Research-based: compiled from the manufacturer's information and Australian retailer listings. NXT Smart Home has not tested this product.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact television soundbar designed for home entertainment and audio streaming. According to Sonos Australia, the unit houses five Class-D digital amplifiers powering one centre tweeter, four elliptical midwoofers, and three passive radiators. Measuring 651 mm wide, it connects to displays through a single HDMI eARC port or an included optical audio adapter. Supported audio formats include Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Multichannel PCM, and Stereo PCM.
Who it suits
According to Sonos specifications, this unit suits living rooms and apartments where a full-sized soundbar is too wide for the television stand. It is practical for households that utilise multi-room wireless audio or rely on voice platforms, as it features built-in support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2. It also suits users planning a phased audio setup, as Sonos confirms it can pair wirelessly with optional Sonos subwoofers and rear satellite speakers.
Conversely, buyers seeking physical up-firing speaker drivers should look elsewhere; Sonos notes that Dolby Atmos height effects on the Beam (Gen 2) are virtualised through digital signal processing rather than dedicated upward-angled hardware. It is also unsuitable for those who rely on standard Bluetooth audio streaming from mobile phones, as Bluetooth connectivity is restricted purely to device setup. Furthermore, users with televisions lacking an HDMI eARC or ARC port should consider that the soundbar does not feature HDMI video passthrough for external media boxes.
Australian notes
The Australian retail packages (model numbers BEAM2AU1BLK and BEAM2AU1) come supplied with a detachable figure-8 (C7) power cable terminated with a standard Australian mains plug. Sonos documentation indicates the internal power supply is auto-switching across 100–240 V at 50/60 Hz.
For home network integration, the Beam (Gen 2) connects exclusively via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) or the onboard 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port. While the device houses a 5 GHz wireless radio, Sonos confirms this is dedicated entirely to communication with paired Sonos subwoofers and surround speakers. Additionally, Sonos Trueplay room tuning is limited to Apple iOS devices, meaning Android users cannot access automated room calibration. The soundbar includes a one-year manufacturer warranty in Australia, alongside consumer protections guaranteed under Australian Consumer Law.