Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Balances feature score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Has the broadest review evidence for this feature.
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this feature.
Showing Sound Bars only. Switch back to all Speakers anytime.
Remote usability was strong when using a TV or Apple TV remote, but the lack of a dedicated remote was still a minor drawback.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Voice recognition accuracy
Cons: Bluetooth connectivity, Video passthrough support
Remote usability was positive overall because TV remotes could pair or work automatically, despite the absence of a dedicated Sonos remote.
Pros: Dynamic headroom, On-device controls
Cons: Video passthrough support, Bluetooth connectivity
Reviewers generally liked the included remote, describing it as solid, simple, and beginner-friendly.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Setup simplicity
Cons: Dolby Atmos height effects, On-device controls
Remote usability is mixed: some reviewers like the simple, well-laid-out design, while others find deeper remote/display navigation tedious.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Cons: Google, Cabinet construction / bracing
The remote is generally well-liked for tactile feel, clarity, and full controls, with one reviewer complaining it must be aimed directly.
Pros: Inter-speaker connectivity, Stereo imaging accuracy
Cons: Status indicators, Distortion at high volume
Remote usability was mixed-positive: existing TV remotes usually work well, but some reviewers disliked the lack of a dedicated physical remote.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Spotify Connect reliability
Cons: Gaming HDMI passthrough, Video passthrough support
Remote usability is mixed-positive: one reviewer loved the remote, while another noted the play/pause button did not work for TV playback.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Value for money
Cons: Design and build quality, Low-volume performance
Remote usability received limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the remote fairly simple.
Pros: Spotify Connect reliability, Setup simplicity
Cons: On-device controls, HDMI 2.1 gaming
Remote feedback was mostly positive for comfort, responsiveness, and ease of use, with some caveats about limitations or the slim remote being easy to lose.
Pros: Bluetooth connection stability, Value for money
Cons: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Video passthrough support
The remote is generally useful and sometimes praised, but reviewers warned not to lose it and noted quirks such as limited onboard backup or awkward behavior.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Weight convenience
Cons: Smart features, Rear speaker cable length
Remote reactions varied from easy and well-labeled to unbacklit, mediocre, or frustratingly enigmatic.
Pros: Inter-speaker connectivity, Audio format support
Cons: optical, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Remote opinions are mixed, ranging from cheap and easy to lose to very satisfying and well designed.
Pros: Chromecast compatibility, Spotify Connect reliability
Cons: Google, Privacy and data
Remote usability was mixed: some found it simple or well-designed, while others criticized cumbersome adjustments and missing shortcuts.
Pros: Soundstage height, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google
Remote usability was a repeated caveat because control depends heavily on the app or TV remote rather than an included dedicated remote.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Voice clarity
Cons: Spotify Connect reliability, Chromecast compatibility