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 Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6: Sony includes bass and physical height drivers but needs more TV-stand width
The short answer
Choose Beam Gen 2 for a compact Sonos music and TV setup. Sony Bar 6 includes a separate subwoofer and upward-firing drivers, but needs more width.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Check the real width under the TV
Beam Gen 2 measures 25.63 inches across the central bar, compared with 37.4 inches for HT-B600. The gap is 11.77 inches before any docked rear speakers.
What this is based on
Absolute cabinet width difference = |25.63 - 37.4|. Allow additional space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A detached central bar measurement does not include removable rear speakers.
Main trade-off
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
There are no HDMI source inputs.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Choose it for
- Fit a narrow TV cabinet
- Use Wi-Fi music in a Sonos household
- Main trade-off
- No separate HDMI source inputs and no Bluetooth music playback.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Choose it for
- Want a separate subwoofer included
- Prefer physical upward-firing height drivers
- Main trade-off
- There are no HDMI source inputs.
About this comparison
Choose Beam Gen 2 for a compact Sonos music and TV setup. Sony Bar 6 includes a separate subwoofer and upward-firing drivers, but needs more width.
Beam fits a smaller cabinet
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Fit a narrow TV cabinet
The 25.63-inch bar is much narrower than Sony. It streams over Wi-Fi and can grow with compatible Sonos speakers, though those add-ons are separate purchases.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Better fit
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Depends
Want a separate subwoofer included
Bar 6 includes a wireless subwoofer and upward-firing drivers. It uses more horizontal space and lacks Wi-Fi music streaming in this model.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Better fit
Check the complete setup
Neither offers an extra HDMI source input. Check the TV ports and audio passthrough support for the consoles and players you plan to connect.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Depends
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Depends
Beam saves nearly a foot of cabinet width
Beam Gen 2 is 11.77 inches narrower than Bar 6, while Sony is 0.16 inches lower and includes the separate subwoofer.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Depends
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Depends
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Check the real width under the TV
Beam Gen 2 measures 25.63 inches across the central bar, compared with 37.4 inches for HT-B600. The gap is 11.77 inches before any docked rear speakers.
How we reached this conclusion
Absolute cabinet width difference = |25.63 - 37.4|. Allow additional space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A detached central bar measurement does not include removable rear speakers.
Count the source connections before adding a switch
Beam Gen 2 accepts 0 direct HDMI sources, while HT-B600 accepts 0. Other players need suitable TV inputs or a separately chosen switch.
How we reached this conclusion
Count HDMI source inputs only, excluding the HDMI output/eARC TV connection. Inputs recorded: 0 and 0. TV passthrough and supported video modes still need checking.
Beam saves nearly a foot of cabinet width
Beam Gen 2 is 11.77 inches narrower than Bar 6, while Sony is 0.16 inches lower and includes the separate subwoofer.
How we reached this conclusion
37.4 - 25.63 = 11.77 inches. 2.68 - 2.52 = 0.16 inches. Beam package excludes a subwoofer, Bar 6 includes one.
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.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
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
Sony, HT-B600
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
The Bar 6 includes a separate subwoofer and upward-firing drivers without asking you to choose an entire speaker ecosystem. It is a straightforward bar-and-sub option, but your TV must handle all HDMI source switching.
- Best matched use
- A supplied subwoofer and physical height drivers without rear-speaker placement
Checked facts
- 3.1.2-channel package includes a separate subwoofer.
- Bar measures 950 × 64 × 110 mm.
- Subwoofer measures 210 × 388 × 388 mm.
- HDMI eARC connects the TV, with no separate HDMI source input.
- Upward-firing drivers provide the two height channels.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 25.63 in | 37.4 in | Detachable rear speakers can add width when docked. |
| Bar height | 2.68 in | 2.52 in | Measure the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 0 | 0 | The TV eARC connection is separate from these source inputs. |
| Separate subwoofer included | No | Yes | A built-in bass driver is not the same as an included separate subwoofer. |
| Rear speakers included | No | No | Check mains power or charging needs for the included rear speakers. |
| Upward-firing drivers | No | Yes | These need a suitable ceiling and a clear upward path. |
| Wi-Fi music | Yes | No | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming are different connection paths. |
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 Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- The included subwoofer needs its own floor space and power.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Beam fits a smaller cabinet
The 25.63-inch bar is much narrower than Sony. It streams over Wi-Fi and can grow with compatible Sonos speakers, though those add-ons are separate purchases.
Sony puts the subwoofer in the box
Bar 6 includes a wireless subwoofer and upward-firing drivers. It uses more horizontal space and lacks Wi-Fi music streaming in this model.
Both rely on the TV for HDMI source connections
Neither offers an extra HDMI source input. Check the TV ports and audio passthrough support for the consoles and players you plan to connect.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- These conclusions use published specifications and the stated calculations. They are not a hands-on performance test.
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
All 31 models remain in view on this guide. The answer comes from the facts and trade-offs shown on the page.
31 matching models from 31 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countNo matcher need is preselected here. Open the matcher to add the needs that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | No positive match recorded for these needs |
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| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 | No positive match recorded for these needs |
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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)
Fit a narrow TV cabinet
See price & reviews on AmazonSony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
Want a separate subwoofer included
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.