The catch
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
It has neither separate HDMI source inputs nor Bluetooth music playback.
Side by side
Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs Ray: Speakers added to Ray cannot supply the HDMI or Atmos that Beam has
Quick verdict
If the TV has ARC or eARC and you want Atmos support or a more flexible connection for a future TV, get the Beam Gen 2. For a small optical-only setup where the narrower cabinet counts for more than future HDMI support, get the Ray. Sonos speakers added later will not give the Ray HDMI or Atmos.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Next to the connection difference, the width saving is modest
Against Beam, Ray saves 3.7 inches, or about 14.4% of the width.
Where this comes from
It works out as (25.63 − 21.93) ÷ 25.63. That settles it on a 24-inch shelf. On a wide stand, HDMI capability may be the difference that helps more.
The catch
Sonos Ray
It lacks an HDMI connection, Dolby Atmos and Bluetooth music playback.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Why pick it
- Compatible Atmos playback matters to you and your TV has ARC or eARC.
- Controlling TV volume through HDMI-CEC is what you want.
- The catch
- It has neither separate HDMI source inputs nor Bluetooth music playback.
Sonos Ray
- Why pick it
- Your TV offers only optical audio, and a basic setup does the job.
- Beam will not fit the space you have for a soundbar.
- The catch
- It lacks an HDMI connection, Dolby Atmos and Bluetooth music playback.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
TV connection, cabinet dimensions and remote control are what separate Beam Gen 2 and Ray. See what practical reason there is to pay for Beam on the television you own.
Pick based on the TV connection you have today and the next TV you can realistically expect to use.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A soundbar spot 24 inches wide
Beam goes over the cabinet-width limit.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
- Sonos Ray
- Better fit
Atmos goal on an HDMI ARC TV
Ray supports neither HDMI nor Atmos.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Better fit
- Sonos Ray
- Not suitable
A TV with only optical and a compatible IR remote
Weigh the current price against what connections you may need later.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Good
- Sonos Ray
- Good
Bluetooth music playback is needed
Both use Wi-Fi music. Neither uses Bluetooth audio.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
- Sonos Ray
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
Next to the connection difference, the width saving is modest
Against Beam, Ray saves 3.7 inches, or about 14.4% of the width.
How we worked this out
It works out as (25.63 − 21.93) ÷ 25.63. That settles it on a 24-inch shelf. On a wide stand, HDMI capability may be the difference that helps more.
Some Beam features have to wait on an optical TV
The optical adapter comes with Beam, though Atmos can’t travel over that connection.
How we worked this out
Buy Beam for an optical-only TV because of its other features or a believable HDMI setup down the road. Do not expect the adapter to deliver HDMI’s audio capabilities.
Adding speakers will not change Ray’s TV input
Compatible Sonos subwoofers and surrounds can be added to either, yet Ray is still an optical soundbar.
How we worked this out
Extra speakers give you more physical playback components. They do not supply an HDMI port the bar lacks or alter its supported surround formats.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
Sonos Ray
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
Sonos, Beam Gen 2
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
A narrow TV stand is no problem for the Beam, and it leaves the door open to a larger Sonos system. Its Atmos effect comes from processing. It has no upward-firing drivers. Room tuning also requires a compatible iPhone or iPad.
- Best for
- A small TV setup where rear speakers may come later
Facts we checked
- The cabinet is 25.63 × 2.68 × 3.94 inches.
- An included optical adapter comes with the HDMI eARC or ARC connection.
- Five amplified drivers, none of them upward-firing.
- Support covers Wi-Fi music, AirPlay 2, Night Sound and Speech Enhancement.
Option B
Sonos, Ray
Sonos Ray
Consider the Ray if you have a small TV with optical audio and also want Sonos music streaming. Hooking it to the TV is easy, but no software setting or new cable will turn it into an Atmos soundbar.
- Best for
- A narrow stand and an optical-only TV
Facts we checked
- The cabinet is 21.93 × 2.76 × 3.66 inches.
- It takes an optical TV input and has no HDMI input or output.
- An open-front shelf suits forward-facing drivers.
- Support covers Wi-Fi music, AirPlay 2, Speech Enhancement and Night Sound.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Sonos Ray | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV connection | HDMI ARC or eARC, included optical adapter | Optical only | Once the TV supports HDMI, Beam can switch over to it. |
| Atmos capability | Supported over compatible HDMI | Not supported | Ray gets no Atmos from a new optical cable. |
| Width | 25.63 inches | 21.93 inches | Ray takes 3.7 inches less of the stand. |
| Height | 2.68 inches | 2.76 inches | Ray is slightly taller, though narrower. |
| TV remote route | HDMI-CEC over HDMI, compatible IR with optical | Compatible infrared commands | Look at your actual remote, particularly if it works mostly over Bluetooth or radio. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Upward-firing drivers are absent, so height effects are virtual.
With Sonos Ray
- Controlling it with the TV remote depends on compatible infrared commands instead of HDMI-CEC.
Decision guide
How to decide
Next to the connection difference, the width saving is modest
Ray comes out about 14.4% narrower than Beam, a saving of 3.7 inches, from (25.63 − 21.93) ÷ 25.63. That settles it on a 24-inch shelf. On a wide stand, HDMI capability may be the more useful difference.
Some Beam features have to wait on an optical TV
An optical adapter comes with Beam, and that connection does not carry Atmos. Buy Beam for an optical-only TV because of its other features or a believable future HDMI setup, and do not expect the adapter to deliver HDMI’s audio capabilities.
Adding speakers will not change Ray’s TV input
Compatible Sonos subwoofers and surrounds can join either bar, yet Ray stays an optical soundbar. More speakers mean more physical playback components. They do not supply a missing HDMI port or alter the surround formats the bar supports.
What this page can’t tell you
- This comparison rests on manufacturer specifications and package contents rather than a controlled listening test. How a bar sounds also depends on room shape, placement and source content.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 6 of the 31 models checked meet every need here: “My TV outputs audio by optical only” and “My bar can’t be wider than 32 inches”.
6 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “My TV outputs audio by optical only” and “My bar can’t be wider than 32 inches”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
|
|
|
| Sonos Ray |
|
|
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Compatible Atmos playback matters to you and your TV has ARC or eARC.
See price & reviews on AmazonSonos Ray
Your TV offers only optical audio, and a basic setup does the job.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money