.0 virtual channels (good for small-medium rooms) | 7.1.4 virtual channels (theater-like experience) |
| Bass Performance - Important for movies and music impact | |
| Requires separate sub for deep bass | Built-in dual subwoofers (excellent standalone bass) |
| Room Calibration - Affects real-world sound quality | |
| TruePlay (iOS devices only) | AMBEO 3D calibration (works with any device) |
| Connectivity - Flexibility for different sources | |
| HDMI eARC, WiFi, AirPlay 2 (no Bluetooth) | Multiple HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast |
| Ecosystem Integration - Important for future expansion | |
| Full Sonos ecosystem compatibility | Independent system, no ecosystem lock-in |
| Dolby Atmos Performance - Critical for modern content | |
| Virtual Atmos (good for height effects) | Premium Atmos (superior height and surround) |
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and clarity | |
| Not specified (suitable for small-medium rooms) | 400W (fills large spaces easily) |
| Voice Control - Convenience feature | |
| Alexa and Google Assistant built-in | Alexa and Google Assistant compatible |
| Value Proposition - Cost vs. Performance | |
| Excellent value, expandable system | Premium price, complete solution |
For dedicated home theater use, the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus ($1,499.95) is superior due to its 7.1.4 virtual channels and more powerful Dolby Atmos performance. However, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352.70) is still excellent for smaller home theaters and offers great value.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 costs $352.70, while the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus is priced at $1,499.95 - a difference of $1,147.25.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus includes built-in subwoofers that provide excellent bass response. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 benefits significantly from adding a separate subwoofer for home theater use.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus provides a more cinematic experience with better surround effects and bass response. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 still delivers good movie performance but with less immersive surround sound.
Room acoustics affect both soundbars, but the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus handles challenging spaces better due to its more sophisticated room calibration. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 performs best in more contained spaces.
Both are relatively simple to set up, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a more streamlined process through the Sonos app. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus requires more careful placement due to its size.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus offers better spatial audio positioning for gaming. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 provides good gaming performance but with less precise sound placement.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 at 25.6 inches fits most setups easily. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus requires 49.8 inches of width, so measure your space carefully.
Both support streaming, but the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus offers more options with Bluetooth, Chromecast, and WiFi. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses WiFi and AirPlay 2 but lacks Bluetooth.
Both excel at dialog clarity, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is particularly praised for its clear speech reproduction. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus offers more adjustment options for fine-tuning dialog.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 integrates with the entire Sonos ecosystem for easy expansion. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus is designed as a complete solution but can work with additional AMBEO subwoofers.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is ideal for apartments due to its compact size and neighbor-friendly volume control. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus might be overkill for apartment use unless you have a larger space.
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 - techradar.com - pocket-lint.com - moon-audio.com - stereonet.com - rtings.com - abt.com - projectorscreen.com - youtube.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - crutchfield.com - sennheiser-hearing.com - newsroom.sennheiser.com
