Comparing both soundbars, the Sonos Arc Ultra is larger and measures approximately 45 inches in width, making it more suitable for TVs 55 inches and above, while the Beam Gen 2 is more compact at 26 inches, fitting well with smaller TVs and spaces. In terms of audio performance, the Sonos Arc Ultra offers a 9.1.4 channel configuration with dedicated up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos, providing a more immersive sound experience. The Beam Gen 2 also supports Dolby Atmos but uses virtual processing to simulate height effects, which, while effective, doesn’t quite match the realism of the Arc Ultra’s dedicated drivers. Additionally, the Arc Ultra delivers deeper bass and clearer dialogue, enhancing the overall listening experience. However, the Sonos Beam Gen 2, especially when paired with the Sonos Sub Mini, provides impressive performance for its size and is more budget-friendly.
Specs Compiarson
The Arc Ultra is notably larger, measuring approximately 46.18 inches in width, 3.13 inches in height, and 4.35 inches in depth, and weighing around 12.7 pounds. This makes it more suitable for larger TVs and spacious rooms. In contrast, the Beam Gen 2 is more compact, with dimensions of 25.6 inches in width, 2.7 inches in height, and 3.9 inches in depth, and a weight of about 6.35 pounds, fitting well in smaller spaces or apartments.
Specs-wise, the Sonos Arc Ultra features a 9.1.4-channel configuration powered by 15 Class-D amplifiers driving 14 drivers, including seven tweeters and six midrange woofers, delivering an immersive Dolby Atmos experience. The Beam Gen 2, while supporting Dolby Atmos, utilizes a 5.0 setup with one tweeter and four midwoofers, relying on virtual processing to simulate height effects. This results in a less expansive soundstage compared to the Arc Ultra. Additionally, the Arc Ultra includes Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and a Sound Motion woofer for enhanced bass, whereas the Beam Gen 2 lacks Bluetooth support and offers less pronounced bass.
Specs Table
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifiers | 15 Class-D digital amplifiers | 5 Class-D digital amplifiers |
| Drivers | 14 drivers: 7 tweeters, 6 midrange, 1 woofer | 5 drivers: 1 tweeter, 4 elliptical midrange |
| Built-in Subwoofer | Yes (Sound Motion woofer) | No |
| Up-firing Speakers | Yes | No (virtual Atmos only) |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes (physical height channels) | Yes (virtual height via processing) |
| DTS:X Support | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Bluetooth 5.3) | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) | Yes (Wi-Fi 5) |
| HDMI | 1x HDMI eARC (2.1) | 1x HDMI eARC |
| Optical Audio Input | No (requires adapter) | No (requires adapter) |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| AirPlay 2 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Trueplay Tuning | Yes (iOS and Android) | Yes (iOS only) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 117.8 x 7.5 x 11 cm | 65.1 x 6.9 x 10 cm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg | 2.8 kg |
| Power Output | Not officially specified | Approx. 200W total output |
| Frequency Response | Not specified | Not specified |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 4.6W | 6.04W |
| Expandable System | Yes (with Sub, Sub Mini, and Surrounds) | Yes (with Sub Mini and Surrounds) |
| Best For | Medium to large rooms, cinematic audio experience | Small to medium rooms, compact and clear sound |
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra and the Beam Gen 2 gave me two very different listening experiences when I tested them with Dune: Part Two, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and a few episodes of The Mandalorian. The Sonos Arc Ultra, with its 9.1.4 setup and physical up-firing drivers, delivered a much wider and more dimensional soundstage. In Dune, the low-end rumble of the desert scenes felt grounded and full, and I could hear voices and effects rise and fall in space rather than just across the room. Dialogue remained clear even during chaotic moments, and the built-in woofer added enough depth that I didn’t feel like I needed an external sub. The spatial effects felt more physical—especially when ships flew overhead or when sounds were meant to feel distant and layered.
The Beam Gen 2 handled the same content differently. The Beam Gen 2 soundbar uses a 5.0 configuration without up-firing drivers, so while it does support Dolby Atmos, it relies on processing to simulate height. In The Grand Budapest Hotel, which has a more intimate sound mix, I didn’t really miss the extra height channels. Dialogue was clean and front-focused, and ambient effects were placed neatly in the stereo field. But when I returned to The Mandalorian, I noticed the Beam couldn’t push the same sense of scale during space battles or fast-moving scenes. It still performed well, but the sound felt more compact and less immersive compared to what I got from the Arc Ultra.
For smaller rooms or casual viewing, I think the Beam Gen 2 is surprisingly capable. It’s clear, efficient, and easy to forget how small it really is. But if you’re after a cinematic experience and want sound to match what’s happening visually—especially in action-heavy or spatially rich movies—I would go with the Arc Ultra. Personally, I preferred how the Arc Ultra handled dynamic scenes and gave everything a little more room to breathe. It feels more like a full home theater system without needing to add extra gear.
Design Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra is quite a large soundbar, measuring 46.18 inches in width, 3.13 inches in height, and 4.35 inches in depth, and weighing approximately 12.7 pounds. Its elongated form is designed to pair seamlessly with larger televisions, typically those 55 inches and above. The soundbar’s exterior is sleek, with a wraparound grille that gives it a modern aesthetic. The touch-sensitive controls are positioned on an upward-facing panel at the rear, which, while maintaining the minimalist design, might require a slight reach when adjusting settings manually.
In contrast, the Beam Gen 2 is more compact, measuring 25.6 inches in width, 2.7 inches in height, and 3.9 inches in depth, with a weight of about 6.35 pounds. This smaller footprint makes it well-suited for medium-sized rooms and televisions ranging from 32 to 55 inches. The design is understated yet elegant, with a polycarbonate grille replacing the fabric of its predecessor, which I found to be a practical update, potentially enhancing durability and ease of cleaning. The touch controls are conveniently located on the top surface, allowing for easy access. The Beam Gen 2’s build quality is solid, and its compact form allows it to blend effortlessly into various room setups without drawing too much attention.
The Verdict?
After testing both the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Beam Gen 2, I would personally go for the Sonos Arc Ultra for my home theater setup. The Sonos Arc Ultra has a 9.1.4 channel setup with physical up-firing drivers, and during movies like Dune: Part Two and The Mandalorian, it delivered a far more immersive soundstage. I could actually feel audio moving above and around me. It’s also built for larger rooms and pairs better with big-screen TVs, both in terms of scale and acoustic reach. The Sound Motion woofer added real weight to bass-heavy scenes without the need for a separate sub, and the overall clarity—especially with dialogue—was hard to miss. It’s a bigger soundbar in every way, and I noticed that it filled my living room with less effort.
The Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, felt more like a practical solution for smaller spaces. It still supports Dolby Atmos, but it relies on virtual height effects, which aren’t as convincing. Dialogue came through clean and focused, and in tighter rooms, it actually performed really well. It’s lighter, easier to fit under a TV, and doesn’t call for any rearranging to make space. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra. I think that for its price and size, it delivers a full cinematic experience that the Beam Gen 2 can’t quite match. If you’re serious about movies or want the closest thing to a home theater without installing ceiling speakers, the Arc Ultra is the better choice overall.