The bottom line The Sonos Beam Gen 2 Compact Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the compact 25.6-inch soundbar with Dolby Atmos virtualization and AirPlay 2 at $499. The Dolby Atmos virtualization simulates height channels from the 5 Class-D digital amplifiers (without upward-firing speakers), the 25.6-inch width fits under most 50-65 inch TVs, the AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth streaming work with iPhone and Mac, the Trueplay tuning calibrates audio to room acoustics via iPhone microphone, the Sonos S2 app integrates with Spotify, Apple Music, and 100+ streaming services, the eARC HDMI passes Dolby Atmos signals from compatible TVs, the multi-room Sonos ecosystem expands with Sonos Sub or surround speakers, and the touch controls on top handle volume and playback. The trade is real money over basic soundbars and a 2.0 channel hardware (no true height speakers) that's bested by Sonos Arc for serious Atmos.
Value
At $499 the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the right compact Dolby Atmos soundbar in 2026.
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Should you buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2 Compact Dolby Atmos Soundbar?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 Compact Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the compact 25.6-inch soundbar with Dolby Atmos virtualization and AirPlay 2 at $499. The Dolby Atmos virtualization simulates height channels from the 5 Class-D digital amplifiers (without upward-firing speakers), the 25.6-inch width fits under most 50-65 inch TVs, the AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth streaming work with iPhone and Mac, the Trueplay tuning calibrates audio to room acoustics via iPhone microphone, the Sonos S2 app integrates with Spotify, Apple Music, and 100+ streaming services, the eARC HDMI passes Dolby Atmos signals from compatible TVs, the multi-room Sonos ecosystem expands with Sonos Sub or surround speakers, and the touch controls on top handle volume and playback. The trade is real money over basic soundbars and a 2.0 channel hardware (no true height speakers) that's bested by Sonos Arc for serious Atmos.
Yes for 50-65 inch TVs with compact spaces. The AirPlay 2 and Sonos multi-room integration make it the best non-Arc Sonos for everyday use.
📅 Update log
May 13, 2026Added 12-month observations.
May 12, 2025Initial review published.
TR
Author
Tom Reeves
Senior Electronics & TV Editor
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that hands-on technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
