Sonos Beam vs Sonos Playbar Review With Sound Test Comparison

We compare the Sonos Beam vs Sonos Playbar. In this video we provide an overview of the two Sonos sound bars that are designed to work with your TV. The Sonos Beam has Alexa built in while the Sonos Playbar does not. Both speakers will work with Alexa but the Sonos Soundbar will require an extra Alexa device for control of the Sonos Soundbar.

The Sonos Beam backs a punch in its smaller format and will provide great quality audio for both tv viewing and music listening. The Sonos Beam was launched in 2018 where as the Sonos Playbar has been around for several years.

Personally I'm going to stick with the Sonos Beam for my TV soundbar setup because I like the smaller format and built in Alexa functionality of the Sonos Beam. The Sonos Playbar does have deeper bass tones but after testing both out for several weeks I've realized that for most music or tv watching the deeper bass tones of the Playbar rarely make a difference in the listening experience except at very high sound levels that are loud enough to disturb the neighbors. The Sonos Beam still provides rich bass and great quality sound in the smaller format.

Smart home devices I’ve installed in my home:



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[leemartin]

The sound quality on this review is terrible ironically .

[K-nz]

You should do a review on microphones....

[RachelG]

THANK YOU!!! I've been going back and forth on the beam vs playbar for awhile... and today (Black Friday) I was able to pick up the beam and two Play 1 speakers. SO happy with the purchase. I appreciate the advise!!

[SimonP]

I had bought a Beam and, having expanded my system with a pair of Play:1s as surround, I wondered if I should have bought the Soundbar. You have reassured me that I made the right choice, especially since I also splashed out on a Sub so bass isn't an issue (understatement of the year!) Thanks.

[Pappadumdum]

Most of review about optical vs hdmi input but failed to tell us why that makes any difference. Neither have DTS or Atmos both output to Dolby Digital only. The playbar has way better spatial sound and range - it definitely needs an upgrade now though

[kennethbell]

I can't hear you.... so how could I expect you can tell the difference between a beam and a playbar???

[drcurls]

Dude this answered so many of my questions. The Alexa built in the beam sold me as well as the HDMI versus the optical. My place is 525sqft, so I think the beam will be enough. Great video and comparison. Appreciate it. God Bless.

[jimji]

Brand new Sonos Arc soundbar out now though hasn't been sound reviewed yet. Kind of makes the Playbar obsolete but not the Beam at its lower price point. I have a Beam with sub and its pretty good for movies. The Playbar had better separation and mids in the store. I will wait to hear about the new Arc.

[NYATLHYD]

You have to listen to this just for the audio quality. its amazing.

[acousticguitarcoversongs]

There is literally no point at all in doing a sound test comparison on YT. How can you possibly replicate the real life listening experience?

[GaryStango]

You did a fidelity review with an onboard camera mic??

[trentdurham]

What song did you use for the demo? Sounds like it would be a good tester song

[beardbytes]

Great review, sir. However, like many others have said, your audio quality needs some love.


You can get a Rhode SmartLav+ for really cheap and that will greatly improve your speaking quality. When your budget for your show increases, grab yourself a Zoom H6 with a shotgun mic and you'll be in business!


Cheers!

[acrophile]

also pro tip, don't shout out alexa commands in your videos... our alexa's happily pick those up too... :D

[Bad.Ju.Ju.]

dude I really like your videos, but you definitely needs to upgrade the sound of your videos. ASAP and Please!

[peterrobinson]

Very poor sound quality on this review! Unable to tell the sound/amplification quality difference between the two products.

[Lobaczchiropractic]

You have to hear these live. This review doesn’t really give you a real account of its ability.

[Fthrof]

I can barely hear you...reviewing a sound product. Thanks for posting - please increase volume...:-/

[guapbx]

Playbar is literally just louder and lacks some key features (AirPlay, Alexa)

[southwickfamily]

If you're going to compare sound quality on AV gear, you need to step up your own audio game....terrible audio!