Sonos Beam Gen 2 Black
Score: 76/100
Polk Audio Signa S4
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact 3-channel smart soundbar that adds Dolby Atmos, eARC and a faster processor to the original Beam, delivering immersive audio and robust smart-home integration. It excels in clarity and voice-assistant features, though its bass is modest and it lacks Bluetooth and DTS:X support.
The Signa S4 is a low-profile 3.1.2-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that brings Dolby Atmos immersion and clear dialogue to midsize rooms, while keeping setup simple and cost-effective.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1best | 1best | |
— | 1best | |
— | 5best | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.88 kgbest | 8.6 kg |
12 months | 36 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 2.88 kg | 8.6 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 36 months |
Audio(2) | ||
Channel Configuration | 3.0 | 3.1.2 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Multichannel PCM, DTS Digital Surround | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Beam (Gen 2) for its premium sound quality, clear dialogue, and effective Dolby Atmos implementation in a compact form factor, highlighting its strong smart-home features and seamless Sonos ecosystem compatibility, while noting drawbacks such as the absence of Bluetooth, limited Android support for Trueplay, and lack of DTS:X support.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the Beam's clear dialogue, easy HDMI ARC setup, reliable Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 streaming, and its sleek design, though recurring complaints focus on missing Bluetooth, Android Trueplay limitations, occasional eARC negotiation issues, and modest bass without a subwoofer.
“Love the Sonos Beam... Great quality sound in a small package... I have them on both my big screen TVs.”
“Expensive but worth it”
“Dialogue is crystal clear, even in loud action scenes.”
Professional reviewers praise the Signa S4 for delivering high-value Dolby Atmos performance, clear dialogue, and a hassle-free setup, while noting the lack of smart-home integration, expandability, and network streaming as drawbacks.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the soundbar's dialogue clarity, powerful subwoofer, and quick installation, though they note the non-backlit remote, absence of voice-assistant support, and occasional Bluetooth disconnects.
