Main trade-off
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
No separate HDMI source inputs and no Bluetooth music playback.
Head-to-head
Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs Ray: Beam adds HDMI and Atmos, adding speakers to Ray cannot supply either
The short answer
Choose Beam Gen 2 if the TV has ARC or eARC and you want Atmos support or a more flexible connection for a future TV. Choose Ray for a small optical-only setup when the narrower cabinet matters more than future HDMI support. Adding Sonos speakers later does not give Ray HDMI or Atmos.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The width saving is modest beside the connection difference
Ray is about 14.4% narrower than Beam, saving 3.7 inches.
What this is based on
The calculation is (25.63 − 21.93) ÷ 25.63. On a 24-inch shelf, this is decisive. On a wide stand, HDMI capability may be the more useful distinction.
Main trade-off
Sonos Ray
No HDMI connection, Dolby Atmos or Bluetooth music playback.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Choose it for
- Your TV has ARC or eARC and you want compatible Atmos playback.
- You want TV volume control through HDMI-CEC.
- Main trade-off
- No separate HDMI source inputs and no Bluetooth music playback.
Sonos Ray
- Choose it for
- The TV only has optical audio and the basic setup is enough.
- The soundbar space is too narrow for Beam.
- Main trade-off
- No HDMI connection, Dolby Atmos or Bluetooth music playback.
About this comparison
Compare Beam Gen 2 and Ray by TV connection, cabinet dimensions and remote control. Find the practical reason to pay for Beam on your actual television.
Choose for the TV connection you have and the next TV you realistically expect to use.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
A 24-inch-wide soundbar position
Beam exceeds the cabinet-width limit.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
- Sonos Ray
- Better fit
HDMI ARC TV and Atmos goal
Ray has no HDMI or Atmos support.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Better fit
- Sonos Ray
- Not suitable
Optical-only TV with a compatible IR remote
Compare the current price and future connection needs.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Good
- Sonos Ray
- Good
Need Bluetooth music playback
Both use Wi-Fi music rather than Bluetooth audio.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
- Sonos Ray
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The width saving is modest beside the connection difference
Ray is about 14.4% narrower than Beam, saving 3.7 inches.
How we reached this conclusion
The calculation is (25.63 − 21.93) ÷ 25.63. On a 24-inch shelf, this is decisive. On a wide stand, HDMI capability may be the more useful distinction.
An optical TV makes some Beam features wait
Beam includes the optical adapter, but that connection does not carry Atmos.
How we reached this conclusion
The reason to buy Beam for an optical-only TV is its other features or a credible future HDMI setup, not an expectation that the adapter supplies HDMI’s audio capabilities.
Expansion cannot change Ray’s TV input
Both can join compatible Sonos subwoofers and surrounds, but Ray remains an optical soundbar.
How we reached this conclusion
Buying more speakers adds physical playback components. It does not add a missing HDMI port or change the bar’s supported surround formats.
Try your real numbers
Will the soundbar fit under your TV?
Measure the clear space in front of your TV. Count devices you want to plug into the soundbar, not devices already connected to the TV. The numbers below are examples until you enter yours.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Does not meet these checks0 separate HDMI source inputs cannot take the 1 device you want to connect to the bar.
Sonos Ray
Does not meet these checks0 separate HDMI source inputs cannot take the 1 device you want to connect to the bar.
Use an open top surface, not an enclosed cubby. Detachable speakers are counted in the docked width. Allow extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks physical dimensions and port counts, not Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough or your TV’s audio-format support.
Choice A
Sonos, Beam Gen 2
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The Beam fits a narrow TV stand and keeps a path open to a larger Sonos system. Its Atmos presentation uses processing rather than upward-firing drivers, and room tuning needs a compatible iPhone or iPad.
- Best matched use
- A compact TV setup with optional rear speakers later
Checked facts
- Cabinet measures 25.63 × 2.68 × 3.94 inches.
- HDMI eARC or ARC connection and an included optical adapter.
- Five amplified drivers, with no upward-firing drivers.
- Wi-Fi music, AirPlay 2, Night Sound and Speech Enhancement are supported.
Choice B
Sonos, Ray
Sonos Ray
The Ray makes sense for a small TV with optical audio when you also want Sonos music streaming. It keeps the TV connection simple, but it cannot become an Atmos soundbar through a software setting or a new cable.
- Best matched use
- An optical-only TV on a narrow stand
Checked facts
- Cabinet measures 21.93 × 2.76 × 3.66 inches.
- Optical TV input, with no HDMI input or output.
- Forward-facing drivers suit an open-front shelf.
- Wi-Fi music, AirPlay 2, Speech Enhancement and Night Sound are supported.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Sonos Ray | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV connection | HDMI ARC or eARC, included optical adapter | Optical only | Beam can change to HDMI when the TV supports it. |
| Atmos capability | Supported over compatible HDMI | Not supported | A new optical cable does not add Atmos to Ray. |
| Width | 25.63 inches | 21.93 inches | Ray saves 3.7 inches across the stand. |
| Height | 2.68 inches | 2.76 inches | Ray is narrower but slightly taller. |
| TV remote route | HDMI-CEC over HDMI, compatible IR with optical | Compatible infrared commands | Check the actual remote, especially if it mainly uses Bluetooth or radio. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Height effects are virtual rather than produced by upward-firing drivers.
If you choose Sonos Ray
- TV remote control relies on compatible infrared commands rather than HDMI-CEC.
What matters in practice
Before you choose
What this comparison cannot tell you
- This comparison uses manufacturer specifications and package contents, not a controlled listening test. Room shape, placement and source content affect the result.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current soundbars comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Compared set
Only 6 of 31 models checked match every need here: “My TV only has optical audio” and “I need a bar no wider than 32 inches”.
6 matching models from 31 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “My TV only has optical audio” and “I need a bar no wider than 32 inches”. A need with no documented match does not count.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
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| Sonos Ray |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Your TV has ARC or eARC and you want compatible Atmos playback.
See price & reviews on AmazonSonos Ray
The TV only has optical audio and the basic setup is enough.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.