© ClassyPictures / Shutterstock.com
There are more and more smart speakers on the market these days, with many competing for a spot in your living room to deliver your favorite playlists. Sonos is one of the most dominant speaker brands on the market.
What’s more, Sonos Beam and Ray are two of the most popular Sonos soundbars. In this article, we’ll discuss how each soundbar stacks up against the other and what you need to know before making a purchase decision. Read on to find out which of these two premium soundbars suits your needs.
Sonos Beam vs Ray: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sonos Beam | Ray | |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released | 2018 (Gen 1) 2021 (Gen 2) | 2022 |
| Speaker | Five Class-D digital amplifiers, four elliptical midwoofers, and one center tweeter | Four Class-D digital amplifiers, two high-efficiency midwoofers, and two tweeters |
| Size | 69 x 651 x 100 mm | 71 x 559 x 95 mm |
| Price | $399 (Gen 1) $449 (Gen 2) | $279 |
| Weight | 2.8 kg | 1.95 kg |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos | No (Gen 1) Yes (Gen 2) | No |
| Alexa | Yes | No |
Sonos Beam vs Ray: What’s the Difference?
If you’re looking for a new soundbar to improve your home theater experience, you may be wondering whether to choose the Sonos Beam or the Sonos Ray. Both are excellent choices, but there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of before making your decision.
Price
- You can control the Beam with your voice, remote, the Sonos app, and more.
- Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback
- 25.6 inches
- Connects to other Sonos speakers
The Sonos Beam is priced at $399 (Gen 1) and $449 (Gen 2). However, Sonos Ray is cheaper as it is officially listed at $279 on the official Sonos website. The main difference in price is due to the fact that the Beam has more digital amplifiers and the second-generation Sonos Beam supports Dolby Atmos. Meanwhile, Sonos Ray does not support Dolby Atmos.
Both products are available for purchase through the Sonos website and select retailers. If you’re looking for a high-quality soundbar but are on a budget, then the Sonos Ray is a great option. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for better sound quality, then the Sonos Beam is worth considering.
Connection
The Sonos Beam has an HDMI ARC port, while the Sonos Ray does not. This means that the Beam can be connected directly to your TV via an HDMI cable, while the Ray will need to be connected to your TV via an optical cable. The Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray both have an Ethernet port. They can also connect to WiFi.
Audio Quality
- Enjoy vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
- Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Breeze through setup with only two cables, step-by-step guidance from the Sonos app, and smart Trueplay tuning. Easily expand your Sonos system over time to enjoy true surround sound and multi-room...
When it comes to audio quality, there are a few key differences between the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and the Sonos Ray. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) features five Class-D digital amplifiers, four midwoofers, and one center tweeter. By contrast, the Sonos Ray only has four Class-D digital amplifiers, two high-efficiency midwoofers, and two tweeters.
As a result, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) tends to produce richer and more detailed sound than the Sonos Ray. Sonos Ray is also suitable for medium-sized rooms, while the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) can fill a large room with its immersive audio output.
Additionally, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos, while the Sonos Ray does not. So, if you are looking for a high-quality audio experience, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is your best option.
Voice Control
One of the key differences between the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Sonos Ray is the range of smart features on offer. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) comes with Amazon Alexa built-in, allowing you to control it using your voice.
You can also use Alexa to control other smart devices in your home, such as lights and thermostats. In addition, the Sonos Beam comes with built-in AirPlay 2, making it compatible with Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad.
By contrast, the Sonos Ray does not have Alexa built-in. It does not have a microphone either, which means you cannot control it directly with your voice, unlike the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).
HDMI ARC Support
Another difference between the two soundbars is that the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has HDMI ARC support, while the Sonos Ray does not. HDMI ARC allows you to connect your TV directly to the soundbar using a single HDMI cable, which simplifies setup and reduces clutter. Additionally, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos, while the Sonos Ray does not.
Design
- Experience clearer, more powerful sound than ever before possible by a small standalone soundbar
- Dynamic sound that enhances the drama and creates a surprisingly wide soundstage
- Zero-stress setup with only two cables and help from the Sonos app
- Stream all your content from your favorite services over WiFi using the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and more
When it comes to design, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Sonos Ray have a few key differences. The Beam is shorter and wider, while the Ray is longer and narrower. The Beam also has a physical button on the top for controlling power, while the Ray does not. The Beam has a sleek, modern design that will blend in with most home décor.
Both speakers are compact and can be easily moved around, making them ideal for small spaces. Both the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and the Sonos Ray have touch controls on the top for volume and playback.
Sonos Beam vs Ray: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The first version of Sonos Beam was released in 2018, while the second-generation Sonos Beam was released in 2021.
- Sonos Ray is the cheapest Sonos soundbar.
- Both the Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray are compatible with AirPlay 2, meaning you can easily stream music from your iPhone or iPad.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers a built-in assistant (Alexa), while Sonos Ray does not. However, both soundbars can be controlled with your voice if you have an Amazon Echo or Google Home device.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has HDMI ARC support, while the Ray does not.
- Sonos Beam has a better bass response than Sonos Ray.
Sonos Beam vs Ray: Which One Should You Buy?
When it comes to choosing between the Sonos Beam and the Ray, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, think about the size of your room and how much power you need.
The Sonos Ray is a great choice for smaller rooms, while the Sonos Beam is ideal for larger spaces. Second, consider your budget. The Sonos Ray is more affordable than the Beam, so it may be a better option if you’re looking to save money.
Finally, think about the features that are most important to you. Both the Sonos Beam and Ray offer great sound quality and easy setup, but the Beam (Gen 2) has some additional features like Alexa voice control and Dolby Atmos that might be appealing to you.
Ultimately, the decision between Sonos Beam and Ray comes down to personal preference. However, we recommend the Sonos Beam since it supports Alexa voice control and Dolby Atmos.
