Sonos Beam (Gen 2) vs Sonos Ray
Critics score the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 85 and the Sonos Ray 80 out of 100, from 12 and 15 professional reviews. 8 outlets reviewed both: 4 scored the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) higher, 1 scored the Sonos Ray higher and 3 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 6 points ahead.
Image: SonosSonos Beam (Gen 2)
Praised for: sound quality (11 of 12), ease of use (5 of 12)
Criticised for: price (4 of 12)
The catch: Its virtual Atmos doesn't convince everyone.
All 12 reviews of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) →
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Image: SonosSonos Ray
Praised for: sound quality (11 of 15), ease of use (5 of 15), value for money (3 of 15)
Criticised for: controls and app (3 of 15), price (3 of 15), call quality (2 of 15)
The catch: No HDMI and no Dolby Atmos.
All 15 reviews of the Sonos Ray →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Sonos Ray | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| How-To Geek | 90 | 70 | +20 |
| CNN Underscored | 85est. | 66est. | +19 |
| Tech Advisor | 90 | 80 | +10 |
| SlashGear | 83est. | 80 | +3 |
| Engadget | 83est. | 83est. | same |
| TechRadar | 80 | 80 | same |
| Trusted Reviews | 89est. | 89est. | same |
| CNET | 81 | 83 | -2 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) minus the Sonos Ray. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Direct comparisons
Reviewers who put these two side by side. These never change a score.
- Tom's Guide says it depends: the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if You have a roughly 65-inch TV in a normal room and want full features and the best value of the three.; the Sonos Ray if You want an entry-level, affordable bar for a small space or to upgrade an older TV.
- What Hi-Fi? picks the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).
- TechRadar picks the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).
Compare either one with another soundbar → · All soundbars ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or the Sonos Ray?
Critics rate the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) higher: 85 against 80. 8 outlets reviewed both: 4 scored the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) higher, 1 scored the Sonos Ray higher and 3 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 6 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and the Sonos Ray?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2): critics agree, scores from 80 to 90. The Sonos Ray: broad agreement, scores from 66 to 89.