Sonos’s “Affordable” Dolby Atmos Soundbar Just Got a True Hi-Fi Overhaul
Sonos has introduced the Beam Ultra. And it redefines what a compact soundbar can be.
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Since its 2021 release, Sonos's Beam (Gen 2) has been widely praised for being one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars you could buy for less than $500. It works much like Sonos's flagship soundbar, the Arc Ultra, but is a better fit for smaller TVs (55 inches or less) in smaller rooms.
The main downside of the Beam (Gen 2), like other affordable soundbars that support Dolby Atmos, is that it lacks dedicated up-firing drivers. This means it delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound via advanced software virtualization rather than physical speakers. Basically, it doesn't sound as convincing as bigger Dolby Atmos soundbars. Like Sonos's Arc Ultra.
Well, Sonos is solving this problem with its new midrange soundbar: the Sonos Beam Ultra.
Sonos Beam Ultra
The Beam Ultra is the next evolution of its midrange soundbar. - Credit: Sonos
The Sonos Beam Ultra is the next evolution of the Beam (Gen 2) soundbar, but it promises to be a serious upgrade. While the Beam (Gen 2) packs a total of five drivers, the all-new Beam Ultra adds four more, including two dedicated up-firing drivers.
More specifically, the Beam Ultra packs one front-firing mid-tweeter, two side-firing horn-loaded mid tweeters, two upward-firing tweeters and four low-profile woofers. According to the brand, the Beam Ultra can deliver true 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos and warmer bass, all in a body that's more-or-less the same size as the previous Beam. Pretty incredibly.
The Beam Ultra adds four more drivers than the Beam, including two dedicated upfiring. - Credit: Sonos
Like its predecessor, the Beam Ultra is designed as a compact soundbar for TVs that are 65-inches or smaller. - Credit: Sonos
There is a pretty big caveat: the Beam Ultra starts at $699, making it $200 more expensive than the Beam (Gen 2). And, if we're honest, this elevates the Beam Ultra into a new category as it can't really be considered an affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar anymore.
Instead, the Beam Ultra is really positioned as an elite Dolby Atmos soundbar for people with smaller TVs or smaller rooms.
The downside? The Beam Ultra isn't really an affordable soundbar anymore. - Credit: Sonos
The Beam Ultra comes in the same black or white finishes as before. - Credit: Sonos
Price and availability
Sonos's Beam Ultra is available for preorder right now, and is expected to start shipping on September 29th. The soundbar costs $699 and comes in two finishes: black or white.
At the time of writing, it's unclear if Sonos will continue selling the Beam (Gen 2). At $200 less, it still has a definite market.
Sonos Beam Ultra
About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol's editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
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